HELCOM - the Helsinki Commission
@helcominfo.bsky.social
HELCOM - The Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission is an intergovernmental organisation (IGO) and a regional sea convention in the #BalticSea area.
www.helcom.fi
www.helcom.fi
Lost fishing gear doesn't just pollute, it keeps catching fish long after it's abandoned. 😔
Our latest HELCOM report explores how innovative gear design can prevent gear loss and reduce ghost fishing in the Baltic Sea. 👍️
Download here: buff.ly/qvP4NyR
Our latest HELCOM report explores how innovative gear design can prevent gear loss and reduce ghost fishing in the Baltic Sea. 👍️
Download here: buff.ly/qvP4NyR
February 19, 2026 at 10:02 AM
Lost fishing gear doesn't just pollute, it keeps catching fish long after it's abandoned. 😔
Our latest HELCOM report explores how innovative gear design can prevent gear loss and reduce ghost fishing in the Baltic Sea. 👍️
Download here: buff.ly/qvP4NyR
Our latest HELCOM report explores how innovative gear design can prevent gear loss and reduce ghost fishing in the Baltic Sea. 👍️
Download here: buff.ly/qvP4NyR
🔈 HELCOM is one of the co-organisers of this session at #ECSA61. If the topic aligns with your work, we encourage you to submit an abstract (DL 6 March 2026).
More details 👇
More details 👇
🌊 #ECSA61 Special Session 32
How can we better prevent & manage marine biological invasions in estuarine and coastal waters?
📍 Brussels | 24–27 Aug 2026
🗓 Abstracts due: 6 Mar 2026
👉 www.estuarinecoastalconference.com/special-sess...
#InvasiveSpecies #Biosecurity #GuardIAS #bioinvasions
How can we better prevent & manage marine biological invasions in estuarine and coastal waters?
📍 Brussels | 24–27 Aug 2026
🗓 Abstracts due: 6 Mar 2026
👉 www.estuarinecoastalconference.com/special-sess...
#InvasiveSpecies #Biosecurity #GuardIAS #bioinvasions
Special Session - ECSA 61: Bridging the gap between science and policy in estuarine and coastal marine biodiversity: the way forward
Welcome to ECSA’s next major symposium, ECSA 61: Bridging the gap between science and policy in estuarine and coastal marine biodiversity: the way forward , which will take place from 5-8 September 20...
www.estuarinecoastalconference.com
February 18, 2026 at 8:57 AM
🔈 HELCOM is one of the co-organisers of this session at #ECSA61. If the topic aligns with your work, we encourage you to submit an abstract (DL 6 March 2026).
More details 👇
More details 👇
🔊 We are hiring!
Applications are invited for the post of Executive Secretary at the Helsinki Commission Secretariat. The post, which is based in Helsinki, Finland, will become vacant on 1 February 2027.
Apply by 22 March 2026.
Vacancy announcement 👉 buff.ly/CpiN6AL
Applications are invited for the post of Executive Secretary at the Helsinki Commission Secretariat. The post, which is based in Helsinki, Finland, will become vacant on 1 February 2027.
Apply by 22 March 2026.
Vacancy announcement 👉 buff.ly/CpiN6AL
February 18, 2026 at 7:00 AM
🔊 We are hiring!
Applications are invited for the post of Executive Secretary at the Helsinki Commission Secretariat. The post, which is based in Helsinki, Finland, will become vacant on 1 February 2027.
Apply by 22 March 2026.
Vacancy announcement 👉 buff.ly/CpiN6AL
Applications are invited for the post of Executive Secretary at the Helsinki Commission Secretariat. The post, which is based in Helsinki, Finland, will become vacant on 1 February 2027.
Apply by 22 March 2026.
Vacancy announcement 👉 buff.ly/CpiN6AL
Lost fishing gear? Not if it's properly marked! 🏷️
Proper gear marking is a game-changer for reducing lost fishing gear and preventing marine litter. Developed under the Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter (RAP Action RS9), this guide is based on FAO Voluntary Guidelines.
