Member State report / Art11 / 2014-2020 / D5 / Belgium / NE Atlantic: Greater North Sea
Report type | Member State report to Commission |
MSFD Article | Art. 11 Monitoring programmes (and Art. 17 updates) |
Report due | 2014-10-15; 2020-10-15 |
GES Descriptor | D5 Eutrophication |
Member State | Belgium |
Region/subregion | NE Atlantic: Greater North Sea |
Reported by | Reporter not found |
Report date | Date not found; 2020-10-29 |
Report access |
2014 data
2020 data
Monitoring programme | Monitoring programme name | MP_D5 |
MP_D5 |
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Monitoring programme | Reference existing programme | ||
Monitoring programme | Marine Unit ID | ||
Q4e - Programme ID | ANSBE-D5 Eutrophication |
ANSBE-D5 Eutrophication |
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Q4f - Programme description | The Belgian MSFD monitoring programme ‘Eutrophication’ aims at assessing the following ETs:
• ET 26 – The 90 percentile of chlorophyll a concentration (in the growing season and over 6 years) is less than 15 μg/l.
• ET 28 – Complementary target: winter DIN concentrations are less than 12 μmoles/l (offshore) or 15 μmoles/l (coastal) and winter DIP concentrations are less than 0,8 μmoles/l
2 sub-programmes can be discerned:
• ANSBE-D5 Eutrophication-SP14 (delivering data to assess ET26), targeting chlorophyll a concentrations based on satellite data from the BPNS
• ANSBE-D5 Eutrophication-SP15 (delivering data to assess ET28), targeting the concentrations of nutrients in the BPNS |
The Belgian MSFD monitoring programme ‘Eutrophication’ aims at assessing the following ETs:
• ET 26 – The 90 percentile of chlorophyll a concentration (in the growing season and over 6 years) is less than 15 μg/l.
• ET 28 – Complementary target: winter DIN concentrations are less than 12 μmoles/l (offshore) or 15 μmoles/l (coastal) and winter DIP concentrations are less than 0,8 μmoles/l
2 sub-programmes can be discerned:
• ANSBE-D5 Eutrophication-SP14 (delivering data to assess ET26), targeting chlorophyll a concentrations based on satellite data from the BPNS
• ANSBE-D5 Eutrophication-SP15 (delivering data to assess ET28), targeting the concentrations of nutrients in the BPNS |
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Q5e - Natural variability |
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Q5d - Adequacy for assessment of GES | Q5d - Adequate data | Y |
Y |
Q5d - Adequacy for assessment of GES | Q5d - Established methods | Y |
Y |
Q5d - Adequacy for assessment of GES | Q5d - Adequate understanding of GES | Y |
Y |
Q5d - Adequacy for assessment of GES | Q5d - Adequate capacity | Y |
Y |
Q5f - Description of programme for GES assessment | |||
Q5g - Gap-filling date for GES assessment | By2014 |
By2014 |
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Q5h - Plans to implement monitoring for GES assessment |
N.A.
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N.A.
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Q6a -Relevant targets | Q6a - Environmental target | Target 26 Target 28 |
Target 26 Target 28 |
Q6a -Relevant targets | Q6a - Associated indicator | Target 26 Target 28 |
Target 26 Target 28 |
Q6b - Adequacy for assessment of targets | Q6b_SuitableData | Y |
Y |
Q6b - Adequacy for assessment of targets | Q6b_EstablishedMethods | Y |
Y |
Q6b - Adequacy for assessment of targets | Q6d_AdequateCapacity | Y |
Y |
Q6c - Target updating | N |
N |
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Q6d - Description of programme for targets assessment |
N.A.
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N.A.
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Q6e - Gap-filling date for targets assessment | By2014 |
By2014 |
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Q6f - Plans to implement monitoring for targets assessment |
N.A.
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N.A.
