It has been a busy week with visitors at HELCOM! Today we had the pleasure of welcoming a group of Swedish journalists with a particular interest in Baltic Sea security issues. Great meeting and, as expected, lots of tough questions!

Yesterday, we had the pleasure of welcoming researchers from the Merikotka research network to HELCOM. The group learned about HELCOM and the Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP), HOLAS assessments, Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) as well as HELCOM's data services. Thank you for the engaging discussion!

17 May is the International Day of the Baltic Harbour Porpoise, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the critically endangered harbour porpoises in the Baltic Proper. In "Baltic Rescue - Match and Track" game you can learn about harbour porpoises. Have you played it yet? buff.ly/nkS4edt

We are wrapping up another #EUSBSR Annual Forum! Thanks for everyone who visited the HELCOM stand or took part in one of the sessions with HELCOM involvement (today's amazing Bistro SEABAS session pictured). See you next time in another amazing Baltic city!

Congratulations to the #EUSBSR Annual Forum 2026 Ecosfera Baltica prize draw winners! 👏 If the luck wasn't on your side this time, don't forget that Ecosfera Baltica can also be accessed as a free online version. More information: buff.ly/cxELH6w

Youth involvement is crucial to securing a sustainable future for the #BalticSea Region. I was very pleased to present @helcominfo.bsky.social at today’s #BSSSC Spring Youth Event in #Helsinki. Thank you for the invitation and our lively discussion!

The #EUSBSR Annual Forum 2026 kicks off at #Kultuurikatel in #Tallinn, #Estonia, with a series of high-level addresses stressing the need for continued and regional coop. in addressing the multiple challenges the region faces and working to achieve #resilience and #security. @helcominfo.bsky.social

It was a pleasure to take part in this panel discussion at the #EUSBSR AF 2026. Thank you to our excellent moderators, Emma Nelson and Johannes Tralla, to fellow panelists Heidi Solba and Gert Siniloo and to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia for the invitation! @helcominfo.bsky.social

Great first day at the EUSBSR Annual Forum! Our Executive Secretary Rüdiger Strempel took part in a plenary panel discussion on climate change and environment of the Baltic Sea. 🌊 We'll continue tomorrow, Weds 13 May! More info: buff.ly/ccTWqjE

Today and tomorrow we are in Tallinn for the EUSBSR Annual Forum 2026. Come say hello to us at the Networking Village! You'll find us in the Policy Area Spatial Planning (Maritime) area. Find out more: buff.ly/ccTWqjE

📢 The 17th Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR) will be held in Tallinn NEXT WEEK (12-13.5.2026)! HELCOM will contribute to both the programme and the Networking Village, showcasing its work and ongoing projects. Hope to see you there! More info: buff.ly/EcenspV

HELCOM had the pleasure to host and co‑organise the mid‑term meeting of the MUNI‑RISK project, which addresses environmental and safety concerns related to submerged munitions in the Baltic Sea. 💥 Learn more about the MUNI‑RISK project: buff.ly/PBM48lG

🌍 International cooperation and knowledge exchange = key to tackling complex marine challenges and building resilience. On 17 April 2026, HELCOM participated in Odesa Climate Lab Public Laboratory in Odesa, Ukraine 🇺🇦 📽️ Watch Rüdiger Strempel's welcome address: buff.ly/dSFnTNt 📷️ Odesa Climate Lab

📢 New HELCOM-VASAB guideline on applying the ecosystem-based approach (EBA) in maritime spatial planning (MSP) across the Baltic Sea region! 👉 Access here: buff.ly/Xt2usV2

HELCOM News Blast spring 2026 edition is out! 🌸 Catch up on out latest news, publications and events. 📰 👉 mailchi.mp/helcom.fi/on...

I was very pleased to deliver a keynote at the session on “Innovations for the Sustainable Use of the Baltic Sea” of yesterday’s 3rd Baltic Sea Business Day in Rostock. Thank you very much, Ocean Technology Campus Rostock and Germany Trade & Invest, for inviting me! @helcominfo.bsky.social

Y’day I had the pleasure of addressing an international audience at the International Club of the Univ. of #Bonn. At the invitation of the German-Finnish Association (DFG) I talked about @helcominfo.bsky.social and the key role of multilat. coop. in protecting the #BalticSea. Thanks 4 inviting me!

