Three potentially protected areas of the Baltic Sea have acquired new names - Zēgelnieku sēklis, Alku sēklis and Papes kalva, informs LIFE REEF project, who carries out scientific research in Latvia's exclusive economic zone in the Baltic Sea and studies three areas in depth in order to include these territories in the network of marine protected areas.
Largest of the pilot-territories territories is Zēgelnieku sēkļi near Ventspils. The author of the name was inspired by VIlnis Milters dictionary "Dundznik valad", where the language of the Dundaga neighborhood and local residents is explained.
The area near Pāvilosta will be called Alku sēklis from now on. The name was suggested by an experienced ornithologist, because Cepphus grylle are found in this area - in her opinion, the most interesting water birds in the Baltic Sea. Alcs spend almost all of their time in the water, catching fish, cleaning their feathers and sleeping, but they only come ashore during the breeding season.
The third area, located near Liepāja, will be called Pape kalva from now on, because data from the deep sea area show that the seabed is abundantly covered with stones and piles of stones.
There are currently seven marine protected areas in Latvia: Nida-Pērkone, Irbes šaurums, Akmensrags, Rīgas līča rietumu piekraste, Selga uz rietumiem no Tūjas, Vitrupe-Tūja and Ainaži-Salacgrīva.