Schleswig-Holstein Launches Regional Plans to Combat Baltic Sea Pollution
Table of Contents
As of December 18, 2025, at 8:41 p.m., Schleswig-Holstein is intensifying its efforts to protect the Baltic Sea with the unveiling of regional plans aimed at reducing nutrient runoff from agricultural sources. These plans, developed by the region’s Baltic Sea advisory councils, prioritize voluntary measures such as reduced fertilizer use and wetland restoration to safeguard the delicate marine ecosystem.
The initiative marks a significant step forward approximately one year after the signing of an agricultural target agreement, demonstrating a collaborative approach involving politics, agriculture, and various associations. A central challenge remains the excessive influx of nutrients – particularly nitrogen and phosphorus – from agricultural fertilizers into the Baltic Sea.
Tailored Plans for Distinct Regions
The Baltic Sea Advisory Councils have developed plans specifically tailored to the unique requirements of five distinct regions: the Flensburg Fjord, the Schlei, the Trave region, the Eckernförde Bay/Baltic Probstei, and the Neustädter Bay with Fehmarn. Organizers believe that regionally adapted, voluntary measures will maximize the impact on Baltic Sea protection.
Desired Measures for Baltic Sea Protection
In areas susceptible to erosion, such as Eckernförde Bay, the proposed measures include the implementation of waterside strips, the use of catch crops, and precise fertilizer application techniques. Richard Bonse, a farmer from Neudorf-Bornstein and chairman of the advisory board for Eckernförder Bucht and Baltic-Probstei, is already pioneering a technique called under-seeding. “In July we drilled grass into the existing corn with the drone and after the corn harvest the grass started to grow,” Bonse explained, highlighting the method’s potential to bind nutrients and prevent runoff.
The Trave region is integrating technical processes alongside optimized fertilizer application. Meanwhile, the Flensburg Fjord, Schlei, and Neustädter Bucht are focusing on a combination of rewetting initiatives, grassland management, and reduced fertilizer use.
Baltic Sea Protection: A Collaborative Effort
Agriculture Minister Cornelia Schmachtenberg (CDU) emphasized that saving the Baltic Sea is a long-term commitment. “Saving the Baltic Sea is not a sprint, but a marathon,” she stated, praising the dedication of farmers and viewing the regional plans as a solid foundation for protecting the Baltic Sea. She also acknowledged that agriculture represents only one component of the broader Baltic Sea Protection Action Plan, adding, “The Baltic Sea will not be well again tomorrow, but even a small improvement in the Baltic Sea will help in the end.”
However, environmental organizations like BUND are calling for more stringent measures. They support the current initiatives but advocate for long-term, legally binding guidelines and clearly measurable results. The state government plans to establish comprehensive monitoring systems beginning in 2026, with initial evaluations to follow, aiming for significant reductions in nutrient inputs by 2030 and 2035.
According to reports, a substantial amount of excess fertilizer from fields in Schleswig-Holstein currently ends up in the Baltic Sea, and these new plans are designed to address this issue. The state government has reached agreements with agricultural associations to implement these measures on a voluntary basis.
Government plans also indicate that 12.5 percent of the Baltic Sea within Schleswig-Holstein should be more strictly protected, though marine conservationists argue that the action plan does not go far enough. An expert from Geomar expressed cautious optimism, welcoming the protective measures while emphasizing the need for continued action in the long term.
