Member State report / Art11 / 2014-2020 / D2 / Croatia / Mediterranean: Adriatic Sea
| Report type | Member State report to Commission |
| MSFD Article | Art. 11 Monitoring programmes (and Art. 17 updates) |
| Report due | 2014-10-15; 2020-10-15 |
| GES Descriptor | D2 Non-indigenous species |
| Member State | Croatia |
| Region/subregion | Mediterranean: Adriatic Sea |
| Reported by | Institute for Oceanography and Fisheries, Split, Croatia |
| Report date | 2014-09-04; 2020-10-15 |
| Report access |
2014 data
2020 data
| Monitoring programme | Monitoring programme name | MP_D2 |
MP_D2 |
MP_D2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monitoring programme | Reference existing programme | MADHR-D02 |
MADHR-D02 |
MADHR-D02 |
| Monitoring programme | Marine Unit ID |
|
|
|
| Q4e - Programme ID | MADHR-D02 |
MADHR-D02 |
MADHR-D02 |
|
| Q4f - Programme description | In the Adriatic Sea a dynamic of non-indigenous species (NIS) introduction is increasing. There is an impact on biological, ecological and landscape diversity as well as on economy and human health that becomes more significant. Therefore, a monitoring of NIS occurrence, spreading and impact is of major importance.
The parameters of measuring NIS in the Adriatic Sea are dependent on the particular area and target species. Minimal research should include taxonomic identification, assessment of the impact, affected area, dynamics and mechanisms of spread. Additional research (research monitoring) depending on the particular species and can further comprise: bio-invasive index, abundance, biomass, annual dynamics and reproductive characteristics. |
In the Adriatic Sea a dynamic of non-indigenous species (NIS) introduction is increasing. There is an impact on biological, ecological and landscape diversity as well as on economy and human health that becomes more significant. Therefore, a monitoring of NIS occurrence, spreading and impact is of major importance.
The parameters of measuring NIS in the Adriatic Sea are dependent on the particular area and target species. Minimal research should include taxonomic identification, assessment of the impact, affected area, dynamics and mechanisms of spread. Additional research (research monitoring) depending on the particular species and can further comprise: bio-invasive index, abundance, biomass, annual dynamics and reproductive characteristics. |
In the Adriatic Sea a dynamic of non-indigenous species (NIS) introduction is increasing. There is an impact on biological, ecological and landscape diversity as well as on economy and human health that becomes more significant. Therefore, a monitoring of NIS occurrence, spreading and impact is of major importance.
The parameters of measuring NIS in the Adriatic Sea are dependent on the particular area and target species. Minimal research should include taxonomic identification, assessment of the impact, affected area, dynamics and mechanisms of spread. Additional research (research monitoring) depending on the particular species and can further comprise: bio-invasive index, abundance, biomass, annual dynamics and reproductive characteristics. |
|
| Q5e - Natural variability |
|
|
|
|
| Q5d - Adequacy for assessment of GES | Q5d - Adequate data | Y |
Y |
Y |
| Q5d - Adequacy for assessment of GES | Q5d - Established methods | Y |
Y |
Y |
| Q5d - Adequacy for assessment of GES | Q5d - Adequate understanding of GES | Y |
Y |
Y |
| Q5d - Adequacy for assessment of GES | Q5d - Adequate capacity | Y |
Y |
Y |
| Q5f - Description of programme for GES assessment | The Croatian part of the Adriatic Sea covers more than 35% of the total Croatian territory, which means that monitoring changes in marine ecosystems and the conservation of biodiversity are of great importance. Following global changes, Croatia is experiencing increasing problems due to the introduction of new species that include alien species (due to aquaculture activities and shipping) and species from other Mediterranean subregions that are extending their geographic range.
Eventhough, the NIS which are currently established or simply present in Croatian waters could potentially cause adverse impacts in not-too-distant future, attention must be focused on IAS for the status evaluation of the Croatian marine environment regarding Descriptor 2, since all of these are considered to cause significant impacts to the marine ecosystem. |
The Croatian part of the Adriatic Sea covers more than 35% of the total Croatian territory, which means that monitoring changes in marine ecosystems and the conservation of biodiversity are of great importance. Following global changes, Croatia is experiencing increasing problems due to the introduction of new species that include alien species (due to aquaculture activities and shipping) and species from other Mediterranean subregions that are extending their geographic range.
