1. - Proposed actions, targets and indicators to reach the objectives
Eutrophication
- Proposed actions, targets and indicators to reach the objectives
Maria Laamanen, Finnish Ministry of the Environment HELCOM Stakeholder Conference 6 March, 2007, Helsinki

2. A multifaceted problem

3. Baltic Sea is prone to eutrophication
Large and densely populated drainage area combined with a small water volume
Slow water renewal, less frequent pulses of saline water
Oxygen deficiency leading to internal loading of phosphorus

4. HELCOM goal and ecological objectives for eutrophication
Baltic Sea unaffected by eutrophication
Concentrations of nutrients close to natural levels
Clear water
Natural level of algal blooms
Natural distribution and occurrence of plants and animals
Natural oxygen levels

5. Targets and indicators
Non-polluted water
Eutrophied water

6. Current status of nutrient inputs
Some progress has been made in reducing discharges of nutrients within the catchment area
But riverine nutrient load to the Baltic Sea has not clearly decreased
Reductions of phosphorus and nitrogen inputs to the Baltic Sea are needed

7. Needed nutrient reductions to reach good environmental status - Scenarios
A mathematical model (MARE BALTIC NEST) was used to calculate a best case scenario which included improved sewage treatment, introduction of P-free detergents and application of best agricultural practices
It was estimated that those measures would result in nutrient load reductions of
approximately tonnes (56 %) of P and
tonnes (21 %) of N
These reductions would be sufficient to reach the environmental targets

8. Action Guiding principles
Full implementation of existing legislation and recommendations
Cost-effectiveness
Possibly needed as well
Speeding up of implementation of existing regulations and recommendations
Measures going beyond existing regulations

9. Proposals currently under discussion

10. Commitment of HELCOM countries to nutrient reductions
Country- and sub-basin -specific reduction targets with a target year to be established
Analysis of a possible nutrient quota and a nutrient credits trading scheme for the Baltic Sea region

11. Stricter requirements for phosphorus removal at the municipal wastewater treatment plants
It is a means to cost-efficiently reduce nutrient inputs to the sea according to MARE project
A new HELCOM Recommendation placing standards, such as
at least 90 % reduction of P or
at most 0,5 mg/L concentration of total P in the effluent of the treatment plant

12. Minimising nutrient pollution from ships
Sewage
Initiative to make the Baltic Sea a special area under MARPOL Annex IV
Two options:
ban for discharges of sewage into the water combined with improvement of reception facilities
more effective sewage treatment onboard
Nitrogen emissions to air
Actions/recommendation on economic incentives to reduce emissions from ships
Ongoing evaluation of effects of nitrogen emissions

13. Reduction of domestic waste water discharges from scattered dwellings
Part of the population in the Baltic Sea cathcment is not connected to centralised sewers and relies on onsite waste water system
A proposal for action to be elaborated on the basis of Finnish decree on Onsite Wastewater Systems
It has a basic requirement that a decrease of 80 % of P and 40 % of N must be achieved

14. Innovative measures to reduce nutrient inputs from agriculture
Regionally adjusted reduction targets for agricultural nutrient pollution
A ”tool kit”of measures
Countries to choose appropriate measures from the ”tool kit” to reach the reduction targets

15. Ban for phosphorus in detergents
A cost-effective measure already in use in certain countries
A proposal to be developed by Sweden

16. Removal of sprat
Populations of sprat have grown and they may enhance eutrophication
More efficient removal of sprat by increased fishing pressure is suggested as a form of food wed restauration

17. Joint HELCOM positions concerning …
the EU Common Agricultural Policy ”health check” of 2008
revision of the EU National Emission Ceilings Directive
revision of the Gothenburg protocol of the UN’s Economic Commission for Europe’s convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution

18. We must safeguarde a clean, healthy and productive sea for the present and future generations