👉 buff.ly/h15wKgm
Proper gear marking is a game-changer for reducing lost fishing gear and preventing marine litter. Developed under the Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter (RAP Action RS9), this guide is based on FAO Voluntary Guidelines.
👉 buff.ly/h15wKgm
February 17, 2026 at 6:30 AM
Lost fishing gear? Not if it's properly marked! 🏷️
Proper gear marking is a game-changer for reducing lost fishing gear and preventing marine litter. Developed under the Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter (RAP Action RS9), this guide is based on FAO Voluntary Guidelines.
👉 buff.ly/h15wKgm
Proper gear marking is a game-changer for reducing lost fishing gear and preventing marine litter. Developed under the Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter (RAP Action RS9), this guide is based on FAO Voluntary Guidelines.
👉 buff.ly/h15wKgm
The Baltic Sea Boating Forum has been launched at the ongoing Helsinki International Boat Show! This new yearly platform is designed to foster communication among the boating sector, government officials, and key stakeholders. Come and say hello to us at the HELCOM stand by Purjehdussatama stage.
February 13, 2026 at 12:58 PM
The Baltic Sea Boating Forum has been launched at the ongoing Helsinki International Boat Show! This new yearly platform is designed to foster communication among the boating sector, government officials, and key stakeholders. Come and say hello to us at the HELCOM stand by Purjehdussatama stage.
Recreational fishing is a beloved pastime for many around the Baltic Sea, but it comes with an environmental cost due to significant gear loss every year 🎣
This report explores the composition of lost angling gear and outlines measures to limit these losses.
Download here: buff.ly/86D3K3L
This report explores the composition of lost angling gear and outlines measures to limit these losses.
Download here: buff.ly/86D3K3L
February 13, 2026 at 9:14 AM
Recreational fishing is a beloved pastime for many around the Baltic Sea, but it comes with an environmental cost due to significant gear loss every year 🎣
This report explores the composition of lost angling gear and outlines measures to limit these losses.
Download here: buff.ly/86D3K3L
This report explores the composition of lost angling gear and outlines measures to limit these losses.
Download here: buff.ly/86D3K3L
With millios of recreational fishers in the Baltic Sea region, lost fishing gear, especially gillnets, is a major contributor to marine litter. This report provides practical guidelines to help recreational fishers prevent gear loss and protect the Baltic Sea. 🚯
👉 buff.ly/v6pg1rO
👉 buff.ly/v6pg1rO
February 12, 2026 at 1:12 PM
With millios of recreational fishers in the Baltic Sea region, lost fishing gear, especially gillnets, is a major contributor to marine litter. This report provides practical guidelines to help recreational fishers prevent gear loss and protect the Baltic Sea. 🚯
👉 buff.ly/v6pg1rO
👉 buff.ly/v6pg1rO
Tomorrow, 13 Feb, the European Boating Industry (EBI) will launch the Baltic Sea Boating Forum at the Helsinki International Boat Show 🛥️ ⛵️ 🚤
Our Exec Secretary Rüdiger Strempel will deliver a keynote speech & take part in a panel discussion on environmentally responsible boating.
buff.ly/UwGvGzD
Our Exec Secretary Rüdiger Strempel will deliver a keynote speech & take part in a panel discussion on environmentally responsible boating.
buff.ly/UwGvGzD
February 12, 2026 at 9:37 AM
Tomorrow, 13 Feb, the European Boating Industry (EBI) will launch the Baltic Sea Boating Forum at the Helsinki International Boat Show 🛥️ ⛵️ 🚤
Our Exec Secretary Rüdiger Strempel will deliver a keynote speech & take part in a panel discussion on environmentally responsible boating.
buff.ly/UwGvGzD
Our Exec Secretary Rüdiger Strempel will deliver a keynote speech & take part in a panel discussion on environmentally responsible boating.
buff.ly/UwGvGzD
Our new report documents best practices for collecting and recycling fishing gear waste.
