Middle Bank is located in the middle of the southern Baltic Proper, the main basin of the Baltic Sea. Salinity in the sub basin varies from higher levels in the southern and western parts to lower levels in the north, where the number of marine species declines. The Baltic Proper boasts a number of important breeding grounds for fish, birds and seals, but its overall health is poor, as a consequence of the excessive nutrient load that has led to eutrophication.
Middle Bank is situated approximately 80 km from the nearest coast, in the exclusive economic zones of Poland and Sweden. Salinity in the area is relatively low, at 6/7,5 psu, and the shallowest area is at 13 meters depth. The bank’s exposure to waves, combined with the low salinity, limits the number of marine species living there. Nevertheless, the species that do call this bank their home have an important role in the ecosystem. Blue mussels are present in high numbers on scattered stones across the bank. These mussels are an important food resource to the wintering long-tailed duck. In deeper waters of the area, the Saduria community is found; a community which is listed as threatened and/or declining in the Southern Baltic Proper by HELCOM. The area also has sandbanks; a habitat which is protected under the EU Habitats Directive, but Middle Bank remains unprotected.
Oceana has conducted underwater surveys in the area in 2011 and 2012.
Sweden has plans to establish an offshore wind farm at Middle Bank, and will therefore not consider protecting the area. Poland is not considering protecting the area.
