Achievement of good ecological status is quantitatively assessed on the basis of 4 criteria relating to the concentration of nutrients, chlorophyll-a and dissolved oxygen, as well as the transparency of the water column. The criteria relating to opportunistic macro-algae and macrophyte communities are not relevant to be assessed in this MRU. In this MRU, relating to the large area of the Channel - North Sea marine sub-region, the results of the integration of all the criteria show that 100% (i.e. 14045 km2 ) of the area achieves good status. It should be noted that 100% of the area of this MRU has been assessed. The large area does not therefore appear to be affected by eutrophication phenomena. Moreover, this assessment has been the subject of collaboration at both national and European level (adaptation of the methodologies of the joint OSPAR-COMP3 procedure). There has also been a marked improvement in the assessment methodology compared with the 2012 Initial Assessment, with the use of products from satellite images and modelling, as well as proposals for thresholds for the wider area.

Achievement of good ecological status is quantitatively assessed on the basis of 4 criteria relating to the concentration of nutrients, chlorophyll-a and dissolved oxygen, as well as the transparency of the water column. The criteria relating to opportunistic macro-algae and macrophyte communities are not relevant to be assessed in this MRU. In this MRU, relating to the large area of the Channel - North Sea marine sub-region, the results of the integration of all the criteria show that 100% (i.e. 14045 km2 ) of the area achieves good status. It should be noted that 100% of the area of this MRU has been assessed. The large area does not therefore appear to be affected by eutrophication phenomena. Moreover, this assessment has been the subject of collaboration at both national and European level (adaptation of the methodologies of the joint OSPAR-COMP3 procedure). There has also been a marked improvement in the assessment methodology compared with the 2012 Initial Assessment, with the use of products from satellite images and modelling, as well as proposals for thresholds for the wider area.

Achievement of good ecological status is quantitatively assessed on the basis of 4 criteria relating to the concentration of nutrients, chlorophyll-a and dissolved oxygen, as well as the transparency of the water column. The criteria relating to opportunistic macro-algae and macrophyte communities are not relevant to be assessed in this MRU. In this MRU, relating to the large area of the Channel - North Sea marine sub-region, the results of the integration of all the criteria show that 100% (i.e. 14045 km2 ) of the area achieves good status. It should be noted that 100% of the area of this MRU has been assessed. The large area does not therefore appear to be affected by eutrophication phenomena. Moreover, this assessment has been the subject of collaboration at both national and European level (adaptation of the methodologies of the joint OSPAR-COMP3 procedure). There has also been a marked improvement in the assessment methodology compared with the 2012 Initial Assessment, with the use of products from satellite images and modelling, as well as proposals for thresholds for the wider area.

Achievement of good ecological status is quantitatively assessed on the basis of 4 criteria relating to the concentration of nutrients, chlorophyll-a and dissolved oxygen, as well as the transparency of the water column. The criteria relating to opportunistic macro-algae and macrophyte communities are not relevant to be assessed in this MRU. In this MRU, relating to the large area of the Channel - North Sea marine sub-region, the results of the integration of all the criteria show that 100% (i.e. 14045 km2 ) of the area achieves good status. It should be noted that 100% of the area of this MRU has been assessed. The large area does not therefore appear to be affected by eutrophication phenomena. Moreover, this assessment has been the subject of collaboration at both national and European level (adaptation of the methodologies of the joint OSPAR-COMP3 procedure). There has also been a marked improvement in the assessment methodology compared with the 2012 Initial Assessment, with the use of products from satellite images and modelling, as well as proposals for thresholds for the wider area.

