Member State report / Art11 / 2014-2020 / D9 / Ireland / NE Atlantic: Celtic Seas

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 D9 Contaminants in seafood
Member State Ireland
Region/subregion NE Atlantic: Celtic Seas
Reported by Member State
Report date 2013-04-30; 2021-12-08
Report access
2014 data
2020 data
Monitoring programme Monitoring programme name
Monitoring programme Reference existing programme
Monitoring programme Marine Unit ID
Q4e - Programme ID
Q4f - Programme description
Q5e - Natural variability
Q5d - Adequacy for assessment of GES Q5d - Adequate data
Q5d - Adequacy for assessment of GES Q5d - Established methods
Q5d - Adequacy for assessment of GES Q5d - Adequate understanding of GES
Q5d - Adequacy for assessment of GES Q5d - Adequate capacity
Q5f - Description of programme for GES assessment
Q5g - Gap-filling date for GES assessment
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
Q6b - Adequacy for assessment of targets Q6b_EstablishedMethods
Q6b - Adequacy for assessment of targets Q6d_AdequateCapacity
Q6c - Target updating
Q6d - Description of programme for targets assessment
Q6e - Gap-filling date for targets assessment
Q6f - Plans to implement monitoring for targets assessment
Q7a - Relevant activities
Q7b - Description of monitoring of activities
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
Q8a - Links to existing Monitoring Programmes
Reference sub-programme Sub-programme ID
Reference sub-programme Sub-programme name
Q4g - Sub-programmes Sub-programme ID
Q4g - Sub-programmes Sub-programme name
Q4k - Monitoring purpose
Q4l - Links of monitoring programmes of other Directives and Conventions
Q5c - Features Q5c - Habitats
Q5c - Features Q5c - Species list
Q5c - Features Q5c - Physical/Chemical features
Q5c - Features Q5c - Pressures
Q9a - Elements
Q5a - GES criteria Relevant GES criteria
Q5b - GES indicators Relevant GES indicators
Q9b - Parameters monitored (state/impact) Species distribution
Q9b - Parameters monitored (state/impact) Species population size
Q9b - Parameters monitored (state/impact) Species population characteristics
Q9b - Parameters monitored (state/impact) Species impacts
Q9b - Parameters monitored (state/impact) Habitat distribution
Q9b - Parameters monitored (state/impact) Habitat extent
Q9b - Parameters monitored (state/impact) Habitat condition (physical-chemical)
Q9b - Parameters monitored (state/impact) Habitat condition (biological)
Q9b - Parameters monitored (state/impact) Habitat impacts
Q9b - Parameters monitored (pressures) Pressure input
Q9b - Parameters monitored (pressures) Pressure output
Q9b - Parameters monitored (activity) Activity
Q9b Parameters monitored (other) Other
Q41 Spatial scope
Q4j - Description of spatial scope
Marine Unit IDs
Q4h - Temporal scope Start date- End date
Q9h - Temporal resolution of sampling
Q9c - Monitoring method
Q9d - Description of alteration to method
Q9e - Quality assurance
Q9f - Quality control
Q9g - Spatial resolution of sampling Q9g - Proportion of area covered %
Q9g - Spatial resolution of sampling Q9g - No. of samples
Q9i - Description of sample representivity
Q10a - Scale for aggregation of data
Q10b - Other scale for aggregation of data
Q10c - Access to monitoring data Q10c - Data type
Q10c - Access to monitoring data Q10c - Data access mechanism
Q10c - Access to monitoring data Q10c - Data access rights
Q10c - Access to monitoring data Q10c - INSPIRE standard
Q10c - Access to monitoring data Q10c Date data are available
Q10c - Access to monitoring data Q10c - Data update frequency
Q10d - Description of data access
Descriptor
D9
Monitoring strategy description
The Marine Institute (MI) monitors environmental contaminants in bivalve molluscs, wild fish and crustaceans (e.g. crabs, lobster), Map 27. Bivalves are collected annually, usually in autumn/winter from designated shellfish waters, while landed fish and crustaceans are sampled at Irish ports, usually during the summer period, and through other sampling activities, for example, MI’s Groundfish Surveys on-board the RV Celtic Explorer, (see Descriptor 1, 4). Descriptor 9 requires Member States to ensure fish and shellfish do not exceed regulatory limits. The contaminants monitored and reported in seafood for D9 are those for which maximum levels are set in European legislation, and include mercury, cadmium, lead, indicator polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs – dioxins), sum of PCDD/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs, and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH).
