Southern Kattegat and Öresund
Eelgrass beds and artificial reefs
The coast of northwest Skåne is one of Sweden’s most ecologically valuable marine areas. Extensive restoration projects will improve the marine environment along a 70-kilometer stretch of coastline, from Hallands Väderö to Landskrona.
By recreating stone reefs and planting eelgrass meadows on sandbanks, water quality will be improved and biodiversity increased.
Porpoise, cod and eider in Kattegat
The Northwest Skåne Natura 2000 site, like the sandbanks and reefs of the Kattegat, is an important habitat for a number of species, such as cod, porpoise, gray seals and wintering seabirds such as eider and black-tailed godwit.
Porpoises are found here all year round, but their numbers are highest during the warmer months. Females with their calves and groups of porpoises are often seen here. Gray and harbor seals are also found in the area. In addition, the area is an important wintering site for seabirds, especially eider and kittiwake, making it one of the most important sites in the country for these species.
The project focuses on restoring eelgrass meadows in a bay within the Natura 2000 site where stocks have declined significantly.
Reduced bottom impact has benefited benthic fauna
In Skåne’s parts of the Kattegat, large parts of the deep seabed consist of soft sediments. Since bottom trawling was banned in parts of the southern Kattegat in 2009, the bottom fauna has recovered, which has led to increased biodiversity. This has benefited species such as sea pens (coral animals) and crayfish. The area also contains important spawning grounds for cod in the Kattegat. Along the coast, there are hard bottoms with reefs covered in macroalgae, mussel beds and sandbanks, both with and without vegetation. The varied bottom structure and vegetation contribute to a high species richness.
Eelgrass meadows to be restored
The project focuses on restoring eelgrass meadows in a bay within the Natura 2000 site Hallands Väderö, where stocks have declined sharply. One likely cause of the decline is poor water conditions in the past, although these have improved in recent years. However, the eelgrass has not recovered naturally, most likely due to the impact of anchors, even though anchoring is prohibited in the area. By planting eelgrass, we can speed up the recovery and restore the ecosystem.
In addition, information signs will be put up to inform boaters about the anchoring ban.
Reef restoration
Another important measure is the restoration of marine reefs. Restored stone reefs help to bring back a type of bottom environment dominated by stones. Due to historical rock fishing, i.e. the removal of rocks, on the west coast of Skåne, such areas have disappeared or been reduced.
Rock reefs will be restored in two locations: off Segelstorpsstrand in the northern part of Skälderviken, and off Landskrona in the central part of Öresund. The sites have been chosen based on an overall analysis of conditions, positive effects and risk of conflicts. The stone volumes will be placed in a way that creates surfaces for growing organisms and small and large cavities and hiding places. This will benefit organisms such as mussels and seaweed, as well as small and large fish and crustaceans. The effects of the stone reef on the environment and organisms in the immediate area will be monitored in several ways. Rock placement is planned for fall 2026.
Expected impacts
These measures will improve habitat conditions, benefit fish and mussel production and strengthen the conservation status of the main species and habitats of the project.
Survival of river pearl mussels depends on host fish
Barriers to migration
Removing migration barriers and opening up the river pearl mussel’s host fish, salmon and trout, will increase the species’ ability to reproduce. Barriers to migration come in many forms, from natural to man-made dams and power plants. In some cases, a good solution may be to build a wildlife passage to allow fish and other organisms to bypass the migration barrier.
Southern Kattegat and Öresund
Latest news from the project area
Here you can read news about the target species and the actions being taken in the project area.
