Metsähallitus Runs Marine Inventory Programme MERLIN
Metsähallitus manages the state-owned land and water areas, which cover about one third of Finland’s area, more than 120 000 km². About a quarter of this area, over 30 000 km², is on the sea. Most of the water areas are state-owned public water areas, but many different nature reserves also include water areas.
MERLIN Produces Data
The main aim of our marine biological work is to make inventories on natural features of marine areas. Metsähallitus runs the Marine Inventory Programme MERLIN, which produces data on species and natural habitat types. This data is made use of in planning the management and sustainable use of the state-owned sea areas, especially recreational use of marine and coastal areas, and conserving their biodiversity.
The MERLIN Programme is part of the Finnish Inventory Programme for the Underwater Marine Environment (VELMU). Metsähallitus cooperates closely with local organisations, as well as with international research projects.
Marine biological work also includes management planning of the areas, monitoring species and natural habitat types, international cooperation and research.
More information
- Whole of Finland: Senior Advisor Jan Ekebom, tel.int. +358 40 503 6211
- Southwestern Archipelago: Marine Conservation Biologist Minna Boström, tel.int. +358 400 896 403
- Eastern Gulf of Finland: Marine Conservation Biologist Ari O. Laine, tel.int. +358 40 542 0387
- Kvarken Archipelago: Marine Conservation Biologist Michael Haldin, tel.int. +358 40 505 8580
- Perämeri (the northernmost corner of the Bothnian Bay): Marine Conservation Biologist Essi Keskinen, tel.int. +358 400 867 823
- The Finnish Inventory Programme for the Underwater Marine Environment (VELMU) (www.ymparisto.fi/velmu)
- Public water areas managed by Metsähallitus