The Finnish Inventory Programme for the Underwater Marine Environment (VELMU) Methodology guide

During the first phase (2004-2015) of the Underwater Marine Biodiversity Inventory Programme, also known as the VELMU programme, an overview was obtained of the distribution of species and habitats in Finnish marine areas, as well as information on bottom quality and the occurrence of geological formations. In particular, VELMU1 surveyed the geological structure of the seabed, the physical and hydrographic characteristics of the water column, and the distribution of biological habitats and fish breeding areas along the entire Finnish coastline. VELMU's second phase, i.e. VELMU2, will continue the work ofmapping underwater marine nature in the field, with particular focus on poorly known species, habitats and habitats. The aim of the surveys is to find areas of unique natural value and to investigate the distribution and ecological status of rare and endangered underwater habitats and species. Survey results are transferred to databases where they can be used to build prediction models for the distribution of species and underwater habitats. The maps produced are published as part of the map and information service developed by the VELMU programme.The data and prediction models produced by VELMU are utilised in the implementation of both national and international obligations related to underwater diversity in the Baltic Sea(Water Framework Directive, Habitats Directive, Marine Strategy Directive, HELCOM Baltic Sea Protection Action Program, Biodiversity Agreement), as well as background information, e.g. in marine spatial planning. VELMU's information needs and related policy processes are presented in a document (in Finnish) by the Ministry of the Environment entitled ”Policy processes for protecting marine biodiversity - what VELMU information is needed and at what stage the information is input into different processes” The VELMU programme is managed by the Ministry of the Environment together with a steering group, while the Finnish Environment Institute's Maritime Centre is responsible for coordinating it. The operational activities of VELMU are managed by the coordinator Mr.Markku Viitasalo from the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE) together with the project team. In addition to SYKE, the VELMU programme also incorporates coastal ELY centres (Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment), Metsähallitus, the Geological Survey of Finland, the Natural Resources Centre (LUKE), Åbo Akademi University and the Naval Academy Maritime Research Centre. In addition, consultants, including other authorities and non-governmental organisations also participate occasionally. Due to the large number of participants, a unified methodological guide is needed to make the results comparable. The purpose of this manual is to unify and document the methods used in VELMU to create a framework for producing reliable and comparable information. In updating this guideline, particular attention has been paid to ensuring that the creation and storage of new data is also compatible with new information systems. All project surveys conducted within VELMU are planned and implemented in accordance with this guide. However, it should be noted that this manual is generic and may not be suitable for the entire coastline. Data collection methods must therefore be adapted to the specific characteristics of sea areas, such that the overall comparison is not compromised. Therefore, if one decides to deviate from the methods outlined in this guide, it is advisable to agree in advance with the coordinating body.Together, the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE) and Metsähallitus Parks & Wildlife Finland (MH) have been the most recent editors of the method guidelines, with regularupdates over the years.