Shallow bays and reed beds are very important for a large number of plants, insects and birds and fish that are completely dependent on these areas for their reproduction. Dredging and the clearing of reed beds may disturb the ecological balance in the area.
The Government of Åland must, in cooperation with other concerned actors, identify biologically valuable bays, species and habitats and require that they be assessed. At the same time, the possibility of simplifying legislation further with respect to less valuable areas, such as marinas, is being explored. Legislation must be revised taking this into account. First and foremost, the measure seeks to maintain the conditions for the existence of organisms in those bays which accommodate important underwater plants and animals. In these particularly important bays, even a small operation (less than 50 square metres) can have major adverse effects on underwater plants and animals. It is important to preserve known existing habitats to avoid biodiversity loss.
