Algal areas in the Baltic Sea are poorly studied, and experts consider them true oases of biodiversity. Recently, Estonian and British researchers discovered that, unfortunately, pollution also concentrates in these areas.
Before starting the study, Ecotoxicologist Randel Kreitsberg from the University of Tartu did not know that there were such beautiful algae fields in the Baltic Sea, where algae sway quietly, with fish and other amazing life forms swimming among them. Furthermore, visibility in these fields is as good as it is near coral reefs.
In terms of global warming, the term "biodiversity hotspot" has been used for several years to denote areas that have significant local biodiversity. It is precisely these areas that are most affected by human activity.
Although algal areas are not internationally considered biodiversity "hotspots", they are still among the most productive ecosystems in the world. These "points" in all the world's seas play an important role in the reproduction of species, carbon sequestration (carbon dioxide CO2 is converted into organic matter), various substance cycles, etc. In the Baltic Sea, algal areas are a place where the young of many fish species feed, as biodiversity accumulates around photosynthetic plants.