FEM group's research interests and ongoing research projects

Estimation of uncertainties in the management of natural resources

• ECOKNOWS - Effective use of ecosystem and biological knowledge in fisheries (September 2010-2014)
  • The aim of the project is to improve the use of biological knowledge in fisheries science and management. The models will include important knowledge about biological processes and the applied statistical inference methods allow to integrate and update this knowledge in stock assessment.
  • Prof. Sakari Kuikka, Dr. Samu Mäntyniemi, Dr. Eveliina Klemola, Dr. Jarno Vanhatalo
• OILRISK – Applications of ecological knowledge in oil spill risk management (2009– 2012)
  • OILRISK aims at finding common approaches to minimize the negative impacts of future oil accidents on the nature values in the Gulf of Finland.
  • Inari Helle, Riikka Venesjärvi, Emilia Luoma
• PROBAPS - Protection of the Baltic Sea: Benefits, Costs and Policy Instruments (2009– 2012)
  • Project aims to make a cost-benefit analysis on protection of the Baltic Sea. Analysis is going to include threats from eutrophication, sea traffic and alien species.
  • Teppo Juntunen, Emilia Luoma
• ECOSEAL: Baltic seals – balancing between sustainable ecosystem management and fisheries (2012–2013)
  • The main aim of the project is to study the role of seals in the Baltic Sea ecosystem and the interactions between seals and humans, with an emphasis on the conflict between increased seal populations and coastal fisheries.
  • Inari Helle
• MIMIC - Minimizing risks of maritime oil transport by holistic safety strategies (2011-2013)
  • MIMIC project studies, from the multidisciplinary perspective, the risks related to the maritime oil transport in the Baltic Sea, especially in the Gulf of Finland. The objective is – through both modeling and quantitative analysis - to produce information on how the risks against the environment and the players of different levels could be decreased most effectively.
  • Annukka Lehikoinen, Päivi Haapasaari
• MULTIDOM - Multidisciplinary assessment of the role of DOM in the environmental status of the Baltic Sea (2011-2014)
  • The project develops a fully integrated assessment of effects of dissolved organic matter (DOM ) loads in rivers and in the northern Baltic Sea ecosystem. The approach includes assessment of the drivers and pressures in the catchment areas, a detailed evaluation of effects by organic inputs on the various ecosystem levels, and a formal analysis of the use of controlling instruments.
  • Dr. Mika Rahikainen
• TOPCONS – Transboundary tools for spatial planning and conservation of the Gulf of Finland (2012–2014)
  • The project studies the possible correlations between geological and biological diversity and models the likely impact of certain human pressures on the underwater habitats and communities. Idea is to develop the first version of probabilistic risk and decision analysis model that will be programmed to communicate in interaction with the spatial data-layers in the GIS environment. This spatial tool is meant to serve e.g. managers and researchers. It can be used for predicting the locations of the most diverse and sensitive sea areas, which helps e.g. in executing of the ecosystem-based design and management.
  • Annukka Lehikoinen, Riikka Venesjärvi

For a complete list of FEM's past and present research projects, see the projects page.