Ocean acidification is a global trend with potential impacts on the Baltic Sea ecosystem. This document outlines HELCOM’s strategic approach to understanding, monitoring & addressing ocean acidification in the Baltic Sea, emphasizing science-policy coordination & future actions. 👉 buff.ly/T7hLJ7r

The local Baltic Sea working groups from the cities of Helsinki and Turku visited us yesterday! As part of the Baltic Sea Challenge network, they are working to promote protection work for the benefit of the Baltic Sea and local waterways. More about the Baltic Sea Challenge: buff.ly/IlPRBph

Have you had a chance to try Ecosfera Baltica yet? If you live in the capital region in Finland, you can also borrow it from the library! 🏛️ Reserve here: buff.ly/1J5uzHb

#MaritimeSpatialPlanning (#MSP) is a key tool in reconciling regional development with environmental imperatives in the overexploited and vulnerable #BalticSea. Pleased to contribute to the Mercator Ocean International Workshop on MSP this week. Thank you for inviting me! @helcominfo.bsky.social

The 6th #BalticEarth Conference kicked off today and I was very pleased to deliver a keynote outlining the importance of coop. betw. @helcominfo.bsky.social and Baltic Earth as a key element in science-based and effective regional climate policy. Thank you for inviting me! Photo #3: A. Jędruch.

Environmental education doesn’t have to be abstract, it can be interactive, cooperative and inspiring from an early age.💡 At a primary school in Gingst, Germany, ten-year-olds explored marine conservation through play using the cooperative game Ecosfera Baltica. Read story: buff.ly/IpeOAg8

📢 Last chance to apply — closing on 12 April! Are you passionate about storytelling, digital media and environmental cooperation in the Baltic Sea region? We are currently looking for a creative and motivated intern to support communication activities at HELCOM. 👉 buff.ly/ynARVSV

* NEW PUBLICATION! * 📙 🔧 The HELCOM toolbox for bycatch mitigation measures provides an overview of available approaches to reduce incidental bycatch of marine mammals and seabirds in Baltic Sea fisheries. 🎣 Access here: buff.ly/MbxJ2SI

📢 The 17th Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR) will be held in Tallinn on 12–13 May 2026. HELCOM will actively contribute to both the programme and the Networking Village, showcasing its work and ongoing projects. Hope to see you there! More info: buff.ly/EcenspV

Regional coop is key in protecting the #BalticSea! Thank you for the opportunity to present the @helcominfo.bsky.social view at the event “Advancing a Sustainable Baltic Sea through Regional Cooperation,” co-organized by the PL Emb. Stockholm, #CBSS and #RaceForTheBaltic. Photos: J. Ziolkowski

War has devastating long-term impacts not only on people, but also for marine ecosystems. Post-war remediation will require international scientific cooperation and financial support. HELCOM’s SAFE-BS2BKS project is supporting these efforts in the Black Sea. 🔎 buff.ly/uhnZWhB

The HELCOM Red List II assessment shows that many Baltic Sea underwater biotopes, habitats and biotope complexes face a risk of collapse. 🆘 Our policy brief presents the key findings and messages from the assessment and outlines policy recommendations. 👉 buff.ly/uCwHFBV

We are looking for a GIS Data Trainee for the EU-funded PROTECT BALTIC project! 🌊 📊 Tasks include supporting various assessments and analyses through the production of spatial data layers, statistics calculations, performing GIS data analysis & data visualisations. 👉 buff.ly/MsA7lOO

🚨 Last year, the HELCOM Red List II assessment revealed that several Baltic Sea species are at risk of becoming extinct. Our policy brief brings together the key findings and messages from the assessment and outlines clear policy recommendations. ➡️ buff.ly/KTydLet

The Fourth Informal Consultation Session of the Helsinki Commission, hosted by the Lithuanian Chairmanship of HELCOM, takes place in Helsinki, Finland, from 18 to 19 March 2026. Read more about HELCOM's structure: buff.ly/BkUprSS

🔊 CLOSING SOON! Applications are invited for the post of Executive Secretary at the Helsinki Commission Secretariat. The post, which is based in Helsinki, Finland, will become vacant on 1 February 2027. Vacancy announcement 👉 buff.ly/CpiN6AL

NEW! Updated Baltic Sea eutrophication assessment manual 📑 This revised assessment guideline has been released to support the ongoing evaluation of nutrient impacts in the Baltic Sea. Download here: buff.ly/qBuNhJi