This publication is part of our ALDFG guideline series, supporting regional targets for fishing gear collection in the Baltic Sea.
👉 buff.ly/RibBzR3
This publication is part of our ALDFG guideline series, supporting regional targets for fishing gear collection in the Baltic Sea.
👉 buff.ly/RibBzR3
February 11, 2026 at 2:22 PM
Our new report documents best practices for collecting and recycling fishing gear waste.
This publication is part of our ALDFG guideline series, supporting regional targets for fishing gear collection in the Baltic Sea.
👉 buff.ly/RibBzR3
This publication is part of our ALDFG guideline series, supporting regional targets for fishing gear collection in the Baltic Sea.
👉 buff.ly/RibBzR3
🔊 We are hiring!
Applications are invited for the post of Executive Secretary at the Helsinki Commission Secretariat. The post, which is based in Helsinki, Finland, will become vacant on 1 February 2027.
Apply by 22 March 2026.
Vacancy announcement 👉 buff.ly/CpiN6AL
Applications are invited for the post of Executive Secretary at the Helsinki Commission Secretariat. The post, which is based in Helsinki, Finland, will become vacant on 1 February 2027.
Apply by 22 March 2026.
Vacancy announcement 👉 buff.ly/CpiN6AL
February 9, 2026 at 7:01 AM
🔊 We are hiring!
Applications are invited for the post of Executive Secretary at the Helsinki Commission Secretariat. The post, which is based in Helsinki, Finland, will become vacant on 1 February 2027.
Apply by 22 March 2026.
Vacancy announcement 👉 buff.ly/CpiN6AL
Applications are invited for the post of Executive Secretary at the Helsinki Commission Secretariat. The post, which is based in Helsinki, Finland, will become vacant on 1 February 2027.
Apply by 22 March 2026.
Vacancy announcement 👉 buff.ly/CpiN6AL
🔊 🚧 👷 The HELCOM Map and Data Service (MADS), along with other HELCOM services using the ArcGIS environment, will be unavailable on Tuesday, 3 February 2026, from 10:00 to 17:00 EET due to an upgrade of the ESRI ArcGIS portal environment. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
February 2, 2026 at 1:57 PM
🔊 🚧 👷 The HELCOM Map and Data Service (MADS), along with other HELCOM services using the ArcGIS environment, will be unavailable on Tuesday, 3 February 2026, from 10:00 to 17:00 EET due to an upgrade of the ESRI ArcGIS portal environment. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
🔊 We are hiring!
Applications are invited for the post of Executive Secretary at the Helsinki Commission Secretariat. The post, which is based in Helsinki, Finland, will become vacant on 1 February 2027.
Vacancy announcement 👉 buff.ly/CpiN6AL
Applications are invited for the post of Executive Secretary at the Helsinki Commission Secretariat. The post, which is based in Helsinki, Finland, will become vacant on 1 February 2027.
Vacancy announcement 👉 buff.ly/CpiN6AL
January 30, 2026 at 6:59 AM
🔊 We are hiring!
Applications are invited for the post of Executive Secretary at the Helsinki Commission Secretariat. The post, which is based in Helsinki, Finland, will become vacant on 1 February 2027.
Vacancy announcement 👉 buff.ly/CpiN6AL
Applications are invited for the post of Executive Secretary at the Helsinki Commission Secretariat. The post, which is based in Helsinki, Finland, will become vacant on 1 February 2027.
Vacancy announcement 👉 buff.ly/CpiN6AL
📼 WEBINAR RECORDING NOW AVAILABLE!
Last week, we hosted a webinar on fishing gear marking together with our partners KIMO International and Havs- och vattenmyndigheten. Marked fishing gear is a crucial step in protecting marine ecosystems from lost fishing gear
🎥 buff.ly/UiPsx2f
#GhostFishing
Last week, we hosted a webinar on fishing gear marking together with our partners KIMO International and Havs- och vattenmyndigheten. Marked fishing gear is a crucial step in protecting marine ecosystems from lost fishing gear
🎥 buff.ly/UiPsx2f
#GhostFishing
January 27, 2026 at 8:39 AM
📼 WEBINAR RECORDING NOW AVAILABLE!
