Larger dredging sites with a diameter over 100 metres ( n = 8834) are likely to result in the loss of 20.2 hectares of algal species and 13.7 hectares of marine plants. They found that such small-scale dredging has a negative impact on coastal species, as it tends to target shallow bays and lagoons with soft sediment seafloors that receive sunlight and are home to a diverse array of algae and marine plants.Īccording to the modelling, algal species are more likely to be lost due to dredging than aquatic plants, because of their higher coverage area – and the 'footprint’ of impact is expected to extend beyond the boundaries of the dredging activity itself. ![]() They analysed data on marine biodiversity collected from over 170 000 underwater sites 1, and identified high-risk zones for dredging using housing data 2 and aerial images 3,4. Researchers from the Finnish Environment Institute used data from numerous sources to assess the likely effect of new second homes on the loss of species in the Baltic Sea due to dredging. ![]() Once areas are dredged for recreational purposes, it is unlikely they can return to their pre-dredged state. Dredging can have direct, long-term ecological impacts, such as loss of species and habitats, as well as spreading invasive alien species, but knock-on effects can include changes in water quality. Small-scale dredging is often carried out in front of second homes to improve access by boat and make conditions easier for recreational activities such as boating and swimming. There are currently 500 000 such homes in Finland, and interest is increasing. ![]() Its coastal areas also attract considerable human recreational activity, and this appeal also makes them hotspots for the construction of holiday homes. Finland’s archipelago system of more than 98 500 islands is one of the most iconic in the world, and harbours great biodiversity in a complex mix of habitats.
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