Identification of the socio-economic issues to be treated ... · Project website Milestone Nr. 7 Milestone Date October 2013, Revised March 2014 ... Overfishing (D3) X X X X X Marine

Identification of the socio-economic issues to be

treated within PERSEUS,

Risk assessments compiled by WP1 and WP2

Milestone Nr. 17

PERSEUS Milestone Nr. 17

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Project Full title Policy-oriented marine Environmental Research in the Southern EUropean Seas

Project Acronym PERSEUS

Grant Agreement No. 287600

Coordinator Dr. E. Papathanassiou

Project start date and duration 1st January 2012, 48 months

Project website www.perseus-net.eu

Milestone Nr. 7 Milestone Date October 2013,

Revised March 2014

Work Package No 6

Work Package Title Adaptive policies and scenarios

Responsible Didier Sauzade (Plan Bleu)

Authors &

Institutes Acronyms

Xavier Durieu de Madron (CNRS), Aris Karageorgis (HCMR), Gabriel Reygondeau (CNRS), Jean François Cadiou (Ifremer), Marc Bouchoucha (Ifremer) , Sophie Laroche (Ifremer), Margaretha Breil (CMCC), Didier Sauzade (Plan Bleu), Julien Le Tellier (Plan Bleu), Carla Murciano Virto (Plan Bleu), Cécile Langlais (Plan Bleu)

Status: Final (F)

Draft (D)

Revised draft (RV)

Dissemination level: Public (PU)

Restricted to other program participants (PP)

Restricted to a group specified by the consortium (RE)

Confidential, only for members of the consortium (CO)


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Content

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY / ABSTRACT For identifying the socio-economic issues to be treated within PERSEUS, WP6 (Adaptive policies and scenarios) worked closely with WP1 (Pressures and Impacts at Basin and Sub-basin Scale) and WP2 (Pressures and Impacts at coastal level). To assure a well-integrated work a number of workshops and skype meetings took place. A WP1&2 and WP6 Joint meeting on GES risk for APF tests was held on the 6 and 7 march 2013 (minutes in annex 1)

As a first step, information for the identification of issues at risk of non-achievement of GES across the SES Member States has been retrieved from the analysis of existing studies (Deliverable 6.2) and combined with identified key pressures related to socioeconomic issues for open seas (Deliverable 1.1 “Pressures, processes and impacts on SES open waters ecosystems - Gap analysis on data and knowledge”) and costal seas (Deliverable 2.1 “Pressures and their impacts on coastal ecosystems in the SES, Gap Analysis - Preliminary report”).

Through a methodological process of gap and impact analyses, PERSEUS has updated and prioritized the main environmental risks in relation to each of the 11 GES descriptors of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). The determination of the main environmental risks for not achieving GES in the Mediterranean and Black Seas both in environmental and socio-economic terms was achieved. Furthermore, each risk has been analyzed in the four sub-regions: Western-, Central-, Eastern-Mediterranean and Black Sea and the environmental risks selected as case studies for the adaptive policy framework (Figure 1). Main risks identified at this stage in the framework of WP2 (coastal waters) are presented in annex 2.

The outcome of these meetings, the Umbrella Workshop and the “Joint meeting of WP1&2 and WP6 on GES-risks for APF test” (Annex I) resulted to a factsheet “Main environmental risks of non-achieving GES in the Southern European Seas” that has been uploaded on the PERSEUS website (http://www.perseus-net.eu/assets/media/PDF/Press%20Releases/Fact%20Sheets/559.pdf) as requested by the means of verification for this milestone.

http://www.perseus-net.eu/assets/media/PDF/Press%20Releases/Fact%20Sheets/559.pdf

http://www.perseus-net.eu/assets/media/PDF/Press%20Releases/Fact%20Sheets/559.pdf


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Figure 1: Environmental risks selected as case studies for the adaptive policy framework, extract from the Fact sheet “Main environmental risks of not achieving GEs in the Southern European Seas”.

19 situations of risk were thus selected for APF Pilot Case studies, if it is considered that the Northern Adriatic Pilot Case is only in coastal waters (<200m).

Further to this work, it has been decided by WP 1 and 2 leaders that 16 only selected risks could be characterized (Table 1) by WP1 and WP2experts.

Table 1 List of risks to be characterized by WP1 and WP1, by sub basins in coastal and open sea.

Pilot cases

G.o

f L

ion

an

d

Ba

lea

ric

sea

No

rth

ern

Ad

ria

tic

Ag

ea

n

Se

a,

Sa

ron

iko

s

Gu

lf

We

ste

rn

Bla

ck S

ea

Main Risks

Co

ast

al

wa

ters

Op

en

Se

a

Co

ast

al

wa

ters

Co

ast

al

wa

ters

Op

en

Se

a

Co

ast

al

wa

ters

Op

en

Se

a

Alteration of hydrographical cond. (D7)

Chemical Pollution (D8, D9) X

X

X

Nutriments and organic enrichment (D5)

X

Physical damages and losses of habitats (D6) Introduction of non-indigenous species (D2)

X X

X X* X*

Overfishing (D3)

X X X X

X

Marine litters (D10) X

X

Underwater noise (D11)

Jelly blooms (D1, D4)


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To date, only eleven situations at risks (risks per sub basins) have been detailed by experts of WP1 (in pink) and WP2 (in green), X* standing for joint characterizations.

These situations at risk are presented in the following sections. It should be noted that this presentation does not follow exactly the distinction between open sea (>200m) and coastal water (< 200m).

WP1 Experts have also documented some risks regarding the Northern Adriatic area, which is normally classified as coastal water due to its max depth < 200m.

WP2 Experts have also documented some open Sea risks, as for the NIS in western Black Sea which was characterized for coastal water and open sea.


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Part 1 Open Sea (WP1)

Synthesis of D1.3: major impacts and suggested risks

In line with the Umbrella Workshop and to prepare the implementation of the Adoptive Policy Framework (APF) in the WP6 Pilot cases, the main objective of D1.3 is to identify a preliminary list of risks of non-achievement of GES as a starting point of a selection process; the ultimate goal is to select the demonstrative issues which will be used to test and improve the APF. Further on, a specific objective is the identification of two to three risks for each WP6 Pilot Cases and to derive from them environmental targets and associated thresholds to develop future adaptive policies.

Environmental targets in open waters

A meeting between T1.2 & T2.2 participants that took place on the 16th of September 2013 and was coordinated by Plan Bleu, considered all relevant aspects and resulted in the formulation of lists of (1) top Environmental Targets and (2) potential risks induced by main human activities per WP6 pilot cases (Gulf of Lion in the northwestern Mediterranean, Adriatic in the central Mediterranean, Aegean in the eastern Mediterranean, and northwestern Black Sea). The following Table aggregates the top Environmental Targets that represent the most important issues for the MSFD implementation in the open Mediterranean and the Black Seas; the specific importance of each environmental target is not evaluated, therefore the list from 1 to 3 does not represent priorities.

Environmental Targets

Reduction of releases of non-indigenous species species by maritime transport and impacts on (open sea) marine ecosystems

Achieve sustainable stocks of commercially targeted exploited species (i.e., anchovy, sardine, tuna)

The four WP6 pilot cases in the


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The following table aggregates the potential risks induced by main human activities per WP6 pilot cases

Cases Risks Fisheries Aquaculture Maritime transport

Submarine cables

Offshore exploration

Western Med.

PDLH

NIS

OF

PDLH

OF

NIS NIS PDLH PDLH

Eastern Med.

PDLH

NIS

OF

OF NIS NIS PDLH

Black Sea

NIS

OF

OF NIS

Legend:

PDLH Physical damages and losses of habitats (D6)

NIS Introduction of non-indigenous species (D2)

OF Overfishing (D3)

These risks have been subject to discussion in order to derive environmental targets and thresholds. Consideration of combined issues and situations of interaction would represent added value for Perseus Project. Innovative policy design needs to tackle with interactions; however, little knowledge is available on the interacting patterns of both natural and human derived pressures, the first scientific objective of Perseus.


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1. Area : Northwestern Mediterranean; Selected Risk: NIS

Environmental Target

Reduction of releases of non-indigenous species by maritime transport and aquaculture

Description

In the WMED, shipping remains the most prominent pathway of introductions and its lower proportion in the two last decades reflects the increase of other sources rather than a genuine decline (Zenetos et al., 2012). Shipping at large may include species introduced with fishing discards. The decades of 1970 to 2000 represent the heyday of introductions through aquaculture, both intentional and accidental (Verlaque, 2005; Mineur et al., 2007)

The rise of corridors as a pathway to the WMED in the last decade is a consequence of the slow but steady progress of species, which first arrived in the EMED through the Suez Canal to successively spread throughout the whole basin. Among the forerunners are the lessepsian bluespotted cornetfish Fistularia commersonii first sighted in 2007 in Corsica (Bodilis et al, 2011) and the rabbitfish Siganus luridus, caught in 2008 in Sausset-les-Pins, near Marseille (Daniel et al., 2009). At the same time, the effect of climate change is evidenced in the progressive immigration via Gibraltar of many tropical Atlantic fish (Francour & Bodilis, 2012).

