Summary
Surface water temperatures were below normal in the whole area. Surface nutrient concentrations were normal at most stations but above normal silicate and nitrate concentrations were recorded in the central parts of Skagerrak and in the Arkona Basin. The bottom water of the Arkona Basin was well oxygenated with concentrations exceeding 7.4 ml/l. In the remaining parts, oxygen concentrations below 2 ml/l were present at depths exceeding 60-80 metres. Hydrogen sulphide was found deeper than 80 to 90 metres in the western Gotland Basin and deeper than 125 to 150 metres in the northern- and eastern Gotland Basins. The spring bloom was ongoing in the Kattegat.