Zebra mussels for water quality improvement
Curonian Lagoon, Lithuania
The 1,584 km2 Curonian Lagoon, is a popular destination for rural tourism. It also plays a critically important role for the Lithuanian commercial fishery. The water of one of the Curonian lagoon channels is used for most of Klaipeda's water supply.
However, the Curonian Lagoon is also very affected by anthropogenically-induced eutrophication. Over the past two decades, increases in nutrient concentrations and phytoplankton abundance have continuously been reported. According to the EU Water Framework Directive, all surface waters should reach a good ecological status by 2015. Reaching this objective will require multiple efforts, as the water quality of the Lagoon cannot be sufficiently improved through river basin management alone.
Macroalgae cultivation
Curonian Lagoon, Lithuania
Curonian Lagoon is the largest coastal lagoon in the Baltic Sea. It is a shallow, eutrophic and mostly freshwater estuary with the main inflow dominated by freshwater discharges from the Nemunas river. In recent decades, long-term increases in nutrients, phytoplankton abundance and macroalgae blooms has been observed.
To date, no assessment has ever been made of the potential positive environmental impacts and economic feasibility of using the Curonian Lagoon macroalgae. The use of this biomass could reduce the Lagoon eutrophication problems while at the same time generate new branches of economic activities.
Developing wave energy
Lithuanian coastal waters
SUBMARINER is exploring potential for development of a wave energy industry in the Baltic Sea. For this purpose, various activities are under way:
- An analysing of the environmental conditions in the Baltic Sea, in terms of various wave regimes.
- Technical implementation of wave energy generators with regards to very specific Baltic Sea conditions. A wave generator prototype has been developed and is being tested off the coast of Lithuania. The prototype will be further adjusted and developed on the basis of environmental conditions and practical test resuts.
- Preparation of a manual for potential investors in a wave energy market.
