Volume 6 - 2025 | <a class="ArticleLayoutHeader__info__doi" href="https://doi.org/10.3389/frsen.2025.1576192">https://doi.org/10.3389/frsen.2025.1576192</a>
This article is part of the Research TopicMultibeam Echosounder Backscatter: Advances and Applications<a class="Link Link--linkType Link--maincolor Link--medium Link--icon Link--chevronRight Link--right" aria-label="View all 6 articles" href="https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/65393/multibeam-echosounder-backscatter-advances-and-applications/articles" target="_self" data-event="customLink-linkType-a_viewAll6Articles">View all 6 articles</a>
Anchoring activities exert significant physical pressure on seabed
altering benthic habitats through mechanical disturbances
The European Marine Strategy Framework Directive mandates the assessment of such anthropogenic impacts
Evaluating seabed integrity requires an understanding of both the spatial extent of disturbance and the rate of recovery
This study presents multibeam echosounder bathymetry and backscatter from a heavily impacted area in the Bay of Eckernf&#x000f6;rde
a region with intensive tourist and naval shipping traffic
The data reveal a dense network of anchor tracks
characterized by elongated furrows flanked by mounds to both sides and extensive abrasion zones caused by the anchor chains
The profile of a fresh anchor track shows a depth of &#x02212;0.3&#x000a0;m and a mound elevation of 0.2 m
both features diminishing by approximately half after 1&#x000a0;year
Its initial anchor impact crater reaches maximum depth of 0.7&#x000a0;m in the silty sediments
Seafloor disturbance extends approximately 3&#x000a0;m to both sides from anchor tracks
affecting approximately 20% of the surveyed area
a relative timeline was constructed using a topological sorting algorithm and compared with absolute dating based on AIS data
Results indicate slope measurements effectively capture anchor track degradation until morphological equilibrium is reached
tracks remain visible in backscatter data by increased intensity along former mounds
This suggests that anchor tracks have a more persistent impact on seabed integrity than bathymetric data indicate
The spatial extent and the long-lasting effect of the anchor tracks highlight the necessity for explicit spatial management strategies to mitigate cumulative impacts on seabed integrity
To evaluate the effects of anchoring on marine habitats
it is essential to monitor the long-term physical disturbances to the seabed and the subsequent sedimentological and morphological regeneration processes
Accurate detection of anchor tracks and seafloor alterations can support targeted sampling for ecological investigations
To reduce the need for extended and resource-intensive monitoring over several years
this study employs an integrative methodological approach that combines high-resolution multibeam bathymetry and backscatter data with chronological information based on a topological sorting algorithm and Automatic Identification System (AIS) data
The nearby city of Eckernf&#x000f6;rde with a population of about 22,000 inhabitants is a popular tourist destination with a sandy beach
the bay is intensively used by small recreational
sailing and fishing boats as well as military vessels stationed at a naval base
the southern part of the study area falls within a designated warning area established by the German Navy
prohibiting anchoring or any similar ground contact
Map of the survey areas in August 2022 and September 2023
located in the inner part of the bay close to the city of Eckernf&#x000f6;rde
The background shows derived raster images of digital orthophotos DOP20 &#x024b8;GeoBasis-DE/LVermGeo SH/CC BY 4.0
The location of Eckernf&#x000f6;rde Bay is indicated by the intersecting lines on the overview map
The hydroacoustic dataset was collected during 1-week surveys in August 2022 and in September 2023
The initial survey area of 0.16&#x000a0;km2 in 2022 was extended to 0.84&#x000a0;km2 during the 2023 survey
The utilized NORBIT iWBMSe multibeam echosounder (MBES) with an integrated Applanix SurfMaster sensor for motion compensation was mounted on the 7&#x000a0;m long aluminum catamaran Klaashahn
The navigational accuracy was about 1&#x000a0;m during the survey in 2022 (EGNOS) and improved to a few centimeters during the survey in 2023 using received correction signals (RTK)
The vessel maintained an average speed of around 3.5 knots throughout the surveys
Bathymetry and backscatter data were recorded using the NORBIT WMBS GUI
where the data were re-exported to apply a true heave calculation
The survey area was recorded twice each year
once at 200&#x000a0;kHz and once at 400&#x000a0;kHz frequency
The swath was set to 120&#x000b0; covered by 512 beams
The pulse length for data acquisition was set to 0.2&#x000a0;m
The hydroacoustic data were processed using the software QPS Qimera (2.6.3) for bathymetric maps and QPS FMGT (7.11.1) for backscatter maps
The bathymetry was gridded at 0.25&#x000a0;m and the backscatter mosaic at 0.1&#x000a0;m resolution
Although a number of unidentified seafloor features were detected
the focus in this study is on the analysis of the abundant anchoring tracks in the survey area
Basis for this analysis were bathymetry and backscatter maps for both frequencies as well as maps derived from bathymetric data
This temporal order at each intersection of the anchor tracks was manually determined based on the hydroacoustic maps
Figure 2. Impact of an anchoring process on the seabed shown in bathymetry (A), slope (B) and backscatter at 400&#x000a0;kHz (C). The different stages of the process are labeled in the schematic (D). For location within the survey area see <a href="#F5">Figure 5</a>
to fill the graph with the intersection information (add_edge) and to confirm that the graph is a DAG (nx.is_directed_acyclic_graph)
the tracks are assigned to different generations (nx.topological_generations)
ensuring that a preceding track is always in a previous generation and a subsequent track in a following generation
while placing the track in the earliest generation possible
the DAG is plotted (nx.draw) as a dependency tree
Geospatial analysis allows to quantify the impact of anchoring on the physical seafloor integrity. The geospatial analysis assumes symmetrical features on both sides of an anchor track. For evaluation, a multi-ring buffer with 0.1&#x000a0;m intervals was generated around each track line, extending up to 5&#x000a0;m on either side (see <a href="#F3">Figure 3F</a>)
The buffer rings of different tracks intersect and overlap
causing some data points to be included in the buffer rings of more than one track
and backscatter were calculated for each of the 50 buffer rings
separately for the two frequencies (200 and 400&#x000a0;kHz)
These frequency-specific mean values were then utilized to generate average seafloor property profiles (depth
backscatter) for the different generations of anchor tracks
To normalize bathymetric profiles relative to water depth
all mean values were adjusted by subtracting the weighted mean of the 3&#x02013;5&#x000a0;m distance range
To estimate the volume of the anchor tracks
the cross-sectional area was calculated from the average seafloor depth profiles and doubled to account for symmetry
The mean cross-sectional area along an anchor track was then multiplied by the track length to determine the mean incision volume
This volume represents the sediment displacement per meter of anchor track
By multiplying this value with the total length of all digitized anchor tracks in the study area
a rough estimate of the total sediment displacement caused by anchoring activity is obtained
False-color imagery can facilitate the interpretation of complex spatial datasets by assigning different color channels to different data attributes (<a href="#B36">Tamsett et al., 2016</a>)
the backscatter intensities recorded at two frequencies (200 and 400&#x000a0;kHz) are allocated to the first two channels (red and green)
while the slope derived from the 400&#x000a0;kHz bathymetry is assigned to the third channel (blue)
assuming that each entry corresponds to a 3-min interval
Total duration vessels reported a navigation status of &#x02019;At Anchor&#x02019; or &#x02019;Moored&#x02019; within the investigation area
Data from January 2016 to June 2017 are missing
The grain size analysis of five stations in the central part of the study site reveals similar distribution of cohesive, fine-grained sediments (samples KH2208_07, KH2208_08, KH2208_09, KH2208_10, and KH2309_02). The majority of the grain size distribution at these stations is within the silt range (64.5%&#x02013;71.8%), with minor parts in the sand (12.0%&#x02013;16.5%) and clay (14.1%&#x02013;17.7%) ranges (<a href="#F5">Figure 5B</a>)
The westernmost station KH2309_01 shows an increased percentage of sand (32.9%) and almost no clay (2.6%)
The sediment from station KH2309_4 in the east shows an increase of the sand fraction (25.6%) and a slight decrease in the clay fraction (10.7%)
the sediment sample KH2309_3 comprises a high percentage of sand (88.3%) and grain sizes in the range of gravel (4.3%)
Figure 5. Hydroacoustic maps of the survey 2023. (A) The hillshaded bathymetry at 0.25&#x000a0;m resolution shows numerous anchor tracks and the location of maps used in <a href="#F2">Figures 2</a>, <a href="#F3">3</a>, <a href="#F6">6</a>, <a href="#F10">10</a>
(B) Backscatter intensity at 400&#x000a0;kHz frequency and the grain size distribution at eight stations
(C) False-color image composed of backscatter intensity at 200&#x000a0;kHz (red)
backscatter intensity at 400&#x000a0;kHz (green)
In general, the seafloor at the survey site is gently sloping, with water depths ranging from &#x02212;13 to &#x02212;21&#x000a0;m (<a href="#F5">Figure 5A</a>). Backscatter data reveal subtle changes in seafloor sediment composition, particularly towards the western and eastern sides of the area (<a href="#F5">Figure 5B</a>), which is highlighted by yellowish colors in the false-color image (<a href="#F5">Figure 5C</a>)