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Q7a - Relevant activities | |||
Q7b - Description of monitoring of activities | |||
Q7c - Relevant measures | |||
Q7e - Adequacy for assessment of measures | Q7d - Adequate data | ||
Q7e - Adequacy for assessment of measures | Q7d - Established methods | ||
Q7e - Adequacy for assessment of measures | Q7d - Adequate understanding of GES | ||
Q7e - Adequacy for assessment of measures | Q7d - Adequate capacity | ||
Q7e - Adequacy for assessment of measures | Q7d - Addresses activities and pressures | ||
Q7e - Adequacy for assessment of measures | Q7d - Addresses effectiveness of measures | ||
Q7d - Description of monitoring for measures | |||
Q7f - Gap-filling date for activities and measures | By2014 |
By2014 |
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Q8a - Links to existing Monitoring Programmes |
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Reference sub-programme | Sub-programme ID | ||
Reference sub-programme | Sub-programme name | Nutrient levels - in water column |
Nutrient levels - in water column |
Q4g - Sub-programmes | Sub-programme ID | ||
Q4g - Sub-programmes | Sub-programme name | Nutrient levels - in water column |
Nutrient levels - in water column |
Q4k - Monitoring purpose | |||
Q4l - Links of monitoring programmes of other Directives and Conventions | |||
Q5c - Features | Q5c - Habitats | ||
Q5c - Features | Q5c - Species list | ||
Q5c - Features | Q5c - Physical/Chemical features |
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Q5c - Features | Q5c - Pressures |
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Q9a - Elements | |||
Q5a - GES criteria | Relevant GES criteria |
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Q5b - GES indicators | Relevant GES indicators |
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Q9b - Parameters monitored (state/impact) | Species distribution | ||
Q9b - Parameters monitored (state/impact) | Species population size | ||
Q9b - Parameters monitored (state/impact) | Species population characteristics | ||
Q9b - Parameters monitored (state/impact) | Species impacts | ||
Q9b - Parameters monitored (state/impact) | Habitat distribution | ||
Q9b - Parameters monitored (state/impact) | Habitat extent | ||
Q9b - Parameters monitored (state/impact) | Habitat condition (physical-chemical) | ||
Q9b - Parameters monitored (state/impact) | Habitat condition (biological) | ||
Q9b - Parameters monitored (state/impact) | Habitat impacts | ||
Q9b - Parameters monitored (pressures) | Pressure input | ||
Q9b - Parameters monitored (pressures) | Pressure output | ||
Q9b - Parameters monitored (activity) | Activity | ||
Q9b Parameters monitored (other) | Other | ||
Q41 Spatial scope | |||
Q4j - Description of spatial scope | |||
Marine Unit IDs |
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Q4h - Temporal scope | Start date- End date | - |
- |
Q9h - Temporal resolution of sampling | |||
Q9c - Monitoring method | |||
Q9d - Description of alteration to method | |||
Q9e - Quality assurance | |||
Q9f - Quality control | |||
Q9g - Spatial resolution of sampling | Q9g - Proportion of area covered % | ||
Q9g - Spatial resolution of sampling | Q9g - No. of samples | ||
Q9i - Description of sample representivity | |||
Q10a - Scale for aggregation of data | |||
Q10b - Other scale for aggregation of data | |||
Q10c - Access to monitoring data | Q10c - Data type | ||
Q10c - Access to monitoring data | Q10c - Data access mechanism | ||
Q10c - Access to monitoring data | Q10c - Data access rights | ||
Q10c - Access to monitoring data | Q10c - INSPIRE standard | ||
Q10c - Access to monitoring data | Q10c Date data are available | ||
Q10c - Access to monitoring data | Q10c - Data update frequency | ||
Q10d - Description of data access | |||
Descriptor |
D5 |
D5 |
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Monitoring strategy description |
The monitoring focuses on the pressure, nutrient enrichment, and the biomass of phytoplankton supported by satellite data providing an increased temporal and spatial frequency of chlorophyll a compared to in situ data. Trends in nutrients as well as % of area with high chlorophyll a maxima allow to monitor progress and to compare the actual situation with projected model results. Due to strong tidal currents in the Belgian marine waters and a relatively small depth on average, the water column is considered permanently well-mixed, which induces a high turbidity in the water column and a constant re-aeration at the air-sea interface (see Belgische Staat, 2018). Therefore, contrary to other coastal systems, some criteria are not relevant for the evaluation of the eutrophication status in the Belgian marine waters. Methodology to produce satellite chlorophyll a-products was further developed and the quality has been assessed in a regional context during the project JMP-EUNOSAT. |
