Most people know them as a brownish mass of seaweed at the water's edge. Or as the wrapping for sushi. But marine algae play an important role in the lives of both animals and humans. Therefore, they are being studied as part of the environmental studies prior to the con-struction of the Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link.

Jellyfish, algae and seaweed can keep even the most persevering swimmer out of the water. As part of the studies prior to the construction of the Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link, biologists are studying the presence of these and other things that may make a swim less enticing.

For the first time in Danish waters, a chemical method is being used to classify and chart the algae in the Feh-marnbelt. This is both inexpensive and efficient.

Around 100 seabirds in and around the Fehmarnbelt are tagged with radio and satellite transmitters in order for experts to monitor their flight paths and diving patterns. This provides a detailed insight into the life of the birds and forms part of the planning for the fixed link.

Fehmarnbelt is a border area between the saline Kattegat and Baltic’s brackish waters and is home a rich fish population. As part of the Fehmarnbelt project, close to 60 species of fish have been registered here.

Certain animals, plants and habitats enjoy special protection under Natura 2000 legislation, the EU’s main defence against endangered nature.

Eels in Danish and German waters are being tagged to enable biologists to monitor their migration through the inner Danish waters. The project forms part of the investigations prior to the Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link.

When people leave, the insects move in. That’s the story behind the old railway site at Rødbyhavn which is now a paradise for new species.

Sightings of large numbers of porpoises in the Fehmarnbelt have surprised marine biologists and highlighted the area’s importance to these small toothed whales.

Every month for two years, the birdlife around the Fehmarnbelt will be observed from the air and the water. This will form part of the environ-mental studies that takes place before the construction of the fixed link.

Environmental impact assessments (EIAs) are traditionally approached rather differently in Denmark and Germany. This is why Danish firm COWI and German firm TGP, who are surveying the environment on either side of the Fehmarnbelt, have been exchanging ideas and experiences.