Increased backscatter intensity at the western boundary of the survey site corresponds to a higher sand fraction in station KH2309_01
Very high backscatter intensities at the eastern boundary are related to the occurrence of gravel-sized sediment particles (station KH2309_03)
the high-backscatter flanks are represented by yellowish hues
in contrast to the bright blue and white tones depicting the mounds which are also visible in the bathymetry
the youngest generation with only two tracks
the number of tracks decreases with each successive generation
The largest network of anchor tracks in the survey area
with colors indicating the relative chronology from oldest generation to youngest based on a topological sorting algorithm
The background shows the hillshade based on the bathymetry
The rose plot shows the main orientation of the anchor tracks in the survey area of 81&#x000b0;
Directed acyclic graph (DAG) illustrating the temporal order of anchoring tracks as organized by a topological sorting algorithm
Each node corresponds to an individual anchoring track
while each directed edge indicates a temporal relationship between two tracks
The network is organized into distinct generations
backscatter intensity decreases with each successive generation
which exhibited relatively high values both on the mound and at greater distances
Tracks from this generation have a particularly large number of intersections
which likely contribute to the increased values at greater distances of the averaged profiles
are minimal both for bathymetric parameters and backscatter intensity
Variations in mound elevation are negligible
but furrow depth is slightly greater at 400&#x000a0;kHz for all generations (with 0.3&#x02013;2&#x000a0;cm)
Relative backscatter intensities show a variation of approximately 3&#x000a0;dB within each frequency
Figure 9. Averaged profiles for anchor track generations (colored) and the observed single anchoring track shown in <a href="#F10">Figure 10</a> (dashed gray) at 200&#x000a0;kHz and 400&#x000a0;kHz frequencies: (A
D) difference in bathymetry relative to the weighted mean over distances of 3&#x02013;5&#x000a0;m
The maxima for backscatter intensity align closely with slope peaks and are more pronounced at the 400&#x000a0;kHz frequency
particularly across the furrow and much of the mound
Figure 10. Hillshaded bathymetry (400&#x000a0;kHz) at 0.25&#x000a0;m resolution showing a single 180&#x000a0;m-long anchor track: (A) before disturbance at Day 0 in 2022, (B) at Day 1 after the creation in 2022, and (C) at Day 377 in 2023. (D) Backscatter at 400&#x000a0;kHz of the single anchor track in 2023. (E) Profile of the single anchor track. (F) Profile of the anchor impact crater. For location within the survey area see <a href="#F5">Figure 5</a>
Averaged profile for the observed single anchoring track at three different time points: (A) difference in bathymetry relative to the weighted mean of distances of 3&#x02013;5&#x000a0;m
(C) difference in backscatter relative to the weighted mean of distances 3&#x02013;5&#x000a0;m (only for 2023)
The analysis of AIS data provides detailed insights into the timing and location of the anchoring process for the investigated single anchor track (<a href="#F12">Figure 12A</a>)
The anchoring process of the ship began with the first recorded &#x02018;At Anchor&#x02019; entry with a reported speed over ground of 0.8 knots in the navigational status
following the final &#x02018;Under way using engine&#x02019;
Due to the ship&#x02019;s length of 101&#x000a0;m
the GPS antenna&#x02019;s position creates an offset from the actual anchor location
further affected by the anchor chain length
Multiple AIS data entries during anchoring indicated positions approximately 135&#x000a0;m west of the final anchor position on the seafloor
The final &#x02018;At Anchor&#x02019; entry marks the end of the anchoring period
with a total duration of approximately 2.5&#x000a0;h
prevented the formation of a pronounced abrasion area at the seabed
was likely attributed to the process of anchor retrieval and departure
The AIS data overlaid on slope data of 2023 illustrate the position of the ships while at anchor
(A) Ship positions prior to (black dots) and during (black anchors) the creation of a single anchoring track (white dashed line)
(B) AIS data with the navigational status &#x02019;At Anchor&#x02019; between the surveys in August 2022 and September 2023
Seven new anchor tracks (white dashed lines) were formed in the overlapping area during this period
(C) Detailed view of an anchor track (304 days old) with its abrasion area and associated AIS data (green anchors) of the anchoring ship
(D) The counts of AIS data entries &#x02018;At Anchor&#x02019; per 10 &#x000d7; 10&#x000a0;m grid for the time of May 2014 to December 2023
highlighting clusters of increased density
It is situated in a heavily impacted area with multiple tracks and abrasion features
the averaged slope profiles display lower values approximately 5&#x000b0; for the peak and increased values around 4&#x000b0; at greater distances
The averaged backscatter profiles indicate high intensities across all distances
with a slight decrease of backscatter intensity toward the outer edges
Figure 13. Averaged profiles of selected tracks within the large network, color-coded by age based on AIS data and the single anchoring track shown in <a href="#F10">Figure 10</a> (dashed gray)
recorded at 200&#x000a0;kHz and 400&#x000a0;kHz frequencies: (A
D) bathymetric difference relative to the weighted mean over distances of 3&#x02013;5&#x000a0;m
All ships were between 72 and 101&#x000a0;m long
In terms of investigating the anthropogenic impacts on the marine environment, Descriptor D6 within the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) specifically addresses the importance of seafloor integrity for benthic ecosystems (<a href="#B11">European Parliament, Council of the European Union, 2008</a>)
anchoring is identified as a physical damage that causes abrasion of the seabed
the alterations caused by anchor disturbance and the time required for benthic habitats to return to equilibrium is critical for monitoring the environmental status
the presented multibeam echosounder data have revealed numerous anchor tracks on the seabed
The most prominent observed features are elongated or curved furrows formed by anchors moving across the seafloor
cutting into the substrate and increasing seafloor roughness
These anchor tracks transform an initially smooth seafloor surface into one characterized by furrows on the scale of decimeters
who include the abrasion area and give maximum volumes based on a different approach
with similar disturbance patterns as anchor tracks
can remain visible for over 8&#x000a0;years
These findings highlight the persistence of anchoring tracks
fine-grained sediments within sheltered environments such as Eckernf&#x000f6;rde Bay
which are often selected for safe anchoring
such areas may be especially vulnerable to repeated anchor disturbances due to both their sedimentary characteristics and their preferential use as anchorages
Since the oldest generation no longer shows mound elevations but still retains an average furrow depth of &#x02212;0.04 m
the furrow persists longer as a morphological structure on the seafloor
more compacted subsurface material displaced during anchor scouring
effectively adding load to the underlying sediment
This enduring compaction may enhance backscatter intensity relative to undisturbed areas
particularly when a well-defined abrasion area is present to align with the reported positions of the vessel&#x02019;s GPS antenna
and reconstruction of an absolute chronology is possible
Combining both methods improves the overall understanding of track degradation
If anchoring leaves a long-term imprint on the seafloor and the shallow subsurface
it raises the possibility that other marine activities may have similarly persistent impacts
warranting further investigations into the cumulative effects of anthropogenic activities on seafloor integrity
The monitoring of such activities could benefit from including backscatter measurements
which can reveal subtle changes in the upper sediment layer
while are not always apparent in bathymetric data
may have long-lasting effects on seafloor integrity as shown in this study
Since the interest of the impact of anchoring ships to the environments by authorities is increasing
it might be valuable to also consider information provided by the often neglected backscatter data
This can be expanded to other human activities at the seafloor
anchoring of other structures or bottom-trawling
and images will be published under a Creative Commons CC-BY licence and permission must be obtained for use of copyrighted material from other sources (including re-published/adapted/modified/partial figures and images from the internet)
It is the responsibility of the authors to acquire the licenses
to follow any citation instructions requested by third-party rights holders
The raw data supporting the conclusions of this article will be made available by the authors
The author(s) declare that financial support was received for the research and/or publication of this article
This research resulted from the project CREATE (funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research with grant no
which is part of the research mission &#x0201c;Protection and Sustainable use of Marine Areas (SUSTAINMARE)&#x0201d; within the German Marine Research Alliance (DAM)
We would like to specially thank our technician Martin Karallus for his valuable support during the field campaigns
We are also grateful to the IOW workshop team for maintaining our small catamaran Klaashahn
