As part of EEA's ongoing security and identity management improvements, we are currently migrating the system to Entra ID authentication.
We kindly ask all users to start using Entra ID credentials when logging in to the system. 

Please note that LDAP authentication will be phased out and disabled by the end of August 2026.
We encourage you to verify that you can successfully access the system and that your account and permissions function as expected after Entra ID login.
Should you encounter any issues or require assistance during this transition, please contact Laszlo Cseh at laszlo.cseh@eaudeweb.ro 
Thank you for your cooperation and support.
As part of EEA's ongoing security and identity management improvements, we are currently migrating the system to Entra ID authentication.
We kindly ask all users to start using Entra ID credentials when logging in to the system. 

Please note that LDAP authentication will be phased out and disabled by the end of August 2026.
We encourage you to verify that you can successfully access the system and that your account and permissions function as expected after Entra ID login.
Should you encounter any issues or require assistance during this transition, please contact Laszlo Cseh at laszlo.cseh@eaudeweb.ro 
Thank you for your cooperation and support.

Member State report / Art11 / 2014-2020 / D10 / Netherlands / NE Atlantic: Greater North Sea

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 D10 Litter
Member State Netherlands
Region/subregion NE Atlantic: Greater North Sea
Reported by Rijkswaterstaat
Report date 2014-10-16; 2020-11-17
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
D10
D10
D10
D10
D10
Monitoring strategy description
The principal purpose of the MSFD monitoring programme is to review the progress that has been made towards achieving good environmental status prescribed for each criterion in the Marine Strategy Part I (2018). This review is based on established indicators. The monitoring can also be used to evaluate the environmental targets defined for each descriptor. The environmental targets are operational in nature and are linked to specific actions and/or measures in the Marine Strategy Part 3. The effects of individual measures cannot generally be linked directly to environmental status or the criteria. Monitoring data can, however, indirectly give an indication of the effectiveness of measures. The monitoring (methods, spatial and temporal coverage) aims to achieve sufficient statistical confidence in the assessment. The risk of not achieving GES or deterioration from GES is addressed in the Marine Strategy, Parts 1 and 3. The European Commission requests that the electronic reports explain how the DPSIR cycle is monitored and to which part of the cycle the monitoring surveys are linked. The MSFD monitoring programme helps to generate better insight into the relationships between the use of the sea and the marine ecosystem. This can be accomplished by monitoring pressures and the underlying activities (D1C1: incidental bycatch, D2: non-indigenous species, D3C1: fish mortality, D5: eutrophication, D6C1/D6C4: physical loss of seabed/habitats and D6C2: fisheries intensity and sand extraction, D8 and D9: pollutants, D10: litter, D11: underwater noise), and by monitoring species and habitats (D1: biodiversity (with the exception of D1C1), D3C2: spawning stock biomass, D4: food web, D6C3/D6C5: habitats ) and hydrographical characteristics (D7). The numerous relationships between the various elements of the marine ecosystem are complex, and many are still not known. Consequently, it is often only possible to give an indication of the impact of specific activities on the marine ecosystem. Experts generally derive DPSIR relationships from the monitoring of pressures/activities and of species and habitats (from the MSFD monitoring programme), in combination with data derived from permits and research programmes. However, some surveys have been established to measure pressures and their effects and/or to learn more about the effectiveness of measures. In designing the monitoring survey for benthic animals (habitats), the Netherlands explicitly took account of the need to
The principal purpose of the MSFD monitoring programme is to review the progress that has been made towards achieving good environmental status prescribed for each criterion in the Marine Strategy Part I (2018). This review is based on established indicators. The monitoring can also be used to evaluate the environmental targets defined for each descriptor. The environmental targets are operational in nature and are linked to specific actions and/or measures in the Marine Strategy Part 3. The effects of individual measures cannot generally be linked directly to environmental status or the criteria. Monitoring data can, however, indirectly give an indication of the effectiveness of measures. The monitoring (methods, spatial and temporal coverage) aims to achieve sufficient statistical confidence in the assessment. The risk of not achieving GES or deterioration from GES is addressed in the Marine Strategy, Parts 1 and 3. The European Commission requests that the electronic reports explain how the DPSIR cycle is monitored and to which part of the cycle the monitoring surveys are linked. The MSFD monitoring programme helps to generate better insight into the relationships between the use of the sea and the marine ecosystem. This can