Threshold value

Efforts to manage pathways should be reflected in the short and medium term in a declining trend of new introductions. A levelling off of the current increase in cumulative numbers of NIS, a reduction in their rate of establishment in new countries, and/or a shrinking distribution of these would be a signal that this target is addressed successfully.

Assessment method for monitoring

Trends in introduction and spread of species should be assessed. Rapid Assessment surveys in ports and marinas for target species among the most invasive on an annual basis (Johnson et al., 2001). Aquaculture sites should be regularly monitored. Monitoring of Marine Protected areas is expected to produce interesting results (Francour et al., 2010). Engagement of citizen scientists for conspicious species such as fish is a valuable tool (Azzuro et al, 2013).

References

Azzurro E, Broglio E., Maynou F. and Bariche M., 2013. Citizen science detects the undetected: the case of Abudefduf saxatilis from the Mediterranean Sea. Management of Biological Invasions (2013) Volume 4 in press

Bodilis P., Arceo H. and Francour P., 2011. Further evidence of the establishment of Fistularia commersonii (Osteichthyes: Fistulariidae) in the north-western Mediterranean Sea. Marine Biodiversity Records, page 1 of 4. # Marine Biological


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Association of the United Kingdom, 2011 doi:10.1017/S1755267211000194; Vol. 4; e18; 2011 Published online

Daniel et al., 2009. Lessepsian rabbitfish Siganus luridus reached the French Mediterranean coasts. Cybium 33(2): 163-164.

Francour P., Bodilis P. 2012. Spreading of new fish species into the Western Mediterranean basin: what are the main pathways and what are the triggers? XIVth European Congress of Ichthyology, Liège, Belgium, 3-8th July 2012

Francour P., Mangialajo L. and Pastor J., 2010. Mediterranean marine protected areas and non-indigenous fish spreading. pp. 127-144 In Golani D & Appelbaum-Golani (eds) Fish Invasions of the Mediterranean Sea: Change and Renewal, Pensoft Publishers, Sofi a–Moscow

Mineur, F., Belsher, T., Johnson, M.P., Maggs, C.A. & Verlaque,M., 2007. Experimental assessment of oyster transfers as a vector for macroalgal introductions. Biological Conservation, 137(2): 237-247

Verlaque M., 2005. WP4.2. Propagule pressure: shellfish industry.Final Report. 5th PCRD European Programme "ALIENS, Algal Introductions To European Shores, 134 p. http://www.uniovi.es/ecologia/aliens/Ealiens.htm.

Zenetos A., Gofas S., Morri C., Rosso A., Violanti D., García Raso J.E., Çinar M.E., Almogi-Labin A., Ates A.S., Azzurro E., Ballesteros E., Bianchi C.N., Bilecenoglu M., Gambi M.C., Giangrande A., Gravili C., Hyams-Kaphzan O., Karachle P.K., Katsanevakis S., Lipej L., Mastrototaro F., Mineur F., Pancucci-Papadopoulou M.A., Ramos-Esplá A., Salas C., San Martín G., Sfriso A., Streftaris N. & Verlaque M., 2012. Alien species in the Mediterranean Sea by 2012. A contribution to the application of European Union’s Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). Part 2. Introduction trends and pathways. Mediterranean Marine Science 13 (2): 328-352.


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2. Area: Central Mediterranean (Adriatic) ; Selected Risk: NIS


Reduction of releases of non-indigenous species species by maritime transport and aquaculture

Description

The Gulf of Venice, the Gulf of Trieste are among the most visited areas by NIS (Occhipinti Ambogi, 2000 ;Crocetta, 201; Lipej et al, 2012). The majority of molluscs and macrophytes were introduced via aquaculture, whereas alien crustacean and polychaeta NIS were mostly related to the introduction by shipping.

Despite the Aquaculture Directive the number of NIS macroalgae keeps increasing (Sfriso et al, 2012). This holds true for Venice lagoon and the Mar Piccolo of Taranto (CMED) where important oyster, Manila clam and mussel plants are located. Many species of macroalgae are used for keeping the imported fish and molluscs fresh and at the end of the working day they are discharged: in Venice Lagoon the greater part of the NIS have been reported from canals adjacent to fish markets (Zenetos et al, 2012)..

Threshold value

Not possible to assess threshold values. The goal is no new invasions.


Trends in introduction and spread of species should be assessed. Rapid Assessment surveys in ports and marinas for target species among the most invasive on an annual basis (Johnson et al., 2001). Engagement of citizen scientists for conscious species such as fish (Bodilis et al, 2013). This last tool has proven valuable in detecting many fish species in Croatian waters (Pecarevic et al., 2013).

Fish markets should be monitored.

References

Bodilis, P., Louisy, P., Draman, M., Arceo, H. O., & Francour, P. (2013). Can Citizen Science Survey Non-indigenous Fish Species in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea?. Environmental management, 1-9.

Crocetta, F., 2011. Marine alien mollusca in the Gulf of Trieste and neighbouring areas: a critical review and state of knowledge (updated in 2011). Acta Adriatica, 52 (2): 247-260.

Johnson, L. E., Ricciardi, A., & Carlton, J. T. (2001). Overland dispersal of aquatic invasive species: a risk assessment of transient recreational boating.Ecological Applications, 11(6), 1789-1799.


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Lipej L., Mavri_ B., Orlando-Bonaca M. & Malej A., 2012. State of the Art of the Marine Non-Indigenous Flora and Fauna in Slovenia. Medit. Mar. Sci., 13/2, 2012, 243-249

Pecarevic M., Mikus J., Bratos Cetinic A., Dulcic J. & Calic M., 2013. Introduced marine species in Croatian waters (Eastern Adriatic Sea). Medit. Mar. Sci., 14/1, 224-237

Sfriso, A., Sfriso, A.A., Campolin, M., Stocco, M., Buosi, A. &Facca, C., 2012a. Monitoring plan of the water bodies of the Venice lagoon aimed at defining the ecological status, in accordance with Directive 2000/60/EC. Line 5- monitoring of biological quality element “Nature and composition of the substrate” (In Italian). DAIS First report, 20 pp.

UNEP-MAP-RAC/SPA, 2012. Marine Mediterranean Invasive Alien Species (MAMIAS), 2012: http://www.mamias.org

Young, L., Polychronidis L., Zenetos A. . 2007. Saronikos Gulf: Hot spot for alien Mollusca. Communication presented at 1st Pan-Hellenic Meeting on Aquatic Invasive Species in the eastern Mediterranean 5–6 November Herakleio Crete.

Zenetos, A., Gofas, S., Morri, C., Rosso, A., Violanti, D., Garcia Raso, J.E., Cinar, M.E., Almogi-lLabin A., Ates, A.S., Azzurro, E., Ballesteros, E., Bianchi, C.N., Bilecenoglu, M., Gambi, M.C., Giangrande, A., GravilI, C., Hyams-Kaphzan, O., Karachle, P.K., Katsanevakis, S., Lipej, l., Mastrototaro, F., Mineur, F., Pancucci-Papadopoulou, M.A, Ramos espla, A., Salas, C, San Martin, G, Sfriso, A., Streftaris, N., Verlaque, M. (2012). Alien species in the Mediterranean Sea by 2012. A contribution to the application of European Union’s Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). Part 2. Patterns in introduction trends and pathways. Mediterranean Marine Science, 13(2), 328-352


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3. Area: Eastern Mediterranean (Aegean) ; Selected Risk: NIS


Reduction of releases of non-indigenous species by maritime transport and aquaculture

Description

Despite the increase in aquaculture, alien species intentionally release d in the wild and/or accidentally transported with them have declined in the last decades. The main threat remains navigation. Transport of alien species within the EMED, from the Levantine to the Aegean, is also facilitated with recreational boats. This vector needs to be monitored.

Threshold value

Not possible to be assessed. No new introductions is the goal.


Trends in introduction and spread of species should be assessed. Rapid Assessment surveys in ports and marinas for target species among the most invasive on an annual basis (Johnson et al., 2001). Marine protected areas should be also monitored (Otero et al., 2013). Engagement of citizen scientists for conscious species such as fish (Bodilis et al, 2013; Zenetos et al, 2013)

References

Bodilis, P., Louisy, P., Draman, M., Arceo, H. O., & Francour, P. (2013). Can Citizen Science Survey Non-indigenous Fish Species in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea?. Environmental management, 1-9.

Johnson, L. E., Ricciardi, A., & Carlton, J. T. (2001). Overland dispersal of aquatic invasive species: a risk assessment of transient recreational boating.Ecological Applications, 11(6), 1789-1799.

Katsanevakis S., Zenetos A., Belchior C., Cardoso A.C. , 2013. Invading European Seas: assessing pathways of introduction of marine aliens. Ocean & Coastal Management 76: 64-74

Otero, M., Cebrian, E., Francour, P., Galil, B., & Savini, D. (2013). Monitoring marine invasive species in Mediterranean marine protected areas (MPAs): a strategy and practical guide for managers. Medpan North project. Malaga, Spain. IUCN.