and for always being ready to help when needed
The study contains AIS data from the Danish Maritime Authority that is used in accordance with the conditions for the use of Danish public data
The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest
The author(s) declare that no Generative AI was used in the creation of this manuscript
All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations
Any product that may be evaluated in this article
or claim that may be made by its manufacturer
is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher
Regulation of ships at anchor: safety and environmental implications
<a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2022.105052">CrossRef Full Text</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C5&amp;q=Regulation+of+ships+at+anchor:+safety+and+environmental+implications&amp;btnG=">Google Scholar</a>
Development of sedimentary strata in eckernf&#x000f6;rde bay
<a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/bf01204502">CrossRef Full Text</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C5&amp;q=Development+of+sedimentary+strata+in+eckernförde+bay%2C+southwestern+baltic+sea&amp;btnG=">Google Scholar</a>
Sensitivity of macrobenthic secondary production to trawling in the English sector of the Greater North Sea: a biological trait approach
<a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seares.2013.05.003">CrossRef Full Text</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C5&amp;q=Sensitivity+of+macrobenthic+secondary+production+to+trawling+in+the+English+sector+of+the+Greater+North+Sea:+a+biological+trait+approach&amp;btnG=">Google Scholar</a>
Bottom trawling resuspends sediment and releases bioavailable contaminants in a polluted fjord
<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22842052/">PubMed Abstract</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2012.06.019">CrossRef Full Text</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C5&amp;q=Bottom+trawling+resuspends+sediment+and+releases+bioavailable+contaminants+in+a+polluted+fjord&amp;btnG=">Google Scholar</a>
Anchor scour from shipping and the defamation of rocky reefs: a quantitative assessment
<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36528099/">PubMed Abstract</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160717">CrossRef Full Text</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C5&amp;q=Anchor+scour+from+shipping+and+the+defamation+of+rocky+reefs:+a+quantitative+assessment&amp;btnG=">Google Scholar</a>
Anchor and chain scour as disturbance agents in benthic environments: trends in the literature and charting a course to more sustainable boating and shipping
<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33038636/">PubMed Abstract</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111683">CrossRef Full Text</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C5&amp;q=Anchor+and+chain+scour+as+disturbance+agents+in+benthic+environments:+trends+in+the+literature+and+charting+a+course+to+more+sustainable+boating+and+shipping&amp;btnG=">Google Scholar</a>
Sediment resuspension and deposition on seagrass leaves impedes internal plant aeration and promotes phytotoxic H2S intrusion
<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28536583/">PubMed Abstract</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2017.00657">CrossRef Full Text</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C5&amp;q=Sediment+resuspension+and+deposition+on+seagrass+leaves+impedes+internal+plant+aeration+and+promotes+phytotoxic+H2S+intrusion&amp;btnG=">Google Scholar</a>
Multispectral multibeam echo sounder backscatter as a tool for improved seafloor characterization
<a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences9030126">CrossRef Full Text</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C5&amp;q=Multispectral+multibeam+echo+sounder+backscatter+as+a+tool+for+improved+seafloor+characterization&amp;btnG=">Google Scholar</a>
Correlation of sidescan backscatter with grain size distribution of surficial seabed sediments
<a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.margeo.2004.11.011">CrossRef Full Text</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C5&amp;q=Correlation+of+sidescan+backscatter+with+grain+size+distribution+of+surficial+seabed+sediments&amp;btnG=">Google Scholar</a>
The impacts of anchoring and mooring in seagrass
<a href="https://doi.org/10.3723/ut.29.117">CrossRef Full Text</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C5&amp;q=The+impacts+of+anchoring+and+mooring+in+seagrass%2C+Studland+Bay%2C+Dorset%2C+UK&amp;btnG=">Google Scholar</a>
The impacts of anchor scour by ocean-going vessels and potential response options
<a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2016.07.021">CrossRef Full Text</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C5&amp;q=Anchors+away?+The+impacts+of+anchor+scour+by+ocean-going+vessels+and+potential+response+options&amp;btnG=">Google Scholar</a>
Boat anchoring pressure on coastal seabed: quantification and bias estimation using ais data
<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28916347/">PubMed Abstract</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.08.065">CrossRef Full Text</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C5&amp;q=Boat+anchoring+pressure+on+coastal+seabed:+quantification+and+bias+estimation+using+ais+data&amp;btnG=">Google Scholar</a>
<a name="B14" id="B14"></a>D&#x000ed;az-Mendoza
Circular structures on the seabed: differentiating between natural and anthropogenic origins&#x02014;examples from the southwestern baltic sea
<a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2023.1170787">CrossRef Full Text</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C5&amp;q=Circular+structures+on+the+seabed:+differentiating+between+natural+and+anthropogenic+origins—examples+from+the+southwestern+baltic+sea&amp;btnG=">Google Scholar</a>
The impact of mobile demersal fishing on carbon storage in seabed sediments
<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35174577/">PubMed Abstract</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.16105">CrossRef Full Text</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C5&amp;q=The+impact+of+mobile+demersal+fishing+on+carbon+storage+in+seabed+sediments&amp;btnG=">Google Scholar</a>
<a name="B11" id="B11"></a>European Parliament, Council of the European Union (2008). Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008 establishing a framework for community action in the field of marine environmental policy (Marine Strategy Framework Directive). Official Journal of the European Union L164. Available online at: <a href="http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2008/56/oj">http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2008/56/oj</a>
<a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C5&amp;q=Directive+2008/56/EC+of+the+European+Parliament+and+of+the+Council+of+17+June+2008+establishing+a+framework+for+community+action+in+the+field+of+marine+environmental+policy+Marine+Strategy+Framework+Directive&amp;btnG=">Google Scholar</a>
Improved interpretation of marine sedimentary environments using multi-frequency multibeam backscatter data
<a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences8060214">CrossRef Full Text</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C5&amp;q=Improved+interpretation+of+marine+sedimentary+environments+using+multi-frequency+multibeam+backscatter+data&amp;btnG=">Google Scholar</a>
Boat anchoring contributes substantially to coral reef degradation in the British Virgin Islands
<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31198640/">PubMed Abstract</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.7010">CrossRef Full Text</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C5&amp;q=Boat+anchoring+contributes+substantially+to+coral+reef+degradation+in+the+British+Virgin+Islands&amp;btnG=">Google Scholar</a>
Resonant internal waves and their role in transport and accumulation of fine sediment in Eckernf&#x000f6;rde Bay
<a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/0278-4343(95)00035-Y">CrossRef Full Text</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C5&amp;q=Resonant+internal+waves+and+their+role+in+transport+and+accumulation+of+fine+sediment+in+Eckernförde+Bay%2C+Baltic+Sea&amp;btnG=">Google Scholar</a>
Mapping the seabed and shallow subsurface with multi-frequency multibeam echosounders
<a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/rs12010052">CrossRef Full Text</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C5&amp;q=Mapping+the+seabed+and+shallow+subsurface+with+multi-frequency+multibeam+echosounders&amp;btnG=">Google Scholar</a>
<a href="https://doi.org/10.25080/tcwv9851">CrossRef Full Text</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C5&amp;q=Exploring+network+structure%2C+dynamics%2C+and+function+using+networkx&amp;btnG=">Google Scholar</a>
<a name="B21" id="B21"></a>HELCOM (2023). State of the Baltic Sea. Third HELCOM holistic assessment 2016-2021. Baltic sea environment proceedings n&#x000b0;194. Tech. Rep. Available online at: <a href="https://helcom.fi/post_type_publ/holas3_sobs">https://helcom.fi/post_type_publ/holas3_sobs</a> (Accessed April 8
<a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C5&amp;q=State+of+the+Baltic+Sea+Third+HELCOM+holistic+assessment+2016-2021+Baltic+sea+environment+proceedings+n°194&amp;btnG=">Google Scholar</a>
Complex eyed pockmarks and submarine groundwater discharge revealed by acoustic data and sediment cores in eckernf&#x000f6;rde bay
<a href="https://doi.org/10.1029/2019gc008825">CrossRef Full Text</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C5&amp;q=Complex+eyed+pockmarks+and+submarine+groundwater+discharge+revealed+by+acoustic+data+and+sediment+cores+in+eckernförde+bay%2C+SW+Baltic+Sea&amp;btnG=">Google Scholar</a>