Eventhough, the NIS which are currently established or simply present in Croatian waters could potentially cause adverse impacts in not-too-distant future, attention must be focused on IAS for the status evaluation of the Croatian marine environment regarding Descriptor 2, since all of these are considered to cause significant impacts to the marine ecosystem. |
The Croatian part of the Adriatic Sea covers more than 35% of the total Croatian territory, which means that monitoring changes in marine ecosystems and the conservation of biodiversity are of great importance. Following global changes, Croatia is experiencing increasing problems due to the introduction of new species that include alien species (due to aquaculture activities and shipping) and species from other Mediterranean subregions that are extending their geographic range.
Eventhough, the NIS which are currently established or simply present in Croatian waters could potentially cause adverse impacts in not-too-distant future, attention must be focused on IAS for the status evaluation of the Croatian marine environment regarding Descriptor 2, since all of these are considered to cause significant impacts to the marine ecosystem. |
|
| Q5g - Gap-filling date for GES assessment | By2018 |
By2018 |
By2018 |
|
| Q5h - Plans to implement monitoring for GES assessment | ||||
| Q6a -Relevant targets | Q6a - Environmental target | |||
| Q6a -Relevant targets | Q6a - Associated indicator | |||
| Q6b - Adequacy for assessment of targets | Q6b_SuitableData | Y |
Y |
Y |
| Q6b - Adequacy for assessment of targets | Q6b_EstablishedMethods | Y |
Y |
Y |
| Q6b - Adequacy for assessment of targets | Q6d_AdequateCapacity | Y |
Y |
Y |
| Q6c - Target updating | Y |
Y |
Y |
|
| Q6d - Description of programme for targets assessment | With the current state of knowledge on NIS (IAS), it was only possible to put forward interim targets which are required to achieve GES in the longer term. In this regard, the proposed interim targets are related to early detection of new NIS (IAS) coupled with strengthening knowledge generation on existing NIS (IAS) in Croatia to build a sound information basis upon which to prioritize and develop effective and yet practical prevention and management/control options for priority pathways. To obtain information on the occurrence of new non-indigenous species (invasive species), it is necessary to take certain actions in the areas of particular risk (ports, marinas, farms), and acquire new knowledge (biology, ecology) on non-indigenous species, particularly invasive species. |
With the current state of knowledge on NIS (IAS), it was only possible to put forward interim targets which are required to achieve GES in the longer term. In this regard, the proposed interim targets are related to early detection of new NIS (IAS) coupled with strengthening knowledge generation on existing NIS (IAS) in Croatia to build a sound information basis upon which to prioritize and develop effective and yet practical prevention and management/control options for priority pathways. To obtain information on the occurrence of new non-indigenous species (invasive species), it is necessary to take certain actions in the areas of particular risk (ports, marinas, farms), and acquire new knowledge (biology, ecology) on non-indigenous species, particularly invasive species. |
With the current state of knowledge on NIS (IAS), it was only possible to put forward interim targets which are required to achieve GES in the longer term. In this regard, the proposed interim targets are related to early detection of new NIS (IAS) coupled with strengthening knowledge generation on existing NIS (IAS) in Croatia to build a sound information basis upon which to prioritize and develop effective and yet practical prevention and management/control options for priority pathways. To obtain information on the occurrence of new non-indigenous species (invasive species), it is necessary to take certain actions in the areas of particular risk (ports, marinas, farms), and acquire new knowledge (biology, ecology) on non-indigenous species, particularly invasive species. |
|
| Q6e - Gap-filling date for targets assessment | By2018 |
By2018 |
By2018 |
|
| Q6f - Plans to implement monitoring for targets assessment | ||||