Last week, we hosted a webinar on fishing gear marking together with our partners KIMO International and Havs- och vattenmyndigheten. Marked fishing gear is a crucial step in protecting marine ecosystems from lost fishing gear
🎥 buff.ly/UiPsx2f
#GhostFishing
Last week, we hosted a webinar on fishing gear marking together with our partners KIMO International and Havs- och vattenmyndigheten. Marked fishing gear is a crucial step in protecting marine ecosystems from lost fishing gear
🎥 buff.ly/UiPsx2f
#GhostFishing
New guidelines for transboundary MSP output data! 🌐
These new HELCOM-VASAB guidelines set clear data specifications for maritime spatial planning outputs, boosting interoperability, harmonization and cross-border cooperation across marine regions.
Download here ➡️ buff.ly/3vuXXwm
These new HELCOM-VASAB guidelines set clear data specifications for maritime spatial planning outputs, boosting interoperability, harmonization and cross-border cooperation across marine regions.
Download here ➡️ buff.ly/3vuXXwm
January 26, 2026 at 8:29 AM
New guidelines for transboundary MSP output data! 🌐
These new HELCOM-VASAB guidelines set clear data specifications for maritime spatial planning outputs, boosting interoperability, harmonization and cross-border cooperation across marine regions.
Download here ➡️ buff.ly/3vuXXwm
These new HELCOM-VASAB guidelines set clear data specifications for maritime spatial planning outputs, boosting interoperability, harmonization and cross-border cooperation across marine regions.
Download here ➡️ buff.ly/3vuXXwm
Eutrophication promotes algal blooms and alters the marine ecosystem. Changes are often noticed only through declining populations of affected species or the formation of vast hypoxic ‘dead zones.’ ⚠️
Read more in ‘Eutrophication: the Baltic Sea’s silent transformation’
buff.ly/PQZ2jNB
Read more in ‘Eutrophication: the Baltic Sea’s silent transformation’
buff.ly/PQZ2jNB
January 21, 2026 at 10:01 AM
Eutrophication promotes algal blooms and alters the marine ecosystem. Changes are often noticed only through declining populations of affected species or the formation of vast hypoxic ‘dead zones.’ ⚠️
Read more in ‘Eutrophication: the Baltic Sea’s silent transformation’
buff.ly/PQZ2jNB
Read more in ‘Eutrophication: the Baltic Sea’s silent transformation’
buff.ly/PQZ2jNB
Reposted by HELCOM - the Helsinki Commission
🐬 How can harbour porpoises still be at risk inside protected areas? Following our recent webinar, our new article explains the paradox — and the work underway to fix it. @ascobans.bsky.social @helcominfo.bsky.social
🔗 Read the full article: protectbaltic.eu/news/f/prote...
🔗 Read the full article: protectbaltic.eu/news/f/prote...
Protecting small cetaceans
ASCOBANS' push to strengthen MPA management in Europe
protectbaltic.eu
December 11, 2025 at 7:23 AM
🐬 How can harbour porpoises still be at risk inside protected areas? Following our recent webinar, our new article explains the paradox — and the work underway to fix it. @ascobans.bsky.social @helcominfo.bsky.social
🔗 Read the full article: protectbaltic.eu/news/f/prote...
🔗 Read the full article: protectbaltic.eu/news/f/prote...
Reposted by HELCOM - the Helsinki Commission
Who is your Baltic Sea hero? Nominations are now being accepted for the 2026 Baltic Sea Awards! @helcominfo.bsky.social
gansub.com/t/v/3_ODM0NT...
gansub.com/t/v/3_ODM0NT...
Nominate your Baltic Sea Hero 2026
gansub.com
December 12, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Who is your Baltic Sea hero? Nominations are now being accepted for the 2026 Baltic Sea Awards! @helcominfo.bsky.social
gansub.com/t/v/3_ODM0NT...
gansub.com/t/v/3_ODM0NT...