We’re looking for a Communications Intern to join our team! Are you passionate about storytelling, digital media and environmental cooperation in the Baltic Sea region? We are currently looking for a creative and motivated intern to support communication activities at HELCOM. 👉 buff.ly/ynARVSV

🔊 We are hiring! Applications are invited for the post of Executive Secretary at the Helsinki Commission Secretariat. The post, which is based in Helsinki, Finland, will become vacant on 1 February 2027. Vacancy announcement 👉 buff.ly/CpiN6AL

We are looking for a GIS Data Trainee for the EU-funded PROTECT BALTIC project! 🌊 📊 Tasks include supporting various assessments and analyses through the production of spatial data layers, statistics calculations, performing GIS data analysis & data visualisations. 👉 buff.ly/MsA7lOO

Lost fishing gear doesn't just pollute, it keeps catching fish long after it's abandoned. 😔 Our latest HELCOM report explores how innovative gear design can prevent gear loss and reduce ghost fishing in the Baltic Sea. 👍️ Download here: buff.ly/qvP4NyR

🔈 HELCOM is one of the co-organisers of this session at #ECSA61. If the topic aligns with your work, we encourage you to submit an abstract (DL 6 March 2026). More details 👇

🔊 We are hiring! Applications are invited for the post of Executive Secretary at the Helsinki Commission Secretariat. The post, which is based in Helsinki, Finland, will become vacant on 1 February 2027. Apply by 22 March 2026. Vacancy announcement 👉 buff.ly/CpiN6AL

Lost fishing gear? Not if it's properly marked! 🏷️ Proper gear marking is a game-changer for reducing lost fishing gear and preventing marine litter. Developed under the Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter (RAP Action RS9), this guide is based on FAO Voluntary Guidelines. 👉 buff.ly/h15wKgm

The Baltic Sea Boating Forum has been launched at the ongoing Helsinki International Boat Show! This new yearly platform is designed to foster communication among the boating sector, government officials, and key stakeholders. Come and say hello to us at the HELCOM stand by Purjehdussatama stage.

Recreational fishing is a beloved pastime for many around the Baltic Sea, but it comes with an environmental cost due to significant gear loss every year 🎣 This report explores the composition of lost angling gear and outlines measures to limit these losses. Download here: buff.ly/86D3K3L

With millios of recreational fishers in the Baltic Sea region, lost fishing gear, especially gillnets, is a major contributor to marine litter. This report provides practical guidelines to help recreational fishers prevent gear loss and protect the Baltic Sea. 🚯 👉 buff.ly/v6pg1rO

Tomorrow, 13 Feb, the European Boating Industry (EBI) will launch the Baltic Sea Boating Forum at the Helsinki International Boat Show 🛥️ ⛵️ 🚤 Our Exec Secretary Rüdiger Strempel will deliver a keynote speech & take part in a panel discussion on environmentally responsible boating. buff.ly/UwGvGzD

Our new report documents best practices for collecting and recycling fishing gear waste. This publication is part of our ALDFG guideline series, supporting regional targets for fishing gear collection in the Baltic Sea. 👉 buff.ly/RibBzR3

🔊 We are hiring! Applications are invited for the post of Executive Secretary at the Helsinki Commission Secretariat. The post, which is based in Helsinki, Finland, will become vacant on 1 February 2027. Apply by 22 March 2026. Vacancy announcement 👉 buff.ly/CpiN6AL

🔊 🚧 👷 The HELCOM Map and Data Service (MADS), along with other HELCOM services using the ArcGIS environment, will be unavailable on Tuesday, 3 February 2026, from 10:00 to 17:00 EET due to an upgrade of the ESRI ArcGIS portal environment. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

🔊 We are hiring! Applications are invited for the post of Executive Secretary at the Helsinki Commission Secretariat. The post, which is based in Helsinki, Finland, will become vacant on 1 February 2027. Vacancy announcement 👉 buff.ly/CpiN6AL

📼 WEBINAR RECORDING NOW AVAILABLE! Last week, we hosted a webinar on fishing gear marking together with our partners KIMO International and Havs- och vattenmyndigheten. Marked fishing gear is a crucial step in protecting marine ecosystems from lost fishing gear 🎥 buff.ly/UiPsx2f #GhostFishing