Zenetos A., Koutsogiannopoulos D, Ovalis P, & Poursanidis D. 2013. The role played by citizen scientists in monitoring marine alien species in Greece. Cahier de biologie marine, 54, 3: 419-426


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4. Area: Central Mediterranean (Adriatic); Selected Risk: OF (Over Fishing)


Achieve sustainable stocks of commercially targeted exploited species (i.e., anchovy, sardine)

Description

The environmental target for small pelagic species (anchovy and sardine) is to maintain the exploitation rate E (E=F/Z; F: fishing mortality; Z: total mortality) below the empirical level of sustainability E<0.4 (Patterson 1992), and is regarded to be pressure-based.

Threshold value

E<0.4


Anchovy:

The assessment is based on Integrated Catch at Age (ICA) analysis (STECF, 2013), using fishery independent acoustic surveys information as well as commercial catch at age data. According to the assessment, the status of the anchovy stock was above the reference point.

Sardine:

VPA (STECF 2012) and Integrated Catch Analysis (ICA) (STECF 2013) analyses have been used for sardine assessment in the Adriatic. The ICA has been performed from 1975 to 2011. Data used come from acoustic surveys and from the catch recorded for the fleets of Italy, Croatia and Slovenia. The biological data of the species were used to obtain the age distribution in the catches. According to the assessment, the status of the sardine stock was above the reference point, with an improving trend in the last years.

References

Patterson, K. 1992. Fisheries for small pelagic species: an empirical approach to management targets. Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, 2: 321-338.

STECF, 2012. Report of the STECF on Assessment of Mediterranean Sea stocks (STECF 12-03), 407 pp.

STECF, 2013. Report of the STECF. Assessment of Mediterranean Sea stocks part II (STECF 13-05), 664 pp.


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5. Area: Eastern Mediterranean (Aegean); Selected Risk: OF (Over Fishing)


Achieve sustainable stocks of commercially targeted exploited species (i.e., anchovy, sardine)

Description

The environmental target for small pelagic species (anchovy and sardine) is to maintain the exploitation rate E (E=F/Z; F: fishing mortality; Z: total mortality; F is averaged over ages 1 to 3) below the empirical level of sustainability E<0.4 (Patterson 1992), and is regarded to be pressure-based.

Threshold value

E<0.4


Anchovy:

The assessment is based on fishery independent surveys information as well as on Integrated Catch at Age (ICA) analysis model (SGMED, 2009). Specifically, acoustic surveys estimations (Machias et al., 2007) are used for Total Biomass estimates and Daily Egg Production Methodology (DEPM) surveys for the estimation of Spawning Stock Biomass (SSB), both applied at the same time. The application of ICA is based on commercial catch at age data (2000-2008) and as tuning indices the biomass estimates from acoustic surveys and the Daily Egg Production Method (DEPM) estimates are used. According to the assessment the status of the anchovy stock was bellow the reference point.

Sardine:

The assessment is based on fishery independent acoustic surveys information (Machias et al., 2007) as well as on Integrated Catch at Age (ICA) analysis (SGMED, 2009; Antonakakis et al., 2011) and Extended Survivors Analysis (XSA) (STECF 2012) models. Specifically, the acoustic surveys estimations are used for Total Biomass estimates. The applications of ICA and XSA are based on commercial catch at age data (2000-2008) and as tuning indices the biomass estimates from acoustic surveys are used. According to the assessment, the status of the sardine stock was above the reference point, with an improving trend in the last years.

References

Antonakakis, K., Giannoulaki, M., Machias, A., Somarakis, S., Sanchez, S., Ibaibarriaga, L., and Uriarte, A. 2011. Assessment of the sardine (Sardina pilchardus Walbaum, 1792) fishery in the eastern Mediterranean basin (North Aegean Sea). Mediterranean Marine Science, 12: 333-357.


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Machias, A., Giannoulaki, M., Somarakis, S., Schismenou, E., Tsagarakis, K., Siapatis, A., Stamataki, C., et al. 2007. Acoustic biomass estimates of sardine in the Aegean Sea (June 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006). In WD to the GFCM SCSA, Working Group on the Small Pelagic. Athens

Patterson, K. 1992. Fisheries for small pelagic species: an empirical approach to management targets. Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, 2: 321-338.

SGMED. 2009. Report of the SGMED-09-02 Working Group on the Mediterranean - Part I. 846 pp.

STECF, 2012. Report of the STECF on Assessment of Mediterranean Sea stocks (STECF 12-03), 407 pp.


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Part 2 Coastal sea (WP2)

1. Area: W-MED; Selected Risk: Pollution


“Reduction of methylmercury (MeHg) level measured in the muscular flesh of high

trophic level fishes in French Mediterranean Sea, in a way that health safety threshold is

not exceeded”

Description (text)

The mercury contamination in biota, monitored in French Mediterranean Sea trough

classical monitoring programs (ROCCH, WFD, RINBIO) by considering low trophic

species (mussels), does not show alarming level. None of the ROCCH data on

concentration in biota exceeded the health safety regulatory threshold defined by the

regulation EC n°1881/2006 (Claisse, D. 2009).

Furthermore, recent water mercury profiles suggest a decrease of Hg concentration during

the last 15 years in Western Mediterranean water column. Mercury concentration of

particles brought by the Rhone to the Gulf of Lions has decreased by a factor two during

the last 15 years. A trend of decrease of total mercury concentration in mussels, which

constitutes quantitative bio-integrators, is noticeable everywhere since 2000 (Cossa, 2012).

These decreasing trends are confirmed by contamination level in sediments, which reflect

the decrease of discharge in the beginning of the 70s. A geochronologic study has in

particular be carried out in the sediments of the North-Eastern part of the Thau lagoon and

allowed to situate the maximum of local contamination in the first part of the XXth

century.

Despite these decreasing trends, if we consider species of high trophic level, as for

example the hake or the red mullet, higher concentrations are found, which can exceed the

health safety regulatory thresholds. These high levels result from the bioconcentration and

bioamplification process. Numerous studies have highlighted high mercury concentration

in Mediterranean marine organisms, in particular in organisms of high trophic level.

(Thibaud, 1971; Bernhard et Renzoni, 1977; Monteiro et al., 1991; Joiris et al., 1999,

Cossa 2012, Harmelin-Vivien and al., 2009, Merlumed project). An increase of mercury

concentrations in the hake muscular flesh with the fish size is reported, which constitutes a

common phenomenon among fish and is known for more than 40 years (Johnels and al.,

1967). However, the concentration measured in the Mediterranean sea are higher than

those measured for same species in the Atlantic ocean) or in the Black Sea. In fact,

considering same age fishes, Hg concentrations in Gulf of Lion hake flesh are 1,6 times

higher than those of Bay of Biscay hake. These geographical differences are also

particularly evident for tuna or marine mammals (Bernhard, 1985; Lahaye and al., 2006).

In the framework of the MERLUMED project, the campaigns Mermed-1, 3, 4 et 5 and

Tecpec-2 et 3 have highlighted mercury concentrations in the muscular flesh of Gulf of

Lion hake exceeding the health safety threshold (regulation EC CE n°1881/2006) for some

individuals larger than 30 cm and for all individuals larger than 55cm (cf. figure 1).


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Fish total lenght (cm)

Figure 1 – Mercury concentrations in the muscular flesh of Gulf of Lion hake (campaigns

Mermed-1, 3, 4 et 5 et campaigns Tecpec-2 et 3). Each point refers to an individual. The

dotted line represents the value of health safety threshold defined by the regulation EC

n°1881/2006.

Recently, the low biological production of the Mediterranean Sea, which generates a very

low «biodilution» of Hg, has been mentioned as the most probable cause of the higher Hg

concentrations in muscular flesh of the Gulf of Lions high trophic level fishes, by

comparison with the Black Sea ones (Harmelin-Vivien et al., 2009, Cossa et al., 2012).

The sources of mercury in the environment are both natural and anthropogenic. All

reservoir and environmental compartments contain natural and anthropogenic mercury in

variable proportions (Cossa, 2012). The North-Western Mediterranean Sea receives

mercury from different sources, mainly from the Atlantic surface waters which enter in

Gibraltar, but also from the intermediate waters of the Eastern Mediterranean basin, the

wet and dry atmospheric deposition, and the rivers (mainly the Rhone). These different

vectors have each an anthropogenic component of greater or lesser importance. Also

account submarine inputs by continental water infiltration or hydrothermalism, and direct

discharge in the sea (sewage treatment plant waters, industrial effluents…).

Among these sources of mercury, atmosphere is a major one for the Western-

Mediterranean Sea. Anthropological emissions of Mediterranean riparian countries have

been listed by Pirrone et al. (2001) : their total annual atmospheric flux is estimated at 100

t (tons) of mercury, which represents a third of European emissions and 5% of world

emissions. 30 t comes from fossil fuel combustion, 29 t from incineration of household

waste, 28 t from cement production and 10 t from chlorine and soda production.

