ABSTRACT
A great deal of new information on the Baltic region's ecological support systems and land use and population distribution patterns has been generated and organized via a geographical information system (GIS) system. The aim was to get an insight into the region-wide environmental pressures that have been building up over time. The part of the drainage basin within the territory of Poland was found to be a key area in terms of nutrient-emission sources. A GIS database was also developed to account for the remaining wetlands in the drainage basin. Wetlands provide a range of different functions, including effective nutrient sinks or traps. The northern Baltic areas still possess effective nitrogen and phosphorus traps and their inputs have a relatively small effect on the ambient-quality status of the Baltic Sea because of limited transportation into the Baltic Proper. Nitrogen-input reduction has become a prime policy target because of the links to blue/green algae episodes and related public perceptions and concerns.