Achievement of good ecological status is quantitatively assessed on the basis of 4 criteria relating to the concentration of nutrients, chlorophyll-a and dissolved oxygen, as well as the transparency of the water column. The criteria relating to opportunistic macro-algae and macrophyte communities are not relevant to be assessed in this MRU. In this MRU, relating to the large area of the Channel - North Sea marine sub-region, the results of the integration of all the criteria show that 100% (i.e. 14045 km2 ) of the area achieves good status. It should be noted that 100% of the area of this MRU has been assessed. The large area does not therefore appear to be affected by eutrophication phenomena. Moreover, this assessment has been the subject of collaboration at both national and European level (adaptation of the methodologies of the joint OSPAR-COMP3 procedure). There has also been a marked improvement in the assessment methodology compared with the 2012 Initial Assessment, with the use of products from satellite images and modelling, as well as proposals for thresholds for the wider area.

Achievement of good ecological status is quantitatively assessed on the basis of 4 criteria relating to the concentration of nutrients, chlorophyll-a and dissolved oxygen, as well as the transparency of the water column. The criteria relating to opportunistic macro-algae and macrophyte communities are not relevant to be assessed in this MRU. In this MRU, relating to the large area of the Channel - North Sea marine sub-region, the results of the integration of all the criteria show that 100% (i.e. 14045 km2 ) of the area achieves good status. It should be noted that 100% of the area of this MRU has been assessed. The large area does not therefore appear to be affected by eutrophication phenomena. Moreover, this assessment has been the subject of collaboration at both national and European level (adaptation of the methodologies of the joint OSPAR-COMP3 procedure). There has also been a marked improvement in the assessment methodology compared with the 2012 Initial Assessment, with the use of products from satellite images and modelling, as well as proposals for thresholds for the wider area.

Achievement of good ecological status is quantitatively assessed on the basis of 4 criteria relating to the concentration of nutrients, chlorophyll-a and dissolved oxygen, as well as the transparency of the water column. The criteria relating to opportunistic macro-algae and macrophyte communities are not relevant to be assessed in this MRU. In this MRU, relating to the large area of the Channel - North Sea marine sub-region, the results of the integration of all the criteria show that 100% (i.e. 14045 km2 ) of the area achieves good status. It should be noted that 100% of the area of this MRU has been assessed. The large area does not therefore appear to be affected by eutrophication phenomena. Moreover, this assessment has been the subject of collaboration at both national and European level (adaptation of the methodologies of the joint OSPAR-COMP3 procedure). There has also been a marked improvement in the assessment methodology compared with the 2012 Initial Assessment, with the use of products from satellite images and modelling, as well as proposals for thresholds for the wider area.

The achievement of good ecological status for descriptor 5 is quantitatively assessed on the basis of 6 criteria relating to the concentration of nutrients, chlorophyll-a and dissolved oxygen, as well as to the transparency of the water column, opportunistic macro-algae and macrophyte communities. In this MRU, relating to the coastal zone of the Channel - North Sea marine sub-region, the results of the integration of all the criteria show that 87.5% (i.e. 2117 km2 ) of the area achieves good status. On the other hand, 5% (i.e. 117 km2 ) of the area of the MRU does not achieve good status and 7.5% (i.e. 183 km2 ) of the area has not been assessed. On reading the results by criterion, it appears that eutrophication problems are associated with the combined action of high nutrient and chlorophyll-a concentrations in the Somme and Seine estuaries. Indeed, there are still significant nutrient fluxes in these two rivers, with a stagnation or a significant increase in nitrate fluxes since the 1990s (and a decrease in phosphates). The absence of eutrophication problems between these two areas may be due to the dilution of the Seine plume at the level of the Normandy flowered coast. Moreover, the results show that macroalgae strandings lead to the failure to achieve good status for some Normandy coastal water masses located in the Seine Bay, and therefore under the potential influence of its discharges. Moreover, this assessment has been the subject of collaboration at both national and European level (adaptation of the methodologies of the joint OSPAR-COMP3 procedure). There has also been a clear improvement in the assessment methodology compared with the 2012 Initial Assessment.