Ground, rocks, volcanism and vegetation constitute the natural sources of mercury.

Mercury presents an important diversity of interconvertible chemical forms, which have

specific properties. Mercury can be present in the atmosphere in the form of gas, in the

water in dissolved form, and also linked with natural solids (ground, sediments…). In an

aqueous medium, two chemical reactions condition mercury fate and toxicity: the

reduction of divalent mercury in volatile elementary mercury, which favours the mercury

atmospheric recycling, and the methylation which favours the bioaccumulation. In fact,

methylmercury (MeHg), is the most assimilable form of mercury by living organisms. It is


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also the most toxic mercury form. It accumulates in marine organisms with a concentration

factor which can reach 107 (Cadiou et al, 2009). Accumulation in tissues leads to

neurological effects ranging from tremors to paralysis.

The muscle is the mercury accumulation organ, while digestive system constitutes an

absorption organ and liver a demethylation and slow excretion organ (Maury-Brachet et

al., 2006). Gonads probably have an indirect role in mercury excretion.

Threshold value

The regulation EC n°1881/2006 sets a food safety maximal level of mercury in muscular

fish flesh, which is 500 μg.kg-1

of wet weight (or 2500 μg.kg-1

of dry weight). This value

concerns fishery products and muscular fish flesh, excluding some fish species, listed in

the regulation EC n°1881/2006 and for which the maximal level of mercury is set to 1

mg.kg-1

of wet weight.


The sampling and analysis methodologies for official control of mercury level in fishes is

detailed in the Directive 2001/22/EC, and can be used as assessment method for

monitoring.

References

Bernhard, M. et A. Renzoni. 1977. Mercury concentrations in Mediterranean marine

organisms and their environments: natural and anthropogenic origins. Thalassia

Jugoslavia, 13: 265-272.

Bernhard, M. 1985. Mercury accumulation in a pelagic food chain. In Environmental

Inorganic Chemistry. Metertell, A. E., Irgolic, K. J., Eds.: VCH Publishers, Deerfield

Beach, FL, 2000.

Cadiou, J-F., Tronczynski, J., Cossa, D., Loizeau, V., Mellon-Duval, C. 2009. Note de

synthèse bibliographique sur la contamination par les composés organiques hydrophobes

(PCB, PBDE, MeHg) des poissons pélagiques et bentho-pélagiques de Méditerranée

nord-occidentale, Projet Intégré Méditerranée MEDICISClaisse, D. 2009. Adaptation de

la surveillance chimique pour la DCE conformément à la directive fille 2008/105/CE

Cossa D., M. Harmelin-Vivien, C. Mellon-Duval, V. Loizeau, B. Averty, S. Crochet, L.

Chou and J.-F. Cadiou (2012) Influences of Bioavailability, Trophic Position, and

Growth on Methylmercury in Hakes (Merluccius merluccius) from Northwestern

Mediterranean and Northeastern Atlantic, Environmental Science & Technology,

Environmental Science & Technology, 46(9), 4885-4893.

Cossa. 2012. Le mercure en Méditerranée Nord Occidentale Mercure naturel et

anthropique dans l’écosystème du Golfe du Lion et de ses marges : niveaux, apports et

tendances dans l’atmosphère, les eaux, les sédiments et les organismes vivants

Harmelin-Vivien, M., D. Cossa, D., Crochet, S., Bănaru, D., Letourneur, Y. et Mellon-

Duval, C. 2009. Differences in mercury bioaccumulation in red mullets from the North-

western Mediterranean and Black seas. Mar. Pollut. Bull., 58: 679-685.

Johnels, A.G., Westermark, T., Berg, W., Persson P.I. et Sjostrand, B. 1967. Pike (Esox

lucius L.) and Some Other Aquatic Organisms in Sweden as Indicators of Mercury

Contamination in the Environment. Oikos, 18: 323-333.


- 19 -

Joiris, C. R., Holsbeek, L. et Laroussi Moatemri, N. 1999. Total and methylmercury in

sardines Sardinella aurita and Sardinella pilchardus from Tunisia. Mar. Pollut. Bull., 38:

188-192.

Lahaye, L., Bustamante, P., Dabin, W., van Canneyt, O., Dhermain, F., Cesarini, C.,

Pierce, G.J. et Caurant, F. 2006. New insights from age determination on toxic element

accumulation in striped and bottlenose dolphins from Atlantic and Mediterranean waters.

Mar. Pollut. Bull., 52: 1219–1230.

Maury-Brachet R., G. Durrieu, Y. Dominique et A. Boudou. (2006). Mercury distribution

in fish organs and food regimes: Significant relationships from twelve species collected

in French Guiana (Amazonian basin). Sci. Total Environ., 368: 262-270.

Monteiro, L.R., Isidro, E.J. et Lopes, H.D. 1991. Mercury content in relation to sex, size,

age and growth in two species of scorpionfish (Helicolenus dactylopterus and Pontinus

kuhlii) from Azorean waters. Wat. Air Soil Pollut., 56 : 359-367.

Thibaud, Y. 1971. Teneurs en mercure de quelques poissons de consommation courante.

Sciences Pêches, Bull. Inst. Pêches marit., 206 : 1-10.


- 20 -

2. Area: W-MED; Selected Risk: Litter


Reduction of litter quantities, weight and volume collected daily on the French

Mediterranean beaches with a regular cleaning, considering litter with a size >2,5cm.

Description (text)

On the coastline of Marseille, Porquerolles and of the beach of Sophia Antipolis, plastic

fragments innumerable. Plastic litter account for at least 90 % of total collected volumes.

They are composed by household and hygiene waste, with a noticeable amount of cotton

swab.

It is still difficult to determine a trend, considering the available data. However, it can be

stated that the collected quantities are not decreasing.

After the implementation of waste water treatment plant, the volume of litter daily washed

up on beach with a regular cleaning varies between 0,017 m3/day/100 m on the beach of

the Maures area and 0,23 m3/day/100 m on Antibes beach, facing East.

On a preferential stranding area, with infrequent cleaning (Crine beach in Frioul, studied

from 2007 to 2011), the volume is 6,44 m3/cleaning/100 m.

The average quantity of litter washed up on daily cleaned French Mediterranean beaches,

from 1987 to 2011, is 0,078 m3/day/100 m.

Threshold value

Because of the difficulty to define a threshold, the assessment is mainly based on trends,

which are expected to decrease.

However, the experts are working on the definition of a threshold value. They consider as

not realistic to expect the level “0”. They consider instead the concept of "acceptable litter

stock without significant effect". This could be the average level per subregion, if

available.

Regarding the French data, the average quantity of litter washed up on daily cleaned

French Mediterranean beaches, from 1987 to 2011, is 0,078 m3/day/100 m. This value

could be used as a threshold.


OSPAR protocol and MEDPOL recommendations constitute the reference methods.

According to OSPAR protocol, the considered litter have a size higher than 2,5 cm.

A length of 100m on the totality of the intertidal zone corresponds to an optimal sample

and allows a comparison between the sites.

Manual counting is the method which is the most adapted to sources identification.

Conversion factors between litter number, weight and volume need to be developed to

assess litter quantities.

As well as possible, measurements need to be made 4 times a year to assess the seasonal

variations. It will be necessary to select several beaches per submarine region, if possible


- 21 -

by including beaches presenting critical situations (important inputs, or inputs specific of a

kind of litter). Sampling and data interpretation must take into account the risk of

accidental inputs (storms, spring tide).

References

French Initilal Assessment - Poitou I, Kerambrun L (2011). Déchets sur le littoral / SRM

MO / SRM MO, French thematic contribution to MSFD initial assessment (Western

Mediterranean)

https://wwz.ifremer.fr/dcsmm/content/download/52617/747044/version/1/file/PI_321_dec

hets_littoral_MO_V2.pdf

French GES report - Plan d’action pour le milieu marin – Document d’accompagnement de

l’arrêté relatif à la définition du bon état écologique des eaux marines, Ministère Français

de l’écologie, du Développement durable et de l’énergie

http://www.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/Document_BEE.pdf

https://wwz.ifremer.fr/dcsmm/content/download/52617/747044/version/1/file/PI_321_dechets_littoral_MO_V2.pdf

https://wwz.ifremer.fr/dcsmm/content/download/52617/747044/version/1/file/PI_321_dechets_littoral_MO_V2.pdf

http://www.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/Document_BEE.pdf


- 22 -

3. Area: E-MED; Selected Risk: Overfishing

The information provided, is based on the Technical Report for the preparation stage of

Action Plan for Marine Strategies in Greece, for the Implementation of Marine Strategy

Framework Directive 2008/56/EC).


Taking into account the criteria of Descriptor 3, the following environmental targets have

been legislated according to Ministerial Decision No. OIK.1175/2012 (2939B/02.11.2012

Gazette):

1) Monitoring of indicators “Fishing mortality” (F/Fmsy) and “Spawning

stock biomass (B/Bmsy) of main target demersal species.

