Member State report / Art11 / 2020 / D6 / Lithuania / Baltic Sea
| Report type | Member State report to Commission |
| MSFD Article | Art. 11 Monitoring programmes (and Art. 17 updates) |
| Report due | 2020-10-15 |
| GES Descriptor | D6 Sea-floor integrity/D1 Benthic habitats |
| Member State | Lithuania |
| Region/subregion | Baltic Sea |
| Reported by | Environmental Protection Agency |
| Report date | 2020-10-16 |
| Report access |
Descriptor |
D6/D1 |
D6/D1 |
D6/D1 |
D6/D1 |
D6/D1 |
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Monitoring strategy description |
In accordance with the State Environmental Monitoring Programme 2018-2023, the following elements that characterise the integrity of the seabed shall be investigated in Lithuanian marine waters: Macrozoobenthos, macrophytes (macrophytobentos).
Macrozoobenthos shall be analysed annually at 15 stations, 1 once a year. In the other 4 sites, the investigations are conducted extensively. The abundance, biomass and species composition of the macrozoobenthos shall be determined. Macrophytes are monitored at 4 sites in the Baltic Sea, 1 times every 2 years, taking into account the species composition, abundance and biomass of macrophytes. The research sites shall be located at sea in such a way as to reflect the main impacts in the sea area (Busing oil terminal, urban waste water dischargers, area of the flower Curonian Lagoon), covering all known macrophyte growing areas on the coast and different types of sediment.
On the basis of the data collected, the indicators for D6/D5 descriptors characterising the status of the marine area are assessed as follows: 1) Bentos Quality Index (BQI)
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In accordance with the State Environmental Monitoring Programme 2018-2023, the following elements that characterise the integrity of the seabed shall be investigated in Lithuanian marine waters: Macrozoobenthos, macrophytes (macrophytobentos).
Macrozoobenthos shall be analysed annually at 15 stations, 1 once a year. In the other 4 sites, the investigations are conducted extensively. The abundance, biomass and species composition of the macrozoobenthos shall be determined. Macrophytes are monitored at 4 sites in the Baltic Sea, 1 times every 2 years, taking into account the species composition, abundance and biomass of macrophytes. The research sites shall be located at sea in such a way as to reflect the main impacts in the sea area (Busing oil terminal, urban waste water dischargers, area of the flower Curonian Lagoon), covering all known macrophyte growing areas on the coast and different types of sediment.
On the basis of the data collected, the indicators for D6/D5 descriptors characterising the status of the marine area are assessed as follows: 1) Bentos Quality Index (BQI)
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In accordance with the State Environmental Monitoring Programme 2018-2023, the following elements that characterise the integrity of the seabed shall be investigated in Lithuanian marine waters: Macrozoobenthos, macrophytes (macrophytobentos).
Macrozoobenthos shall be analysed annually at 15 stations, 1 once a year. In the other 4 sites, the investigations are conducted extensively. The abundance, biomass and species composition of the macrozoobenthos shall be determined. Macrophytes are monitored at 4 sites in the Baltic Sea, 1 times every 2 years, taking into account the species composition, abundance and biomass of macrophytes. The research sites shall be located at sea in such a way as to reflect the main impacts in the sea area (Busing oil terminal, urban waste water dischargers, area of the flower Curonian Lagoon), covering all known macrophyte growing areas on the coast and different types of sediment.
On the basis of the data collected, the indicators for D6/D5 descriptors characterising the status of the marine area are assessed as follows: 1) Bentos Quality Index (BQI)
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In accordance with the State Environmental Monitoring Programme 2018-2023, the following elements that characterise the integrity of the seabed shall be investigated in Lithuanian marine waters: Macrozoobenthos, macrophytes (macrophytobentos).
