Improving the environmental condition of Haapsalu Bay

The improvement of the ecological status of the Haapsalu Bay, a marine area bordering the ports of Haapsalu Tagalaht Bay, is a measure/project outlined in the Programme of Measures of the Estonia's Marine Strategy. It involves conducting research and implementing technical measures to create conditions for restoring and achieving good environmental status in the Haapsalu Bay.
Several preparatory studies have been conducted previously to identify and implement possible technical solutions. Findings from all prior studies indicate that Haapsalu Bay is an eutrophic waterbody, whose condition will continue to deteriorate without intervention. Researchers suggest that the most effective countermeasure is the removal of excessive sediment (mud) accumulated in the Haapsalu Bay over the years. Stopping and reversing the degradation of the Haapsalu Bay will contribute to the preservation of the ports bordering the bay, support regional businesses, increase the recreational value of the bay, enhance tourism, diversify usage opportunities, improve the status of species and habitats associated with the bay, and promote the continued improvement of the bay’s condition.
This project focuses primarily on hydromorphological measures related to the mud at the bottom of the Tagalaht Bay. By reducing, relocating, and reusing the mud, it is possible to reverse the degradation of the bay, improve its condition, and ensure the sustainability of the regional ports for transport connections, fisheries, recreational activities, and tourism.
The overarching objective of the project is to create the conditions and prerequisites for improving the ecological status of Tagalaht Bay, enhancing the biodiversity of marine habitats, and contributing to the socio-economic
development of the region as the bay's condition improves.
The specific objectives/activities of the project are as follows:
1)Data collection through research: Obtain essential information about the mud in the seabed, including the distribution and thickness of sediment layers, mud composition, nutrient content, and other data necessary for its removal and reuse.
2) Develop a strategy: Based on research findings, design a strategy to implement an environmentally sustainable technology for mud extraction and subsequent management.
3) Technological mud removal: Extract mud from the Tagalaht Bay to improve water movement and enhance the ecological status of the bay.
4) Environmentally friendly reuse of extracted mud: Process and reuse the removed mud in a way that aligns with environmental sustainability.
By removing and reusing sediment from the seabed, the project will halt further ecological degradation of Tagalaht Bay, improve its environmental status, and support the development of regional business and socio-economic conditions.
The project is divided into two phases:
1. Phase 1: Conducting the necessary studies for mud removal and reuse.
2. Phase 2: Removing mud from the seabed of the Tagalaht Bay.
Expected impact
Through the project, conditions will be created for improving the ecological status of the Tagalaht Bay while preserving and enhancing biodiversity.
As a result of the project, overgrowth in the Tagalaht Bay will be halted, valuable species habitats will be preserved, and effective protection of the marine area in the Tagalaht Bay will be ensured.