The achievement of good ecological status for descriptor 5 is quantitatively assessed on the basis of 6 criteria relating to the concentration of nutrients, chlorophyll-a and dissolved oxygen, as well as to the transparency of the water column, opportunistic macro-algae and macrophyte communities. In this MRU, relating to the coastal zone of the Channel - North Sea marine sub-region, the results of the integration of all the criteria show that 87.5% (i.e. 2117 km2 ) of the area achieves good status. On the other hand, 5% (i.e. 117 km2 ) of the area of the MRU does not achieve good status and 7.5% (i.e. 183 km2 ) of the area has not been assessed. On reading the results by criterion, it appears that eutrophication problems are associated with the combined action of high nutrient and chlorophyll-a concentrations in the Somme and Seine estuaries. Indeed, there are still significant nutrient fluxes in these two rivers, with a stagnation or a significant increase in nitrate fluxes since the 1990s (and a decrease in phosphates). The absence of eutrophication problems between these two areas may be due to the dilution of the Seine plume at the level of the Normandy flowered coast. Moreover, the results show that macroalgae strandings lead to the failure to achieve good status for some Normandy coastal water masses located in the Seine Bay, and therefore under the potential influence of its discharges. Moreover, this assessment has been the subject of collaboration at both national and European level (adaptation of the methodologies of the joint OSPAR-COMP3 procedure). There has also been a clear improvement in the assessment methodology compared with the 2012 Initial Assessment.

The achievement of good ecological status for descriptor 5 is quantitatively assessed on the basis of 6 criteria relating to the concentration of nutrients, chlorophyll-a and dissolved oxygen, as well as to the transparency of the water column, opportunistic macro-algae and macrophyte communities. In this MRU, relating to the coastal zone of the Channel - North Sea marine sub-region, the results of the integration of all the criteria show that 87.5% (i.e. 2117 km2 ) of the area achieves good status. On the other hand, 5% (i.e. 117 km2 ) of the area of the MRU does not achieve good status and 7.5% (i.e. 183 km2 ) of the area has not been assessed. On reading the results by criterion, it appears that eutrophication problems are associated with the combined action of high nutrient and chlorophyll-a concentrations in the Somme and Seine estuaries. Indeed, there are still significant nutrient fluxes in these two rivers, with a stagnation or a significant increase in nitrate fluxes since the 1990s (and a decrease in phosphates). The absence of eutrophication problems between these two areas may be due to the dilution of the Seine plume at the level of the Normandy flowered coast. Moreover, the results show that macroalgae strandings lead to the failure to achieve good status for some Normandy coastal water masses located in the Seine Bay, and therefore under the potential influence of its discharges. Moreover, this assessment has been the subject of collaboration at both national and European level (adaptation of the methodologies of the joint OSPAR-COMP3 procedure). There has also been a clear improvement in the assessment methodology compared with the 2012 Initial Assessment.

The achievement of good ecological status for descriptor 5 is quantitatively assessed on the basis of 6 criteria relating to the concentration of nutrients, chlorophyll-a and dissolved oxygen, as well as to the transparency of the water column, opportunistic macro-algae and macrophyte communities. In this MRU, relating to the coastal zone of the Channel - North Sea marine sub-region, the results of the integration of all the criteria show that 87.5% (i.e. 2117 km2 ) of the area achieves good status. On the other hand, 5% (i.e. 117 km2 ) of the area of the MRU does not achieve good status and 7.5% (i.e. 183 km2 ) of the area has not been assessed. On reading the results by criterion, it appears that eutrophication problems are associated with the combined action of high nutrient and chlorophyll-a concentrations in the Somme and Seine estuaries. Indeed, there are still significant nutrient fluxes in these two rivers, with a stagnation or a significant increase in nitrate fluxes since the 1990s (and a decrease in phosphates). The absence of eutrophication problems between these two areas may be due to the dilution of the Seine plume at the level of the Normandy flowered coast. Moreover, the results show that macroalgae strandings lead to the failure to achieve good status for some Normandy coastal water masses located in the Seine Bay, and therefore under the potential influence of its discharges. Moreover, this assessment has been the subject of collaboration at both national and European level (adaptation of the methodologies of the joint OSPAR-COMP3 procedure). There has also been a clear improvement in the assessment methodology compared with the 2012 Initial Assessment.

