Summary
In the Skagerrak and Kattegat, surface water temperatures were normal and sea surface salinity lower than normal in the north. Sea surface salinity was higher than normal in the Sound. Surface temperatures and salinities were normal for the time of year in the Baltic. Nutrient concentrations in surface waters were normal in most regions, with the exception of silicate which was higher than normal in the Sound and phosphate which was higher than normal in the southern Baltic. Oxygen concentrations were close to zero in the Bornholm Basin / Hanö Bight. Oxygen concentrations below 2 ml/l occurred throughout the remainder of the Baltic Proper where depths exceeded 65 – 80 metres. Hydrogen sulphide was found once again in the eastern and western Gotland basins from 90 – 140 metres. Some phytoplankton activity was seen in the Skagerrak, in the western and eastern Gotland Basins.