be accomplished by monitoring pressures and the underlying activities (D1C1: incidental bycatch, D2: non-indigenous species, D3C1: fish mortality, D5: eutrophication, D6C1/D6C4: physical loss of seabed/habitats and D6C2: fisheries intensity and sand extraction, D8 and D9: pollutants, D10: litter, D11: underwater noise), and by monitoring species and habitats (D1: biodiversity (with the exception of D1C1), D3C2: spawning stock biomass, D4: food web, D6C3/D6C5: habitats ) and hydrographical characteristics (D7). The numerous relationships between the various elements of the marine ecosystem are complex, and many are still not known. Consequently, it is often only possible to give an indication of the impact of specific activities on the marine ecosystem. Experts generally derive DPSIR relationships from the monitoring of pressures/activities and of species and habitats (from the MSFD monitoring programme), in combination with data derived from permits and research programmes. However, some surveys have been established to measure pressures and their effects and/or to learn more about the effectiveness of measures. In designing the monitoring survey for benthic animals (habitats), the Netherlands explicitly took account of the need to
The principal purpose of the MSFD monitoring programme is to review the progress that has been made towards achieving good environmental status prescribed for each criterion in the Marine Strategy Part I (2018). This review is based on established indicators. The monitoring can also be used to evaluate the environmental targets defined for each descriptor. The environmental targets are operational in nature and are linked to specific actions and/or measures in the Marine Strategy Part 3. The effects of individual measures cannot generally be linked directly to environmental status or the criteria. Monitoring data can, however, indirectly give an indication of the effectiveness of measures. The monitoring (methods, spatial and temporal coverage) aims to achieve sufficient statistical confidence in the assessment. The risk of not achieving GES or deterioration from GES is addressed in the Marine Strategy, Parts 1 and 3. The European Commission requests that the electronic reports explain how the DPSIR cycle is monitored and to which part of the cycle the monitoring surveys are linked. The MSFD monitoring programme helps to generate better insight into the relationships between the use of the sea and the marine ecosystem. This can be accomplished by monitoring pressures and the underlying activities (D1C1: incidental bycatch, D2: non-indigenous species, D3C1: fish mortality, D5: eutrophication, D6C1/D6C4: physical loss of seabed/habitats and D6C2: fisheries intensity and sand extraction, D8 and D9: pollutants, D10: litter, D11: underwater noise), and by monitoring species and habitats (D1: biodiversity (with the exception of D1C1), D3C2: spawning stock biomass, D4: food web, D6C3/D6C5: habitats ) and hydrographical characteristics (D7). The numerous relationships between the various elements of the marine ecosystem are complex, and many are still not known. Consequently, it is often only possible to give an indication of the impact of specific activities on the marine ecosystem. Experts generally derive DPSIR relationships from the monitoring of pressures/activities and of species and habitats (from the MSFD monitoring programme), in combination with data derived from permits and research programmes. However, some surveys have been established to measure pressures and their effects and/or to learn more about the effectiveness of measures. In designing the monitoring survey for benthic animals (habitats), the Netherlands explicitly took account of the need to
The principal purpose of the MSFD monitoring programme is to review the progress that has been made towards achieving good environmental status prescribed for each criterion in the Marine Strategy Part I (2018). This review is based on established indicators. The monitoring can also be used to evaluate the environmental targets defined for each descriptor. The environmental targets are operational in nature and are linked to specific actions and/or measures in the Marine Strategy Part 3. The effects of individual measures cannot generally be linked directly to environmental status or the criteria. Monitoring data can, however, indirectly give an indication of the effectiveness of measures. The monitoring (methods, spatial and temporal coverage) aims to achieve sufficient statistical confidence in the assessment. The risk of not achieving GES or deterioration from GES is addressed in the Marine Strategy, Parts 1 and 3. The European Commission requests that the electronic reports explain how the DPSIR cycle is monitored and to which part of the cycle the monitoring surveys are linked. The MSFD monitoring programme helps to generate better insight into the relationships between the use of the sea and the marine ecosystem. This can be accomplished by monitoring pressures and the underlying activities (D1C1: incidental bycatch, D2: non-indigenous species, D3C1: fish mortality, D5: eutrophication, D6C1/D6C4: physical loss of seabed/habitats and D6C2: fisheries intensity and sand extraction, D8 and D9: pollutants, D10: litter, D11: underwater noise), and by monitoring species and habitats (D1: biodiversity (with the exception of D1C1), D3C2: spawning stock biomass, D4: food web, D6C3/D6C5: habitats ) and hydrographical characteristics (D7). The numerous relationships between the various elements of the marine ecosystem are complex, and many are still not known. Consequently, it is often only possible to give an indication of the impact of specific activities on the marine ecosystem. Experts generally derive DPSIR relationships from the monitoring of pressures/activities and of species and habitats (from the MSFD monitoring programme), in combination with data derived from permits and research programmes. However, some surveys have been established to measure pressures and their effects and/or to learn more about the effectiveness of measures. In designing the monitoring survey for benthic animals (habitats), the Netherlands explicitly took account of the need to