Macrozoobenthos shall be analysed annually at 15 stations, 1 once a year. In the other 4 sites, the investigations are conducted extensively. The abundance, biomass and species composition of the macrozoobenthos shall be determined. Macrophytes are monitored at 4 sites in the Baltic Sea, 1 times every 2 years, taking into account the species composition, abundance and biomass of macrophytes. The research sites shall be located at sea in such a way as to reflect the main impacts in the sea area (Busing oil terminal, urban waste water dischargers, area of the flower Curonian Lagoon), covering all known macrophyte growing areas on the coast and different types of sediment.
On the basis of the data collected, the indicators for D6/D5 descriptors characterising the status of the marine area are assessed as follows: 1) Bentos Quality Index (BQI)
|
In accordance with the State Environmental Monitoring Programme 2018-2023, the following elements that characterise the integrity of the seabed shall be investigated in Lithuanian marine waters: Macrozoobenthos, macrophytes (macrophytobentos).
Macrozoobenthos shall be analysed annually at 15 stations, 1 once a year. In the other 4 sites, the investigations are conducted extensively. The abundance, biomass and species composition of the macrozoobenthos shall be determined. Macrophytes are monitored at 4 sites in the Baltic Sea, 1 times every 2 years, taking into account the species composition, abundance and biomass of macrophytes. The research sites shall be located at sea in such a way as to reflect the main impacts in the sea area (Busing oil terminal, urban waste water dischargers, area of the flower Curonian Lagoon), covering all known macrophyte growing areas on the coast and different types of sediment.
On the basis of the data collected, the indicators for D6/D5 descriptors characterising the status of the marine area are assessed as follows: 1) Bentos Quality Index (BQI)
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Coverage of GES criteria |
Adequate monitoring will be in place by 2024 |
Adequate monitoring will be in place by 2024 |
Adequate monitoring will be in place by 2024 |
Adequate monitoring will be in place by 2024 |
Adequate monitoring will be in place by 2024 |
Gaps and plans |
Monitoring gaps and solutions:
1) The current monitoring of benthic habitats for methodological reasons does not properly assess solid seabed habitats, and Lithuania therefore plans to carry out a study in 2021 @-@ 2023 which will produce a detailed monitoring plan for reef habitats and macrophytes belonging to the NATURA 2000 network, a monitoring exercise and an assessment of the state and impacts of the Baltic Sea.
2) Lithuania has been implementing a 24-month project since 2019 to assess the impact of fishing bottom trawling on the integrity of the Baltic Sea. The study will include an analysis of the intensity and spatial distribution of trawling, an assessment of the impact on benthic communities and the status of habitats, the development of a macrozoobenthos quality index indicator to assess soft benthic communities and recommendations, and methodological guidance for assessing the impact of bottom trawling on seabed integrity.
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Monitoring gaps and solutions:
1) The current monitoring of benthic habitats for methodological reasons does not properly assess solid seabed habitats, and Lithuania therefore plans to carry out a study in 2021 @-@ 2023 which will produce a detailed monitoring plan for reef habitats and macrophytes belonging to the NATURA 2000 network, a monitoring exercise and an assessment of the state and impacts of the Baltic Sea.
2) Lithuania has been implementing a 24-month project since 2019 to assess the impact of fishing bottom trawling on the integrity of the Baltic Sea. The study will include an analysis of the intensity and spatial distribution of trawling, an assessment of the impact on benthic communities and the status of habitats, the development of a macrozoobenthos quality index indicator to assess soft benthic communities and recommendations, and methodological guidance for assessing the impact of bottom trawling on seabed integrity.
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Monitoring gaps and solutions:
1) The current monitoring of benthic habitats for methodological reasons does not properly assess solid seabed habitats, and Lithuania therefore plans to carry out a study in 2021 @-@ 2023 which will produce a detailed monitoring plan for reef habitats and macrophytes belonging to the NATURA 2000 network, a monitoring exercise and an assessment of the state and impacts of the Baltic Sea.
