Bothnian Sea National Park

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Bothnian Sea National Park, located in Finland, protects the unique marine environment of the Bothnian Sea, featuring extensive archipelagos, rocky islets, and rich underwater ecosystems. The park is home to a variety of marine and coastal wildlife, including seals and fish species, as well as an abundance of birds that thrive in the diverse habitats.

Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus)
The grey seal is one of the most prominent marine mammals in the Bothnian Sea. These large seals can often be seen resting on rocky islets or swimming in the open waters, where they hunt for fish. They have distinctive elongated snouts and a thick layer of blubber to keep them warm in the cold waters.

Ringed Seal (Pusa hispida)
A rarer sight, the ringed seal is smaller than the grey seal and is adapted to living in icy waters. It is named for the ring-like patterns on its fur and relies on sea ice for breeding. Though more common in the northern Baltic, some individuals are spotted within the park’s waters.

Baltic Herring (Clupea harengus membras)
The Baltic herring is a vital part of the ecosystem, serving as a key food source for both seabirds and larger fish. These small, silvery fish form large schools and are commercially important for local fisheries.

Pike (Esox lucius)
A top predator in the brackish waters of the Bothnian Sea, the pike is known for its elongated body and sharp teeth. It hunts smaller fish and can be found in coastal areas where freshwater mixes with seawater.

Perch (Perca fluviatilis)
Recognizable by its greenish body with dark vertical stripes, the perch is a common species in the park’s coastal waters. It thrives in both brackish and freshwater environments, making it well suited to the changing salinity levels.

Whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus)
An important fish species for both nature and local fishing traditions, the whitefish is adapted to the cooler waters of the Baltic Sea. It is a streamlined fish with silvery scales, often found in deeper waters.

European Eel (Anguilla anguilla)
A mysterious and highly migratory species, the European eel begins its life in the Sargasso Sea before traveling thousands of kilometers to the Baltic region. It has a snake-like body and is an important species in both natural food chains and local fisheries.

Common Eelpout (Zoarces viviparus)
This bottom-dwelling fish has a distinctive elongated body and thrives in the brackish waters of the Bothnian Sea. Unlike most fish, it gives birth to live young rather than laying eggs.

Viviparous Blenny (Zoarces viviparus)
Closely related to the eelpout, this fish is well adapted to the cold and variable conditions of the Baltic Sea. It is often found in rocky areas and seagrass meadows, where it blends in with its surroundings.

Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)
The Atlantic salmon is a well-known migratory fish that spawns in freshwater rivers before migrating to the open sea. While populations in the Bothnian Sea have declined, conservation efforts aim to protect and restore their numbers.

Birds

The park’s coastal and island habitats attract a diverse range of bird species, many of which rely on the park for nesting, feeding, or migratory stopovers.

White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)
The largest bird of prey in the region, the white-tailed eagle is an iconic species of the Bothnian Sea. It has a massive wingspan and hunts fish, waterbirds, and carrion.

Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)
A sea duck known for its thick down feathers, the common eider nests in large colonies on the park’s islands. Males are striking with black and white plumage, while females are brown and well camouflaged.

Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis)
This Arctic-breeding duck is a winter visitor to the Bothnian Sea. It has distinctive long tail feathers and a striking black-and-white coloration.

Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)
An expert diver, the great cormorant feeds on fish and is often seen perched on rocks with its wings spread out to dry. It has established breeding colonies in the archipelago.

Black Guillemot (Cepphus grylle)
This small seabird is known for its black body with a white wing patch and bright red feet. It dives for fish and crustaceans along rocky coastlines.

Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea)
A remarkable long-distance migrant, the Arctic tern breeds in the Bothnian Sea during summer before traveling to the Antarctic for winter. It is highly aggressive in defending its nesting sites.

Common Tern (Sterna hirundo)
Closely related to the Arctic tern, the common tern is slightly less migratory but still covers long distances. It has a black cap, forked tail, and sharp beak used for catching fish.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
A skilled fish hunter, the osprey is often seen hovering over the water before diving feet-first to snatch its prey. It nests in trees near the coast and has a distinctive M-shaped flight profile.

Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator)
This fish-eating duck has a shaggy crest and a slender, serrated bill adapted for catching slippery prey. It thrives in the park’s coastal waters and estuaries.

Common Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna)
A large and colorful duck with a distinctive red bill, the common shelduck prefers coastal lagoons and shallow waters where it forages for invertebrates.

Bothnian Sea National Park is a haven for marine wildlife and seabirds, playing a crucial role in protecting the biodiversity of the Baltic region. Its rich ecosystems provide habitat for species adapted to the brackish waters and rugged archipelagos, making it a fascinating destination for nature enthusiasts.