Coverage of GES criteria
Adequate monitoring was in place in 2014
Gaps and plans
D9 by definition is limited to assessing exceedance levels established by Community legislation or other relevant standards, in this case Commission Regulation 1881/2006, as amended. This assessment is limited to the assessment of compliance for a limited number of substances for which maximum limits for seafood have been set in this Regulation. Furthermore, maximum limits are set on the basis of the ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) principle, which considers Europe-wide monitoring data when setting limits, to avoid unintended consequences from setting unrealistic limits. While there is a good overall database, there are limited data for some species. Ongoing monitoring by the Marine Institute attempts to address these gaps by targeting species for which there is limited data available. Additional marine food matrices e.g. seaweeds, are not covered at present by the regulations. The Marine Institute works closely with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and Sea Fisheries Protection Authority in implementing monitoring, and the current contaminants monitoring is under review. While D9 assesses compliance with MLs, other substances for which MLs are not established are also monitored in seafood. This includes other trace elements, perfluorinated substances, polybrominated diphenyl ethers and certain organochlorine pesticides. These data supports evaluation of risks for consumers and also contributes data to assist in setting future limits.
Related targets
  • D9T1
Coverage of targets
Adequate monitoring was in place in 2014
Related measures
  • ACSIE-M011 - 'Implementation of the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EEC) River Basin Management Plans which include measures aimed toward the achievement of Good Ecological Status of coastal and transitional intertidal waters bodies.'
  • ACSIE-M012 - 'Maintain the Water Framework Directive River Classification Scheme and associated management measures.'
  • ACSIE-M015 - 'Awareness and training of best practices in maritime and coastal activities and preservation of the marine environment.'
  • ACSIE-M066 - 'Apply Environmental Liability Directive (2004/35/EC) as appropriate.'
  • ACSIE-M124 - 'Continue to implement national legislation to appropriately apply licensing, regulation and planning for the marine and coastal environment, including the requirement for applications to be accompanied by the materials necessary for a full assessment of the proposed plan, project or development.'
  • ACSIE-M125 - 'Ensure that appropriate forms and levels of organisational governance are in place to support Foreshore Licensing, Petroleum Exploration/Appraisal/ Production Licensing, and proposed Maritime Option Licensing process.'
  • ACSIE-M126 - 'Ensure that the consenting/ permitting processes, overseen by relevant regulatory bodies/statutory bodies, sufficiently account for the adequate protection of habitats and species.'
  • ACSIE-M128 - 'To apply the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive and associated legislation in relation to licences and consents.'
  • ACSIE-M129 - 'Continue to develop and implement river basin and shoreline management plans to control impacts and improve environmental status.'
  • ACSIE-M130 - 'Develop and implement marine plans for all of Irish waters by 31st March 2021 at the latest.'
  • ACSIE-M133 - 'Ensure that environmental monitoring and mitigation measures stipulated in Environmental Impact Statements are fit for purpose and when/where deemed necessary are conducted appropriately.'
  • ACSIE-M137 - 'Implement Water Framework Directive Environmental Quality Standards for specific pollutants used in assessment of water quality status.'
  • ACSIE-M139 - 'To continue to prevent the use of legacy pesticide with persistent bioaccumulative toxic properties.'
  • ACSIE-M142 - 'Continue to enforce the ban on production, placing on the market and use (some limited exceptions) of intentionally produced Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) substances listed in the Stockholm Convention (SC) and United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Protocol on POPs. Ensure the national action plan and implementation plan on how Ireland is meeting obligations under the SC is maintained and carried out.'
