Comparison between ECAP indicators and what EMODnet can offer in the Mediterranean Sea Intro Oostende, Belgium, 21st September 2015 Giordano Giorgi*, in collaboration with Virginie Hart** *ISPRA - **UNEP/MAP

General setting: 2-3 December 2013: COP 18 – that is: 18th Ordinary Meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean and its Protocols (Barcelona Convention) defined: The process of Ecological Approach – EcAp with its integrated Good Environmental Status and Targets indicators To be pursued by: Common indicators for GES (COP 17) Monitoring programmes Assessment Programme of Measures

Integrated Good Environmental Status and Targets indicators are organized according to EcAp EO – Ecological Objective EO 1 – Biodiversity Biological diversity is maintained or enhanced. The quality and occurrence of coastal and marine habitats and the distribution and abundance of coastal and marine species are in line with prevailing physiographic, hydrographic, geographic and climatic conditions. EO 2 – Non-indigenous species Non-indigenous species introduced by human activities are at levels that do not adversely alter the ecosystem EO 3 - Harvest of commercially exploited fish and shellfish Populations of selected commercially exploited fish and shellfish are within biologically safe limits, exhibiting a population age and size distribution that is indicative of a healthy stock

Integrated Good Environmental Status and Targets indicators are organized according to EcAp EO – Ecological Objective EO 4 – Marine Food Webs Alterations to components of marine food webs caused by resource extraction or human-induced environmental changes do not have long-term adverse effects on food web dynamics and related viability EO 5 – Eutrophication Human-induced eutrophication is prevented, especially adverse effects thereof, such as losses in biodiversity, ecosystem degradation, harmful algal blooms and oxygen deficiency in bottom waters. EO 6 – Sea-floor integrity Sea-floor integrity is maintained, especially in priority benthic habitats EO 7 Hydrography Alteration of hydrographic conditions does not adversely affect coastal and marine ecosystems.

Integrated Good Environmental Status and Targets indicators are organized according to EcAp EO – Ecological Objective EO 8 – Coastal ecosystems and landscapes The natural dynamics of coastal areas are maintained and coastal ecosystems and landscapes are preserved EO 9 – Pollution Contaminants cause no significant impact on coastal and marine ecosystems and human health EO 10 – Marine Litter Marine and coastal litter do not adversely affect coastal and marine environment EO 11 – Underwater Noise Energy including underwater noise

14-15 September th Meeting of the Ecosystem Approach Coordination Group Rome (Italy) Draft IMAP - Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Programme Guidance Selection of common indicators to develop Fishing (EO 3), Marine Food Webs (EO 4), Sea-floor integrity (EO 6) discarded

EO 1 - Biodiversity

EO 2 – Non-indigenous species

EO 5 – Eutrophication

EO 9 – Pollution

EO 11 – Marine Litter

14-15 September th Meeting of the Ecosystem Approach Coordination Group Rome (Italy) Draft IMAP - Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Programme Guidance EO 5 – Eutrophication Link to UNEP/MAP MED POL Monitoring programme Monitoring and assessment based on Chla concentrations with thresholds defined according to different water typologies: Type I coastal sites highly influenced by freshwater inputs Type IIA coastal sites moderately influenced not directly affected by freshwater inputs (Continent influence) Type IIIW continental coast, coastal sites not influenced/affected by freshwater inputs (Western Basin) Type IIIE not influenced by freshwater input (Eastern Basin) Type Island: coast (Western Basin)

Draft Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Guidance EO 9 – Contaminants Link to UNEP/MAP MED POL Monitoring programme Monitoring and assessment based on contaminants concentrations and biological effects (biomarkers): Using data from the UNEP/MAP MED POL database and applying the OSPAR methodology list of: background concentrations (BCs) and the background assessment concentrations (BACs) of trace metals (mercury, cadmium and lead) and organic contaminants (chlorinated hydrocarbons and PAHs) in sediments and biota

Draft Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Guidance EO 9 – Contaminants Quality Assurance and Quality Control of contaminants monitoring UNEP/MAP MED POL will continue to collaborate with the International Atomic Energy Agency and the specific Marine Environmental Studies Laboratory (MESL), based in Monaco. The MESL produces Certified Reference Materials (for trace elements and organic compounds in sediment and marine biota) and develops fit-for purpose Recommended Analytical Methods for the analysis of contaminants in marine samples. Also, in collaboration with Regional Organisations and national authorities, MESL organises Proficiency Tests and Training Courses on the analysis of contaminants of concern. Also collaboration with intercomparison network of laboratories QUASIMEME