2) Monitoring of indicator “Exploitation rate” (E) of main target pelagic

species

3) Correlation of the fishing activities with designated indicators

Description (text)

Values of Good Environmental Status (GES), concerning the Aegean Sea for the assessed

fishing stocks were found to be within safe limits or have slight departures from these.

Regarding demersal species, departures were observed in hake (Merluccius merluccius)

and shrimp (Parapeneus longirostris) which are species inhabiting continental slope in

waters deeper than 150-180m. Contrary to the above, fish stocks inhabiting continental

shelf such as red mullet (Mullus barbatus), striped red mullet (Mullus surmuletus) and

picarel (Spicara smaris) (in waters shallower than 150-180m), seemed to have acceptable

values of fishing pressure and biomass indicators.

For the pelagic species which were assessed, fish stocks of anchovy (Engraulis

encrasicolus) presentd acceptable values for all examined fishing pressure and biomass

indicators in Aegean Sea. Sardine (Sardina pilchardus) stocks showed departures from

reference points, whilst biomass indicators were within safe limits.

Threshold value

The stocks/populations which were evaluated were divided in two categories:

a) Those for which quantitative stock assessments using appropriate fishing

pressure and biomass indexes existed (includes some of main commercially

exploited fish and crustacean species in Aegean Sea). Research and fishing data

were used in order to assess the status of the stock through fishing pressure or/and

biomass criteria (fishing mortality F, exploitation rate E or/and biomass criteria

(fishing mortality F, exploitation rate E or/and biomass B) according to Council

Regulation 2371/2002/EC. For the determination of reference points, the practices

used in international organisms were adopted (GFCM, ICES, ICCAT). Population

age and size distribution indexes have not been used due to lack of related data, and

b) Those for which stock assessments (using the above indexes) were not

available (includes two of the main non commercial demersal elasmobranch

species in Aegean Sea which are common bycatches of bottom trawl fishery), but

only time series of specific abundance indexes (reproductive capacity). The trends

of related biomass indexes which derive from research data series (Project

“MEDITS”, Bertrand et al. 2002) were presented. It should be noted that there are


- 23 -

not such data after 2008, and consequently it is not possible to update the related

conclusions.

In order to determine GES the following thresholds were set to specific indicators:

Achievement and maintenance of GES criteria - indicators for main

commercially exploited demersal species. The conducted analysis showed that the

main target species stocks of continental shelf in Aegean Sea are in good condition,

while there are some small departures from the desired thresholds for some deeper

water species. GES threshold is the value 1 for the indicators “Fishing mortality”

(F/Fmsy) and the indicator “Spawning stock biomass” (B/Bmsy) as well.

Achievement and maintenance of GES criteria - indicators for main

commercially exploited pelagic species. The conducted analysis showed that there

are –for certain fish stocks (e.g. sardine)- some departures from the desired

thresholds in Aegean Sea. GES threshold is the value 0,4 for the indicator: “Level

of exploitation rate” (E).


The suggested methodologies of ICES have been taken into account for the assessment of

Descriptor 3 (Commercially exploited fish and shellfish stocks) of Marine Strategy

Framework Directive (ICES 2012).

According to the criteria of Descriptor 3, the following indicators –associated with the

aforementioned environmental targets- have been legislated according to Ministerial

Decision No. OIK.1175/2012 (2939B/02.11.2012 Gazette):

1. The F/Fmsy) and B/Bmsy ratios for main target demersal species should be

within the designated thresholds as defined by National and EU legislation.

2. The “Exploitation rate” (E) ratio for a main pelagic species should be within

the designated thresholds as defined by National and EU legislation.

References

Technical Report for the preparation stage of Action Plan for Marine Strategies in Greece,

for the Implementation of Marine Strategy Framework Directive 2008/56/EC (September

2012)

http://marinestrategy.opengov.gr/%CE%B1%CE%BD%CF%84%CE%B9%CE%BA%CE

%B5%CE%B9%CE%BC%CE%B5%CE%BD%CE%BF/

http://marinestrategy.opengov.gr/%CE%B1%CE%BD%CF%84%CE%B9%CE%BA%CE%B5%CE%B9%CE%BC%CE%B5%CE%BD%CE%BF/

http://marinestrategy.opengov.gr/%CE%B1%CE%BD%CF%84%CE%B9%CE%BA%CE%B5%CE%B9%CE%BC%CE%B5%CE%BD%CE%BF/


- 24 -

4. Area: E-MED; Selected Risk: Marine Litter (ML)


Assessment of a concrete baseline regarding the presence (items/surface area) of

marine litter in the Eastern Mediterranean basin.

Reduction of litter quantities, weight and volume collected from beaches with a

regular cleaning, considering litter with a size >2,5cm.

Description (text)

There are several studies related to marine litter on the coasts and seas only for few areas

in the Eastern Mediterranean, i.e. Greece (Stefatos et al., 1999; Katsanevakis and Katsarou,

2004; Koutsodendris et al., 2008; Papatheodorou 2011; Kordella et al., 2013), Italy, Israel

and Cyprus, (Gabrielides et al., 1991; Golik & Gertner, 1992; Galil et al., 1995). These

studies are focussed on the assessment of benthic and beach litter. Nevertheless, there is no

sufficient marine litter data for the area of the Eastern Mediterranean, thus no clear ML

trend (increasing/decreasing) can be stated. In most cases, ML data cannot be compared

due to different methodologies/protocols.

Threshold value

Because of the difficulty to define a threshold, the assessment will be mainly based on

trends, which are expected to decrease. According to the experts, a threshold value of “0”

is not realistic. Instead the concept of "acceptable litter stock without significant effect on

the coastal and marine environment" could be used regionally. This amount could be the

average quantity of ML extracted from long time series data sets where available.


Benthic marine litter is collected by professional trawling fisheries. The collected items are

sorted –manually - according to their material type and size (TSG ML Monitoring

Protocol), while the relevant trawling info (GPS, length etc.) is recorded.

Beach litter monitoring is mainly based on volunteer participations following the transect

approach methodology. An approx. 100m coast transect is selected, ML is collected and

sorted in different types according to relevant scientific protocols (OSPAR, UNEP).

References

Gabrielides, G.P., Golik, A., Loizides, L., Marino, M.G., Bingel, F., Torregrossa, M.V.,

Goda, T., (1991). Man-made garbage pollution on the Mediterranean coastline. Marine

Pollution Bulletin 23, 437–441.

Galil, B.S., Golik A. and Turkay, M. (1995). Litter at the bottom of the sea: A sea bed

survey in the Eastern Mediterranean. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 30:22–24.


- 25 -

Golik, A., Gertner, Y., (1992). Litter on the Israeline coastline. Marine Environmental

Research 33, 1–15.

Katsanevakis, S., Katsarou, A., (2004). Influences on the distribution of marine litter on

the seafloor of swallow coastal areas in Greece (Eastern Mediterranean). Water, Air,

and Soil Pollution, Vol. 159, pp. 325-337.

Kordella, S., Geraga, M., Papatheodorou, G., Fakiris, E., & Mitropoulou, I., (2013): Litter

composition and source contribution for 80 beaches in Greece, Eastern Mediterranean:

A nationwide voluntary clean-up campaign, Aquatic Ecosystem Health &

Management, 16:1, 111-118.

Koutsodendris, A., Papatheodorou, G., Kougiourouki, O., Georgiadis, M., (2008). Benthic

marine litter in four gulfs in Greece, Eastern Mediterranean; abundance, composition

and source identification. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, Vol. 77, pp. 501-512.

Papatheodorou, G., (2011). Floating and benthic marine litter in the Mediterranean sea:

Typology, Abundance, Sources, Survey methods and Impacts on marine biota. In: Life

in the Mediterranean sea: A look at habitat changes. Editor: Noga Stambler, pp. 597-

637.

Stefatos, A., Charalampakis, M., Papatheodorou, G., Ferentinos, G., (1999). Marine Debris

on the Seafloor of the Mediterranean Sea: Examples from Two Enclosed Gulfs in

Western Greece. Marine Pollution Bulletin, Vol. 38, Issue 5, pp. 389-393.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/0025326X


- 26 -

5. Area: Western BS; Selected Risk : NIS

It should be noted that this risk assessment is limited to the Bulgarian (BG) waters of the

Western Black Sea


No new introductions and biological communities dominated by native species

Description

The NW part of the Black Sea is extremely vulnerable to colonization of exotic species due

to the both the high intensity of ship traffic (main vector of introductions) and the high

variety of habitats (deltas, transitional bioms and brakish waters) impacted by high

anthropogenic pressure. Thus for example in 2011 the total ballast water from the ship

visits in varna port was 646 796 m3 (e.g. 53 900 m

3 monthly average). The climatic

changes, especially the temperature increase during the last decade facilitate expansion of

the biogeographical distribution areal reducing the temperature barriers. Since the last

century about 70 new species from all phyla were recorded out of which phytoplankton

represent 43%, zoobenthos 31% fish and zooplankton 11-12%, and macrophytes 3% .