The achievement of good ecological status for descriptor 5 is quantitatively assessed on the basis of 6 criteria relating to the concentration of nutrients, chlorophyll-a and dissolved oxygen, as well as to the transparency of the water column, opportunistic macro-algae and macrophyte communities. In this MRU, relating to the coastal zone of the Channel - North Sea marine sub-region, the results of the integration of all the criteria show that 87.5% (i.e. 2117 km2 ) of the area achieves good status. On the other hand, 5% (i.e. 117 km2 ) of the area of the MRU does not achieve good status and 7.5% (i.e. 183 km2 ) of the area has not been assessed. On reading the results by criterion, it appears that eutrophication problems are associated with the combined action of high nutrient and chlorophyll-a concentrations in the Somme and Seine estuaries. Indeed, there are still significant nutrient fluxes in these two rivers, with a stagnation or a significant increase in nitrate fluxes since the 1990s (and a decrease in phosphates). The absence of eutrophication problems between these two areas may be due to the dilution of the Seine plume at the level of the Normandy flowered coast. Moreover, the results show that macroalgae strandings lead to the failure to achieve good status for some Normandy coastal water masses located in the Seine Bay, and therefore under the potential influence of its discharges. Moreover, this assessment has been the subject of collaboration at both national and European level (adaptation of the methodologies of the joint OSPAR-COMP3 procedure). There has also been a clear improvement in the assessment methodology compared with the 2012 Initial Assessment.

The achievement of good ecological status for descriptor 5 is quantitatively assessed on the basis of 6 criteria relating to the concentration of nutrients, chlorophyll-a and dissolved oxygen, as well as to the transparency of the water column, opportunistic macro-algae and macrophyte communities. In this MRU, relating to the coastal zone of the Channel - North Sea marine sub-region, the results of the integration of all the criteria show that 87.5% (i.e. 2117 km2 ) of the area achieves good status. On the other hand, 5% (i.e. 117 km2 ) of the area of the MRU does not achieve good status and 7.5% (i.e. 183 km2 ) of the area has not been assessed. On reading the results by criterion, it appears that eutrophication problems are associated with the combined action of high nutrient and chlorophyll-a concentrations in the Somme and Seine estuaries. Indeed, there are still significant nutrient fluxes in these two rivers, with a stagnation or a significant increase in nitrate fluxes since the 1990s (and a decrease in phosphates). The absence of eutrophication problems between these two areas may be due to the dilution of the Seine plume at the level of the Normandy flowered coast. Moreover, the results show that macroalgae strandings lead to the failure to achieve good status for some Normandy coastal water masses located in the Seine Bay, and therefore under the potential influence of its discharges. Moreover, this assessment has been the subject of collaboration at both national and European level (adaptation of the methodologies of the joint OSPAR-COMP3 procedure). There has also been a clear improvement in the assessment methodology compared with the 2012 Initial Assessment.

The achievement of good ecological status for descriptor 5 is quantitatively assessed on the basis of 6 criteria relating to the concentration of nutrients, chlorophyll-a and dissolved oxygen, as well as to the transparency of the water column, opportunistic macro-algae and macrophyte communities. In this MRU, relating to the coastal zone of the Channel - North Sea marine sub-region, the results of the integration of all the criteria show that 87.5% (i.e. 2117 km2 ) of the area achieves good status. On the other hand, 5% (i.e. 117 km2 ) of the area of the MRU does not achieve good status and 7.5% (i.e. 183 km2 ) of the area has not been assessed. On reading the results by criterion, it appears that eutrophication problems are associated with the combined action of high nutrient and chlorophyll-a concentrations in the Somme and Seine estuaries. Indeed, there are still significant nutrient fluxes in these two rivers, with a stagnation or a significant increase in nitrate fluxes since the 1990s (and a decrease in phosphates). The absence of eutrophication problems between these two areas may be due to the dilution of the Seine plume at the level of the Normandy flowered coast. Moreover, the results show that macroalgae strandings lead to the failure to achieve good status for some Normandy coastal water masses located in the Seine Bay, and therefore under the potential influence of its discharges. Moreover, this assessment has been the subject of collaboration at both national and European level (adaptation of the methodologies of the joint OSPAR-COMP3 procedure). There has also been a clear improvement in the assessment methodology compared with the 2012 Initial Assessment.