2) Lithuania has been implementing a 24-month project since 2019 to assess the impact of fishing bottom trawling on the integrity of the Baltic Sea. The study will include an analysis of the intensity and spatial distribution of trawling, an assessment of the impact on benthic communities and the status of habitats, the development of a macrozoobenthos quality index indicator to assess soft benthic communities and recommendations, and methodological guidance for assessing the impact of bottom trawling on seabed integrity.
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Monitoring gaps and solutions:
1) The current monitoring of benthic habitats for methodological reasons does not properly assess solid seabed habitats, and Lithuania therefore plans to carry out a study in 2021 @-@ 2023 which will produce a detailed monitoring plan for reef habitats and macrophytes belonging to the NATURA 2000 network, a monitoring exercise and an assessment of the state and impacts of the Baltic Sea.
2) Lithuania has been implementing a 24-month project since 2019 to assess the impact of fishing bottom trawling on the integrity of the Baltic Sea. The study will include an analysis of the intensity and spatial distribution of trawling, an assessment of the impact on benthic communities and the status of habitats, the development of a macrozoobenthos quality index indicator to assess soft benthic communities and recommendations, and methodological guidance for assessing the impact of bottom trawling on seabed integrity.
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Monitoring gaps and solutions:
1) The current monitoring of benthic habitats for methodological reasons does not properly assess solid seabed habitats, and Lithuania therefore plans to carry out a study in 2021 @-@ 2023 which will produce a detailed monitoring plan for reef habitats and macrophytes belonging to the NATURA 2000 network, a monitoring exercise and an assessment of the state and impacts of the Baltic Sea.
2) Lithuania has been implementing a 24-month project since 2019 to assess the impact of fishing bottom trawling on the integrity of the Baltic Sea. The study will include an analysis of the intensity and spatial distribution of trawling, an assessment of the impact on benthic communities and the status of habitats, the development of a macrozoobenthos quality index indicator to assess soft benthic communities and recommendations, and methodological guidance for assessing the impact of bottom trawling on seabed integrity.
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Related targets |
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Coverage of targets |
Adequate monitoring will be in place by 2024 |
Adequate monitoring will be in place by 2024 |
Adequate monitoring will be in place by 2024 |
Adequate monitoring will be in place by 2024 |
Adequate monitoring will be in place by 2024 |
Related measures |
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Coverage of measures |
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Related monitoring programmes |
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Programme code |
BALLT-D01256_Macrozoobenthos |
BALLT-D0156_SeabedVegetation |
BALLT-D0156_SeabedVegetation |
BALLT-D0167_SeabedPhys |
BALLT-D0167_SeabedPhys |
Programme name |
BALLT-D01256_Macrozoobenthos |
BALLT-D0156_SeabedVegetation |
BALLT-D0156_SeabedVegetation |
BALLT-D0167_SeabedPhys |
BALLT-D0167_SeabedPhys |
Update type |
Same programme as in 2014 |
Same programme as in 2014 |
Same programme as in 2014 |
Modified from 2014 |
Modified from 2014 |
Old programme codes |
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Programme description |
BAL-LT-AA-02
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One is the area of the spread of the Curonian Lagoon waters in the Baltic Sea.
The data are used to assess eutrophication of BAL-LT-AA-01 and BAL-LT-AA-02 areas under the Common Water Policy Directive under D5 and D6.
The D5/D6 indicator is measured on the basis of the data collected: Maximum depth of distribution of Furcellaria lumbricalis.
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One is the area of the spread of the Curonian Lagoon waters in the Baltic Sea.
The data are used to assess eutrophication of BAL-LT-AA-01 and BAL-LT-AA-02 areas under the Common Water Policy Directive under D5 and D6.
The D5/D6 indicator is measured on the basis of the data collected: Maximum depth of distribution of Furcellaria lumbricalis.
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BALLT-D0167_SeabedPhys includes the extent of the adverse effects of physical disturbance on each habitat type in each assessment site in accordance with criterion D6C3. The extent of disturbance (km² and %) in each habitat is assessed by covering the strata of the main habitat types with the spatial area of physical disturbance.
