In this project, DAP conducts scientific research works in the Latvian exclusive economic zone of the Baltic Sea.
When surveying Alku Sekli, the researchers concluded that the seabed in this place is drastically different from other places in the Baltic Sea, because instead of the usual rocky bed, signs similar to urban infrastructure can be seen.
The leading researcher of the Institute of Hydroecology of Latvia, Ingrīda Andersone, compares the underwater structure of the Alki Shoal with a small town, that is, the moraine clay outcrops several meters high left by the glacier and the valleys formed between them resemble city blocks and streets. Individual “high-rise buildings” and wide, “paved” squares covered with rich mussel groves can also be observed. Mussel groves and smaller moraine formations are popular as places of stay and feeding for “city” residents – flounder, cod, fat fish and other living organisms.
As Anderson points out, in the Baltic Sea, such an underwater landscape and volumes have not been experienced anywhere else in the research so far.
Alku seklis is located near Pāvilosta and is the pilot territory of LIFE REEF, where the specially protected biotope of European Union importance “Stone shoals in the sea” is studied. This year, several video observations and diving works were carried out in Alku sekė to collect samples of living organisms. The works were carried out by the Latvian Institute of Hydroecology, a partner of the project and an assessor of underwater habitats.
Gabrāne states that the field work in the shoal area has been completed, they will be followed by the processing of the samples of living organisms collected and the evaluation of the quality and sustainability of the habitat. On the other hand, the obtained underwater video material and the information shown in it will be used for the preparation of scientific justifications for determining the boundaries of protected marine areas and for the development of a nature protection plan, in order to substantiate the need for management works for the preservation of natural values.
The habitat “Stone shoals in the sea” is one of the most remarkable and ecologically significant types of habitats in the eastern part of the Baltic Sea, which are areas of hard substrate (stones, boulders, pebbles) with sand embankments. Important places for fish spawning, juvenile development and fish feeding are formed in this habitat. Also, in places where this biotope is found under water, large-scale waterfowl feeding and concentration areas can be observed.
DAP LIFE REEF is implemented as a leading partner in cooperation with the Scientific Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment “Bior” and the Institute of Hydroecology of Latvia, an agency of Daugavpils University.