The achievement of good ecological status for descriptor 5 is quantitatively assessed on the basis of 6 criteria relating to the concentration of nutrients, chlorophyll-a and dissolved oxygen, as well as to the transparency of the water column, opportunistic macro-algae and macrophyte communities. In this MRU, relating to the coastal zone of the Channel - North Sea marine sub-region, the results of the integration of all the criteria show that 87.5% (i.e. 2117 km2 ) of the area achieves good status. On the other hand, 5% (i.e. 117 km2 ) of the area of the MRU does not achieve good status and 7.5% (i.e. 183 km2 ) of the area has not been assessed. On reading the results by criterion, it appears that eutrophication problems are associated with the combined action of high nutrient and chlorophyll-a concentrations in the Somme and Seine estuaries. Indeed, there are still significant nutrient fluxes in these two rivers, with a stagnation or a significant increase in nitrate fluxes since the 1990s (and a decrease in phosphates). The absence of eutrophication problems between these two areas may be due to the dilution of the Seine plume at the level of the Normandy flowered coast. Moreover, the results show that macroalgae strandings lead to the failure to achieve good status for some Normandy coastal water masses located in the Seine Bay, and therefore under the potential influence of its discharges. Moreover, this assessment has been the subject of collaboration at both national and European level (adaptation of the methodologies of the joint OSPAR-COMP3 procedure). There has also been a clear improvement in the assessment methodology compared with the 2012 Initial Assessment.

Achievement of good ecological status is quantitatively assessed on the basis of 4 criteria relating to the concentration of nutrients, chlorophyll-a and dissolved oxygen, as well as the transparency of the water column. The criteria relating to opportunistic macro-algae and macrophyte communities are not relevant to be assessed in this MRU. In this MRU, relating to the intermediate zone of the Channel - North Sea marine sub-region, the results of the integration of all the criteria show that 90% (i.e. 10703 km2 ) of the area achieves good status. On the other hand, 10% (i.e. 1183 km2 ) of the MRU area does not achieve good status. It should be noted that 100% of the area of this MRU could be assessed. Reading the results by criterion, it appears that eutrophication problems are associated with the combined action of high nutrient and chlorophyll-a concentrations in the Somme and Seine estuaries. Indeed, there are still significant nutrient fluxes in these two rivers, with a stagnation or a significant increase in nitrate fluxes since the 1990s (and a decrease in phosphates). The absence of eutrophication problems between these two areas may be due to the dilution of the Seine plume at the level of the Normandy flowered coast. Furthermore, this assessment has been the subject of collaboration at both national and European level (adaptation of the methodologies of the joint OSPAR-COMP3 procedure). There has also been a clear improvement in the assessment methodology compared with the 2012 Initial Assessment, in particular with the use of products from satellite images and modelling, as well as proposals for thresholds for the intermediate zone.

