What we do

Our mission is to provide transdisciplinary knowledge on wicked problems linked to marine biodiversity and its role in the societal transition to sustainability. Focusing on the Archipelago Sea and Åland Island area in Finland, we study how human actions interact with marine biodiversity in creating wicked problems, and what can be done to solve such challenges. We are an Åbo Akademi University Centre of Excellence funded by the Åbo Akademi University Foundation during 2024–2028.

Read more

Why SOS?

Sustainable Ocean Science is needed as we are grappling with the triple planetary crisis of biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution. On a global and planetary scale, we are beyond safe operating spaces for biosphere integrity – that is biodiversity and all its dimensions. On a regional level – EU recognises that 79 % of its coastal seabed is destroyed due to our ways of fishing, key groups of animals are in critical decline and 46 % or the coastal waters suffers from eutrophication. Bringing us to our own wicked problem in the Baltic Sea – here in Turku in the Archipelago Sea, we unfortunately still struggle with the last Eutrophication Hot Spot in Finland.

Upcoming events

Latest news

Why Does the Archipelago Sea Matter to You? New Research Seeks Your Voice

2.9.2025

A new survey invites people who visit or live near the Archipelago Sea to share their personal connections to this unique marine environment. The study is part of the Cultural Value of Coastlines project within the broader MARBEFES initiative, led by Dr. Tiina Salo and Associate Professor Anna Törnroos-Remes from Åbo Akademi University’s Environmental and Marine Biology department, exploring where and how we engage with and value our marine and coastal environments, aiming to understand not just what people do in the Archipelago Sea area, but why these places matter to them on a deeper, more personal level.

New Survey Explores How Finns Relate to Baltic Sea Species

29.8.2025

A new nationwide survey invites people living in Finland, aged 18 and up, to participate in a study focused on marine species in the Baltic Sea. The survey is part of doctoral researcher Jolanda Linsén’s PhD project, which aims to deepen our understanding of human relationships with marine organisms, an area of research that is not only rare in the Baltic Sea region, but worldwide. The survey takes approximately 20–30 minutes to complete and can be accessed in Finnish, Swedish, and English. It will remain open until Baltic Sea Day 2026 or until the necessary number of responses has been reached.

Call for Abstracts: 2026 Ocean Sciences Meeting

4.8.2025

SOS invites abstract submissions to the session “Navigating Boundaries and Power in Transdisciplinary Ocean Research: Towards ‘the Science We Need for the Ocean We Want'” that we are co-organising at the 2026 Ocean Sciences Meeting in Glasgow, Scotland on 22–27 February 2026. The deadline for abstract submissions is August 20.

Internship open at SOS for ÅAU students!

13.6.2025

SOS is hiring an intern for autumn 2025 to assist with day-to-day tasks and activities at the centre. This internship offers a great opportunity to follow the work of a transdisciplinary research team, to learn more about interdisciplinary marine research, and to acquire and develop useful skills for the future. The duration of the internship is either three months full time or four months part-time, and the salary is 1500 €/month.