The principal purpose of the MSFD monitoring programme is to review the progress that has been made towards achieving good environmental status prescribed for each criterion in the Marine Strategy Part I (2018). This review is based on established indicators. The monitoring can also be used to evaluate the environmental targets defined for each descriptor. The environmental targets are operational in nature and are linked to specific actions and/or measures in the Marine Strategy Part 3. The effects of individual measures cannot generally be linked directly to environmental status or the criteria. Monitoring data can, however, indirectly give an indication of the effectiveness of measures. The monitoring (methods, spatial and temporal coverage) aims to achieve sufficient statistical confidence in the assessment. The risk of not achieving GES or deterioration from GES is addressed in the Marine Strategy, Parts 1 and 3. The European Commission requests that the electronic reports explain how the DPSIR cycle is monitored and to which part of the cycle the monitoring surveys are linked. The MSFD monitoring programme helps to generate better insight into the relationships between the use of the sea and the marine ecosystem. This can be accomplished by monitoring pressures and the underlying activities (D1C1: incidental bycatch, D2: non-indigenous species, D3C1: fish mortality, D5: eutrophication, D6C1/D6C4: physical loss of seabed/habitats and D6C2: fisheries intensity and sand extraction, D8 and D9: pollutants, D10: litter, D11: underwater noise), and by monitoring species and habitats (D1: biodiversity (with the exception of D1C1), D3C2: spawning stock biomass, D4: food web, D6C3/D6C5: habitats ) and hydrographical characteristics (D7). The numerous relationships between the various elements of the marine ecosystem are complex, and many are still not known. Consequently, it is often only possible to give an indication of the impact of specific activities on the marine ecosystem. Experts generally derive DPSIR relationships from the monitoring of pressures/activities and of species and habitats (from the MSFD monitoring programme), in combination with data derived from permits and research programmes. However, some surveys have been established to measure pressures and their effects and/or to learn more about the effectiveness of measures. In designing the monitoring survey for benthic animals (habitats), the Netherlands explicitly took account of the need to
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
The IBTS survey, which is primarily established to monitor fish stocks, gives an initial impression of the quantity of litter on the seabed. However, its efficiency in ‘catching’ litter on the seabed is low; the actual quantities are therefore significantly larger than reported. The combined data on litter on the seabed from different North Sea countries are also inadequate for quantitative analysis, but that comparison can be made with a presence/absence analysis. The MSFD monitoring programme will continue to anticipate any further requirements and developments, for example arising from OSPAR or new legislation. OSPAR collaborates closely with the EU Technical Group Marine Litter (TGML). E.g., both groups will investigate how representative the monitoring is for seabed and floating macro litter. Steps are also being taken to improve the quality assurance and quality control of the monitoring. There is no monitoring in place for micro-litter yet, but a new survey for micro-litter in sediment is expected to be launched at the beginning of 2021.
The IBTS survey, which is primarily established to monitor fish stocks, gives an initial impression of the quantity of litter on the seabed. However, its efficiency in ‘catching’ litter on the seabed is low; the actual quantities are therefore significantly larger than reported. The combined data on litter on the seabed from different North Sea countries are also inadequate for quantitative analysis, but that comparison can be made with a presence/absence analysis. The MSFD monitoring programme will continue to anticipate any further requirements and developments, for example arising from OSPAR or new legislation. OSPAR collaborates closely with the EU Technical Group Marine Litter (TGML). E.g., both groups will investigate how representative the monitoring is for seabed and floating macro litter. Steps are also being taken to improve the quality assurance and quality control of the monitoring. There is no monitoring in place for micro-litter yet, but a new survey for micro-litter in sediment is expected to be launched at the beginning of 2021.
