The Future For Microplankton In The Baltic - Sea

The future of microplankton in the Baltic Sea is expected to be defined by a shift toward and a significant increase in cyanobacterial dominance . These changes are driven by the compounding effects of climate warming, decreasing salinity, and persistent eutrophication. Key Drivers of Change

: Energy transfer to higher trophic levels, such as planktivorous fish (e.g., herring and cod), will likely decrease due to the smaller size of available prey.

Key species like Calanus and certain copepods will lose suitable habitat. Ecological Consequences The future for microplankton in the Baltic Sea

units. This favors freshwater-tolerant species while negatively impacting marine-originated diatoms, dinoflagellates, and large zooplankton.

: Higher levels of dissolved organic matter from land runoff will favor heterotrophic bacteria over primary-producing phytoplankton in the north. The future of microplankton in the Baltic Sea

Increased risk of toxic blooms and further oxygen depletion. Decrease

Smaller rotifers and ciliates will thrive in warmer, less saline waters. Decrease Key species like Calanus and certain copepods will

by 2100. Warming accelerates the growth of certain cyanobacteria and shifts the timing of spring blooms earlier in the season.