During 2006-2011 20 new non-native species were listed pointing to the increasing risk of

bioinvasions.

Among the introduced species the jellyfish Mnemiopsis leidyi and Beroe ovata represent

the highest ecological risk, during 2007-2008 in 36% of the sampling exceeding the

threshold value of the ratio of the two ctenophores to the native zooplankton biomass in the

shelf and open sea water habitats. For the phytoplankton communities the ratio non-

native/native is higher than the threshold in between 30-40% of the observations during

the period 2006-2011.

A special case for the area is the naturalised non-native snail Rapana venosa. On the one

hand it is reported as a main cause of mussel beds (Mytilus galloprovincialis) deterioration

. On the other hand it is a species of commercial interest, representing about 50% of the

total BG fish and shellfish catch and export. Thus the definition of GES target is a

challenging issue, the measures for reducing the ecological risk counteract to the

economic interest.

Threshold value

According to BG GES Report the suggested threshold for the indicator ratio non-

native/native phytoplankton and zooplankton communities is <10% (abundance or

biomass)

For Mnemiopsis leidyi: biomass < 4g/m3 or 120g/m2



- 27 -

It should be noted that there is no specific monitoring for invasive species; the assessment

is based on the conducted monitoring activities. There is no control of ballast water either

to comply to BWM Convention, art.5.

References

- MSFD BG Initial Assessment Report of Black Sea Marine Environment, 2013

http://cdr.eionet.europa.eu/recent_etc?RA_ID=608

- MSFD GES Report for the BG Black Sea Waters, 2013





- 28 -

ANNEX I – MINUTES WP1&2 AND WP6 JOINT MEETING ON GES RISK FOR APF TESTS


- 29 -

Summary

Meeting Topic

MO, WP1&2 and WP6 Joint meeting on GES risk for APF tests

Date 06-07/03/2013, From 09:00 To 17:30

Location Plan Bleu Villa Valmer, 271 Corniche Kennedy, Marseille 13007

Note Takers DS, CM

Duration Two days

List of participants

Perseus Role

Name Institution

Day 1 Day 2

Perseus MO Nikos Streftaris HCMR X X

WP1 Xavier Durieu de Madron CNRS X X

WP1 Aris Karageorgis HCMR X X

WP1 Gabriel Reygondeau CNRS X

WP2 Jean François Cadiou Ifremer Skype

WP2 Marc Bouchoucha Ifremer X

WP2 Sophie Laroche Ifremer X

WP6 Margaretha Breil CMCC X X

WP6 Didier Sauzade Plan Bleu X X

WP6 Julien Le Tellier (partially) Plan Bleu X X

WP6 Carla Murciano Virto Plan Bleu X X

WP6 Cécile Langlais Plan Bleu X X

Distribution List

To: Participants + Pilot Case leaders + PMO + WP3, WP4, WP7 leader + Regional integration responsibles.

Minutes

Topics Act.


- 30 -

Presentation of the meeting objectives

In line with the Umbrella Workshop and to prepare the implementation of the APF in the WP6 Pilot cases, the objective of the meeting is to identify a preliminary list of risks of non-achievement of GES as a starting point of a selection process leading to select the demonstrative issues which will be used to test and improve the APF.

The objective of this meeting is to:

Refine the selection and evaluation process

Identify and document the “Evaluated RISK list” in open water and in coastal water

The specific objective is to identify 2 to 3 risks for each WP6 Pilot Cases and to derive from them environmental targets and associated thresholds, as starting point to develop future adaptive policies.

The objectives of this meeting correspond to the achievement of M17 “Identification of the socioeconomic issues to be treated within PERSEUS” to be done between WP6 WP1, WP2 at T12.

JF Cadiou, WP2 leader, being only available by Skype on the 7th from 10 to 12 o’clock, main risks and evaluation principles for coastal waters have been discussed with him during this slot.

Didier, all

The WP6 approach and relevant results

Reminder of :

The Adaptive Policy Framework

The WP6 Pilot Cases delimitation

Principles for APF testing in the Pilot Cases (T6.4)

Role of the Stakeholder platforms

Mains issues identified by the Regional Sea Conventions (ref. T6.1, D6.2):

Mediterranean Sea (UNEP, 2012) Black Sea (Oguz et al, 2008; BSC, 2009)

Biodiversity losses Biodiversity threats

Pollution hotspots Chemical contamination

Overexploited fish stocks Overfishing

Eutrophication (localized, trend declining) Eutrophication (declining)

Non indigenous species

Underwater noise

Marine litter

Didier

Methodology

How we intend to do this selection:

Didier


- 31 -

The scheme provided by the MO during the Umbrella Workshop in appendix 1 illustrates this selection process focused on gap analysis.

It is suggested to follow a two steps process:

1. Characterize the GES “risks” analyzed by T1.1 and T2.1 and potentially impacting the Pilot Case areas in terms of environmental target(s) according the MSFD terminology.

The preliminary steps to the establishment of monitoring programme and design of programmes of measures to achieve or maintain GES for a given sub region are:

Initial assessment (Art. 8),

Determination of the GES considering the qualitative descriptors listed in Annex I, the sub regional characteristics of ecosystems set out in table I of Annex I, pressures and impact of human activities having regards to the indicative list set out in table 2 of annex III (Art 9.)

Establishment of environmental targets (Art. 10) tacking into account the indicative list of pressure and impact set out in Table 2 of annex III and considerations to taken into account for setting environmental targets. Environmental targets could be characterized using the table in appendix 2, devised from the MFSD reporting sheets for targets.

Otherwise stated, policies to achieve GES cannot be directly build on GES risks but must be elaborated from environmental targets, which are an expression of 'where we want to be' or 'what we want to achieve' that will achieve or contribute towards achieving GES.

Member State environmental targets and associated indicators and thresholds could be a valuable source of inspiration on how to state them. However, the few cases evocated during the meeting (France, Greece, Spain) are showing large differences.

2. Assess these targets using a fast SWOT analysis

Strengths and Weakness refer to the Perseus project (WP1 to WP4) while Opportunities and Threats refer to the broad context outside the project (emerging issue, combined stress, strong potential evolution, stakeholder expectations, illustrative potential…)

Perseus Strengths is on topics are where the project added value should be high:

Combined human pressures, potentially sharpened by changing natural forcings

Multidisciplinary, transnational emerging issues (e.g. marine litter accumulation in deep sea canyons)

Issues studied in the framework of the process oriented studies (WP1 and WP2)

Issues which can benefit from new monitoring platforms developed by WP3


- 32 -

Issues needing large regional modeling developed by WP4

Expected outcomes:

Finalization of the Methodology for the complete selection process, refinement of the SWOT criterions.

Outline of the output table of the selected environmental targets, to be circulated within the WP 3&4 leaders as well as the Pilot Case leaders.

Environmental targets in open waters (WP1)

The starting point has been a preliminary list of risks resulting from the task 1.1, Analysis of pressures and processes and their impacts on the ecosystems.

Pollution from maritime transport: mainly operational releases of hydrocarbons (ship fuel, transported hydrocarbon). The Mediterranean Sea concentrates approximately 30% of the world maritime traffic. A view displaying the oil spills in the Med Sea derived from analysis of SAR images over the 1999-2004 period (Ferraro, 2007) shows they are spread in the whole basin with stronger concentration along the main maritime routes. These oil spills are impacting the marine fauna and the recreational activities (tar bullets on beaches). Maritime transport exhaust gas also generates air pollution. This problem is serious and has motivated an on-going specific proposition of the commission (EC, 2011) to lower sulphur content of maritime fuels. However the scientific expertise of WP1 community has been judged insufficient en this domain.

Fisheries: Over exploitation of many commercial open sea species (i.e. pelagic –sardine, anchovy, (bluefish) tuna- / and epi-benthic species down to 600m deep)

Non-indigenous species: main sources Suez Canal, ballast waters, fouling, aquaculture, aquariums. See Zenetos, 2012.

Degradation of deep ecosystems, in particular deep canyons, is a topical issue, particularly for the Mediterranean Sea, a world biodiversity hotspot.

Litter (Bottom and floating debris, positive and negative effects). However it has been considered that this risk mostly concerns the Coastal areas (sources and impacts)

Their relevance to the four WP6 pilot cases has been assessed from nil (-) to

strong (***), as shown in the following table

Descriptor

MSFD

Issue W Med Adriatic

E Med BS

D1 Deep ecosystems degradation Canyons

*** - *** -

D2 Non-indigenous species

* ** *** ***

D3 Conservation of commercially exploited

*** *** *** ***

Xavier, Aris


- 33 -

stocks

D8 Contamination (oil releases, MT)

* *** *** *

These risks have been subject to discussion in order to derive environmental targets and thresholds.

Consideration of combined issues and situations of interaction would represent added value for Perseus Project. Innovative policy design needs to tackle with interactions; however, little knowledge is available on the interacting patterns of both natural and human derived pressures, the first scientific objective of Perseus.

