The marine environment of Cyprus is considered to be in good environmental status by the year 2020 if the concentrations of contaminants are at levels not giving rise to pollution effects..

Within coastal and territorial waters, the concentrations of contaminants do not exceed the following threshold values: (a) for contaminants set out under point 1(a) of criteria elements, the values set in accordance with Directive 2000/60/EC; b) when contaminants under point (a) are measured in a matrix for which no value is set under Directive 2000/60/EC, the concentration of those contaminants in that matrix established by Member States through regional or subregional cooperation; (c) for additional contaminants selected under point 1(b) of criteria elements, the concentrations for a specified matrix (water, sediment or biota) which may give rise to pollution effects. Beyond territorial waters, the concentrations of contaminants do not exceed the following threshold values: (a) for contaminants selected under point 2(a) of criteria elements, the values as applicable within coastal and territorial waters; (b) for contaminants selected under point 2(b) of criteria elements, the concentrations for a specified matrix (water, sediment or biota) which may give rise to pollution effects.

The health of species and the condition of habitats (such as their species composition and relative abundance at locations of chronic pollution) are not adversely affected due to contaminants including cumulative and synergetic effects.

The spatial extent and duration of significant acute pollution events are minimised.