ECONNECT (ECONNECT)

The aim of the Econnect project is to visualize the probable effects of climate change on the aquatic environment in the Gulf of Bothnia. That will be done by producing a comprehensive map of future distribution scenarios of underwater biotopes and keystone species by applying geographic modelling methods. The geographic models will be based on future climatic scenarios from the Swedish meteorological and hydrological institute (SMHI) and the Finish meteorological institutes (FMI). 

This project aims to analyse the current (2020) and future (2120) connectivity of marine habitats, species, and protected areas by using different climate change scenarios. These analyses will be based on habitat mapping of current and predicted distribution of important or fragile underwater biotopes, species and networks of protected areas. Moreover, major marine ecosystem services will be assessed in the region today (2020), as well as in the future (2120) by producing a combined ecosystem service index. This index gives a comprehensive view of these services, which will help understand how society may be affected by a changing marine climate in future.

The main goal is that the Econnect project will help us to understand the effects of climate change and convey important information that can be used to improve the societal planning. The result will also be accessible for the people living in the area.