The IBTS survey, which is primarily established to monitor fish stocks, gives an initial impression of the quantity of litter on the seabed. However, its efficiency in ‘catching’ litter on the seabed is low; the actual quantities are therefore significantly larger than reported. The combined data on litter on the seabed from different North Sea countries are also inadequate for quantitative analysis, but that comparison can be made with a presence/absence analysis. The MSFD monitoring programme will continue to anticipate any further requirements and developments, for example arising from OSPAR or new legislation. OSPAR collaborates closely with the EU Technical Group Marine Litter (TGML). E.g., both groups will investigate how representative the monitoring is for seabed and floating macro litter. Steps are also being taken to improve the quality assurance and quality control of the monitoring. There is no monitoring in place for micro-litter yet, but a new survey for micro-litter in sediment is expected to be launched at the beginning of 2021.
The IBTS survey, which is primarily established to monitor fish stocks, gives an initial impression of the quantity of litter on the seabed. However, its efficiency in ‘catching’ litter on the seabed is low; the actual quantities are therefore significantly larger than reported. The combined data on litter on the seabed from different North Sea countries are also inadequate for quantitative analysis, but that comparison can be made with a presence/absence analysis. The MSFD monitoring programme will continue to anticipate any further requirements and developments, for example arising from OSPAR or new legislation. OSPAR collaborates closely with the EU Technical Group Marine Litter (TGML). E.g., both groups will investigate how representative the monitoring is for seabed and floating macro litter. Steps are also being taken to improve the quality assurance and quality control of the monitoring. There is no monitoring in place for micro-litter yet, but a new survey for micro-litter in sediment is expected to be launched at the beginning of 2021.
The IBTS survey, which is primarily established to monitor fish stocks, gives an initial impression of the quantity of litter on the seabed. However, its efficiency in ‘catching’ litter on the seabed is low; the actual quantities are therefore significantly larger than reported. The combined data on litter on the seabed from different North Sea countries are also inadequate for quantitative analysis, but that comparison can be made with a presence/absence analysis. The MSFD monitoring programme will continue to anticipate any further requirements and developments, for example arising from OSPAR or new legislation. OSPAR collaborates closely with the EU Technical Group Marine Litter (TGML). E.g., both groups will investigate how representative the monitoring is for seabed and floating macro litter. Steps are also being taken to improve the quality assurance and quality control of the monitoring. There is no monitoring in place for micro-litter yet, but a new survey for micro-litter in sediment is expected to be launched at the beginning of 2021.
Related targets
  • ANSNL-D10T1
  • ANSNL-D10T1
  • ANSNL-D10T1
  • ANSNL-D10T1
  • ANSNL-D10T1
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
  • ANSNL-M024 - '(Schoonmaak)- campagnes'
  • ANSNL-M025 - 'Aanpak Schone Maas Limburg'
  • ANSNL-M026 - 'Initiatief Duurzaam Doen'
  • ANSNL-M027 - 'Stakeholderinitiatieven op stranden'
  • ANSNL-M028 - 'Implementatie EU-richtlijn Havenontvangstvoorzieningen'
  • ANSNL-M029 - 'Lozingsverbod vuilnis door schepen (MARPOL Annex V)'
  • ANSNL-M030 - 'Marine environmental awareness cursus'
  • ANSNL-M031 - 'Programma Fishing for Litter'