Reposted by HELCOM - the Helsinki Commission
Shipping-related oil and HNS spills pose a severe threat to the m #BalticSea. In my latest piece, I briefly describe how @helcominfo.bsky.social contributes to prevention, response and long-term risk assessments, focusing in particular on the ongoing #BRISK II project.
merikotka.fi/en/brisk-ii-...
merikotka.fi/en/brisk-ii-...
BRISK II Perspectives – Rüdiger Strempel – Merikotka
merikotka.fi
January 15, 2026 at 6:08 PM
Shipping-related oil and HNS spills pose a severe threat to the m #BalticSea. In my latest piece, I briefly describe how @helcominfo.bsky.social contributes to prevention, response and long-term risk assessments, focusing in particular on the ongoing #BRISK II project.
merikotka.fi/en/brisk-ii-...
merikotka.fi/en/brisk-ii-...
✍️ LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER!
WHAT: Webinar on marking of recreational fishing gear
WHEN: 20 Jan 2026, 9:00-12:30 CET
WHO: Government officials, representatives from fishing associations & relevant national, regional & international organisations working at policy/practical levels
🔗 buff.ly/44PLQhk
WHAT: Webinar on marking of recreational fishing gear
WHEN: 20 Jan 2026, 9:00-12:30 CET
WHO: Government officials, representatives from fishing associations & relevant national, regional & international organisations working at policy/practical levels
🔗 buff.ly/44PLQhk
January 19, 2026 at 6:30 AM
✍️ LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER!
WHAT: Webinar on marking of recreational fishing gear
WHEN: 20 Jan 2026, 9:00-12:30 CET
WHO: Government officials, representatives from fishing associations & relevant national, regional & international organisations working at policy/practical levels
🔗 buff.ly/44PLQhk
WHAT: Webinar on marking of recreational fishing gear
WHEN: 20 Jan 2026, 9:00-12:30 CET
WHO: Government officials, representatives from fishing associations & relevant national, regional & international organisations working at policy/practical levels
🔗 buff.ly/44PLQhk
The Baltic Sea’s ecosystem faces severe threats from hazardous substances. While reductions in well-known pollutants have been achieved, a vast array of emerging substances pose a growing risk.
Read more in our brief for scientists ‘Emerging substances: Our next challenge ahead’.
👉 buff.ly/146Yc20
Read more in our brief for scientists ‘Emerging substances: Our next challenge ahead’.
👉 buff.ly/146Yc20
January 15, 2026 at 10:01 AM
The Baltic Sea’s ecosystem faces severe threats from hazardous substances. While reductions in well-known pollutants have been achieved, a vast array of emerging substances pose a growing risk.
Read more in our brief for scientists ‘Emerging substances: Our next challenge ahead’.
👉 buff.ly/146Yc20
Read more in our brief for scientists ‘Emerging substances: Our next challenge ahead’.
👉 buff.ly/146Yc20
🔊 We are hiring!
Applications are invited for the post of Executive Secretary at the Helsinki Commission Secretariat. The post, which is based in Helsinki, Finland, will become vacant on 1 February 2027.
Vacancy announcement 👉 buff.ly/CpiN6AL
Applications are invited for the post of Executive Secretary at the Helsinki Commission Secretariat. The post, which is based in Helsinki, Finland, will become vacant on 1 February 2027.
Vacancy announcement 👉 buff.ly/CpiN6AL
January 13, 2026 at 6:15 AM
🔊 We are hiring!
Applications are invited for the post of Executive Secretary at the Helsinki Commission Secretariat. The post, which is based in Helsinki, Finland, will become vacant on 1 February 2027.
Vacancy announcement 👉 buff.ly/CpiN6AL
Applications are invited for the post of Executive Secretary at the Helsinki Commission Secretariat. The post, which is based in Helsinki, Finland, will become vacant on 1 February 2027.