| Q7a - Relevant activities |
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|
|
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| Q7b - Description of monitoring of activities | Croatia recognizes ballast water (BW) issues as important environmental threat and ratified BWM Convention and amended its national regulation accordingly. In addition, Croatia participates in EU project BALMAS, the main objective of which is to establish a common cross-border system linking all Adriatic research, experts and national responsible to avoid the unwanted risks to the environment and humans from the transfer of IAS. Through the undertaken activity, frame for precautionary measures is created reducing the risk of new biological invasions. |
Croatia recognizes ballast water (BW) issues as important environmental threat and ratified BWM Convention and amended its national regulation accordingly. In addition, Croatia participates in EU project BALMAS, the main objective of which is to establish a common cross-border system linking all Adriatic research, experts and national responsible to avoid the unwanted risks to the environment and humans from the transfer of IAS. Through the undertaken activity, frame for precautionary measures is created reducing the risk of new biological invasions. |
Croatia recognizes ballast water (BW) issues as important environmental threat and ratified BWM Convention and amended its national regulation accordingly. In addition, Croatia participates in EU project BALMAS, the main objective of which is to establish a common cross-border system linking all Adriatic research, experts and national responsible to avoid the unwanted risks to the environment and humans from the transfer of IAS. Through the undertaken activity, frame for precautionary measures is created reducing the risk of new biological invasions. |
|
| Q7c - Relevant measures | ||||
| Q7e - Adequacy for assessment of measures | Q7d - Adequate data | |||
| Q7e - Adequacy for assessment of measures | Q7d - Established methods | |||
| Q7e - Adequacy for assessment of measures | Q7d - Adequate understanding of GES | |||
| Q7e - Adequacy for assessment of measures | Q7d - Adequate capacity | |||
| Q7e - Adequacy for assessment of measures | Q7d - Addresses activities and pressures | |||
| Q7e - Adequacy for assessment of measures | Q7d - Addresses effectiveness of measures | |||
| Q7d - Description of monitoring for measures | ||||
| Q7f - Gap-filling date for activities and measures | By2014 |
By2014 |
By2014 |
|
| Q8a - Links to existing Monitoring Programmes |
|
|
|
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| Reference sub-programme | Sub-programme ID | MADHR-D02-01 |
MADHR-D02-02 |
MADHR-D02-03 |
| Reference sub-programme | Sub-programme name | Non-indigenous species inputs - from specific sources |
Non-indigenous species inputs - from specific sources |
Non-indigenous species inputs - from specific sources |
| Q4g - Sub-programmes | Sub-programme ID | MADHR-D02-01 |
MADHR-D02-02 |
MADHR-D02-03 |
| Q4g - Sub-programmes | Sub-programme name | Non-indigenous species inputs - from specific sources |
Non-indigenous species inputs - from specific sources |
Non-indigenous species inputs - from specific sources |
| Q4k - Monitoring purpose | Pressurse |
Pressurse |
Pressurse |
|
| Q4l - Links of monitoring programmes of other Directives and Conventions | Monitoring for requirements of Water Framework Directive is conducted in coastal waters through National monitoring program, that contributes to MSFD program. In addition, baseline survey and monitoring in ports within the framework of IPA ADRIATIC project BALMAS will be used to contribute to D2 of MSFD (http://www.balmas.eu/) |
National monitoring program contributes to MSFD program. |
Croatia participates in EU project BALMAS, the main objective of which is to establish a common cross-border system linking all Adriatic research, experts and national responsible to avoid the unwanted risks to the environment and humans from the transfer of introduced species.
http://www.balmas.eu/
We also participate in data collection framework (DCF) for fisheries. It's a monitoring programme that can potenitally provide information on NIS species which can appear in fisheries.
