Methane (CH₄) cycling in the Baltic Proper is studied through model simulations, enabling a first estimate of key CH₄ fluxes. A preliminary budget identifies benthic CH₄ release as the dominant source and two main sinks: CH₄ oxidation in the water (92 % of sinks) and outgassing to the atmosphere (8 % of sinks). This study addresses CH₄ emissions from coastal seas and is a first step toward understanding the relative importance of open-water outgassing compared with local coastal hotspots.