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New study explores our relations to marine species in the Baltic Sea

A new research study at Åbo Akademi University invites people living in Finland, age 18 and older, to participate in a survey about marine species in the Baltic Sea.

The study is led by doctoral researcher Jolanda Linsén and aims to deepen our understanding of how people relate to marine life – an area of research that has so far received limited attention both in the Baltic Sea region and internationally.

“We’re applying insights from nature relationship research that go beyond general attitudes or values toward the Baltic Sea as a landscape. By focusing on common species, we explore whether people recognize them, how they interact with and emotionally respond to the marine life around them. This helps us understand not only ecological value, but also the social and cultural connections to marine biodiversity and how people perceive the Baltic Sea ecosystem”, says Jolanda Linsén.

The study will be launched on the Baltic Sea Day, on 28 August, 2025. The survey is available in Swedish, Finnish and English, takes at least 30 minutes to complete, and will remain open until the Baltic Sea Day 2026 or until a sufficient number of responses have been collected.

Click here to participate in the survey.

The study is part of Åbo Akademi University’s research profile The Sea, Åbo Akademi University’s Centre of Excellence SOS, and the PROTECT Baltic project coordinated by HELCOM.