What are the causes of high levels of dioxins in oil-rich fish in the Baltic Sea? What are the emission sources of dioxins and other organic environmental toxins that reach the Baltic Sea? These two questions are being examined by the BalticPOPs research programme.
Baltic herring and other oil-rich fish contain levels of dioxins in excess of the limit set by EU for sale of fish for consumption. The levels vary along the Baltic Sea coast.
Researchers are collecting and processing data in order to evaluate whether these differences are primarily due to the fact that dioxins are spread over considerable distances by air or if it is due to regional sources.
The Swedish EPA wants to use the documentation so that the most effective measures are taken to counteract the high levels of dioxins and persistent organic pollutants (POPs).
We want to use the knowledge in national action initiatives, in cooperation with the EU and in international environmental work under the Stockholm Convention, the Air Pollution Control Convention (CLRTAP) as well as in bilateral cooperation.
The programme consists of two projects and a general synthesis. Researchers from Sweden, Finland and Russia will participate in the programme.
The Swedish EPA will contribute SEK 6 million to the programme, which will run from 2009 to 2011.
Contacts
Swedish EPA
Hakam Al-Hanibali
Phone: +46 (0)10 698 1417
E-mail: hakam.al-hanbali@swedishepa.se
Tove Hammarberg
Phone: +46 (0)10 698 1332
E-mail: tove.hammarberg@swedishepa.se
Umeå University
Karin Wiberg, programme manager
Phone: +46 (0)90 786 5672
E-mail: karin.wiberg@chem.umu.se