Achievement of good ecological status is quantitatively assessed on the basis of 4 criteria relating to the concentration of nutrients, chlorophyll-a and dissolved oxygen, as well as the transparency of the water column. The criteria relating to opportunistic macro-algae and macrophyte communities are not relevant to be assessed in this MRU. In this MRU, relating to the intermediate zone of the Channel - North Sea marine sub-region, the results of the integration of all the criteria show that 90% (i.e. 10703 km2 ) of the area achieves good status. On the other hand, 10% (i.e. 1183 km2 ) of the MRU area does not achieve good status. It should be noted that 100% of the area of this MRU could be assessed. Reading the results by criterion, it appears that eutrophication problems are associated with the combined action of high nutrient and chlorophyll-a concentrations in the Somme and Seine estuaries. Indeed, there are still significant nutrient fluxes in these two rivers, with a stagnation or a significant increase in nitrate fluxes since the 1990s (and a decrease in phosphates). The absence of eutrophication problems between these two areas may be due to the dilution of the Seine plume at the level of the Normandy flowered coast. Furthermore, this assessment has been the subject of collaboration at both national and European level (adaptation of the methodologies of the joint OSPAR-COMP3 procedure). There has also been a clear improvement in the assessment methodology compared with the 2012 Initial Assessment, in particular with the use of products from satellite images and modelling, as well as proposals for thresholds for the intermediate zone.

Achievement of good ecological status is quantitatively assessed on the basis of 4 criteria relating to the concentration of nutrients, chlorophyll-a and dissolved oxygen, as well as the transparency of the water column. The criteria relating to opportunistic macro-algae and macrophyte communities are not relevant to be assessed in this MRU. In this MRU, relating to the intermediate zone of the Channel - North Sea marine sub-region, the results of the integration of all the criteria show that 90% (i.e. 10703 km2 ) of the area achieves good status. On the other hand, 10% (i.e. 1183 km2 ) of the MRU area does not achieve good status. It should be noted that 100% of the area of this MRU could be assessed. Reading the results by criterion, it appears that eutrophication problems are associated with the combined action of high nutrient and chlorophyll-a concentrations in the Somme and Seine estuaries. Indeed, there are still significant nutrient fluxes in these two rivers, with a stagnation or a significant increase in nitrate fluxes since the 1990s (and a decrease in phosphates). The absence of eutrophication problems between these two areas may be due to the dilution of the Seine plume at the level of the Normandy flowered coast. Furthermore, this assessment has been the subject of collaboration at both national and European level (adaptation of the methodologies of the joint OSPAR-COMP3 procedure). There has also been a clear improvement in the assessment methodology compared with the 2012 Initial Assessment, in particular with the use of products from satellite images and modelling, as well as proposals for thresholds for the intermediate zone.

Achievement of good ecological status is quantitatively assessed on the basis of 4 criteria relating to the concentration of nutrients, chlorophyll-a and dissolved oxygen, as well as the transparency of the water column. The criteria relating to opportunistic macro-algae and macrophyte communities are not relevant to be assessed in this MRU. In this MRU, relating to the intermediate zone of the Channel - North Sea marine sub-region, the results of the integration of all the criteria show that 90% (i.e. 10703 km2 ) of the area achieves good status. On the other hand, 10% (i.e. 1183 km2 ) of the MRU area does not achieve good status. It should be noted that 100% of the area of this MRU could be assessed. Reading the results by criterion, it appears that eutrophication problems are associated with the combined action of high nutrient and chlorophyll-a concentrations in the Somme and Seine estuaries. Indeed, there are still significant nutrient fluxes in these two rivers, with a stagnation or a significant increase in nitrate fluxes since the 1990s (and a decrease in phosphates). The absence of eutrophication problems between these two areas may be due to the dilution of the Seine plume at the level of the Normandy flowered coast. Furthermore, this assessment has been the subject of collaboration at both national and European level (adaptation of the methodologies of the joint OSPAR-COMP3 procedure). There has also been a clear improvement in the assessment methodology compared with the 2012 Initial Assessment, in particular with the use of products from satellite images and modelling, as well as proposals for thresholds for the intermediate zone.

