The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency has proposed a new national park in the Nämdöskärgården, a group of islands located in the archipelago of Stockholm. The proposed national park aims to protect the diverse and important ecological functions of the area.
The proposal highlights the significance of shallow soft bottoms, which are 0-20 meters deep, in providing a crucial habitat for fish and birds to find food. Additionally, deep soft bottoms, at depths of more than 20 meters, make up more than half of the area of the seabed and serve as a vital location for various fish species during the winter months.
Furthermore, shallow and deep hard bottoms are noted for their ecologically important macroalgae communities and mussel beds, which contribute to a great biodiversity within the area. The presence of cuts and small islands in the landscape also plays a crucial role in providing nesting and resting places for shorebirds, seabirds, and gray seals.
The proposal also emphasizes the significance of the forests in reflecting the transition from middle archipelago to outer archipelago, as well as the cultivation landscape, which houses nature types and structures shaped by human use of the land.
Overall, the proposed national park in the Nämdöskärgården seeks to preserve and protect the diverse ecosystems and habitats within the area, ensuring the conservation of its ecological functions for future generations.