Member State report / Art9-2024 / 2024 / D1-C / Lithuania / Baltic Sea

Report type Member State report to Commission
MSFD Article Art9
Report due 2024-10-15
GES Descriptor D1 Cephalopods
Member State Lithuania
Region/subregion Baltic Sea
Report date 2026-01-21 13:47:00

GES component
D1C1
D1C2
D1C2
D1C2
D1C3
D1C4
D1C2
Marine reporting units
  • BAL-LT-AA-01
  • BAL-LT-AA-01
  • BAL-LT-AA-01
  • BAL-LT-AA-01
  • BAL-LT-AA-01
  • BAL-LT-AA-01
  • BAL-LT-MS-01
Features
  • Benthic-feeding birds
  • Pelagic-feeding birds
  • Benthic-feeding birds
  • Pelagic-feeding birds
  • Coastal fish
  • Coastal fish
  • Coastal fish
  • Coastal fish
  • Pelagic shelf fish
GES description
The mortality rate per species from incidental by-catch is below levels which threaten the species, such that its long-term viability is ensured. The criterion is described in the indicator ‘Seabird by-catch in commercial fishing gears’, with a GES value of less than 1 % of the natural mortality of each species of adult birds in fishing gears during the wintering period observed (assessed on a species-by-species basis).
Anthropogenic pressures do not adversely affect the population abundance of the species, thus ensuring its long-term viability. The abundance of wintering seabird populations is assessed separately for: 1) water-feeding (pelagic) birds and 2) benthic-feeding birds. Benthic-feeding birds: Bucephala clangula, Melanitta fusca, Clangula hyemalis, Melanitta nigra, Somateria mollissima, Polysticta stelleri. GES values were determined for each type of functional group. When assessing the status of functional groups of seabird species, the proportion (%) of species in the group that were assessed as good was determined. A group of functional seabird species shall be considered to be in good condition if at least 75% of the individual species assessed for that species have been assessed as good.
Anthropogenic pressures do not adversely affect the population abundance of the species, thus ensuring its long-term viability. The abundance of wintering seabird populations is assessed separately for: 1) water-feeding (pelagic) birds and 2) benthic-feeding birds. Pelagic-feeding birds: brown-necked / black-necked diver (Gavia sp.), Eared plover (Podiceps cristatus), great crested grebe (Mergus merganser), medium-backed grebe (Mergus serrator), small grebe (Mergellus albus) GES values were determined for each type of functional group. When assessing the status of functional groups of seabird species, the proportion (%) of species in the group that were assessed as good was determined. A group of functional seabird species shall be considered to be in good condition if at least 75% of the individual species assessed for that species have been assessed as good.
Anthropogenic hazards do not adversely affect the population abundance of the species, thus ensuring its long-term viability. The abundance of key species in the Baltic Sea coastal fish communities (abundance of plaice) is assessed.
Demographic characteristics of species populations (eg body size or age class, sex ratio, fertility and survival rates) indicate that populations are in good condition and not adversely affected by anthropogenic hazards. The indicators D4C2 and D4C3 “Fish Community Abundance Index (Predatory Fish Abundance)” and “Fish Community Size Index” are used to assess the status according to the D1C3 criterion.
The range and (if appropriate) pattern of the species distribution correspond to the prevailing physiographic, geographical and climatic conditions. The indicators "Fish Community Diversity Index (Shannon Index)" and "Fish Community Trophic Index" are evaluated.
The population abundance of the species is not adversely affected due to anthropogenic pressures, such that its long-term viability is ensured. The indicators are “Salmon (Salmo salar) breeders and pike abundance” and “Sea trout (Salmo trutta trutta abundance and pike abundance” are evaluated.
Determination date
201304
201304
201304
202002
201304
201304
202002
Update type
DeterminationSame
DeterminationSame
DeterminationSame
DeterminationSame
DeterminationSame
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DeterminationSame
Justification for non-use of criterion
During the reporting period, a project collected the first complete data on wintering bird bycatch in commercial fishing gear. Information has been collected on the deaths of 15 species of 1345 birds in by-catches: 790 individuals in the continental coastal part of Lithuania and 534 birds in the coastal part of the Curonian Spit. An overall assessment of bird by-catch over all seasons surveyed across the whole coast of Lithuania shows that the highest number of birds died in nets with the lowest porosity (more broadly: https://aaa.lrv.lt/public/canonical/1744888274/3448/Lietuvos%20j%C5%ABros%20rajono%20aplinkos%20b%C5%ABkl%C4%97%202018-2023%20m..pdf). However, studies have assessed the overall mortality rate of different wintering bird species, but not compared to the natural mortality of each species. A further assessment of the indicator and criterion is foreseen during the implementation of the next project in 2025-27.
Other indicators proposed by HELCOM to meet criterion D1C2 are: (1) Population trends and abundance of seals. The indicator is not relevant for Lithuanian marine waters as the monitoring is carried out in moulds which are not present on the Lithuanian coastline. The use of a different monitoring method would therefore be incompatible with the region. (2) Abundance and the trend in abundance of harbour porpoises. Pre-core indicator. The distribution of harbour porpoises in the Baltic Sea was investigated during the 2011-2012 international project SAMBAH. Of the 9 acoustic detectors placed in Lithuania’s maritime territory, only 4 recorded signals from harbour porpoises. The Ministry of the Environment, together with the University of Klaipėda, will launch surveys on the population of the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) in the Baltic Sea in 2024-2025. In autumn 2024, 4 hydrophones were released into the Lithuanian maritime district. The results of the studies will contribute to the further development of the indicator at regional level.
Other indicators proposed by HELCOM to meet criterion D1C4 are: 1). Distribution of Baltic seals. Lithuania disagrees with ringed seal (Phoca hispida botnica) and eastern Atlantic seal (Phoca vitulina vitilina). Only one species, the Grey seal, is included in the list of fauna in Lithuania. The regional development of the indicator on the grey seal is supported by the data collected by the Lithuanian Maritime Museum: grey seals marked with satellite or GSM transmitters shall be released off the coast. More recently, 8-10 grey seal individuals collected from beaches are released annually on the Lithuanian coastline.
Justification for delay in setting EU/regional requirements