GES under criterion D10C2 has determined via two indicators 'microlitter in the surface layer of the water column' and 'microlitter in seabed sediment'. First monitoring activities have been carried out in Gulf of Finland, Gulf of Riga and in Northern Baltic Proper and the results are used as baseline (temporary threshold value). Baseline year for microlitter in the surface layer of the water column is 2018. Baseline year for microlitter in seabed sediment is 2017-2018.

GES under criterion D10C1 is determined via beach litter indicator, macrolitter in the surface layer of the water column and 4 indicators describing macrolitter on seafloor. GES for contamination ratio of beach litter is achieved if the contamination ratio value is <20 items/100m. For other indicators, the trend is evaluated.

GES under criterion D10C3 is determined via two indicators - amount of litter ingested by fish and amount of litter ingested by invertebrates. For both indicators, the trend is evaluated.