The surveys aim is to provide ICES assessment and science groups with consistent and standardized data for examining spatial and temporal changes in (a) the distribution and relative abundance of fish and fish assemblages; and (b) of the biological parameters of commercial fish species for stock assessment purposes. In terms of groundfish surveys coordinated by IBTS, the main objectives are to: 1 ) To determine the distribution and relative abundance of pre‐recruits of the main commercial species with a view of deriving recruitment indices; 2 ) To monitor changes in the stocks of commercial fish species independently of commercial fisheries data; 3 ) To monitor the distribution and relative abundance of all fish species and selected invertebrates; 4 ) To collect data for the determination of biological parameters for selected species; 5 ) To collect hydrographical and environmental information; 6 ) To determine the abundance and distribution of late herring larvae (February North Sea survey). http://www.ices.dk/sites/pub/Publication%20Reports/ICES%20Survey%20Protocols%20%28SISP%29/SISP1-IBTSVIII.pdf. The survey is part of the DCF - obligation under the CFP

The Danish Sea Sampling Program is the main source for information concerning discards. Scientific observers are on board commercial vessels during regular fishery. All relevant information concerning catch, vessel and gear characteristics, mesh size and selective gear devices, fishing ground, weather, ownership etc. are collected. All observers have a detailed manual describing the procedure for handling the catch on board. The data are used for estimating the total discard by number and weight by species, age group, area, quarter and métiers. The primary sampling unit was in 2014 was vessel. The selection of vessels for sampling is described below. As a part of the program a limited part of the gillnet fleet is conducting self-sampling. These vessels are relatively small and it is therefore difficult to conduct a traditional observer trip. They are all conducting 1 day trips. An arrangement has been made with a selected number of vessels where DTU Aqua at randomly chosen days calls the fishermen and ask them to bring all discard to land where it will be handled as a normal discard trip. On one of the vessels an observer is onboard to have a reference. A danish manual is avalible.

The purpose of the sand eel dredge survey is to collect sand eels buried in the seabed and compare catches (number and age composition) with the previous year's collections to assess year class strength of the lesser sand eel (Ammodytes marinus) in the different areas adopted by ICES in 2009. Data from the dredge survey is the basis for calculating a 0-group index, which is used in stock assessment. The 2014 survey is planned to be conducted with the commercial fishing vessel Salling. All species are speified and counted and weighted and station information with depth and temperature is recorded. On all new positions a bottom sample (a Van Veen grab) is taken to determinied the sediment type. - 15 days at sea - 165 dredge hauls and 40 sediment grab sample distributed over 55 planned sample positions . The 2013 survey program is attached.

ICES Working Group of International Pelagic surveys (WGIPS) has conducted a guide to the methodologies adhered to during the planning, execution and analysis phases of WGIPS coordinated surveys. The manual is not yet avalible in an online version but will be attached as an appendix. The survey coordination and documentation is done in this ICES working group and the details can be found in the ICES repport: http://www.ices.dk/sites/pub/Publication%20Reports/Expert%20Group%20Report/SSGESST/2014/WGIPS14.pdf. The survey aims to provide an annual estimate of the distribution, abundance and population structure to inform the assessment of the following herring and sprat stocks: Western Baltic Spring Spawning herring (in IV and IIIa), North Sea Autumn Spawning herring (in IV and IIIa), West of Scotland herring (in VIaN), Malin Shelf herring (in VIaN-S and VIIb,c), North Sea sprat (in IV) and Sprat in IIIa. The derived estimates and age structure of herring and sprat are used as tuning indices in the respective assessments and are submitted annually to the HAWG. The Danish contribution to the survey is in Skagerrak and Kattegat.

