The research station at Kristineberg is situated on the Gullmarsfjord, the largest and only true fjord in Sweden. The fjord is 30 km long with a maximum depth of 118 m and has been a natural reserve since 1983. Key features that make this important marine environment unique in Europe are:
- the excellent water quality with two rather distinct water-masses;
- brackish surface water originating from the Baltic and oceanic water from the North Sea at greater depths;
- a large number of habitats, resulting in a very high biodiversity and a unique fauna.
Ecosystems
- Steep rocky ecosystems
- Deep basin sediments
- Sand and mud flats
- Seagrass beds
- Exposed and protected shores