Jurmo’s shareholders’ association designate a vast area of the sea as a protected area – Good news from the Baltic Sea

Jurmo’s vast marine area is a treasure trove of underwater life.

The protected marine area covers more than 23,000 hectares. This is equivalent to around 32,000 football pitches.

The size can also be compared to the land area of the City of Helsinki, which is around 21,500 hectares. The protected area in Jurmo is slightly larger than that. Compared to Nuuksio National Park, the protected area is four times as large.

The large area contains a wide variety of valuable marine habitats

Metsähallitus has mapped the significant natural values of the Jurmo marine area as part of the VELMU programme, coordinated by the Finnish Environment Institute.
The area features, for example, extensive seagrass meadows, as well as underwater reefs and lagoons. These are important habitats for many Baltic Sea organisms, such as fish fry.
In addition, the area is home to thriving communities of blue mussels and red algae. Blue mussels are highly effective at purifying water and are an important food source for species such as eider ducks and flounder.

“Jurmo’s underwater nature is exceptionally diverse and forms a unique ecosystem that provides habitats and food for numerous Baltic Sea species. Protecting the area is important, as it helps to safeguard marine biodiversity and maintain the functioning of ecosystems for future generations as well,” says Anu Riihimäki, team leader for marine nature conservation at Metsähallitus.

Protecting the water area safeguards the lives of seabirds

The area is also an important breeding and resting place for many bird species. For this reason, a large proportion of the area’s islands and islets are already protected. However, the marine area itself has lacked protected status.

However, as seabirds forage for food beneath the surface, protection measures in the marine area will also preserve the birds’ food source.

“Jurmo’s shareholders are committed to protecting our shared sea. Preserving existing habitats and species is important,” says Patrik Bengtfolks, Chair of Jurmo’s shareholders’ association.

The protection status restricts the use of the area

The protection status of the marine area restricts dredging and other seabed excavation, as well as anchoring over the seagrass beds. In addition, movement during the breeding season is restricted in the vicinity of the nesting islets and islands used by birds and ringed seals. Aquaculture is prohibited within the protected area.

Fishing and hunting are still permitted within the protected area.
The protection status does not affect the operations of the Finnish Defence Forces. The Defence Forces’ Utö protection zone extends partly into the Jurmo marine area.
The protection regulations have been drawn up in collaboration between the shareholders, BSAG and the Economic Development Centre of Southwest Finland.

“Local people know how to live in the area whilst respecting nature. This is evidenced by the significant natural values that have been preserved in the Jurmo marine area. The purpose of the regulations now agreed upon is to protect the marine environment from major human pressures, such as seabed dredging and fish farming. At the same time, this establishes a set of rules for the area. They will also help those less accustomed to navigating the archipelago to be more mindful of the marine environment,” explains Anna Klemelä, Marine Biodiversity Project Manager at BSAG.

The protection status does not restrict the livelihoods of local people

Jurmo is inhabited all year round. The island and its surrounding waters are situated in the outer archipelago, a long way out to sea. The long distances and the rugged nature of the outer archipelago present their own challenges for local residents, which is important to bear in mind in the protection regulations.

In addition to the settlement, Jurmo has a popular guest marina and lodging services. The protection of the marine area will not affect these. Boaters will continue to be welcome in Jurmo.
“Alongside safeguarding the marine environment, it is important to preserve a vibrant archipelago culture. Jurmo’s protection regulations have been drawn up in collaboration with the shareholders to ensure they do not make life difficult for local residents in the archipelago,” says Anton Lehtinen, Protection Coordinator at BSAG.

A new course of action for the environmental authorities as well[

Designating the Jurmo marine area as a protected area for three years prior to committing to permanent protection is also a novel course of action for the environmental authorities.
“Traditionally, marine areas have not been included in nature protected areas in the archipelago. This type of protection of marine areas is therefore relatively new, and best practice is being developed through experience. The Jurmo shareholders’ association’s contribution to marine nature protection is unique not only because of the area’s size but also because of its biodiversity,” says Pekka Salminen, Head of the Environment Unit at the Economic Development Centre of Southwest Finland.

During the three-year protection period, the people of Jurmo will get to experience what life is like under the protection regulations.

“At the annual meeting in July, the shareholders decided to enter into a three-year protection agreement. If the shareholders identify any shortcomings or problems with the agreement during that time, these can be rectified and the agreement amended before committing to permanent protection,” explains Patrik Bengtfolks, Chair of Jurmo’s shareholders.

We all need to play our part in protecting the Baltic Sea

The process in Jurmo forms part of BSAG’s marine protection work, which has been funded by Ålandsbanken’s Baltic Sea Project for seven years now. BSAG promotes the protection of privately owned marine areas by assisting landowners with the process.

“The future of the Baltic Sea is built on countless local actions. As more and more people get involved, small actions add up to make a big difference. Through the Baltic Sea Project, we are enabling concrete actions to benefit the Baltic Sea and its diverse marine nature, both now and in the future,” says Anne-Maria Salonius, Director of Ålandsbanken’s Baltic Sea Project.

A large proportion of the underwater species requiring protection in the Baltic Sea are found in privately owned marine areas. Finland is committed to the EU and UN target of protecting 30 per cent of marine areas by 2030. To achieve this target, privately owned marine protected areas are also needed.
“One might, of course, think that the protection agreement drawn up by the Jurmo Shareholders’ Association and BSAG is just a drop in the ocean. But as one shareholder said at the annual meeting: everyone must do their bit to protect the Archipelago Sea. We must think globally and act locally,” says Patrik Bengtfolks.