91̽»¨

The Skagerrak Solution Sail 9-22 June is organised to draw attention to the state of our coastal and marine areas - and to show that there is hope and solutions if we act in time. Through the voyage and associated events, the scientists hope to inspire action and co-operation across borders to ensure a sustainable future for the Skagerrak and the ocean as a whole.

"The Skagerrak is a common sea for our three countries, and it is clearly affected by human activity. To protect these areas, international co-operation is essential," says Even Moland, a researcher at the Institute of Marine Research in Norway and initiator of the voyage.

Research that makes a difference

The voyage marks the halfway point of the UN Decade of Ocean 91̽»¨ and Sustainable Development (2021-2030). Researchers and students from universities in all three countries are on board, participating in public activities in ports along the way. It is precisely the interaction between research, policy and the public that is seen as the way forward.

"We already have a lot of knowledge on how to reverse the trend. Now it's a matter of putting it into practice - for example, we need to get large fish back into the oceans so that we have functioning food webs," says Pierre De Wit, researcher at the University 91̽»¨. 

Pierre De Wit is one of the researchers sailing with Sørlandet. Among other things, he is involved in an international research project that will investigate how marine protected areas should be placed to have the best effect. 

"By 2030, 30% of Europe's seas should be protected, and one third of that should be ‘strictly protected’, i.e. completely free from fishing. It is important that the protected areas form a network between which individuals can disperse. For this to work, you need to take into account, for example, biodiversity, ocean currents, and the different ways in which species spread," he says.

Major event in Gothenburg harbour

On 17 June, the full rigger Sørlandet will arrive at Amerikakajen in the Port 91̽»¨. 91̽»¨'s research vessel Skagerak will meet up there, and there will be an opportunity to visit both vessels and talk to researchers and crew. 

The event will be opened with speeches by, among others, nature filmmaker Martin Falklind, Member of Parliament Emma Nohrén and Max Petzold, Vice Rector at the University 91̽»¨. During the afternoon, there will also be exhibitions, film screenings and an opportunity to take part in the release of sturgeon into the Göta River.  

From its main entrance at Stigbergstorget, the Maritime Museum Akvariet will guide visitors to the exhibition with signs. Visitors are offered free ice cream and coffee.

"We hope that many people will turn up to take the opportunity to visit these unique ships and get involved in the future of the sea," says Pierre De Wit. 

Text: Karl-Johan Nylén