The largest extent of physical disturbance to the seabed in Lithuanian marine territory is related to bottom trawl fisheries (measured according to Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) data). Other physical disturbance activities include burial and inshore sanding for the maintenance of beaches. Data on physical disturbance activities in the Lithuanian maritime area are obtained from reports from economic operators and scientific studies.
Lithuania has been implementing a 24-month project since 2019 to assess the impact of fishing bottom trawling on the integrity of the Baltic seabed. The study will include an analysis of the intensity and spatial distribution of trawling, an assessment of the impact on benthic communities and the status of habitats, the development of a macrozoobenthos quality index indicator to assess soft benthic communities and recommendations, and methodological guidance for assessing the impact of bottom trawling on seabed integrity.
The data are used to assess the status of the areas of BAL-LT-AA-01 and BAL-LT-AA-03 and the impact of human activities in accordance with D6.
D6 indicators are measured on the basis of the data collected: 1. Area in the habitat of the grunt damping and sand excavation area
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BALLT-D0167_SeabedPhys includes the extent of the adverse effects of physical disturbance on each habitat type in each assessment site in accordance with criterion D6C3. The extent of disturbance (km² and %) in each habitat is assessed by covering the strata of the main habitat types with the spatial area of physical disturbance.
The largest extent of physical disturbance to the seabed in Lithuanian marine territory is related to bottom trawl fisheries (measured according to Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) data). Other physical disturbance activities include burial and inshore sanding for the maintenance of beaches. Data on physical disturbance activities in the Lithuanian maritime area are obtained from reports from economic operators and scientific studies.
Lithuania has been implementing a 24-month project since 2019 to assess the impact of fishing bottom trawling on the integrity of the Baltic seabed. The study will include an analysis of the intensity and spatial distribution of trawling, an assessment of the impact on benthic communities and the status of habitats, the development of a macrozoobenthos quality index indicator to assess soft benthic communities and recommendations, and methodological guidance for assessing the impact of bottom trawling on seabed integrity.
The data are used to assess the status of the areas of BAL-LT-AA-01 and BAL-LT-AA-03 and the impact of human activities in accordance with D6.
D6 indicators are measured on the basis of the data collected: 1. Area in the habitat of the grunt damping and sand excavation area
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Monitoring purpose |
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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 |
Zoobenthos shall be sampled on the basis of the HELCOM procedure, the Van Veen type primer (sampling area 0,1 m²), the Grunt samples have been washed through a sieve (the diameter of the eyes 0,5 mm) and the samples shall be recorded with 4 % formaldehyde solution. Samples are analysed by microscopy, gravimetric.
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The weight shall be expressed in units of wet weight/m². A digital video camera (integrated into a sealed beam) performs the analysis of video images in a slow viewing mode in a laboratory. Video images assess the sediment composition (species, pebbles, gravel, sand), their average percentage and average coverage with macrophytobenthos species.
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The weight shall be expressed in units of wet weight/m². A digital video camera (integrated into a sealed beam) performs the analysis of video images in a slow viewing mode in a laboratory. Video images assess the sediment composition (species, pebbles, gravel, sand), their average percentage and average coverage with macrophytobenthos species.
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Features |
Eutrophication
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Eutrophication
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Benthic broad habitats
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Physical disturbance to seabed
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Benthic broad habitats
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Elements |
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GES criteria |
D5C8 |
D5C7 |
D6C3 |
D6C2 |
D6C3 |
Parameters |
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Parameter Other |
gausumas ir biomasė |
augimo gylis, biomasė |
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Spatial scope |
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Marine reporting units |
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Temporal scope (start date - end date) |
1981-9999 |
2007-9999 |
2007-9999 |
2012-9999 |
2012-9999 |
Monitoring frequency |
Yearly |
2-yearly |
2-yearly |
Other |
Other |
Monitoring type |
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Monitoring method |
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Monitoring method other |
Monitoring is carried out according to the HELCOM guidelines (see HELCOM Monitoring Manual: http://www.helcom.fi/action-areas/monitoring-and-assessment/monitoring-manual) |
Monitoring is carried out according to the HELCOM guidelines |
Monitoring is carried out according to the HELCOM guidelines |
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Quality control |
The quality of the analyses carried out by the Environmental Protection Agency in the laboratory work shall be ensured in accordance with the requirements of LST EN ISO/IEC 17025.
