Finland’s Metsähallitus (Parks & Wildlife Finland) is painting white markings – circles containing a cross – on rocks along the eastern Gulf of Finland coastline. These markings are part of a new initiative to facilitate oil spill response efforts in the region. The project covers the entire Eastern Gulf of Finland National Park, stretching from Pyhtää to Virolahti. The markings will help identify key areas for oil containment and cleanup should a spill occur. The initiative will continue throughout the summer months. Officials state the markings are solely for operational purposes related to oil spill preparedness and do not indicate any current threat. The aim is to improve the efficiency of potential cleanup operations and protect the sensitive coastal environment.