  • ACSIE-M143 - 'To continue to review the River Basin Management Plans at the end of each 6-year cycle as outlined in the Water Framework Directive.'
  • ACSIE-M145 - 'Ensure shellfish products are fit for human consumption by implementing the Shellfish Waters Directive and it´s Pollution Reduction Programmes.'
  • ACSIE-M147 - 'To continue to regulate pesticides in accordance with relevant EU and national law.'
  • ACSIE-M148 - 'Continue to control discharges through existing regulation procedures (licensing and permitting of activities) – Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control licences, Waste Water Discharge Licence, Local Authority Wastewater Authorisation (smaller discharges), Local Authority Waste Licences, Agricultural controls, Single Dwelling House Waste Water Systems and the implementation of Pollution Reduction Plans.'
  • ACSIE-M150 - 'Implement the OSPAR Hazardous Substances Strategy.'
  • ACSIE-M157 - 'Ensure operators take all necessary measures to prevent major accidents and limit their consequences for human health and the environment.'
  • ACSIE-M170 - 'To continue to apply EU and national regulations setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs.'
  • ACSIE-M171 - 'To continue to apply EU and national regulations laying down the general principles and requirements of food law'
  • ACSIE-M172 - 'To continue to apply EU and national regulations laying down specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin.'
  • ACSIE-M173 - 'To continue to apply EU and national regulations on official controls performed to ensure the verification of compliance with feed and food law, animal health and animal welfare rules.'
  • ACSIE-M174 - 'To continue to apply the EU Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC).'
  • ACSIE-M175 - 'Continue to implement CLAMS – Coordinated Local Aquaculture Management Systems to ensure adequate supervision and management of shellfish practices and to empower aquaculture operators to undertake voluntary improvements and facilitate them to recognise and report incidents.'
  • ACSIE-M178 - 'Continue to implement EC (Health of Aquaculture Animals and Products) Regulations 2008 (S.I. No. 261/2008) and Council Directive 2006/88/EC.'
  • ACSIE-M212 - 'To continue to apply the BIM Responsibly Sourced Standard for wild capture fisheries.'
  • ACSIE-M221 - 'Continue to promote the implementation of the Environment Management System on fish and shellfish farms through the Environment Management System for Aquaculture initiative.'
Coverage of measures
Adequate monitoring was in place in 2014
Related monitoring programmes
  • ACS-IE-D09-01
Programme code
ACS-IE-D09-01
Programme name
Contaminants in Seafood
Update type
Modified from 2014
Old programme codes
Programme description
The Marine Institute (MI) monitors environmental contaminants in bivalves molluscs, wild fish and crustaceans (e.g. crabs, lobster). Bivalves are collected annually, usually in autumn/winter from designated shellfish waters, while landed fish and crustaceans are sampled at Irish ports, usually during the summer period, and through other sampling activities, for example MI’s Groundfish Surveys on-board the RV Celtic Explorer, (see Descriptor 1, 4). Descriptor 9 requires Member States to ensure fish and shellfish do not exceed regulatory limits. The contaminants monitored and reported in seafood for D9 are those for which maximum levels are set in European legislation and include mercury, cadmium, lead, indicator polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs – dioxins), sum of PCDD/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs, and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). The levels of contaminants monitored are compared with maximum limits listed in EU Regulation 1881/2006 (as amended). The level of non-compliance with the limits set is extremely low and Ireland has achieved GES for concentrations of contaminants2 in fish and seafood for human consumption within its maritime area. The data collected is held in the national contaminants database at the Marine Institute and is reported to ICES.