&#x0201c;Acoustic remote sensing as a tool for habitat mapping in Alaska waters,&#x0201d; in Marine habitat mapping technology for Alaska
<a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C5&amp;q=Acoustic+remote+sensing+as+a+tool+for+habitat+mapping+in+Alaska+waters&amp;btnG=">Google Scholar</a>
The influence of seabed geology on the nature and preservation of bottom trawl marks in the Bornholm Basin
<a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csr.2024.105297">CrossRef Full Text</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C5&amp;q=The+influence+of+seabed+geology+on+the+nature+and+preservation+of+bottom+trawl+marks+in+the+Bornholm+Basin%2C+southern+Baltic+Sea&amp;btnG=">Google Scholar</a>
Geomorphons &#x02014; a pattern recognition approach to classification and mapping of landforms
<a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2012.11.005">CrossRef Full Text</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C5&amp;q=Geomorphons+—+a+pattern+recognition+approach+to+classification+and+mapping+of+landforms&amp;btnG=">Google Scholar</a>
Sediment resuspension in muddy sediments enhances pyrite oxidation and carbon dioxide emissions in kiel bight
<a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-025-02132-4">CrossRef Full Text</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C5&amp;q=Sediment+resuspension+in+muddy+sediments+enhances+pyrite+oxidation+and+carbon+dioxide+emissions+in+kiel+bight&amp;btnG=">Google Scholar</a>
Quantification of damage to eelgrass (zostera marina) beds and evidence-based management strategies for boats anchoring in san francisco bay
<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31049645/">PubMed Abstract</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-019-01169-4">CrossRef Full Text</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C5&amp;q=Quantification+of+damage+to+eelgrass+zostera+marina+beds+and+evidence-based+management+strategies+for+boats+anchoring+in+san+francisco+bay&amp;btnG=">Google Scholar</a>
The physical and biological impact of sand extraction: a case study of the western Baltic Sea
<a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C5&amp;q=The+physical+and+biological+impact+of+sand+extraction:+a+case+study+of+the+western+Baltic+Sea&amp;btnG=">Google Scholar</a>
<a name="B29" id="B29"></a>Lurton, X., Lamarche, G., Brown, C., Lucieer, V., Rice, G., Schimel, A., et al. (2015). &#x0201c;Backscatter measurements by seafloor-mapping sonars,&#x0201d; in Guidelines and recommendations. Report, geohab. <a href="https://webstatic.niwa.co.nz/static/backscatter_measurement_guidelines.pdf">https://webstatic.niwa.co.nz/static/backscatter_measurement_guidelines.pdf</a> (Accessed April 8
<a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C5&amp;q=Backscatter+measurements+by+seafloor-mapping+sonars&amp;btnG=">Google Scholar</a>
Oceanographic processes and the preservation of sedimentary structure in eckernf&#x000f6;rde bay
<a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/S0278-4343(98)00054-5">CrossRef Full Text</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C5&amp;q=Oceanographic+processes+and+the+preservation+of+sedimentary+structure+in+eckernförde+bay%2C+Baltic+Sea&amp;btnG=">Google Scholar</a>
Environmental overview of eckernf&#x000f6;rde bay
<a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01204501">CrossRef Full Text</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C5&amp;q=Environmental+overview+of+eckernförde+bay%2C+northern+Germany&amp;btnG=">Google Scholar</a>
Human impacts and their interactions in the Baltic Sea region
<a href="https://doi.org/10.5194/esd-13-1-2022">CrossRef Full Text</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C5&amp;q=Human+impacts+and+their+interactions+in+the+Baltic+Sea+region&amp;btnG=">Google Scholar</a>
Sediment resuspension enhances nutrient exchange in intertidal mudflats
<a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2023.1155386">CrossRef Full Text</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C5&amp;q=Sediment+resuspension+enhances+nutrient+exchange+in+intertidal+mudflats&amp;btnG=">Google Scholar</a>
<a name="B34" id="B34"></a>Sch&#x000f6;nke
Quantifying the physical impact of bottom trawling based on high-resolution bathymetric data
<a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/rs14122782">CrossRef Full Text</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C5&amp;q=Quantifying+the+physical+impact+of+bottom+trawling+based+on+high-resolution+bathymetric+data&amp;btnG=">Google Scholar</a>
Impacts of bottom fishing on the sediment infaunal community and biogeochemistry of cohesive and non-cohesive sediments: trawling impacts on ecosystem processes
<a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/lno.10354">CrossRef Full Text</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C5&amp;q=Impacts+of+bottom+fishing+on+the+sediment+infaunal+community+and+biogeochemistry+of+cohesive+and+non-cohesive+sediments:+trawling+impacts+on+ecosystem+processes&amp;btnG=">Google Scholar</a>
Colour sonar: multi-frequency sidescan sonar images of the seabed in the inner sound of the pentland firth
<a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse4010026">CrossRef Full Text</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C5&amp;q=Colour+sonar:+multi-frequency+sidescan+sonar+images+of+the+seabed+in+the+inner+sound+of+the+pentland+firth%2C+scotland&amp;btnG=">Google Scholar</a>
Global meta-analysis of demersal fishing impacts on organic carbon and associated biogeochemistry
<a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/faf.12855">CrossRef Full Text</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C5&amp;q=Global+meta-analysis+of+demersal+fishing+impacts+on+organic+carbon+and+associated+biogeochemistry&amp;btnG=">Google Scholar</a>
Impact of long-term benthic trawl disturbance on sediment sorting and biogeochemistry in the southern North Sea
<a href="https://doi.org/10.3354/meps298079">CrossRef Full Text</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C5&amp;q=Impact+of+long-term+benthic+trawl+disturbance+on+sediment+sorting+and+biogeochemistry+in+the+southern+North+Sea&amp;btnG=">Google Scholar</a>
<a name="B39" id="B39"></a>van der Reijden
Improving seabed substrate mapping with high-resolution bottom trawl data
<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36893701/">PubMed Abstract</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.105935">CrossRef Full Text</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C5&amp;q=Improving+seabed+substrate+mapping+with+high-resolution+bottom+trawl+data&amp;btnG=">Google Scholar</a>
The footprint of ship anchoring on the seafloor
<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35525863/">PubMed Abstract</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-11627-5">CrossRef Full Text</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C5&amp;q=The+footprint+of+ship+anchoring+on+the+seafloor&amp;btnG=">Google Scholar</a>
A scale of grade and class terms for clastic sediments
<a href="https://doi.org/10.1086/622910">CrossRef Full Text</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C5&amp;q=A+scale+of+grade+and+class+terms+for+clastic+sediments&amp;btnG=">Google Scholar</a>
Diagenetic relationships of methanogenesis
pockmarks and freshwater seepages in Eckernf&#x000f6;rde Bay
<a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/S0025-3227(01)00227-4">CrossRef Full Text</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C5&amp;q=Diagenetic+relationships+of+methanogenesis%2C+nutrients%2C+acoustic+turbidity%2C+pockmarks+and+freshwater+seepages+in+Eckernförde+Bay&amp;btnG=">Google Scholar</a>
<a href="https://doi.org/10.4031/MTSJ.45.6.4">CrossRef Full Text</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C5&amp;q=Problems+in+locating+historic%2C+unexploded+ordnance+in+the+Baltic+Sea&amp;btnG=">Google Scholar</a>
a landmark for the drowned medieval landscapes of the Wadden Sea World Heritage
<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38971936/">PubMed Abstract</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-66245-0">CrossRef Full Text</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C5&amp;q=The+discovery+of+the+church+of+Rungholt%2C+a+landmark+for+the+drowned+medieval+landscapes+of+the+Wadden+Sea+World+Heritage&amp;btnG=">Google Scholar</a>
Long-term carbon storage in shelf sea sediments reduced by intensive bottom trawling
<a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41561-024-01581-4">CrossRef Full Text</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C5&amp;q=Long-term+carbon+storage+in+shelf+sea+sediments+reduced+by+intensive+bottom+trawling&amp;btnG=">Google Scholar</a>
The influence of macrophytes on sediment resuspension and the effect of associated nutrients in a shallow and large lake (lake taihu
<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26030094/">PubMed Abstract</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0127915">CrossRef Full Text</a> &#x0007c; <a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C5&amp;q=The+influence+of+macrophytes+on+sediment+resuspension+and+the+effect+of+associated+nutrients+in+a+shallow+and+large+lake+lake+taihu%2C+China&amp;btnG=">Google Scholar</a>
Feldens P and Papenmeier S (2025) Temporal evolution of anchor tracks on a silty seafloor (Eckernf&#x000f6;rde Bay/Baltic Sea)
Received: 13 February 2025; Accepted: 01 April 2025;Published: 15 April 2025
Copyright &#x000a9; 2025 Schulze, Sch&#x000f6;nke, Feldens and Papenmeier. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the <a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" target="_blank">Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY).</a> The use
distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted
provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited
in accordance with accepted academic practice
distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms
&#x0002a;Correspondence: Inken Schulze, <a id="encmail">aW5rZW4uc2NodWx6ZUBpby13YXJuZW11ZW5kZS5kZQ==</a>
Disclaimer:  All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations
Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher
94% of researchers rate our articles as excellent or goodLearn more about the work of our research integrity team to safeguard the quality of each article we publish
2020 SIG Sauer Managing Director Tim Castagne informed the employees and the Works Council of the SIG Sauer plant in Eckernförde about economic problems and a plant closure
Around 130 employees would be affected by the closure
You can read the answer here on all4shooters.com
"The locational disadvantages in Germany for <a href="https://www.all4shooters.com/en/service/topics-and-partners/s/sig-sauer/" title="Go to Topic &quot;SIG Sauer&quot; (opens in a new browser window)" class="internal-link" target="_blank">SIG Sauer</a> do not economically allow for manufacturing of sports and LE/military firearms in the future
Legislation is increasingly restricting the use of sports firearms
both the German police and the Bundeswehr prefer a few local producers
SIG Suer is systematically excluded from tenders due to its international orientation
most of its developments originating from the USA
the shareholders have made major financial contributions to the stabilization of the company in recent years and the company has implemented drastic cost-cutting measures
This was intended to secure the traditional company and jobs in Germany
there are the current effects of the Corona crisis
which place an additional considerable economic burden on the continuation of business operations in Eckernförde"
first the Works Council and then the workforce were informed about the economic situation"
The result for the market and the loss of jobs at the German location remains the same
apparently no longer sees any prospects for SIG Sauer in Germany
As we have heard from well-informed circles
the plant in Eckernförde will be closed down despite internally proposed restructuring plans
It can be assumed that the plant closure could already be completed in the period September to December 2020
the supply of spare parts for SIG Sauer etc
a large part of the Group's European catalog products comes from Eckernförde/Germany
In addition to the complete P220 and P226 X series
as well as the SSG 3000 and STR rifle lines
So the extent of the decision becomes clear
since business and also government orders are booming in the USA
SIG Sauer's plant in the USA/New Hampshire is not affected by the decision to close the German plant
Numerous models – also for Europe – already come from US production
SIG Sauer's sales activities are handled by GSG Premium Brands
This would also be a good option for the future of the brand
The effects of the current decision on SAN Swiss Arms in Neuhausen/Switzerland are now clear: none
Business in Germany is also apparently continuing until a "date not yet set"
as CEO Pasquale Caputi from Switzerland has informed the media and customers in a circular letter
the Swiss company also announced that the decision in Germany was not prompted by insolvency but is an "economic or strategic decision"
How will things continue and will SIG Sauer products
What will become of the previous models from German production
Deutschland<a href="&#x006d;&#97;&#x0069;&#x006c;&#116;&#111;&#58;&#x0069;&#x006e;&#102;&#111;&#64;&#x0076;&#115;&#109;&#101;&#100;&#x0069;&#x0065;&#x006e;&#x002e;&#x0064;&#x0065;" title="E-Mail an info@vsmedien.de" class=" functional-link" target="_blank">&#105;&#110;&#102;&#x006f;&#64;&#x0076;&#x0073;&#x006d;&#101;&#x0064;&#105;&#101;&#x006e;&#x002e;&#100;&#x0065;</a>
International contact to all4shooters.com:<a href="&#109;&#97;&#105;&#108;&#116;&#111;&#x003a;&#105;&#x006e;&#102;&#111;&#x0040;&#97;&#x006c;&#x006c;&#x0034;&#115;&#x0068;&#x006f;&#111;&#x0074;&#101;&#x0072;&#x0073;&#x002e;&#99;&#x006f;&#109;" title="E-Mail an info@all4shooters.com" class=" functional-link" target="_blank">&#x0069;&#110;&#102;&#111;&#x0040;&#97;&#108;&#108;&#52;&#115;&#104;&#111;&#x006f;&#116;&#101;&#x0072;&#x0073;&#x002e;&#99;&#x006f;&#x006d;</a>
<a rel="" href="https://www.all4shooters.com/en/service/the-international-editorial-team-of-all4shooters-com/" title="Go to Articlepage &quot;The international editorial team of all4shooters.com&quot; (opens in a new browser window)" class="internal-link" target="_blank">The international editorial team</a>
<a rel="" href="https://www.all4shooters.com/en/general-terms-and-conditions/" title="Go to Web page &quot;General Terms and Conditions&quot;" class="internal-link">General Terms and Conditions</a>
<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.all4shooters.com/en/terms-of-use/" title="Interner Verweis auf /en/Terms of Use" class="internal-link">Terms of Use</a> 
<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.all4shooters.com/en/impressum/" title="Interner Verweis auf /en/Colophon" class="internal-link">Colophon</a> 
<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.all4shooters.com/en/contacts/" title="Interner Verweis auf /en/Contacts" class="internal-link">Contacts</a> 
<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.all4shooters.com/en/privacy-policy/" title="Interner Verweis auf /en/Privacy Policy" class="internal-link">Privacy Policy</a> 
and tasked him with producing a white paper on the future of European defence.($1 = 0.9072 euros)Reporting by Lili Bayer
Our Standards: <a data-testid="Link" target="_blank" href="https://www.thomsonreuters.com/en/about-us/trust-principles.html" referrerPolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade" rel="noopener" class="text__text__1FZLe text__dark-grey__3Ml43 text__medium__1kbOh text__small__1kGq2 link__link__3Ji6W link__underline_default__2prE_ link__with-icon__3x3oD">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab</a>
, opens new tab</a> Browse an unrivalled portfolio of real-time and historical market data and insights from worldwide sources and experts.
, opens new tab</a>Screen for heightened risk individual and entities globally to help uncover hidden risks in business relationships and human networks.
© 2025 Reuters. <a data-testid="Link" href="https://www.thomsonreuters.com/en/policies/copyright.html" referrerPolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade" class="text__text__1FZLe text__inherit-color__3208F text__inherit-font__1Y8w3 text__inherit-size__1DZJi link__link__3Ji6W link__underline_on_hover__2zGL4">All rights reserved</a>
</a>         Tap to enable a layout that focuses on the article
           Print                          Reporting from Berlin&nbsp;—&nbsp;German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s reelection hopes in September’s federal election were unexpectedly bolstered on Sunday when her conservative party came from behind to score a decisive victory in a small
The stunning triumph by her Christian Democrats over the ruling center-left Social Democrats in the largely rural state of Schleswig-Holstein
home to 2.3 million voters and 400,000 dairy cows
gave Merkel an improbable boost four months before the federal election and badly needed momentum ahead of next Sunday’s more important regional election in the country’s most populous state — North Rhine-Westphalia
“This hurts like hell,” said a dejected Schulz after TV network projections showed the Social Democrats picking up less than 27% of the vote in the northernmost state
a drop of nearly 4 percentage points from the last election
                    Supporters of the German Social Democrats react after the first exit polls of the state elections in Schleswig-Holstein are announced on May 7
  (Axel Schmidt / Getty Images)       Throughout the campaign
who has shaken off signs of fatigue over the unrelenting criticism from party allies over her decision to allow in more than a million refugees from Syria and elsewhere in 2015
remained unflappable and stoically confident in her party’s chances
Her steady handling of<a class="link" href="https://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-pol-trump-wiretap-claim-20170318-story.html" target="_blank" > an awkward first meeting with President Trump</a> at the White House in March and the improvement in their relationship also helped lift Merkel’s standing
Trump even surprised Merkel by calling to congratulate her after her conservatives held on to power with a win in another regional election in March in the small state of Saarland
The Social Democrats’ state premier in Schleswig-Holstein
committed a colossal blunder shortly before Sunday’s election
telling celebrity magazine Bunte that he had left his wife for another woman because their interests had diverged over the years after she became a stay-at-home mom
Merkel’s Christian Democrats have lost control of six of Germany’s 16 states and now rule just five
Her party now will try to form a government with two smaller parties in the state — the Greens
which won about 13% and the Free Democrats
the Christian Democrats could form a government with the defeated Social Democrats
<a class="link" href="https://www.latimes.com/world/europe/la-fg-french-election-results-20170507-story.html" target="_blank" >Le Pen concedes as Macron wins in a landslide; he will be youngest president in French history</a>
<a class="link" href="https://www.latimes.com/world/europe/la-fg-russia-opposition-2017-story.html" target="_blank" >In Russia, a green-colored antiseptic becomes a weapon in attacks against opposition activists and journalists</a>
<a class="link" href="https://www.latimes.com/world/europe/la-fg-britain-election-brexit-2017-story.html" target="_blank" >‘Brexit remorse’ is fading, which is why Britain’s upcoming election could be very good for the Conservatives</a>
Erik Kirschbaum is a special correspondent.