Comparative studies are carried out to ensure data quality, data are compared to multi-annual trends, and exclusions are sought.
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Macrophytobenthos monitoring shall be carried out in accordance with LST EN ISO 19493:2007, HELCOM methodology. Diving Instructors shall be carried out in accordance with the Diving Instructors (professional Association of diving Instructors) rules. Experts participate in joint HELCOM working groups.
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Macrophytobenthos monitoring shall be carried out in accordance with LST EN ISO 19493:2007, HELCOM methodology. Diving Instructors shall be carried out in accordance with the Diving Instructors (professional Association of diving Instructors) rules. Experts participate in joint HELCOM working groups.
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Macrophytobenthos monitoring shall be carried out in accordance with LST EN ISO 19493:2007, HELCOM methodology. Diving Instructors shall be carried out in accordance with the Diving Instructors (professional Association of diving Instructors) rules. Comparative studies shall be carried out to ensure the quality of Zoobentos data and control charts shall be drawn up. Experts participate in HELCOM working groups (ExpertNetwork on benthic habitats). Services are procured to assess the effects of physical disturbance on habitats. The aim is to ensure the quality of investigations by raising high qualification requirements for researchers (work experience, permits for such activities, use of common methodologies widely used).
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Macrophytobenthos monitoring shall be carried out in accordance with LST EN ISO 19493:2007, HELCOM methodology. Diving Instructors shall be carried out in accordance with the Diving Instructors (professional Association of diving Instructors) rules. Comparative studies shall be carried out to ensure the quality of Zoobentos data and control charts shall be drawn up. Experts participate in HELCOM working groups (ExpertNetwork on benthic habitats). Services are procured to assess the effects of physical disturbance on habitats. The aim is to ensure the quality of investigations by raising high qualification requirements for researchers (work experience, permits for such activities, use of common methodologies widely used).
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Data management |
The data are stored in the Environmental Protection Agencyâs database. Used to assess the state of the marine environment under the Common Water Policy Directive, the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, monitoring multi-annual trends. To be provided annually to ICES. Requests shall be made available to the public, legal persons (requests sent to the Environmental Protection Agency (www.gamta.lt) by e-mail to).
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The data are compiled in the database of the Lithuanian Environmental Protection Agency and the Institute for Maritime Research of the University of KlaipÄda http://apc.ku.lt/en/. Used to assess the status of coastal and transitional waters in terms of WFD, the state of the marine environment under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, monitoring multi-annual trends. Submitted to HELCOM.
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The data are compiled in the database of the Lithuanian Environmental Protection Agency and the Institute for Maritime Research of the University of KlaipÄda http://apc.ku.lt/en/. Used to assess the status of coastal and transitional waters in terms of WFD, the state of the marine environment under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, monitoring multi-annual trends. Submitted to HELCOM.
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The data are compiled in the database of the Lithuanian Environmental Protection Agency and the Institute for Maritime Research of the University of KlaipÄda http://apc.ku.lt/en/. Used to assess the status of coastal and transitional waters in terms of WFD, the state of the marine environment under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, monitoring multi-annual trends. Submitted to HELCOM.
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The data are compiled in the database of the Lithuanian Environmental Protection Agency and the Institute for Maritime Research of the University of KlaipÄda http://apc.ku.lt/en/. Used to assess the status of coastal and transitional waters in terms of WFD, the state of the marine environment under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, monitoring multi-annual trends. Submitted to HELCOM.
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Data access |
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Related indicator/name |
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Contact |
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References |