http://datacollection.jrc.ec.europa.eu/dcf-legislation |
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| Q5c - Features | Q5c - Habitats |
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| Q5c - Features | Q5c - Species list |
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| Q5c - Features | Q5c - Physical/Chemical features | |||
| Q5c - Features | Q5c - Pressures |
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| Q9a - Elements |
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| Q5a - GES criteria | Relevant GES criteria |
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| Q5b - GES indicators | Relevant GES indicators |
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| Q9b - Parameters monitored (state/impact) | Species distribution |
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| Q9b - Parameters monitored (state/impact) | Species population size |
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||
| Q9b - Parameters monitored (state/impact) | Species population characteristics |
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| Q9b - Parameters monitored (state/impact) | Species impacts | |||
| Q9b - Parameters monitored (state/impact) | Habitat distribution | |||
| Q9b - Parameters monitored (state/impact) | Habitat extent |
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||
| Q9b - Parameters monitored (state/impact) | Habitat condition (physical-chemical) |
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||
| Q9b - Parameters monitored (state/impact) | Habitat condition (biological) |
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| Q9b - Parameters monitored (state/impact) | Habitat impacts |
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| Q9b - Parameters monitored (pressures) | Pressure input | |||
| Q9b - Parameters monitored (pressures) | Pressure output |
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| Q9b - Parameters monitored (activity) | Activity | |||
| Q9b Parameters monitored (other) | Other | |||
| Q41 Spatial scope | WFD_CW TerritorialWaters |
WFD_CW TerritorialWaters |
WFD_CW TerritorialWaters |
|
| Q4j - Description of spatial scope | Survey sites are present along the eastern Adriatic coast encompassing the open and coastal waters.Selected sites at coastal waters reflect areas under various anthropogenic pressures. |
Entire territorial waters can be affected by different non indigenous species. |
The Croatian part of the Adriatic Sea covers more than 35% of the total Croatian territory, and the conservation of biodiversity and monitoring of introduces non-indigenous species in this area is of great importance. Following global changes, Croatia is experiencing increasing problems due to the introduction of new species that include aliens (due to aquaculture activities and shipping) and species from other Mediterranean subregions that are extending their geographic range. |
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| Marine Unit IDs |
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| Q4h - Temporal scope | Start date- End date | 1998-9999 |
2010-9999 |
2000-9999 |
| Q9h - Temporal resolution of sampling |
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| Q9c - Monitoring method | Roger Harris, Peter Wiebe, Jürgen Lenz, Hein Rune Skjoldal and Mark Huntley. 2000. ICES Zooplankton Methodology Manual
Utermöhl, von H. 1931. Neue Wege in der quantitativen Erfassung des Planktons. (Mit besondere Beriicksichtigung des Ultraplanktons). Verh. Int. Verein. Theor. Angew. Limnol., 5, 567–595.
Sampling procedure has been described in Marasović I., Krstulović, N., Leder, N., Lončar, G., Precali, R., Šolić, M., Lončar,.G., Beg- Paklar, G., Bojanić, N., Cvitković, I., Dadić, V., Despalatović, M., Dulčić, J., Grbec, B., Kušpilić, G., Ninčević-Gladan, Ž., P. Tutman, Ujević, I., Vrgoč, N., Vukadin, P., Žuljević, A. Coastal cities water pollution control project, Part C1: Monitoring and Observation System for Ongoing Assessment of the Adriatic sea under the Adriatic sea Monitoring Programme, Phase II. Interim report (IR), December, 2013. (Ftp://baltazar.izor.hr) |
Sampling procedure has been described in Marasović I., Krstulović, N., Leder, N., Lončar, G., Precali, R., Šolić, M., Lončar,.G., Beg- Paklar, G., Bojanić, N., Cvitković, I., Dadić, V., Despalatović, M., Dulčić, J., Grbec, B., Kušpilić, G., Ninčević-Gladan, Ž., P. Tutman, Ujević, I., Vrgoč, N., Vukadin, P., Žuljević, A. Coastal cities water pollution control project, Part C1: Monitoring and Observation System for Ongoing Assessment of the Adriatic sea under the Adriatic sea Monitoring Programme, Phase II. Interim report (IR), December, 2013. (Ftp://baltazar.izor.hr) |
Methodology of the field work is based on visual census, photo documentation and collection of samples. Those activities have to be done by SCUBA diving, snorkeling or observation and collection from shore. For each location a different methodology is applied and it is always site-specific. That means how sampling methodology and spatial scale of field research (size and depth of profile), are highly depend on specific location and cannot be completely standardized. Only for the purpose of harbors, a modify CRIMP protocol is used as a standard methodology for NIS assessment.
Mobile epifauna, such as crabs, fish and shrimps should be sampled at each site using traps. Traps are selective in nature and therefore provide only relative measures of species abundances. Trammel net should be used to sample near-shore fishes. Seven 32 m long single nets (height 1.8 m, 28 mm mesh) joined together (224 m) are suitable for deployment and recovery by two people and can be used on different types of bottom.
Data collection also has to be done using citizen science principle involving public in observation network. It has to be made by sharing information on NIS through different media (most popular magazines, facebook, etc).