               </a>         <a class="link" href="https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business">Hollywood Inc.</a> 
               </a>         <a class="link" href="https://www.latimes.com/world-nation">World &amp; Nation</a> 
 <a class="link" href="https://www.latimes.com/world-nation">World &amp; Nation</a> 
<a class="link" href="https://www.latimes.com/footersubscribe" target="_blank" >Subscribe for unlimited access</a><a class="link" href="https://www.latimes.com/sitemap" target="_blank" >Site Map</a>
The Sunday TimesWhen beach tourism first arrived on Germany’s Baltic coastline in the 19th century
The Ostseebad — Baltic spa resorts — devised 17 rules for bathing
including the need to “be fearless and full of joy” when faced with the nagging wind and nippy sea
They introduced climate-specific beach furniture
with the development of the “strandkorb” — literally “beach basket” — to exclude the wind and make the most of the sun
those bathing rules may be mostly forgotten
but strandkorbs have become embedded in the local culture and still march in orderly rows along the white-sand beaches of Germany’s Riviera
where they are rented out by the season or by the day
 <a href="https://sigsauer.de/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">SIG Sauer GmbH</a>, based in Eckernf&ouml;rde, Germany, is to close down. According to <a href="https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/schleswig-holstein/Sig-Sauer-schliesst-Standort-Eckernfoerde,sigsauer228.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">German media outlets</a>
SIG Sauer GmbH&rsquo;s shareholders are unwilling to invest further funds in the struggling European arm of the company
told German press that the 130 strong workforce at Eckernf&ouml;rde will be laid off this year and the German plant
To be clear SIG Sauer GmbH is a separate entity to the US-based SIG Sauer, Inc. Both the German arm and US-based company are owned by L&uuml;ke & Ortmeier Holding Gruppe. The company also owns Swiss company <a href="http://www.sigsauer.swiss/en/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">SIG SAUER AG</a> (formerly Swiss Arms)
with the partnership of Schweizerische Industrie Gesellschaft (SIG) of Switzerland and J.P
In the US SIG Sauer pistols were initially sold under the name SIGARMS before it was renamed SIG Sauer
A number of factors have led to the downturn in SIG Sauer GmbH&rsquo;s fortunes, their exclusion from Bundeswehr small arms programs <a href="blog/2017/11/24/itar-sig-sauer-withdraws-german-tender/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">due to ITAR restrictions</a> (as the company&rsquo;s firearms are principally developed in the US
said that &ldquo;SIG Sauer [GmbH] is systematically excluded from the tender because of its international orientation.&rdquo;
The impact of the European Union&rsquo;s increasingly hampering firearms legislation and <a href="blog/2019/03/06/sig-sauer-german-arms-sales/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">recent legal issues</a> have also been factors
The ongoing Coronavirus Pandemic has also no doubt played a part with sales slowing significantly in 2020
L & O Holding group has announced that it is closing its SIG SAUER
GmbH (Germany) division in Eckernf&ouml;rde
L&O Holding owns and operates numerous business units in the defense and hunting market including SIG SAUER
has over 2,300 employees throughout 9 facilities in New Hampshire
Arkansas and Oregon where the company designs and manufactures firearms
the company operates one of the most advanced training facilities in the world
will expand its responsibilities to include the German market
the current commercial distributor in Germany for SIG SAUER
ammunition and air guns will expand its role to include commercial firearm sales in Germany
More by <a href="blog/author/matthew/" class="link bold black underlined">Matthew Moss</a>
There goes the last hope (aside paying huge $ from importers) of any quality Sig's easily available in the US
Sig USA has never made anything on par with the German shop
I've owned and shot many US made Sig's and not one is on par with what comes out of the German mastershop
Do SIG still not have a factory in Switzerland making the SIG 550
SIG Sauer - A German firearms manufacturer that has managed to achieve worldwide renown
all4shooters.com was on site in Eckernförde
to take a look behind the scenes of the company
which is one of the market leaders in its segment
Two words that actually already contain everything you need to know: <a href="https://www.all4shooters.com/en/service/topics-and-partners/s/sig-sauer/" title="Go to Topic &quot;SIG Sauer&quot; (opens in a new browser window)" class="internal-link" target="_blank">SIG Sauer</a>
but SIG's products are also used everyday by various law enforcement and military units
The name also appears repeatedly in the media
when the P320-M17 won the tender for the new US Army service pistol
An order that brought SIG Sauer hundreds of millions in sales
that makes some Americans think that SIG Sauer is a company from the land of unlimited opportunities – yet the heart actually beats in the small community of Eckernförde
And the purpose of our visit there was to take a look behind the scenes of the firearms manufacturer and to see how much “Made in Germany” is in SIG Sauer
If you drive into Eckernförde from Hamburg
But the flags point the way to the flat buildings of SIG Sauer
A mowing robot makes its rounds on the lawn
And the surroundings also radiated that certain
you can see that people who work here are in contact with the whole European Union
And the company was already waiting: Curt Richard Pautlitz and Dr
took the time to present the Eckernförde plant and
The question that was most urgent was what kind of firearms see the light of day in Eckernförde
The well-known MCX Virtus and other products are made in the USA
But the list of guns manufactured in Eckernförde was quite impressive: 30 different models of the P226 alone are built in Schleswig-Holstein
there are the P220 X-Six II Classic and PPC
the SP 2022 and rifles such as the SSG 3000 in 5 variants and the TR 200 series
A large part of the sports products is still manufactured in Germany
On the way through the production halls with the modern CNC machines
it was noticeable how meticulously the product was handled in every single work step
The running production is located in a separate hall
which is understandable if only because of the noise – even if it is not necessarily quiet in the other halls
This then raised the question of how exactly a gun is made in which individual steps
In a small craftsman's business with a small number of pieces
this may be done in many steps from the same hand
we follow a fixed principle," explained Armin Dobat
this means that we process the raw material
which can have a length of four to six meters
We divide the production into three segments: barrel
followed by the finishing of the three pieces," Armin Dobat continued
"The next step is the deburring of the three pieces
This is followed by finishing and checking that everything fits and has been cleanly machined
Only when everything has been found to be in order does it go on to assembly and then to acceptance
Our quality standards are very high and no gun leaves the factory that has not been thoroughly checked.”
