Here is the first comprehensive overview covering the enormous ecological diversity of Baltic coastal ecosystems. A short introduction to the Baltic Sea as an ecosystem is followed by detailed descriptions of the characteristics of coastal ecosystems. Ecological case studies illustrate reactions to natural and anthropogenic influences in four regions: Southern Baltic coast, including Fjörden, Boddens, Lagoons, and near shore zones; Eastern Baltic coast, including the Gulf of Gdansk and Gulf of Riga; Northeastern Baltic coast, including the Neva Estuary and Gulf of Finland; and the Western Baltic coast, including the Stockholm Archipelago, Askö area and Himmerfjärden, Odense Fjord, and Kerteminde Fjord/Kertinge Nor. This volume also presents a synthesis of the common and distinguishing characteristics and processes of the coastal waters compared with the Baltic proper. Finally, the authors highlight areas where additional research is needed and provide forecasts of future developments in coastal research.

For the first time data on Baltic coastal ecosystems are presented to a broad scientific audience and in a clear and comprehensive way Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Inhalt
The Baltic Coastal Zones.- Ecological Case Studies.- Darß-Zingst Boddens, Northern Rügener Boddens and Schlei.- Greifswalder Bodden, Wismar-Bucht and Salzhaff.- The Szczecin (Oder-) Lagoon.- Near-Shore Zones: Koserow and Tromper Wiek.- Gulf of Gda?sk and Puck Bay.- The Vistula Lagoon.- The Curonian Lagoon.- Gulf of Riga and Pärnu Bay.- Haapsalu and Matsalu Bays.- The Neva Estuary Ecosystem.- The Gulf of Finland.- The Stockholm Archipelago.- Askö Area and Himmerfjärden.- Odense Fjord and Kerteminde Fjord/Kertinge Nor.- Synthesis.- Synthesis.