Coastal of the Baltic Sea (during the period 1999-2003 data set limits: 55 38 - 55 49N; 20 48 - 21 04E; since 2004 data set limits: 55 38 - 56 03N; 20 48 - 21 05E );

Concentration of suspended particulate material in the water column

Discrete water samplers

The aim of the research is to evaluate suspended matter concentrations in the coastal zone of the Baltic Sea. This region is actively impacted by anthropogenic activities: disposal of the dredged spoils, oil's filling into tankers, etc. In accordance with the national Baltic Sea monitoring programme, research of suspended matter has been performed every season by the Lithuanian research vessel 'VEJAS'. Sampling has been carried out at 4-7 stations at two (bottom, surface) or three water layers. Since 1999 suspended matter investigations were carried out in the region of the disposal of the dredged spoils and in the region of Plume of Curonian Lagoon (transitional water). Since 2004 the net of stations in the region, where the oil fillings into tankers are taken place, have been included. The data are fully quality controlled. Systematic certification of laboratories, participation in international intercalibrations, internal control, introduced managing system for research' quality determine quality of data. All data is stored in archive (written form) and the data also is saved on hard disk.

Department of Marine Research of the Environmental Protection Agency
Taikos Av. 26
Klaipeda

LT-91149
Lithuania