Draft statements of the targets have been elaborated during the meeting, see Table 1. in APPENDIX 4. Environmental targets for WP6 pilot cases. However it has been considered that these statements have to be refined. Associated thresholds have to be defined in order to design programme of measures aiming to reach them. Thresholds can be based on national Initial Assessments and expert judgment. If knowledge or data are missing, trend arbitrary thresholds can be used, e.g. reduction of 50%. This work should be done with the WP1 scientists specialized in these fields. The WP leader will contact them on the basis of the minutes of this meeting in order to complete the four first columns of Table 1. The three following ones will be completed by WP6 (Type of Target, Interim or GES target, Compatibility with existing targets/ indic.) in link the WP1 experts.

Environmental targets in coastal waters (WP2)

The starting point has been the four sheets one per WP6 pilot case, (APPENDIX 5. WP2 Risk list, preliminary assessment) elaborated by the WP2 staff following the template given by the Perseus MO during the Barcelona meeting (APPENDIX 1. Selection process of the risk list for APF). Each sheet is based both on the work done in T2.1 and on the topics of the WP2 pilot case tacking place in the WP6 pilot case areas.

MSFD Descri

pt.

Issue W Med Adriatic

E Med BS

D1 Degradation and losses of habitats

X

D2 Impact of Non-indigenous species

X X

D3 Overfishing of commercially exploited stocks (small pelagic fishes)

X

Jean François, Marc, Sophie


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D4 Jelly fishes X

D5 Eutrophication X

D8 – D9

Chemical pollution X X X

Emerging pollutants

X

Toxic metals

D10 Marine Litter X X

Area 16

Regarding chemical pollution, several questions were raised :

Should a group of contaminant be selected for establishing indicators/ thresholds? Organic, inorganic, emerging contaminants?

Fate of emerging pollutants in the water column will be studied within Perseus and this will represent a real scientific added value of the project. However GES targets are not yet available regarding these kinds of pollutants, making difficult to design specific policies.

Moreover process oriented experiments focus in the water column and not in sediment. Existing articles and reports may be used to fill gaps.

As for those listed by WP1, each of these risks have been discussed in order to derive environmental target and associated thresholds, needed to design programme of measures aiming to reach GES. This should be done with the WP2 scientists specialized in these fields. The WP leader will contact them on the basis of the minutes of this meeting in order to complete the four first columns of Table 2. The three following ones will be completed by WP6 (Type of Target, Interim or GES target, Compatibility with existing targets/ indic.) in link the WP1 experts.

Link with the Perseus Work plan

M 17 Definition of environmental targets to be treated by the WP6 Pilot Cases aims at the achievement of the Milestone M17 “Identification of the socioeconomic issues to be treated within PERSEUS” to be done between WP6 WP1, WP2.

WP1 & WP2 Being focused on specific issues, these activities have to be linked to T1.3 Process oriented studies for WP1 and T 2.3 Process oriented experiments for WP2.

WP6 These activities are linked to the preparation of T 6.4, Implementation and lessons learned.

Otherwise, it has been confirmed that the D1.2 Pressure in the SES open waters in socio-economic terms and the D2.2 Pressure on the coastal sea in socio-economic terms – preliminary report should be completed as soon as possible. The following deliverables (D 1.4 and D2.3) could be focused on the WP6 Pilot cases.

ALL


- 35 -

Links with other WPs

WP3 can advise on monitoring programmes that could be established according to the targets identified by WP1, 2 and 6, as well as possible thresholds.

WP4: can advise on models that could provide relevant information according to the targets identified by WP1, 2 and 6, as well as possible thresholds.

WP7: Cosnav is probably expert in IMO regulations and could help on impacts of Maritime Transport (e. g. ballast waters)

Lead WP3, WP4, WP7

Deadlines

Mid May, Advanced version of the environmental targets will be discussed during the next SSC in Malta

End of June, Final version of environmental targets and associated thresholds.

ALL

Other topic

Gabriel Reygondeau has made a presentation of an on-going post-doctoral work aiming to apply to the Mediterranean sea the Ocean Health Index ( http://www.oceanhealthindex.org/) to Mediterranean marine ecoregions.

This index is organized in 10 public goals: Food Provision, Artisanal Fishing Opportunities, Natural Products, Carbon Storage, Coastal Protection, Coastal Livelihoods & Economies, Tourism & Recreation, Sense of Place, Clean Waters, Biodiversity.

Using a multi agglomerative hierarchical analysis, pelagic observations will lead to an Eco regionalisation of the Med Sea. The idea is to apply this index to these ecoregions.

Possible links with WP6 activities has been discussed. Regarding socioeconomic activities, it will be very difficult to document these ecoregions, as they are not linked to the territorial units (NUTS 1 to 3), basis for most of the existing socio economic statistics.

Gabriel

References (WP1)

European Commission, 2011, Pollutant emission reduction from maritime transport and the sustainable waterborne transport toolbox, Commission staff working paper Brussels, 16.9.2011, SEC(2011) 1052 final.

Ferraro, Guido, Annalia Bernardini, Matej David, Serge Meyer-Roux, Oliver Muellenhoff, Marko Perkovic, Dario Tarchi, et Kostas Topouzelis. 2007. « Towards an operational use of space imagery for oil pollution monitoring in the Mediterranean basin: A demonstration in the Adriatic Sea ». Marine

Pollution Bulletin 54 (4) (avril): 403‑422. doi:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2006.11.022.

Zenetos, A. 2012, Alien species in the Mediterranean Sea by 2012. A contribution to the application of European Union’s Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). Part 2. Introduction trends and pathways

http://www.oceanhealthindex.org/


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APPENDIX 1.

Selection process of the risk list for APF

WP6 Pilot Cases


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APPENDIX 2. Environmental Targets and associated Indicators table

Topic Description Threshold value

Assessment method

(for monitoring)

Type of Target:

- State

- Pressure

- Impact

- Operational

- Other

Interim or GES target?

Compatibility with existing

targets/indicators

Env. Target

Ass. Ind. 1

Ass. Ind. 2

Adapted from Reporting on the establishment of environmental targets and associated indicators (Article 10) in European Commission. 2012. Guidance for 2012 reporting under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, using the MSFD database tool. Version 1.0 DG Environment, Brussels. pp164. http://icm.eionet.europa.eu/schemas/dir200856ec/resources/MSFD%202012%20reporting%20guidance_incl_database_v1.0.pdf

APPENDIX 3. Definitions

Term Definition Notes

Environmental target (target)

Directive definition: 'a qualitative or quantitative statement on the desired condition of the different components of, and pressures and impacts on, marine waters in respect of each marine region or subregion'. Interpretation: an expression of 'where we want to be' or 'what we want to achieve' that will achieve or contribute towards achieving GES.

Targets should specify quantity, quality and time.

Indicator A measure that summarises data into a simple, standardised and communicable figure. Targets must be associated with appropriate indicators so that they can be measurable. Indicators may be based on those in the EU COM Decision 2010/477/EU, but may require further development and specification.

Indicators should be specific, usable, measurable, sensitive, cost-effective and available.

State-based target

A target that relates to the state of a component of the marine environment, providing an indication of the physical, chemical or biological condition of the environment.

http://icm.eionet.europa.eu/schemas/dir200856ec/resources/MSFD%202012%20reporting%20guidance_incl_database_v1.0.pdf

http://icm.eionet.europa.eu/schemas/dir200856ec/resources/MSFD%202012%20reporting%20guidance_incl_database_v1.0.pdf


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Pressure-based target

A target that relates to the level of a pressure on the marine environment, articulating the desired or acceptable level of a particular pressure. They should be used in particular where a clear understanding of the relationship between pressure, state and impact exists and where cumulative effects can be accounted for. Where such a relationship has not yet been established, pressure targets may be set on the basis of the precautionary principle. In instances where a quantitative approach is not feasible, trend-based targets may be appropriate.

Impact-based target

A target that relates to the level of impacts caused by pressures, providing an indication of the acceptable level of impact on the components of the marine environment arising from a particular pressure or range of pressures.

Operational target

Operational targets relate directly to the nature of management action required, without directly establishing the specific measures themselves, and may relate to concrete implementation measures to support their achievement.

Threshold value

The value of a criteria or indicator above or below which GES is achieved or a target is met, i.e. the boundary between success and failure or acceptable and unacceptable state. The threshold value can be equated to the different types of reference points - see below.

Reference point

The value of the indicator when GES (or the target) is achieved. The reference point would be used where higher values are desirable (e.g. for abundance of threatened species), i.e. the indicator must be at or above the specified value to achieve the target or GES. Also called 'target' reference point (compared to 'limit' reference point - see below), but using the word 'target' is not helpful in this context, as it can be confused with the 'environmental targets'

Limit reference point

The value of the indicator when GES (or the target) is achieved. The limit reference point would be used where lower values are desirable (e.g. for pressures), i.e. the indicator must be at or below the specified value to achieve the target of GES.

Baseline A specific and quantifiable point against which subsequent assessments can be compared and from which a threshold/limit/level can be defined for GES (or targets).


