D9

9.1 Levels, number and frequency of contaminants

9.1.1 Levels of contaminants in seafood

Ireland has utilised the information sharing facilitated by OSPAR on existing methodologies and future developments for determining GES and environmental targets and indicators. The non-binding OSPAR ‘Advice Documents’ use the benefit of OSPAR expertise to set out common approaches for expressing GES and potential methodologies for developing targets and indicators. The OSPAR countries implementing the MSFD have collectively analysed and shared their emerging GES determinations and associated targets and indicators through the creation of an inventory of emerging national proposals. For the biodiversity Descriptors (including 1, 2, 4 and 6) OSPAR countries are sharing expertise on common approaches. An intensive programme of work is still continuing to coordinate national approaches to biodiversity targets and indicators, including the ongoing development of a proposed set of common OSPAR biodiversity indicators for MSFD. Ireland has also participated in EU coordination through the EU CIS process.

• Irish Assesment Area

• Irish Assesment Area

• Irish Assesment Area

• IntroHazSubstOther

D9

9.1

9.1.1

Concentrations of contaminants in fish* and other seafood caught or harvested in Irish seas for human consumption do not exceed the relevant maximum levels listed in EU Regulation 1881/2006 (as amended). * Excludes finfish aquaculture and also diadromous fish and other wild species or stocks that migrate beyond the assessment area.

• Irish Assesment Area = Relevant maximum limits set in EU Regulation 1881/2006 (as amended)

Threshold value units for PAHs is µg/kg wet weight; Dioxins and PCBs is pg/g wet weight; and Metals is mg/kg wet weight

Not relevant

Assessment of concentrations of contaminants in seafood and compliance with relevant maximum limits.