Below the surface of Sweden’s west coast

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg study the life, environment and history hidden beneath the surface of Sweden’s west coast. Here you can explore research, stories and opportunities to contribute to new knowledge about the sea.

Get involved in marine research

Marine research does not only happen in laboratories and on research vessels. Here you can explore projects and activities where the public can help researchers learn more about life and the environment beneath the surface.

Search for jellyfish – citizen science project for the benefit of jellyfish

Blue community gardens – cultivation below the surface

A blue community garden is a cultivation platform in the sea for cultivation and storage. It can be compared to an allotment…

Life beneath the surface

The sea along Sweden’s west coast is full of life and constant change. Researchers study everything from endangered mussels and seal behaviour to how human activity is reshaping ecosystems beneath the surface.

Common but declining – blue mussels now on the Red List

For the first time, the blue mussel has been listed as endangered by Swedish Species Information Centre (Artdatabanken),…

Harbour seal stuns scientists with epic swim

After a week of silence, hope was fading. Then the transmitter lit up – on the harbour seal tagged near Koster Island by…

Compass jellyfish more common along Sweden's west coast

More and more sightings of compass jellyfish are being reported to Artdatabanken and Inaturalist, where anyone can submit…

Unique videos show how trawling restrictions brings back life

Trawling restrictions not only benefits fish and shellfish; anemones and corals are also becoming more common, according to…

First Swedish discovery of Manila clam – found on Saltö

The Manila clam, previously unreported in Sweden, was discovered earlier this year on Saltö, just outside Strömstad. Youk…

Oyster parasite Bonamia found on the Swedish west coast

For the first time, the oyster parasite Bonamia has been found in Sweden. Now, the Swedish Board of Agriculture is imposing…

Traces of the west coast’s history

Beneath the surface along Sweden’s west coast are traces of people, journeys and lives from different periods in history. Here you can explore research on shipwrecks, cultural heritage and stories from the sea through the ages.

Shipboard cannon found off the Swedish coast may be the oldest in Europe

Medieval ship found off the west coast of Sweden

A previously undiscovered wreck has been found outside of Fjällbacka on the Swedish west coast. Analysis of wood samples…

Flavours from the sea

How can the sea contribute to a more sustainable food future? Here, research meets recipes, cultivation and new ideas about how marine resources can be used in new and innovative ways.

Seaweed Aquaculture in Sweden has great potentials, study finds

The Ocean Farmers Kitchen

Meet some of our researchers

Behind every discovery are people driven by a desire to better understand the sea. Here you can meet researchers exploring life and the environment beneath the surface along Sweden’s west coast.

Saves seagrass meadows

We are on a boat outside Lilla Askerön between Orust and Tjörn. We are here to look at an eelgrass plantation made three…

Using film to spread knowledge about shallow bays

By collaborating with visual artist Iris Alexandrov, ecotoxicologist Malin Celander aims to spread knowledge about the…

Detects invisible particles in the ocean

Minuscule pieces of plastic and other foreign materials are getting increasingly common in the marine environment. But where…