Sampling procedure has been described in Marasović I., Krstulović, N., Leder, N., Lončar, G., Precali, R., Šolić, M., Lončar,.G., Beg- Paklar, G., Bojanić, N., Cvitković, I., Dadić, V., Despalatović, M., Dulčić, J., Grbec, B., Kušpilić, G., Ninčević-Gladan, Ž., P. Tutman, Ujević, I., Vrgoč, N., Vukadin, P., Žuljević, A. Coastal cities water pollution control project, Part C1: Monitoring and Observation System for Ongoing Assessment of the Adriatic sea under the Adriatic sea Monitoring Programme, Phase II. Interim report (IR), December, 2013. (Ftp://baltazar.izor.hr) |
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| Q9d - Description of alteration to method | ||||
| Q9e - Quality assurance |
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| Q9f - Quality control | DelayedValidation |
DelayedValidation |
DelayedValidation |
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| Q9g - Spatial resolution of sampling | Q9g - Proportion of area covered % | |||
| Q9g - Spatial resolution of sampling | Q9g - No. of samples | |||
| Q9i - Description of sample representivity | No variation within the sub-programme. |
NIS are occasionaly found. |
There is no variation. |
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| Q10a - Scale for aggregation of data |
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| Q10b - Other scale for aggregation of data | ||||
| Q10c - Access to monitoring data | Q10c - Data type | DataProducts |
DataProducts |
DataProducts |
| Q10c - Access to monitoring data | Q10c - Data access mechanism | LocationNationalDC |
LocationNationalDC |
LocationNationalDC |
| Q10c - Access to monitoring data | Q10c - Data access rights | Open |
Open |
Open |
| Q10c - Access to monitoring data | Q10c - INSPIRE standard | SeaRegions |
SeaRegions |
SeaRegions |
| Q10c - Access to monitoring data | Q10c Date data are available | 2018-10 |
2018-10 |
2018-10 |
| Q10c - Access to monitoring data | Q10c - Data update frequency | Yearly |
Yearly |
Yearly |
| Q10d - Description of data access | In accordance to the Regulation on development and implementation of documents of Strategy for Management of Marine and Coastal Areas (O.G. 112/14), Croatian Environment Agency is in charge of developing Marine Information System. Data and information regarding all elements of the Strategy collected by competent authorities should be available for needs of the System. The System is still under development. |
In accordance to the Regulation on development and implementation of documents of Strategy for Management of Marine and Coastal Areas (O.G. 112/14), Croatian Environment Agency is in charge of developing Marine Information System. Data and information regarding all elements of the Strategy collected by competent authorities should be available for needs of the System. The System is still under development. |
In accordance to the Regulation on development and implementation of documents of Strategy for Management of Marine and Coastal Areas (O.G. 112/14), Croatian Environment Agency is in charge of developing Marine Information System. Data and information regarding all elements of the Strategy collected by competent authorities should be available for needs of the System. The System is still under development. |
|
Descriptor |
D2 |
|---|---|
Monitoring strategy description |
To assess environmental status (GES), a monitoring programme aims at detection and assessment of other relevant data concerning NIS (particulary in hot-spot areas). These areas are defined according to previous knowledge of the occurrences of NIS, but also according to susceptibility of particular areas in regard to possible vectors of introductions (i.e. ports, vicinity of aquaculture facilities etc.). Fieldwork sampling procedures are various and dependent on the habitat types utilized by various NIS. Other methods, not oriented toward in situ detection and assessment are also implemented (citizen science, surveys etc.) |
Coverage of GES criteria |
Adequate monitoring was in place in 2014 |
Gaps and plans |
The main gaps are associated with taxonomical expertise of less known groups of NIS. Also, the lack of calibrated and consistent methodologies, as well as relatively low spatial coverage of sampling can induce sampling bias. To overcome these gaps, it is essential to expand taxonomic expertise and implement more sophisticated tools to accurately identify NIS (i.e. genetic barcoding, eDNA). Broader consultation among NIS experts should lead toward the establishment of more consistent methodologies and greater spatial coverage could be achieved through greater sampling effort. |
Related targets |
|
Coverage of targets |
Adequate monitoring was in place in 2014 |
Related measures |
|
Coverage of measures |
|
Related monitoring programmes |
|
Programme code |
MADHR-D02-04 |
Programme name |
Non-indigenous species inputs - from specific sources |
Update type |
Modified from 2014 |
Old programme codes |
|
Programme description |
