Member State report / Art11 / 2020 / D1-P / Latvia / 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 D1 Pelagic habitats
Member State Latvia
Region/subregion Baltic Sea
Reported by Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology
Report date 2021-06-09
Report access

Descriptor
D1.6
Monitoring strategy description
The characterization of status of pelagic habitats at this stage is based on phytoplankton community. The seasonal succession of phytoplankton species as well as dynamic of spring population are used to assess status of pelagic habitats.
Coverage of GES criteria
Adequate monitoring will be in place by 2024
Gaps and plans
The frequency of monitoring is lower than needed due to limited financial resources. It is planned to acquire needed funding and rise observation frequency.
Related targets
  • JVM1
Coverage of targets
Adequate monitoring will be in place by 2024
Related measures
Coverage of measures
Related monitoring programmes
  • LV-4.1.2.1. (D1C6)
Programme code
LV-4.1.2.1. (D1C6)
Programme name
Pelagic habitats community characteristics (phytoplankton community)
Update type
New programme
Old programme codes
Programme description
The purpose of the monitoring is to assess the ecological status of the Baltic Sea, including one of the environmental status indicators biodiversity by the measurements of parameters of spring bloom phytoplankton species composition, abundance and biomass to assess the impact on environment caused by eutrophication and other kinds of anthropogenic pressures with the main emphasis on Diatom/Dinoflagellate index which is characterizing changes in food chains. Monitoring is carried out within the framework of the HELCOM monitoring program, in cooperation with the other Member States. Corresponding HELCOM monitoring programme topic "Phytoplankton" and programme Phytoplankton species composition, abundance and biomass. There are no HELCOM core indicators linked to the programme at this time. The pre-core indicator Diatom/Dinoflagellate index (Dia/Dino index) is being tested. The requirements for the marine waters of Latvia and the relationship of the specified environmental objectives with the qualitative characteristics characterizing the state of the marine environment are included in Regulation of the Cabinet of Ministers of Republic of Latvia No. 1071 of 23 November 2010, Requirements for the Assessment of the State of the Marine Environment, the Determination of Good Environmental State of the Sea and Development of Marine Environmental Goals.
Monitoring purpose
  • Environmental state and impacts
Other policies and conventions
  • HELCOM Monitoring programmes
  • Water Framework Directive
Regional cooperation - coordinating body
  • HELCOM
Regional cooperation - countries involved
Regional cooperation - implementation level
Coordinated data collection
Monitoring details
Observations are made at fixed stations, the coordinates of which have been determined in advance. Values of the parameters are measured in the integrated 0.10 m layer sample. Frequency of sampling every year during the period of spring blooming at least 5 times in a year. Samples for the analysis of diatoms and dinoflagellates are collected using sample hose in one replicate from representative stations. The composition of the species and biomass is determined according to the HELCOM COMBINE Manual Guidelines Monitoring of phytoplankton species composition, abundance and biomass. The method is suitable for qualitative (species composition) and quantitative (biomass) detection of phytoplankton organisms in marine and estuary water samples. Cells are counted using the inverted microscope, volume is determined by mathematical formulas, comparing different cell shapes to geometrical figures. By multiplying the number of cells by volume, the population biomass is obtained. When aggregating the calculated biomass of all cells, the taxonomic group and total biomass of the whole sample shall be obtained. In parallel concentration of dissolved silicates is determined in sample.
Features
Pelagic broad habitats
Elements
  • Coastal pelagic habitat
  • Shelf pelagic habitat
GES criteria
D1C6
Parameters
  • Other
Parameter Other
Phytoplankton cell count, species composition, bio
Phytoplankton species composition, abundance and b
Spatial scope
  • Coastal waters (WFD)
  • EEZ (or similar)
  • Territorial waters
  • Transitional waters (WFD)
Marine reporting units
  • BAL-LV-AAA-007
  • BAL-LV-AAA-009
Temporal scope (start date - end date)
2021-2026
Monitoring frequency
Other
Monitoring type
  • In-situ sampling coastal
  • In-situ sampling offshore
Monitoring method
  • HELCOM Guidelines for monitoring phytoplankton species composition, abundance and biomass
Monitoring method other
Quality control
QA procedures according to Manual for Marine Monitoring in the COMBINE Programme of HELCOM. Part B. General Guidelines on Quality Assurance for Monitoring in the Baltic Sea" and in Guidelines relating to the specific parameter - "Guidelines for monitoring phytoplankton species composition, abundance and biomas).". QC procedures: R - control charts based on agreed quality criterion, participation in ring-testing activities in line with HELCOM recommendations.
Data management
Data holder is Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology (LIAE). QC on data according to the Manual for Marine Monitoring in the COMBINE Programme of HELCOM. Part B. General Guidelines on Quality Assurance for Monitoring in the Baltic Sea" and in Guidelines relating to the specific parameter. Data are available in LIAE, ICES, EMODNET.
Data access
Related indicator/name
  • BIOM
  • CELL-C
  • DSi, CONC-W
  • SPP-C
Contact
Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology e-mail: juris.aigars@lhei.lv
References