Temporal and spatial differences in nitrogen and phosphorus biogeochemistry and ecosystem functioning of a hypertrophic lagoon (Curonian Lagoon, SE Baltic Sea) revealed via Ecological Network Analysis.

In coastal lagoons, eutrophication and hydrology are interacting factors that produce distortions in biogeochemical nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) cycles. Such distortions affect nutrient relative availability and produce cascade consequences on primary producer's community and ecosystem functioning. In this study, the seasonal functioning of a coastal lagoon was investigated with a multielement approach, via the construction and analysis of network models.

Coastal wastewater treatment plants as a source of endocrine disrupting micropollutants: a case study of Lithuania in the Baltic Sea.

In temperate coastal areas, the resident population often increases during holidays. As a result, this can lead to higher wastewater production and release of pollutants. The connection between micropollutants such as plasticizers and hormones with the changing resident population along the Baltic Sea coast has yet to be thoroughly studied.

Ecosystem Services in the Nemunas Delta: Differences in Perceptions of Farmers, Birdwatchers and Scientists.

Engaging relevant stakeholders to identify ecosystem services is an important step in ensuring better management actions and nature protection. In this study, we involved three stakeholder groups that gave their opinions on different aspects regarding the usage, threats and protection of ecosystem services in the Nemunas Delta region (south-eastern Baltic Sea). Opinions from 178 respondents, representing local farmers, birdwatchers and scientists were collected in order to evaluate the importance of ecosystem services and to distinguish the most effective actions to sustain them.

Wind energy development and wildlife conservation in Lithuania: A mapping tool for conflict assessment.

The paper presents a mapping tool aiming to identify and minimise potential conflicts between onshore wind energy development and wildlife conservation in Lithuania. It merges current information on the distribution, conservation status and sensitivity of birds and bats to wind power with an integrated evaluation of wind resources (modelled wind speed), special planning status and technical perspectives of wind energy development. The paper includes assessment of the selected wildlife species which were described as sensitive to wind power (69 breeding and 43 migratory bird species and 17 bat species bats in the country).