Occurrences of marine alien species in the Adriatic Sea are increasing with time and their impact on native ecosystems, but also the economy and overall human well being are being more and more pronounced. Therefore, a systematic monitoring programme is essential for timely detection and mitigation of potential negative impacts of such species. This descriptor encompasses investigations of a wide array of animal and plant groups which require also wide taxonomic expertise. This is often lacking and such efforts are often biased against less known animal and plant groups which are usually underrepresented. Regardless of this drawback, it is still essential to provide as much information as possible and through as much means as are available. Therefore, monitoring programmes in the Croatian part of the Adriatic are undertaken through targeted investigations of NIS in hot-spot areas, but also through various monitoring programmes and scientific projects not necessarily primarily oriented toward NIS detection ans assessment. Citizen Science campaigns as well as a survey of local ecological knowledge represent additional and important data sources. |
Monitoring purpose |
|
Other policies and conventions |
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Regional cooperation - coordinating body |
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Regional cooperation - countries involved |
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Regional cooperation - implementation level |
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Monitoring details |
The fieldwork methodology differs depending on the monitored area or species. Benthic species and areas are mostly monitored by standard benthos research methods that include visual inspection, photo documentation, and sample collection. These activities are performed by autonomous diving, scuba diving or inspection and collection from the shore. A specific field procedure is always related to a specific area of research
or a specific spec, and for a particular situation should be suggested by an expert. Sampling of bentopelagic fauna and mobile epifauna (fish, crustaceans) will be performed primarily by the method of visual census (autonomous diving and scuba diving) with photo documentation. Given that commercial fishing monitoring programs already represent a kind of sampling with active and passive fishing gear, data from such programs will be used for the purpose of their detection (data collected through D3 - populations of economically important fish,
crabs and shellfish). New scientific knowledge has also recognized local ecological knowledge (LEK) as a very efficient way of obtaining information on non-native species, and the same will be used in
that purpose. It is about conducting targeted interviews with fishermen, which would thus contribute to the knowledge of the occurrence of non-native species in the areas where they fish.
The introduction of planktonic alien species will be monitored as part of pelagic monitoring. Data collection is also done by involving the public in the observation network (citizen-science) through social media. |
Features |
Newly introduced non-indigenous species
|
Newly introduced non-indigenous species
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Newly introduced non-indigenous species
|
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Newly introduced non-indigenous species
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Elements |
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GES criteria |
D2C1 |
Parameters |
|
Parameter Other |
|
Spatial scope |
|
Marine reporting units |
|
Temporal scope (start date - end date) |
2021-2026 |
Monitoring frequency |
As needed |
Monitoring type |
|
Monitoring method |
|
Monitoring method other |
Sampling procedure has been described in Marasovic I., Krstulovic, N., Leder, N., Loncar, G., Precali, R., Šolic, M., Loncar,.G., Beg- Paklar, G., Bojanic, N., Cvitkovic, I., Dadic, V., Despalatovic, M., Dulcic, J., Grbec, B., Kušpilic, G., Nincevic-Gladan, Ž., P. Tutman, Ujevic, I., Vrgoc, N., Vukadin, P., Žuljevic, A. Coastal cities water pollution control project, Part C1: Monitoring and Observation System for Ongoing Assessment of the Adriatic sea under the Adriatic sea Monitoring Programme, Phase II. Interim report (IR), December, 2013. https://jadran.izor.hr/jadranski_projekt_2/MJERNE-METODE-I-OPREMA.pdf
Roger Harris, Peter Wiebe, Jürgen Lenz, Hein Rune Skjoldal and Mark Huntley. 2000. ICES Zooplankton Methodology Manual; Utermöhl, von H. 1931. Neue Wege in der quantitativen Erfassung des Planktons. (Mit besondere Beriicksichtigung des Ultraplanktons). Verh. Int. Verein. Theor. Angew. Limnol., 5, 567–595. |
Quality control |
All monitoring guidelines are followed and species identification is checked by taxonimic experts. |
Data management |
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Data access |
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Related indicator/name |
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Contact |
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References |