Monitoring purpose
  • Effectiveness of measures
  • Environmental state and impacts
Other policies and conventions
  • Foodstuffs Regulation
  • Water Framework Directive
Regional cooperation - coordinating body
Regional cooperation - countries involved
Regional cooperation - implementation level
Coordinated data collection
Monitoring details
Bivalve molluscs: Bivalve mollusc sampling is undertaken in transitional and coastal waters in designated shellfish growing waters annually. Ireland currently has 64 designated shellfish growing waters. Field sampling is carried out by the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority and the Marine Institute. Concentrations of certain substances are measured in bivalve molluscs as an indicator of water quality and for the purpose of human health assessments. The data collected are used to assess compliance with human health maximum limits as established in Commission Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006/(EC) as amended, and in accordance with EU food law (Regulation (EU) 2017/625). These limits are set in accordance with Regulations 854/2004/ (EC). Wild fish and crustaceans: This surveillance monitoring programme aims to check compliance of landed wild fish and other seafood with food safety limits and to compile a database of contaminant levels in edible seafood. Contaminant levels in relevant tissues are checked to determine if they are in compliance with regulation 1881/2006/(EC) as amended, and general European food law (Regulation (EU) 2017/625). Fishing ports around the Irish coast are visited to provide a geographical spread of fishing areas and a selection of species landed at these ports is collected. Fishing areas are recorded where available. In total approximately 30-40 fish samples (a sample is usually a pool of 10 individuals) representing the main species landed (usually depends on availability on day of landings) are collected for analysis. Occasionally, additional samples are acquired for example on MI groundfish surveys e.g. for crustaceans, other fish species to supplement fish collected at ports. New EC regulations on monitoring contaminants in food are anticipated.
Features
Contaminants – in seafood
Contaminants – in seafood
Contaminants – in seafood
Contaminants – in seafood
Elements
  • Benzo(a)pyrene
  • Cadmium and its compounds
  • Dioxins and dioxin-like compounds (7 PCDDs + 10 PCDFs + 12 PCB-DLs)
  • Lead and its compounds
  • Mercury and its compounds
  • Non-dioxin like PCB (sum of 6 PCB: 28, 52, 101, 138, 153 and 180)
  • Sum of PAHs (Benzo(a)pyrene, Benzo(b)fluoranthene, Benzo(k)fluoranthene, Indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene)
  • Sum of dioxins (WHO-PCDD/F-TEQ)
GES criteria
D9C1
Parameters
  • Other
Parameter Other
concentration in biota
Spatial scope
  • Coastal waters (WFD)
  • EEZ (or similar)
Marine reporting units
  • ACS-IE-AA-001
Temporal scope (start date - end date)
1993-9999
Monitoring frequency
Yearly
Monitoring type
  • In-situ sampling coastal
  • In-situ sampling land/beach
  • In-situ sampling offshore
Monitoring method
  • Other monitoring method
Monitoring method other
Sampling in ports and on fisheries survey for fish, crustaceans etc. Laboratory analysis in accordance with EC food legislation (EC Directive 333/2007) Sampling from designated shellfish growing waters.
Quality control
Laboratory Analysis ISO17025 - official lab (NRL metals in fish); LPTs: QUASIMEME contaminants in Biota; FAPAS
Data management
MI SQL database Contaminants in Biota Also reported to ICES database
Data access
Related indicator/name
  • ACS-IE-Benzo(a)pyreinFishandSeafood2021
  • ACS-IE-CadmiuminFishandSeafood2021
  • ACS-IE-MercuryinFishandSeafood2021
  • ACS-IE-PCDD/Fs+DL-PCBsinFishandSeafood2028
  • ACS-IE-PCDD/FsinFishandSeafood2027
  • ACS-IE-SumofICES6PCBsinFishandSeafood2026
  • ACS-IE-SumoffourPAHsinFishandSeafood2021
  • ACS-IE-leadinFishandSeafood2021
Contact
Evin McGovern Evin.mcgovern@marine.ie
References
McGovern, E., McHugh, B., O’Hea, L., Joyce, E., Tlustos, C. & Glynn, D., 2011 “Assuring Seafood Safety: Contaminants and Residues in Irish Seafood 2004-2008”, Marine Institute (Chapter 2) (http://oar.marine.ie/handle/10793/706).