List of Documents

The input of acid substances (like SO2) into the sea has been recognized as an environmental issue that needs to be considered in terms of ocean acidification; acid inputs and techniques to deal with them have implications for member states' obligations under the Water Framework Directive and Marine Strategy Framework Directive. This study provides an initial assessment on the potential impact of on-board desulphurisation equipment (open loop scrubbers) on the seawater quality with focus on SOx Emission Control Areas (SECAs). The study focuses on the potential impact of shipborne SO2 on acidification (pH) of seawater in comparison to the impact from climate change. The report comprises a literature study and a dedicated modelling exercise covering the North Sea region.

Marine Scotland Science scientists are working on a project to investigate the potential effects of proposed wind farms on the circulation in the Firth of Forth and Tay area, off the Scottish east coast. The wind farms are projected to be sited in relatively shallow sand bank areas which are important habitats for sandeels, which is term sustain very important populations of seabirds and marine mammals. Significant changes to the circulation patterns may affect the physical characteristics of the sea bed and thus their suitability as sandeel habitats, while other hydrographic changes may affect primary productivity, with ensuing changes to the ecosystem structure and function. Rory O'Hara Murray (r.murray@marlab.ac.uk) has developed a FVCOM model of the area at very high maximum resolution (down to 10 m within the wind farms), representing turbine foundations as islands within the model. Simulations have shown small nearfield effects on current speeds but no noticeable effects further afield. The outputs of the FVCOM model are being used by a University of Aberdeen/Marine Scotland Science joint postdoc (Jacqui Tweddle; jftweddle@abdn.ac.uk) as forcing data for a 1-D primary productivity model to investigate the potential effects of any physical changes on primary productivity and higher trophic levels.

This report represents the result of the scientific and technical review of Commission Decision 2010/477/EU in relation to Descriptor 7. The review has been carried out by the EC JRC together with experts nominated by EU Member States, and has considered contributions from the GES Working Group in accordance with the roadmap set out in the MSFD implementation strategy (agreed on at the 11th CIS MSCG meeting).

The UNEP MAP Ecosystem Approach (EcAp) includes the Ecological Objective 7 (EO7) Alteration of hydrographic conditions does not adversely affect coastal and marine ecosystems, which corresponds to MSFD D7. In relation to EO7, this document aims to define a methodological approach for assessing alterations of hydrographical conditions and the impact this may have on habitats due to permanent constructions and activities on the coast or at sea.

Hydrological and marine models can be useful for several MSFD related purposes and Blue Growth action plans, such as to determine baseline conditions in the past and to estimate the impact of pressures and the suitability of measures in the future (scenario analysis), to complement scarce datasets and inform on prioritization of sampling activities. The modelling toolbox proposes end-to-end modelling, which tries to represent the entire system by including all relevant processes in the system, from hydrology and physics to chemistry, and plankton to fish. The suite of models considered represent a comprehensive toolbox, addressing the complex impact of drivers and assessing ecosystem responses necessary to address the requirements of descriptors in the MSFD and be useful for impact analyses of Blue Growth strategies. Such numerical models can simulate and predict changes in the state of the marine environment and ecosystems in response to different drivers and scenarios, and should ultimately be accessible to provide explicit support to the decision-making process.

According to the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), in 2012 Member States had to report on the initial assessment of their marine waters (art. 8), on the determination of good environmental status (art. 9) and on the establishment of environmental targets and associated indicators (art. 10). At the request of DG Environment, the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission has carried out an in-depth assessment (IDA) of the reporting done by Member States. This document presents the result of this IDA for MSFD Descriptor 7 (Permanent alteration of hydrographical conditions does not adversely affect marine ecosystems), carried out on the basis of reporting from the following Member States (MS): Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom. The aims of the IDA were: i) to evaluate comparability and coherence of methods and in particular their relation to the assessments under other European and international frames and the latest scientific evidence, ii) to provide recommendations for improved implementation of the MSFD in the second cycle (2018) and iii) to support the review and the possible revision of the Commission Decision (2010/477/EU). In this IDA document, relevant issues are addressed, followed by suggestions and potential actors regarding the MSFD Descriptor 7.

Workshop aimed to: identify a common set of indicators for each Descriptor under the remit of EIHA, both indicators presented with targets by the CP in their MSFD reports as well as indicators to be further developed; To discuss practical monitoring needs for these possible indicators; To consider gaps in indicators and where new indicators might need to be developed

Discusses on Common approach toward indicators and targets for GES. Advics on GES. Outlines the GES indicators and the associated advice based on information collated from the questionnaire circulated to OSPAR Contracting Parties. Discusses on Experiences in setting targets for GES. Discusses on monitoring and scales of assessment