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ANNEX II – MAIN RISKS IDENTIFIED IN THE FRAMEWORK OF PERSEUS WP2 Initial list

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN SEA

*●1. Chemical pollution by organic compounds and metals. Several indicators show contamination of the marine environment by persistent organic pollutants and trace metals. The Northwestern Mediterranean and the Tyrrhenian have been found to concentrate most of the areas of concern in relation to the toxicity posed to biota. Hot spots are found in areas under the influence of large cities (e.g. Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Naples), of industrial areas and of the mouth of the main Mediterranean rivers (e.g. Ebro and Rhone in the North western Mediterranean). In the French Mediterranean coast, there is for example evidence of the biomagnification of some organic compounds (PCBs, PBDE) in the hake Merluccius merluccius food web leading to relatively high concentration compared to the Atlantic.

●2. Physical damage and loss of habitats:

-Coastline artificialisation (groins, breakwaters, harbours, marinas) of the Catalan coast and of the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur (PACA) region. It generates a significant pressure on the coastal ecosystem, inducing a series of direct impacts, such as the modification of the littoral dynamics and the stability of the adjacent coast and the alteration of coastal habitats.

-Illegal bottom trawling is present along the coast and is considered as an important cause of large-scale destruction of hard bottom and soft bottom habitats.

-Tourism and ship anchoring have also lead to important impacts, such as increased pollution, discharges into the sea and natural habitat loss.

●3. Non-indigenous species. 328 non-indigenous species are estimated in the Western Mediterranean Sea, and 64 are considered as invasive or potentially invasive. The increase of the Lessepsian species migration is reported in this area, in link with climate change.. Sea farming and ports (ballast waters and fouling) are major vectors of introduction and dissemination for a large number of these species. On the other hand studies on the long term impact on the ecosystem functioning and a proper assessment of the time trend in the abundance of invasive species are rare.

●4. Over-fishing. In this subregion, one sardine stock is considered overexploited and four sardine stocks are fully exploited. For anchovy, the two assessed stocks are fully exploited, so none is overexploited. All five assessed hake stocks are considered overexploited. Bluefin tuna in the Western Mediterranean is rebuilding from an overexploited situation.

*●5. Marine Litter. Potential impacts of marine litter include damages to benthic habitats, injures and death of a wide variety of marine organisms, transporting of chemicals, invasive species and bacteria, and also


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economic harms to fisheries and tourism. In the French Mediterranean coasts, a study has determined that the average concentration of micro plastics is high.

CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN SEA - Adriatic Sea and Ionian Sea

●1. Alteration of hydrographical conditions. In the Northern Adriatic: decrease in river discharge, runoff and sediment transport.

●2. High nutrient inputs. These generally high inputs from North Adriatic rivers has caused in the past widespread event of anoxia in the shallow bottom layers. The frequency of those events as well as average chlorophyll concentrations in the area have significantly decreased, while the N/P ratio in nutrient stocks has increased.

*●3. Chemical pollution. Pollution mainly by Hg and organic compounds has been reported in the Gulf of Trieste and the Kaštela bay, related to industrial activities, as well as biomagnification of these compounds in food webs and risks for human health. The TBT contamination persists in the marine environment despite its ban (significant levels have been found in mussels and gastropods of the North Adriatic coastal waters).

●4. Physical damage and loss of habitats. They are associated with the increase of marine constructions and with destructive fisheries practices.

*●5. Non indigenous species. This subregion seems to be very conducive for the establishment of NIS and deserves greater attention, with some areas becoming hotspots of alien biodiversity, such as Venice and Trieste. In addition, a warmer affinity and subtropical derivation of most species is evident.

●6. Jellyfish blooms : The Adriatic Sea has experienced several jellyfish blooms in last decades, including five scyphozoans, one species of Cubozoa, and two species of Ctenophora.

*●7. Over-fishing - The small pelagic species (mainly sardine and anchovy), which make the majority of the commercial catches in the Adriatic Sea, are exposed to very high fluctuations in their biomass, principally because of the differences in the annual level of recruitment (which is strongly affected by the hydrographic conditions and the biotic interactions). Strong decrease in their biomass and catches happened in the 90s, although both populations seem to have recovered in the last 3-4 years.

●8. Marine litter : the great amount of plastics and other marine debris found in the gut contents of turtles and cetaceans indicates this issue is of great concern and must be addressed in the area.

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN SEA - Aegean Sea and Levantine Sea

●1. Nutrient and organic enrichment. Some coastal areas, bays or semi-enclosed basin (in Saronikos gulf and Haifa) are still affected by high nutrient loads, because the urbanization concentrates their fluxes in restricted areas.

*●2. Chemical pollution. Pollution by metals, DDTs, PCBs, and PAHs is reported in the Saronikos Gulf, related to industrial discharges, harbour activities and sewage outfall. In the Saronikos Gulf, extremely high DDT concentrations have also been recorded, suggesting recent inputs of this compound in the area. In Haifa, PCB levels are high and deserve attention.

*●3. Physical damage and loss of habitats:

-Disposal of dredged materials in the Saronikos Gulf has caused bathymetric modification and benthic community alterations. In Haifa, the on-going expansion of the port is expected to eliminate the south part of both the soft and hard bottom habitats.

-Bottom trawl gears have negative effects on benthic communities at some points.

*●4. Non-indigenous species. This issue is expected to represent a significant threat in the investigated coastal areas. The EMED is exposed to a massive introduction of NIS immigrating through the Suez Canal. Shipping is still the main way of primary and secondary introduction. In addition, a warmer affinity of most species is evident, in relation with the increasing temperature in the area as in the Eastern Mediterranean in general (see above).

●5. Over-fishing. Signs of overexploitation of stocks of many species have been reported in the Saronikos Gulf and along the Israeli coast. High discarding ratios are reported in the Saronikos Gulf .

●6. Marine litter. The areas are heavily populated and are affected by heavy ship traffic, so this issue is expected to be significant at long-term. In the Israeli coasts, litter transported with currents from neighbouring countries like Lebanon contributes to the magnitude of the problem.

BLACK SEA


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●1. Alteration of hydrographical conditions. There is a net long-term positive trend of increasing river discharge and precipitation and of decreasing evaporation. Changes in fresh water and sediment riverine fluxes change salinity and level regimes, as well as transparency and suspended matter sedimentation, which entail changing of phytoplankton community structure and changes in food potential for fish and other marine organisms. Changes in river sediments are directly related to the erosion problem of coasts.

●2. Nutrient and organic enrichment. The excessive nutrient enrichment of the Black Sea was originated by enhanced river-based nutrient supply starting from the 1960s. Currently, lower levels of nutrient loads are being measured. However, the values are still considerably higher, especially for nitrogen species, than those observed during the pristine period. The higher inputs are from the Danube river, municipal and industrial sources.

*●3. Chemical pollution:

-Oil pollution : Both seawater and sediments present hydrocarbon concentrations above the limits regulated by the FAO, so the area is considered to be oil polluted/highly polluted. The illegal discharges still pose serious threat and according to investigations of JRC in the Black Sea, 1227 likely oil spills were detected in 2000-2004 based on satellite imagery investigations.

-Heavy metals (Hg, Pb, Cd, As, Cu, Zn, Cr) are permanently present in the NWBS (Danube loads, waste water). Maximum concentrations have been revealed for the whole spectrum of heavy metals in the Danubian region. Significant concentrations of Cd and Hg have also been found in the area of Crimean coast. High bioaccumulation of heavy metals in mussels was observed in areas under intense anthropogenic pressure (wastewater discharges, ports).

●4. Physical damage and loss of habitats:

-Construction in coastal areas causes mechanical damage to the communities and changes in their structure through altered hydrography and water circulation, siltation and burial of natural coastal sandy habitats.

-Bottom trawling is another source of physical disturbance of marine bottom communities in areas less than 50m deep. The illegal bottom trawling for Rapana venosa using beam trawls along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast has had significant effects on macrobenthos.

*●5. Non-indigenous species. The introduction of non-indigenous species has caused severe changes in the structure and functioning of benthic and pelagic ecosystems of the Black Sea in recent decades. The relatively low biodiversity of the basin, interconnected to its young age and its low salinity, make it particularly vulnerable and easy target for the invasion of many exotic species. Species like Mnemiopsis leidyi have turned out to be extremely harmful to the native fauna in the Sea of Marmara and in the Black Sea. This species feeds on fish eggs and larvae, negatively affecting important commercial fish stocks, such as Scomber scombrus, Sardina pilchardusor Sprattus sprattus. Successfully competing for food Mnemiopsis have a negative effect on the development of planktivorous fish.

*●6. Marine litter. The solid waste production in the Black Sea coastal zone could be considered as one of the significant environmental pressures; however, the management of solid waste still leaves space for a lot of improvements.


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Documents

Identification of the socio-economic issues to be treated ... · Project website Milestone Nr. 7 Milestone Date October 2013, Revised March 2014 ... Overfishing (D3) X X X X X Marine