and perhaps this is also what makes SIG Sauer so attractive
the company is not only able to mass-produce
customers can now choose from a wide range of products that allows them to create their own individual gun
This part of the company is divided into three areas
At the Mastershop Sport the customer can purchase ready-made packages or tune them individually
the matching barrel weight and other components
The next step up the ladder is the Mastershop Prestige
grips or engravings ensure that the customer receives an individually-tailored and unique gun
The Olympus is then entered with the Mastershop Individual
The word "individual" is probably the decisive factor here
They manufacture firearms that are unique in the world according to our own designs and ideas
Already at the IWA 2019 there was the opportunity to see some of these pieces
like the "Pirate-themed" or "Western version" ones
The performance show in the two ares of mass and individual production was really worth seeing
But not everything is produced here on site or maintained by SIG's own technicians
"We work together with a number of smaller companies that produce screws and other small parts for us
These are of course also checked at regular intervals to see whether they meet our quality standards," says Armin Dobat when asked whether there are also connections to the local economy
Even if Eckernförde is probably the deepest province for many people
a group whose products are appreciated by many people in many countries
and thousands of them have to and can rely on them in their jobs
Eckernförde is primarily dedicated to the manufacturing of sports lines
These then go from the small town to the whole EU
which has taken on the defense segment among other things
"But transitions and exchanges are fluid – after all we are all under one roof
The exchange does not only end at technical level – several pistols such as the P320-M17 are also coming to Germany," says Armin Dobat at the end
Further information on SIG Sauer products can be found on the <a rel="" href="https://www.sigsauer.com/" title="External link to https://www.sigsauer.com/" class="external-link" target="_blank">SIG Sauer website</a>
Deutschland<a href="&#x006d;&#97;&#105;&#x006c;&#x0074;&#111;&#58;&#105;&#110;&#x0066;&#111;&#64;&#x0076;&#x0073;&#x006d;&#101;&#100;&#x0069;&#x0065;&#x006e;&#x002e;&#100;&#101;" title="E-Mail an info@vsmedien.de" class=" functional-link" target="_blank">&#x0069;&#x006e;&#102;&#111;&#64;&#x0076;&#115;&#109;&#x0065;&#x0064;&#105;&#101;&#110;&#x002e;&#x0064;&#101;</a>
International contact to all4shooters.com:<a href="&#109;&#97;&#x0069;&#x006c;&#116;&#x006f;&#x003a;&#105;&#110;&#102;&#111;&#64;&#97;&#108;&#108;&#x0034;&#115;&#104;&#111;&#x006f;&#x0074;&#x0065;&#x0072;&#x0073;&#x002e;&#x0063;&#x006f;&#x006d;" title="E-Mail an info@all4shooters.com" class=" functional-link" target="_blank">&#105;&#x006e;&#x0066;&#x006f;&#x0040;&#x0061;&#x006c;&#x006c;&#52;&#x0073;&#104;&#111;&#111;&#x0074;&#x0065;&#x0072;&#115;&#x002e;&#x0063;&#111;&#x006d;</a>
with the Greens strongly opposed to the move.(This story has been corrected to add the word &#x27;not&#x27; in paragraph 4)Reporting by Sabine Siebold; writing by Miranda Murray; editing by Rachel More
ECKERNFERDE, Germany, 4 Oct. 2012. After trials by the German Bundeswehr Technical Center for ships and naval weapons in Eckernfoerde, the federal office of defense technology & procurement Koblenz has placed a contract for six REMUS 100 <a target="_blank" href="http://www.militaryaerospace.com/unmanned-vehicles.html">unmanned</a> underwater vehicles (UUVs)
to enhance the capabilities of the German navy's mine divers
Delivery of the REMUS 100 systems and operational training of military personnel will occur during the next 12 months
The REMUS 100 UUV is equipped with side-scan sonar and various other oceanographic sensors
It navigates by transponder interrogation and DVL-aided inertial dead reckoning in pre-programmed missions
The recorded data will be used to search for mines
debris and wrecks or to collect topographic ocean floor mapping for hydrographic and scientific applications
lightweight UUV designed for operation in underwater environments up to 100 meters deep
The vehicle can be configured with a wide variety of standard and/or customer-specified sensors and system options in order to meet specialized mission requirements
The vehicle is small enough to be carried by two people
and power resources to enable it to perform intricate sonar and oceanographic surveys over large areas
All of Hydroid's REMUS UUVs are modular: They can be fitted with varying sensors for use in hydrographic surveys
as well as many basic and applied research programs
REMUS UUVs are currently in operation with the U.S
KSM soldiers at the Eckernförde harbour base during an exercise
31 Mar 2023 | <a href="https://marineforum.online/en/category/headlines/" rel="category tag">Headlines</a>, <a href="https://marineforum.online/en/category/news/" rel="category tag">News</a>, <a href="https://marineforum.online/en/category/news/streitkraefte-news/" rel="category tag">Armed Forces</a> | <a href="https://marineforum.online/en/eckernfoerde-commander-fleet-deploys-new-ksm-units/#respond">2 comments</a>
The magazine MarineForum is published ten times a year
The publication of the Naval Officers' Association (MOV) is published by the German Maritime Institute (DMI)
non-partisan and is neither directly nor indirectly supported by ministries or other German authorities
This independence gives the magazine the character of a forum in which contradictory opinions are also discussed
31 Mar 2023 | <a href="https://marineforum.online/en/eckernfoerde-commander-fleet-deploys-new-ksm-units/#respond">2 comments</a>
ICC germany publishes the current situation of maritime piracy: Significant increase in crime in the first quarter The number of incidents worldwide ..
The information I used in the article comes from the Navy's press release - one would have to assume that the figures are correct
The following result of my own research - very briefly and without guarantee
When the Bundeswehr and the Bundesmarine were established in 1956
a combat swimmer unit was already planned to disrupt the enemy's amphibious landing operations and prepare its own
The first combat swimmers were trained in List on Sylt from August 1958 and in December 1959 were assigned to the sea battalion's beach master company as a combat swimmer platoon in Sengwarden
When the sea battalion moved to Borkum in 1963
the platoon went to Eckernförde (branch of the naval base command in Kiel)
The combat swimmers became an independent company there in April 1964
although they were still subordinate to the amphibious group in Wilhelmshaven (later Emden)
the Eckernförde outpost was promoted to an independent naval base in Eckernförde
the combat swimmers were merged with the mine divers in the weapons diving group - now subordinate to the flotilla of the mine forces
With the reorganisation of the Navy that began in 1997 (and the dissolution of the boat flotillas)
the combat swimmer company became part of the Specialised Naval Forces (SEK M)
which was subordinated to Operational Flotilla 1 in Kiel
the combat swimmers have formed the core of the Navy's Special Forces Command (KSM) in Operational Flotilla 1
The available data is not always conclusive
but organisational changes are known to be lengthy processes
and website in this browser for the next time I comment
A brand from German Maritime Institute (DMI) e.V. Naval Officers' Association (MOV) e.V.Jadeallee 102, 26382 Wilhelmshaven E-mail: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection" class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ed898084ad80829bc0808285c38988">[email&#160;protected]</a>
<a href="/en/info-pages/media-data/" style="color: #ffffff;">Media data</a> <a href="/en/info-pages/imprint/" style="color: #ffffff;">Imprint</a> <a href="/en/info-pages/data-protection/" style="color: #ffffff;">Data protection</a> <a href="/en/info-pages/contact/" style="color: #ffffff;">Contact us</a>
<a href="/login" class="btn btn-primary btn-block"> Sign In</a>
<a href="/subscribe" class="btn btn-default btn-block"> Subscribe Now</a>
Dialogue and debate are integral to a free society and we welcome and encourage you to share your views on the issues of the day. We ask that you be respectful of others and their points of view, refrain from personal attacks and stay on topic. To learn about our commenting policies and how our community-based moderation works, please read our <a href="/community-guidelines">Community Guidelines</a>
the r/v Oceanograf became a 'drifting university' where academic communities from the two SEA-EU universities could work together and exchange knowledge
Students and scientists from Christian Albrecht University Kiel (CAU) boarded the catamaran
The guests took part in research in Eckernförde Bay
where the cruise research team carried out hydroacoustic measurements and took samples of sediment
- 'Our unit is very good at collecting samples from a single location
which also makes performing hydroacoustic transits very precise,' - presented the research potential of the vessel dr Aleksandra Brodecka-Goluch
Dr Jens Schneider von Deimling from Kiel University talked about the current research in the Eckernförde Bay