Vacancy announcement 👉 buff.ly/CpiN6AL
The Baltic Sea provides essential ecosystem services. 🎣 🏄♀️ However, unsustainable practices and habitat degradation are reducing service provision and causing ecological and economic losses.
Read more in our brief for scientists ‘Linking society and environment in the Baltic Sea’
👉 buff.ly/tuMLWbP
Read more in our brief for scientists ‘Linking society and environment in the Baltic Sea’
👉 buff.ly/tuMLWbP
January 12, 2026 at 6:30 AM
The Baltic Sea provides essential ecosystem services. 🎣 🏄♀️ However, unsustainable practices and habitat degradation are reducing service provision and causing ecological and economic losses.
Read more in our brief for scientists ‘Linking society and environment in the Baltic Sea’
👉 buff.ly/tuMLWbP
Read more in our brief for scientists ‘Linking society and environment in the Baltic Sea’
👉 buff.ly/tuMLWbP
📑 Reducing nutrient inputs to the Baltic Sea
This concise brochure brings together key messages from two recent HELCOM reports: Effectiveness of measures to reduce nutrient inputs & Assessment of achieving NICs in 2030 and the effectiveness of measures.
👉 buff.ly/LQUdiFM
This concise brochure brings together key messages from two recent HELCOM reports: Effectiveness of measures to reduce nutrient inputs & Assessment of achieving NICs in 2030 and the effectiveness of measures.
👉 buff.ly/LQUdiFM
January 9, 2026 at 8:30 AM
📑 Reducing nutrient inputs to the Baltic Sea
This concise brochure brings together key messages from two recent HELCOM reports: Effectiveness of measures to reduce nutrient inputs & Assessment of achieving NICs in 2030 and the effectiveness of measures.
👉 buff.ly/LQUdiFM
This concise brochure brings together key messages from two recent HELCOM reports: Effectiveness of measures to reduce nutrient inputs & Assessment of achieving NICs in 2030 and the effectiveness of measures.
👉 buff.ly/LQUdiFM
Our Science in a Seashell -series briefs for scientists summarise the latest research findings on the state of the Baltic Sea, guiding future research efforts. Each brief draws on key findings from the third HELCOM Holistic Assessment of the Baltic Sea (HOLAS 3).
👉 buff.ly/LL5Twi9
👉 buff.ly/LL5Twi9
January 7, 2026 at 10:01 AM
Our Science in a Seashell -series briefs for scientists summarise the latest research findings on the state of the Baltic Sea, guiding future research efforts. Each brief draws on key findings from the third HELCOM Holistic Assessment of the Baltic Sea (HOLAS 3).
👉 buff.ly/LL5Twi9
👉 buff.ly/LL5Twi9
✍️ REGISTER NOW!
WHAT: Webinar on marking of recreational fishing gear 🎣
WHEN: 20 Jan 2026, 9:00-12:30 CET
WHO: Government officials, representatives from fishing associations & relevant national, regional & international organisations working at policy/practical levels
🔗 buff.ly/44PLQhk
WHAT: Webinar on marking of recreational fishing gear 🎣
WHEN: 20 Jan 2026, 9:00-12:30 CET
WHO: Government officials, representatives from fishing associations & relevant national, regional & international organisations working at policy/practical levels
🔗 buff.ly/44PLQhk
January 5, 2026 at 10:01 AM
✍️ REGISTER NOW!
WHAT: Webinar on marking of recreational fishing gear 🎣
WHEN: 20 Jan 2026, 9:00-12:30 CET
WHO: Government officials, representatives from fishing associations & relevant national, regional & international organisations working at policy/practical levels
🔗 buff.ly/44PLQhk
WHAT: Webinar on marking of recreational fishing gear 🎣
WHEN: 20 Jan 2026, 9:00-12:30 CET
WHO: Government officials, representatives from fishing associations & relevant national, regional & international organisations working at policy/practical levels
🔗 buff.ly/44PLQhk