ICES Working Group of International Pelagic surveys (WGIPS) has conducted a guide to the methodologies adhered to during the planning, execution and analysis phases of WGIPS coordinated surveys. The manual is not yet avalible in an online version but will be attached as an appendix. The survey coordination and documentation is done in this ICES working group and the details can be found in the ICES report: http://www.ices.dk/sites/pub/Publication%20Reports/Expert%20Group%20Report/SSGESST/2014/WGIPS14.pdf. The survey objectives are listed below: • Carry out a pre-determined survey cruise track • Determine an age stratified estimate of relative abundance of herring within the survey area • Determine an age stratified estimate of relative abundance of blue whiting within the survey area • Collect biological samples from directed trawling on insonified fish echotraces to determine age structure and maturity state of the herring stock • Collect physical oceanography data from vertical profiles (CTD). • Plankton sampling (WP2 and Dyedi) A survey manual is included as an appendix MANUAL FOR INTERNATIONAL PELAGIC SURVEYS (IPS) page 7-12

http://naturstyrelsen.dk/naturoplevelser/jagt/tilskadekommet-vildt/beredskabsplan-for-havpattedyr-og-havfugle/ http://naturstyrelsen.dk/media/nst/Attachments/Beredskabsplanforhavpattedyrmarts2012.pdf There is established a contingency plan designed to ensure a coordinated and effective action on marine mammals and seabirds in an emergency or in case of strandings in the country. An effective contingency plan is an important prerequisite for being able to take steps to mitigate or avert the effects of, for example, an oil disaster at sea or deaths of marine mammals. The Danish contingency plan for marine mammals and seabirds have two main functions: 1) to build a knowledge base that makes it possible to prevent and 2) to monitor an evolving situation and take the necessary measures so that the sick, stranded and oil-contaminated animals do not suffer unnecessarily.

Details can bee found in The national survey program (NOVANA): http://naturstyrelsen.dk/naturbeskyttelse/national-naturbeskyttelse/overvaagning-af-vand-og-natur/novana-program/ Table 8.3 show total station in Danish Water, water samples per station, parameter analyzed and the frequent of sampling. Figur 8.10 and 8.11 shows the position of the stations. 50% of the stations are in the BALDK area and 50% of the stations are in ANSDK area. Technical manual for the marine survey http://bios.au.dk/videnudveksling/til-myndigheder-og-saerligt-interesserede/fagdatacentre/fdcmarintny/ta2011-2015/ Describe the procedure for sampling in the field and the quality control of the datasets collected. The program contribute to the implementation of the Waterframe Directive, Habitat Directive, The Birds Directive, Shellfish Waters Directive, The Trilateral Wadden Sea Program and the Sea Convention. The national survey program NOVANA is coordinated with both HELCOM and OSPAR.

Details can bee found in The national survey program (NOVANA): http://naturstyrelsen.dk/naturbeskyttelse/national-naturbeskyttelse/overvaagning-af-vand-og-natur/novana-program/ Table 8.3 show total station in Danish Water, water samples per station, parameter analyzed and the frequent of sampling. Figur 8.10 and 8.11 shows the position of the stations. 50% of the stations are in the BALDK area and 50% of the stations are in ANSDK area. Technical manual for the marine survey http://bios.au.dk/videnudveksling/til-myndigheder-og-saerligt-interesserede/fagdatacentre/fdcmarintny/ta2011-2015/ Describe the procedure for sampling in the field and the quality control of the datasets collected. The program contribute to the implementation of the Waterframe Directive, Habitat Directive, The Birds Directive, Seafood Directive, The Trilateral Wadden Sea Program and the Sea Convention. The national survey program NOVANA is coordinated with both HELCOM and OSPAR.

The Danish monitoring program for air quality and atmospheric deposition contrubutes to the following other programmes: The EMEP monitoring program under CLRTAP, OSPAR, PARCOM and the monitoring in relation to the EU air quality directive (2008/50/EC).

Water framework directive IPPC-directive COUNCIL DIRECTIVE of 4 May 1976 on pollution caused by certain dangerous substances discharged into the aquatic environment of the Community (76/464/EEC) OSPAR HELCOM Stockholmkonvention The strategy in the monitoring programme is meeting of all obligations and needs within the same programme if possible.