The one-day expedition was very diverse in terms of the research carried out
Oceanograf scientists made hydroacoustic measurements using
a multibeam echosounder that maps the seabed
They then collected samples from the water column over pockmarks
which are funnels on the seabed through which greenhouse gases can be emitted
Using other tools such as a Van Veen scoop
- 'It's the first time I've been on this type of vessel
because of the pandemic I haven't had the opportunity to go on a marine research expedition before,' - says Chris Straßburger
a geophysics student at Christian Albrecht University in Kiel
- 'As part of my bachelor's degree I analysed ready-made data like this
but here the equipment on the research desk is more modern
and here everything is ready,' - Merve Jensen
The meeting between the Oceanograf research team and the CAU students also led to discussions about potential cooperation
- 'One of the students was very interested in my work
an undergraduate degree in biology is quite general
The girl I talked to was thinking about spending the next stage of her education at the University of Gdańsk,' - says dr hab
The one-day cruise in the Eckernförde Bay will not be the last expedition in which students from other SEA-EU universities will take part
the r/v Oceanograf will again serve as a 'drifting university'
Soon students from the University of Brest
will see how research is carried out on Europe's most advanced marine research vessel
Director of the Centre for Film and Documentary Production UG
tel. portiernia:<a href="tel:+48585233000">+ 48 58 523 30 00</a>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/UniwersytetGdanski" target="_blank"> </a>
<a href="https://twitter.com/uniwersytet_gd" target="_blank"> </a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/uniwersytet_gdanski/" target="_blank"> </a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT33GT7flsO-3rqoeao3hzg" target="_blank"> </a>
the P226 X-Five Performance is a whole new 9mm Luger sport pistol built at the SIG Sauer headquarters in Eckernfoerde
The laser textured surfaces of the controls allows for enhanced grip control and adds top level stability and accuracy
That's part 1 of a "launch sequence" of 4 new models from SIG Sauer
Stay tuned to all4shooters.com: Mid of July we'll present the market entry of the next brandnew Mastershop model on our website
New <a rel="" href="https://www.all4shooters.com/en/service/topics-and-partners/s/sig-sauer/" title="Internal link to /en/Service/.../SIG Sauer" class="internal-link" target="_blank">SIG Sauer</a> P226 X-Five Performance in 9 mm Luger features elaborated laser textures on all possible control elements
It is not just a matter of aesthetic: the textures offers the shooter a better grip and control of the gun under all possible conditions
The biggest advantage lies in the flat trigger itself: no matter where the shooter´s finger is on the trigger
its laser texture allows the finger to stay in exactly this position – even with wet
But the no-slip surface of the controls is just one of the many details of this new sport pistol - all4shooters already anticipated them <a rel="" href="https://www.all4shooters.com/en/shooting/pistols/p226-x-five-performance-from-sig-sauer-mastershop-sport-now-available/" title="Interner Verweis auf /en/Shooting/.../P226 X-Five Performance from SIG SAUER Mastershop Sport now available" class="internal-link">here</a>
The shooter can in fact also rely on all the other renowned features of the legendary X-Series
such as the  polished feed ramp to guarantee zero failures when loading the firearm
an extra thick 5” barrel and G10 two tone black/grey grips
A fully adjustable rear sight couples with a dovetailed front sight for a clean target alignment
thus allowing for the use of accessories and flashlights
Such a special gun deserves special ammo: that's why SIG Sauer recommends <a rel="" href="https://www.all4shooters.com/en/shooting/ammunition/geco-ammunition-new-2019-overview/" title="Internal link to /en/Hunting/.../GECO ammunition: new 2019 overview" class="internal-link" target="_blank">GECO Hexagon 9 mm ammo </a>for the X-Series pistols
Delivery of this special model to the EU markets has started in June 2019
Retail price for the P226 X-Five Performance is 3.799.- (reference price incl
VAT from the German market; price in your country may vary due to VAT)
is that the new pistol fully embodies SIG Sauer's concept of quality and exclusivity
Click here for more information on <a href="https://www.sigsauer.com/" title="External link to https://www.sigsauer.com/" class="external-link" target="_blank">SIG Sauer Mastershop</a>
Deutschland<a href="&#109;&#97;&#105;&#x006c;&#116;&#111;&#x003a;&#105;&#x006e;&#x0066;&#111;&#64;&#x0076;&#115;&#x006d;&#101;&#100;&#x0069;&#x0065;&#x006e;&#46;&#x0064;&#101;" title="E-Mail an info@vsmedien.de" class=" functional-link" target="_blank">&#x0069;&#110;&#102;&#111;&#64;&#118;&#x0073;&#109;&#101;&#x0064;&#105;&#x0065;&#110;&#46;&#x0064;&#101;</a>
International contact to all4shooters.com:<a href="&#109;&#x0061;&#105;&#108;&#116;&#111;&#58;&#x0069;&#110;&#102;&#x006f;&#64;&#x0061;&#x006c;&#x006c;&#x0034;&#x0073;&#104;&#x006f;&#111;&#x0074;&#101;&#x0072;&#115;&#46;&#99;&#111;&#x006d;" title="E-Mail an info@all4shooters.com" class=" functional-link" target="_blank">&#x0069;&#110;&#x0066;&#111;&#x0040;&#97;&#x006c;&#x006c;&#52;&#x0073;&#x0068;&#111;&#111;&#x0074;&#x0065;&#114;&#115;&#x002e;&#99;&#111;&#x006d;</a>
The submarine 35 leaves its home port of Eckernförde on 12.06.21
12 Oct 2021 | <a href="https://marineforum.online/en/u-boat-u35-back-from-deployment/#respond" data-no-translation="" data-trp-gettext="">0 Kommentare</a>
A brand from German Maritime Institute (DMI) e.V. Naval Officers' Association (MOV) e.V.Jadeallee 102, 26382 Wilhelmshaven E-mail: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection" class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="27434a4e674a48510a4a484f094342">[email&#160;protected]</a>
Source: Marine Press and Information Centre
1 Apr 2014 | <a href="https://marineforum.online/en/category/blog/" rel="category tag">Blog</a>, <a href="https://marineforum.online/en/category/blog/security-policy-blog/" rel="category tag">Security policy</a>, <a href="https://marineforum.online/en/category/blog/streitkraefte-blog/" rel="category tag">Armed Forces</a> | <a href="https://marineforum.online/en/german-navy-bundles-forces-in-sea-battalion/#respond">3 comments</a>
1 Apr 2014 | <a href="https://marineforum.online/en/german-navy-bundles-forces-in-sea-battalion/#respond">3 comments</a>
It is not about individual elements of the spectrum of naval forces
it is about the fact that a limited capability has been bundled with the naval battalion and - thank God - no one has come up with a stupid abbreviation or English term
The term sea battalion is perfectly acceptable
The thrust of the article seems only logical
But in addition to the reference to Berlin
we also need a reference to the capitals of the Baltic Sea countries
Vilnius and Berlin have the same assessments here
A brand from German Maritime Institute (DMI) e.V. Naval Officers' Association (MOV) e.V.Jadeallee 102, 26382 Wilhelmshaven E-mail: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection" class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6400090d24090b1249090b0c4a0001">[email&#160;protected]</a>
2011) — SIG SAUER® is pleased to announce the first delivery of the SIG516™ rifles produced by the company’s Eckernförde
“Demand from the worldwide market has prompted the need for additional manufacturing capacity,” said Ron Cohen
“These rifles represent the next chapter in Eckernförde’s rich firearms history.”
The SIG SAUER® plant in Eckernförde is one of the most experienced firearms productions facilities in the world
More than 250 years of industrial firearms manufacturing stand behind this state-of-the-art rifle
The SIG516™ Patrol models were first off the line and featured a 16″ hammer-forged barrel
quad-rail for-end and collapsible buttstock
the SIG516™ offers users refined reliability
A short-stroke gas pushrod system prevents carbon fouling and excess heat from ever reaching the chamber
A four-position gas valve allows operators to choose between normal gas flow
and a complete gas cutoff for optimized suppression and accuracy
Fully ambidextrous controls make the SIG516™ the perfect choice for left-handed shooters while accuracy is enhanced through a built-in tensioning device
eliminating any play between the upper and lower receivers
A fully supported extractor enhances operator safety in the event of an overcharged round
Become a fan of SIG SAUER® on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SigSauerInc
is the largest member of a worldwide business group of firearms manufacturers that includes J.P
Sauer &amp; Sohn® and Blaser GmbH® in Germany and Swiss Arms AG® in Switzerland
This global network of companies gives SIG SAUER® a world-class firearms knowledge base
enabling the company to respond quickly and effectively to changing market conditions and the needs of its military
SIG SAUER® is an ISO 9001: 2008 certified company with over 450 employees
&copy; OutdoorHub &bull; All Rights Reserved &bull; Carbon Media Group Outdoors