The monitoring focuses on the pressure, nutrient enrichment, and the biomass of phytoplankton supported by satellite data providing an increased temporal and spatial frequency of chlorophyll a compared to in situ data. Trends in nutrients as well as % of area with high chlorophyll a maxima allow to monitor progress and to compare the actual situation with projected model results. Due to strong tidal currents in the Belgian marine waters and a relatively small depth on average, the water column is considered permanently well-mixed, which induces a high turbidity in the water column and a constant re-aeration at the air-sea interface (see Belgische Staat, 2018). Therefore, contrary to other coastal systems, some criteria are not relevant for the evaluation of the eutrophication status in the Belgian marine waters. Methodology to produce satellite chlorophyll a-products was further developed and the quality has been assessed in a regional context during the project JMP-EUNOSAT. |
Coverage of GES criteria |
Adequate monitoring was in place in 2014 |
Adequate monitoring was in place in 2014 |
Gaps and plans |
No gaps.
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No gaps.
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Related targets |
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Coverage of targets |
Adequate monitoring was in place in 2014 |
Adequate monitoring was in place in 2014 |
Related measures |
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Coverage of measures |
Adequate monitoring was in place in 2014 |
Adequate monitoring was in place in 2014 |
Related monitoring programmes |
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Programme code |
ANSBE-P12-Plankton-1-chla |
ANSBE-P15-Nutrients |
Programme name |
Chlorophyll a |
Nutrients and physico-chemical characteristics in the water column |
Update type |
Modified from 2014 |
Modified from 2014 |
Old programme codes |
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Programme description |
This programme includes monitoring based on satellite detection (EODataBee) and in-situ data.
The purpose of the EODataBee Water Quality Monitoring service is to provide satellite-based support for the water quality assessment of chlorophyll a concentration in the framework of Belgium's obligations in the context of the Eutrophication Strategy of the Oslo and Paris Commissions for the Prevention of Marine Pollution (OSPAR-EUC) and the eutrophication-related elements of the European Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD).
In-situ chlorophyll a measurements are taken simultaneously with the water samples for nutrients (ANSBE-P15- Nutrients), allowing long-term monitoring of processes in the water column.
This programme covers the environmental target D5.3. |
Monitoring, in the form of repeated measurements of key aspects of the state of the marine environment at key locations, provides the basis for assessing progress towards good environmental status and the evaluation of the effectiveness of actions being taken to protect the sea.
The core marine environmental monitoring activity under the JAMP is the OSPAR CEMP. The CEMP is focused on monitoring of the concentrations and effects of selected contaminants and nutrients in the marine environment. The Eutrophication Monitoring Programme is a self-standing component of the CEMP focusing on nutrients and eutrophication effects. Monitoring by Contracting Parties under the CEMP is coordinated through adherence to jointly agreed guidance on monitoring and quality assurance procedures, which provides a basis for the collection of comparable and quality-assured data throughout the OSPAR maritime area.
This programme covers the environmental targets D5.1 and D5.2. |
Monitoring purpose |
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Other policies and conventions |
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Regional cooperation - coordinating body |
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Regional cooperation - countries involved |
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Regional cooperation - implementation level |
Agreed data collection methods |
Agreed data collection methods |
Monitoring details |
1) Satellite based chlorofyl a:
- Frequency of sampling: daily, provided that cloud cover and quality flagging allow measurements.
- Geographic scope: 100% satellite coverage (e.g. SeaWifs, MERIS, MODIS, Sentinel-3).
