Criterion D8C1 could only be partially assessed for all contaminants in this evaluation due primarily to the lack of an aggregation (threshold) rule at the individual parameter level or a rule for integrating parameters at the criterion level. Indeed, the assessment of the state of each contaminant is carried out at the level of the elementary unit of assessment of the parameter, without aggregation at the MRU level. However, the assessment allows the identification of (i) problematic substances in order to direct efforts towards potential sources and (ii) areas where actions need to be implemented to return to or maintain good status. The methodological standards relating to this criterion will be specified following further studies, as provided for in Ministerial Order 2019 on the definition of good environmental status of marine waters.

Criterion D8C3 (duration and spatial extent of acute pollution events) could not be filled in for this assessment. Indeed, data from accidental pollution reports (POLREPs) could not be collected and the information associated with the POLREPs does not allow a robust assessment of this criterion to be proposed. The methodological standards for this criterion will be specified following further studies, as provided for in the Ministerial Order 2019 on the definition of good environmental status of marine waters.