Reed and mud collection

Haapsalu Bay, Estonia

The Common Reed (Phragmites australis) can form dense stands along the coasts of seas and inland water bodies where it can cause environmental problems, as it is a strong competitor which can eliminate many other species. At the same time reed provides valuable habitat for many bird species.

The Common Reed has been used as a construction material in many countries around the Baltic Sea for a long time. However, new uses of reed include energy production (incineration and biogas production) and removal of nutrients from water systems (inclunding post treatment of wastewater). In order to explore this potential, better knowledge about reed area and its biomass is needed.

Marine sedimentary mud or curative mud from the Baltic Sea have been traditionally used for health care and as an ingredient in cosmetic products. Due to its therapeutic effects, the industrial use of mud in Estonia began in 1825.

Building on the results of the INTERREG III A project “Reed Strategy in Finland and Estonia”, in which an overall frame was established around the problems and possibilities to use common reed in water protection, maintenance of biodiversity and as a source for construction material and biofuel, SUBMARINER will undertake the following activities: 

• Conduct an inventory of marine resources in Haapsalu Bay
• Carry out an assessment of sustainable technologies to collect and use reed and curative mud
• Develop recommendations for national regulatory changes
• Organise a seminar for local stakeholders interested in the use of marine resources