Gap identification in coastal eutrophication research - Scoping review for the Baltic system case

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Marine Biology
• Eutrophication Research

Background:

• Coastal eutrophication is a significant global challenge, particularly impacting the Baltic Sea.
• Effective management necessitates understanding complex interactions between land, sea, and atmospheric pressures and their ecosystem impacts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review research on Baltic coastal eutrophication, focusing on interactions between pressures, impacts, and management.
• To identify key research gaps in understanding land-coast-sea interactions and socio-economic drivers.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review of 832 scientific papers on Baltic coastal eutrophication.
• Categorization of studies by focus (pressures, impacts, eutrophication characterization), methods (data collection, modeling, remote sensing, participatory), and system components (functions, pressures, management).

Main Results:

• Most studies focus on pressures (52%) or impacts (39%), with limited investigation of eutrophication itself (20%) or feedbacks between pressures and impacts.
• Data collection methods dominate (62%), while linking/synthetic methods (44%) and novel approaches like remote sensing (6%) or participatory methods (3%) are underutilized.
• Research on land-coast-sea interactions is limited, with a strong emphasis on ecological aspects over human dimensions and the coastal filter function. Nutrient loads are studied more than their sources or mitigation strategies.

Conclusions:

• Significant research gaps exist in understanding the integrated dynamics of Baltic coastal eutrophication, particularly concerning land-coast-sea interactions and socio-economic factors.
• There is a need for more holistic research employing diverse methods to address synergies, trade-offs, and incentives for effective, cross-scale management solutions.