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
🔊 🚧 👷 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
Happy new year! 🌊
HELCOM’s vision is a healthy Baltic Sea environment with diverse biological components functioning in balance, resulting in a good ecological status and supporting a wide range of sustainable economic and social activities. In 2026, we'll keep working toward this vision.
HELCOM’s vision is a healthy Baltic Sea environment with diverse biological components functioning in balance, resulting in a good ecological status and supporting a wide range of sustainable economic and social activities. In 2026, we'll keep working toward this vision.
January 1, 2026 at 7:00 AM
Happy new year! 🌊
HELCOM’s vision is a healthy Baltic Sea environment with diverse biological components functioning in balance, resulting in a good ecological status and supporting a wide range of sustainable economic and social activities. In 2026, we'll keep working toward this vision.
HELCOM’s vision is a healthy Baltic Sea environment with diverse biological components functioning in balance, resulting in a good ecological status and supporting a wide range of sustainable economic and social activities. In 2026, we'll keep working toward this vision.
Hazardous substances pose a significant threat to marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and human health. A solid understanding of sources and their pathways to the sea will enable us to create targeted recommendations.
Read more in our brief for policymakers: buff.ly/fOskvCv
Read more in our brief for policymakers: buff.ly/fOskvCv
December 29, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Hazardous substances pose a significant threat to marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and human health. A solid understanding of sources and their pathways to the sea will enable us to create targeted recommendations.
Read more in our brief for policymakers: buff.ly/fOskvCv
Read more in our brief for policymakers: buff.ly/fOskvCv
Embark on a Baltic Rescue! 🤿
Discover the secrets of the Baltic Sea and become a “diving detective” in Baltic Rescue – Match & Track, our new educational adventure game! 🐬
🎮 Play for free online or download on the app stores.
🔗 buff.ly/V4jvrEw
@partofnoise.bsky.social
#BalticRescueGame #GBL
Discover the secrets of the Baltic Sea and become a “diving detective” in Baltic Rescue – Match & Track, our new educational adventure game! 🐬
🎮 Play for free online or download on the app stores.
🔗 buff.ly/V4jvrEw
@partofnoise.bsky.social
#BalticRescueGame #GBL
December 25, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Embark on a Baltic Rescue! 🤿
Discover the secrets of the Baltic Sea and become a “diving detective” in Baltic Rescue – Match & Track, our new educational adventure game! 🐬
🎮 Play for free online or download on the app stores.
🔗 buff.ly/V4jvrEw
@partofnoise.bsky.social
#BalticRescueGame #GBL
Discover the secrets of the Baltic Sea and become a “diving detective” in Baltic Rescue – Match & Track, our new educational adventure game! 🐬
🎮 Play for free online or download on the app stores.
🔗 buff.ly/V4jvrEw
@partofnoise.bsky.social
#BalticRescueGame #GBL
Season’s greetings from HELCOM🎄
Thank you for your continued cooperation and best wishes for a new year dedicated to protecting the Baltic Sea. 🌊
p.s. You can meet all these animals in our Baltic Rescue game! Playing is the perfect way to pass time while waiting for Santa! 🐬 buff.ly/Iqc0Lqs
Thank you for your continued cooperation and best wishes for a new year dedicated to protecting the Baltic Sea. 🌊
p.s. You can meet all these animals in our Baltic Rescue game! Playing is the perfect way to pass time while waiting for Santa! 🐬 buff.ly/Iqc0Lqs
December 24, 2025 at 6:30 AM
Season’s greetings from HELCOM🎄
Thank you for your continued cooperation and best wishes for a new year dedicated to protecting the Baltic Sea. 🌊
p.s. You can meet all these animals in our Baltic Rescue game! Playing is the perfect way to pass time while waiting for Santa! 🐬 buff.ly/Iqc0Lqs
Thank you for your continued cooperation and best wishes for a new year dedicated to protecting the Baltic Sea. 🌊
p.s. You can meet all these animals in our Baltic Rescue game! Playing is the perfect way to pass time while waiting for Santa! 🐬 buff.ly/Iqc0Lqs
The Baltic Sea, among the most polluted in the world, continues to grapple with eutrophication. It is not merely an environmental issue - it also poses significant social and economic risks, demanding urgent action from policymakers.
Read more in our brief for policymakers ‘https://buff.ly/PQZ2jNB
Read more in our brief for policymakers ‘https://buff.ly/PQZ2jNB
December 22, 2025 at 10:01 AM
The Baltic Sea, among the most polluted in the world, continues to grapple with eutrophication. It is not merely an environmental issue - it also poses significant social and economic risks, demanding urgent action from policymakers.
Read more in our brief for policymakers ‘https://buff.ly/PQZ2jNB
Read more in our brief for policymakers ‘https://buff.ly/PQZ2jNB
The final HELCOM News Blast of 2025 is out! 📰
It features a recap of our recent news, publications, projects and more. Dive in! 🤿
👉 buff.ly/8eoAeUl
It features a recap of our recent news, publications, projects and more. Dive in! 🤿
👉 buff.ly/8eoAeUl
December 19, 2025 at 8:45 AM
The final HELCOM News Blast of 2025 is out! 📰
It features a recap of our recent news, publications, projects and more. Dive in! 🤿
👉 buff.ly/8eoAeUl
It features a recap of our recent news, publications, projects and more. Dive in! 🤿
👉 buff.ly/8eoAeUl
🔊 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
December 18, 2025 at 8:45 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
✍️ 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
December 17, 2025 at 7:01 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
We warmly welcome the HELCOM Heads of Delegation and Observers to the Eight Informal Consultation Session of the Heads of Delegation (IC HOD 8-2025).
During this meeting, the session will review and discuss various documents, offering guidance and recommendations to advance HELCOM's work.
During this meeting, the session will review and discuss various documents, offering guidance and recommendations to advance HELCOM's work.
December 16, 2025 at 1:03 PM
We warmly welcome the HELCOM Heads of Delegation and Observers to the Eight Informal Consultation Session of the Heads of Delegation (IC HOD 8-2025).
During this meeting, the session will review and discuss various documents, offering guidance and recommendations to advance HELCOM's work.
During this meeting, the session will review and discuss various documents, offering guidance and recommendations to advance HELCOM's work.
The Baltic Sea is an invaluable economic resource, but only if its ecosystems are protected and restored. Years of unsustainable use and environmental degradation have led to substantial financial losses.
Read more in our brief for policymakers: buff.ly/S83Bjk8
Read more in our brief for policymakers: buff.ly/S83Bjk8
December 16, 2025 at 6:30 AM
The Baltic Sea is an invaluable economic resource, but only if its ecosystems are protected and restored. Years of unsustainable use and environmental degradation have led to substantial financial losses.
Read more in our brief for policymakers: buff.ly/S83Bjk8
Read more in our brief for policymakers: buff.ly/S83Bjk8