- Approximate number of samples: number of samples varies per region and is dependent on cloud cover, quality flagging, etc. For the Belgian coastal zone, there are between 25 and 50 samples per growing season (March-October).
Methodology based on satellite data as elaborated in regional context in the frame of JMP Eunosat (https://www.informatiehuismarien.nl/projecten/algaeevaluated/information/results/ ) and in review by OSPAR. Joint data collection, satellite and in-situ, with the Netherlands.
2) Chlorophyll a monitoring based on in situ data: monthly sampling at fixed measuring stations, simultaneously with the nutrients (ANSBE-P15- Nutrients). Additional sampling at time of satellite overpass. |
Other parameters measured include a.o. salinity as covariable, pH, organic carbon and dissolved oxygen. |
Features |
Eutrophication
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Eutrophication
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Eutrophication
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Eutrophication
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Eutrophication
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Eutrophication
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Eutrophication
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Eutrophication
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Elements |
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GES criteria |
D5C2 |
D5C1 |
Parameters |
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Parameter Other |
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Spatial scope |
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Marine reporting units |
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Temporal scope (start date - end date) |
2010-9999 |
1992-9999 |
Monitoring frequency |
Daily |
Monthly |
Monitoring type |
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Monitoring method |
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Monitoring method other |
Chlorophyll a concentration is generated from daily Ocean Colour data provided by the SeaWifs (1998-2003), the MERIS (2003 to 2011), the MODIS (2003 to 2017) and Sentinel-3 (2017 to current) satellite sensors. The algorithms used to derive data from the satellite sensors correspond to the best available algorithms given a water type and satellite sensor. Data is supplied at approximately 1 km resolution for the period 1998-2017 and 300m for the period 2017-current on a geographical equidistant grid covering the described region. The quality control and algorithm merging procedure applied was developed during the JMP-EUNOSAT project. The suitability of the satellite-based Chlorophyll a product for eutrophication assessment was evaluated by a comparison analysis with in-situ datasets for all assessment areas in the Greater North Sea. A validation of the yearly mean and P90 chlorophyll a products using the national monitoring chlorophyll a data obtained using different analytical techniques (i.e. HPLC, spectrophotometry, fluorometry) yielded a median error of 35.19% and 39.05% respectively. This shows a good general agreement between in-situ and satellite observations. More details are available in: https://www.informatiehuismarien.nl/publish/pages/162863/2_chlorophyll_satellite_data.pdf
Van der Zande, D., Lavigne, H., Blauw, A., Prins, T., Desmit, X., Eleveld, M., Gohin, F., Pardo, S, Tilstone, G., Cardoso Dos Santos, J. (2019). Coherence in assessment framework of chlorophyll a and nutrients as part of the EU project ‘Joint monitoring programme of the eutrophication of the North Sea with satellite data’ (Ref: DG ENV/MSFD Second Cycle/2016). Activity 2 Report. 106 pp. |
Sampling by Niskin bottles on board RV Belgica.
Laboratory analyses according to accredited method (ISO 17025) on the basis of SKALAR (RBINS, Ostend). |
Quality control |
Data for calibration of the sensors are ground-truthed by grab sample analysis, coinciding with satellite overpass, and subsequent analysis in the ISO17025:2017 certified lab ECOCHEM. |
ISO 17025
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Data management |
The in-situ data are registered in LIMS (Ecochem) and transferred to BMDC, which centralises them and makes them publicly accessible via the RBINS metadata catalogue (http://metadata.naturalsciences.be). The data are reported to ICES (DOME) in the frame of OSPAR and transferred to Emodnet Chemistry. |
The in-situ data are registered in LIMS (Ecochem) and transferred to BMDC, which centralises them and makes them publicly accessible via the RBINS metadata catalogue (http://metadata.naturalsciences.be). The data are reported to ICES (DOME) in the frame of OSPAR and transferred to Emodnet Chemistry. |
Data access |
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Related indicator/name |
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Contact |
Dimitry Van der Zande, Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Science (RBINS) |
Koen Parmentier, Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Science (RBINS) |
References |