Marine research unites and provides insight
High-quality, reliable, and up-to-date research data helps understand the functioning of the Baltic Sea ecosystem and the impact the sea has on the climate. Having research data also supports the evaluations and forecasts that are needed in the preparation of marine policy, and when designing and implementing measures.
Research provides the basis for improving maritime safety. It helps understand the complex connections between marine ecosystems, economics, and politics, and opens up new perspectives on food and energy production. The seas provide a wide range of benefits for humans. These so-called “ecosystem services” include food, natural resources, recreational opportunities, as well as other intangible values.
Increasing scientific knowledge and understanding of the seas is a goal that Finland supports as a member of international marine research and conservation communities.
Multidisciplinary cooperation
In Finland, marine research is carried out by several institutions. The Finnish Environment Institute is the largest of these and is also in charge of operating the research vessel Aranda. Marine research is also carried out by the Finnish Meteorological Institute, the Natural Resources Institute, the Geological Survey of Finland, the Finnish Food Authority, the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, the Universities of Helsinki and Turku, Åbo Akademi University and the Finnish Museum of Natural History.
A key player in marine research is the FINMARI consortium coordinated by the Finnish Environment Institute. It improves cooperation between the different actors in the field regarding the use of research equipment, support services, models and data resources, both in Finland and internationally. The consortium includes the Universities of Helsinki and Turku, Åbo Akademi University, the Finnish Environment Institute, the Finnish Meteorological Institute, the Geological Survey of Finland, and Arctia Shipping Ltd.