Achievement of good ecological status is quantitatively assessed on the basis of 4 criteria relating to the concentration of nutrients, chlorophyll-a and dissolved oxygen, as well as the transparency of the water column. The criteria relating to opportunistic macro-algae and macrophyte communities are not relevant to be assessed in this MRU. In this MRU, relating to the intermediate zone of the Channel - North Sea marine sub-region, the results of the integration of all the criteria show that 90% (i.e. 10703 km2 ) of the area achieves good status. On the other hand, 10% (i.e. 1183 km2 ) of the MRU area does not achieve good status. It should be noted that 100% of the area of this MRU could be assessed. Reading the results by criterion, it appears that eutrophication problems are associated with the combined action of high nutrient and chlorophyll-a concentrations in the Somme and Seine estuaries. Indeed, there are still significant nutrient fluxes in these two rivers, with a stagnation or a significant increase in nitrate fluxes since the 1990s (and a decrease in phosphates). The absence of eutrophication problems between these two areas may be due to the dilution of the Seine plume at the level of the Normandy flowered coast. Furthermore, this assessment has been the subject of collaboration at both national and European level (adaptation of the methodologies of the joint OSPAR-COMP3 procedure). There has also been a clear improvement in the assessment methodology compared with the 2012 Initial Assessment, in particular with the use of products from satellite images and modelling, as well as proposals for thresholds for the intermediate zone.

Achievement of good ecological status is quantitatively assessed on the basis of 4 criteria relating to the concentration of nutrients, chlorophyll-a and dissolved oxygen, as well as the transparency of the water column. The criteria relating to opportunistic macro-algae and macrophyte communities are not relevant to be assessed in this MRU. In this MRU, relating to the intermediate zone of the Channel - North Sea marine sub-region, the results of the integration of all the criteria show that 90% (i.e. 10703 km2 ) of the area achieves good status. On the other hand, 10% (i.e. 1183 km2 ) of the MRU area does not achieve good status. It should be noted that 100% of the area of this MRU could be assessed. Reading the results by criterion, it appears that eutrophication problems are associated with the combined action of high nutrient and chlorophyll-a concentrations in the Somme and Seine estuaries. Indeed, there are still significant nutrient fluxes in these two rivers, with a stagnation or a significant increase in nitrate fluxes since the 1990s (and a decrease in phosphates). The absence of eutrophication problems between these two areas may be due to the dilution of the Seine plume at the level of the Normandy flowered coast. Furthermore, this assessment has been the subject of collaboration at both national and European level (adaptation of the methodologies of the joint OSPAR-COMP3 procedure). There has also been a clear improvement in the assessment methodology compared with the 2012 Initial Assessment, in particular with the use of products from satellite images and modelling, as well as proposals for thresholds for the intermediate zone.

Achievement of good ecological status is quantitatively assessed on the basis of 4 criteria relating to the concentration of nutrients, chlorophyll-a and dissolved oxygen, as well as the transparency of the water column. The criteria relating to opportunistic macro-algae and macrophyte communities are not relevant to be assessed in this MRU. In this MRU, relating to the intermediate zone of the Channel - North Sea marine sub-region, the results of the integration of all the criteria show that 90% (i.e. 10703 km2 ) of the area achieves good status. On the other hand, 10% (i.e. 1183 km2 ) of the MRU area does not achieve good status. It should be noted that 100% of the area of this MRU could be assessed. Reading the results by criterion, it appears that eutrophication problems are associated with the combined action of high nutrient and chlorophyll-a concentrations in the Somme and Seine estuaries. Indeed, there are still significant nutrient fluxes in these two rivers, with a stagnation or a significant increase in nitrate fluxes since the 1990s (and a decrease in phosphates). The absence of eutrophication problems between these two areas may be due to the dilution of the Seine plume at the level of the Normandy flowered coast. Furthermore, this assessment has been the subject of collaboration at both national and European level (adaptation of the methodologies of the joint OSPAR-COMP3 procedure). There has also been a clear improvement in the assessment methodology compared with the 2012 Initial Assessment, in particular with the use of products from satellite images and modelling, as well as proposals for thresholds for the intermediate zone.