The first comprehensive overview of the enormous ecological diversity of Baltic coastal ecosystems is presented in this volume provides. A short introduction into the Baltic Sea as a reference ecosystem is followed by detailed descriptions of the characteristics of coastal ecosystems. Ecological case studies from four regions illustrate the different reactions of these ecosystems to natural and anthropogenic influences.

Part I Introduction 1 The Baltic Sea
U. Schiewer 2 The Baltic coastal zones
U. Schiewer Part II Ecological Case Studies Part II.A Southern Baltic Coast 3 Darß-Zingst-, Northern Rügener Boddens and Schlei
U. Schiewer 4 Greifswalder Bodden, Wismar-Bucht and Salzhaff
U. Schiewer 5 The Szczecin (Oder-) Lagoon
T. Radziejewska and G. Schernewski 6 Near-shore zones Koserow and Tromper Wiek
U. Schiewer Part II.B Eastern Baltic Coast 7 Gulf of Gdansk and Puck Bay
L. Kruk-Dowgiallo and A. Szaniawska 8 The Vistula Lagoon
Chubarenko and P. Margonski 9 Curonian Lagoon
Z. R. Gasiunaite, D. Daunys, S. Olenin and A. Razinkovas 10 Gulf of Riga and Pärnu Bay
J. Kotta, V. Lauringson, G. Martin, M. Simm, I. Kotta, K. Herkül and H. Ojaveer 11 Haapsalu and Matsalu Bays
J. Kotta, A. Jaanus and I. Kotta Part II.C Northeastern Baltic Coast 12 Neva Estuary ecosystem
I. V. Telesh, S. M. Golubkov and A. F. Alimov 13 The Gulf of Finland
H. Pitkänen, J. Lehtoranta and H. Peltonen Part II.D Western Baltic Coast 14 Stockholm Archipelago
C. Hill and K. Wallström 15 Askö area and Himmerfjärden
H. Kautsky 16 Odense Fjord and Kerteminde Fjord/Kertinge Nor
H. U. Riisgård, M. M. Møller, M. H. Jensen, N. Rask and E. Glob Part III Synthesis 17 Synthesis
U. Schiewer