  • ANSNL-M032 - 'Uitvoering (zwerf) afvalbeleid'
  • ANSNL-M033 - 'Vrijwillige vermindering van microplastics in cosmetica in Nederland'
  • ANSNL-M053 - 'Van Afval naar Grondstof (VANG)'
  • ANSNL-M054 - 'Raamovereenkomst Verpakkingen 2013-2022'
  • ANSNL-M055 - 'Landelijke aanpak zwerfafval'
  • ANSNL-M056 - 'Ketenakkoord kunststofkringloop'
  • ANSNL-M057 - 'Landelijk Afvalbeheerplan (LAP) 2'
  • ANSNL-M058 - 'Terugdringen van het gebruik van plastic tassen'
  • ANSNL-M062 - 'Agendering zwerfvuil bij stakeholders en in onderwijs'
  • ANSNL-M063 - 'Green Deal Schone Stranden'
  • ANSNL-M064 - 'Agendering bij waterbeheerders'
  • ANSNL-M065 - 'Stroomgebiedsgerichte aanpak zwerfvuil'
  • ANSNL-M066 - 'Uitrol Ophaalregeling zwerfvuil'
  • ANSNL-M067 - 'Green Deal Scheepsafvalketen'
  • ANSNL-M068 - 'Green Deal Visserij voor een schone zee'
  • ANSNL-M069 - 'Bewustwording in de visserijsector'
  • ANSNL-M070 - 'Bevordering van het terugdringen ballonnen'
  • ANSNL-M071 - 'Inzet op EU-verbod op emissies van microplastics in cosmetica en detergenten'
  • ANSNL-M024 - '(Schoonmaak)- campagnes'
  • ANSNL-M025 - 'Aanpak Schone Maas Limburg'
  • ANSNL-M026 - 'Initiatief Duurzaam Doen'
  • ANSNL-M027 - 'Stakeholderinitiatieven op stranden'
  • ANSNL-M028 - 'Implementatie EU-richtlijn Havenontvangstvoorzieningen'
  • ANSNL-M029 - 'Lozingsverbod vuilnis door schepen (MARPOL Annex V)'
  • ANSNL-M030 - 'Marine environmental awareness cursus'
  • ANSNL-M031 - 'Programma Fishing for Litter'
  • ANSNL-M032 - 'Uitvoering (zwerf) afvalbeleid'
  • ANSNL-M033 - 'Vrijwillige vermindering van microplastics in cosmetica in Nederland'
  • ANSNL-M053 - 'Van Afval naar Grondstof (VANG)'
  • ANSNL-M054 - 'Raamovereenkomst Verpakkingen 2013-2022'
  • ANSNL-M055 - 'Landelijke aanpak zwerfafval'
  • ANSNL-M056 - 'Ketenakkoord kunststofkringloop'
  • ANSNL-M057 - 'Landelijk Afvalbeheerplan (LAP) 2'
  • ANSNL-M058 - 'Terugdringen van het gebruik van plastic tassen'
  • ANSNL-M062 - 'Agendering zwerfvuil bij stakeholders en in onderwijs'
  • ANSNL-M063 - 'Green Deal Schone Stranden'
  • ANSNL-M064 - 'Agendering bij waterbeheerders'
  • ANSNL-M065 - 'Stroomgebiedsgerichte aanpak zwerfvuil'
  • ANSNL-M066 - 'Uitrol Ophaalregeling zwerfvuil'
  • ANSNL-M067 - 'Green Deal Scheepsafvalketen'
  • ANSNL-M068 - 'Green Deal Visserij voor een schone zee'
  • ANSNL-M069 - 'Bewustwording in de visserijsector'
  • ANSNL-M070 - 'Bevordering van het terugdringen ballonnen'
  • ANSNL-M071 - 'Inzet op EU-verbod op emissies van microplastics in cosmetica en detergenten'
  • ANSNL-M024 - '(Schoonmaak)- campagnes'
  • ANSNL-M025 - 'Aanpak Schone Maas Limburg'
  • ANSNL-M026 - 'Initiatief Duurzaam Doen'
  • ANSNL-M027 - 'Stakeholderinitiatieven op stranden'
  • ANSNL-M028 - 'Implementatie EU-richtlijn Havenontvangstvoorzieningen'
  • ANSNL-M029 - 'Lozingsverbod vuilnis door schepen (MARPOL Annex V)'
  • ANSNL-M030 - 'Marine environmental awareness cursus'
  • ANSNL-M031 - 'Programma Fishing for Litter'
  • ANSNL-M032 - 'Uitvoering (zwerf) afvalbeleid'
  • ANSNL-M033 - 'Vrijwillige vermindering van microplastics in cosmetica in Nederland'
  • ANSNL-M053 - 'Van Afval naar Grondstof (VANG)'
  • ANSNL-M054 - 'Raamovereenkomst Verpakkingen 2013-2022'
  • ANSNL-M055 - 'Landelijke aanpak zwerfafval'
  • ANSNL-M056 - 'Ketenakkoord kunststofkringloop'
  • ANSNL-M057 - 'Landelijk Afvalbeheerplan (LAP) 2'
  • ANSNL-M058 - 'Terugdringen van het gebruik van plastic tassen'
  • ANSNL-M062 - 'Agendering zwerfvuil bij stakeholders en in onderwijs'
  • ANSNL-M063 - 'Green Deal Schone Stranden'
  • ANSNL-M064 - 'Agendering bij waterbeheerders'
  • ANSNL-M065 - 'Stroomgebiedsgerichte aanpak zwerfvuil'
  • ANSNL-M066 - 'Uitrol Ophaalregeling zwerfvuil'
  • ANSNL-M067 - 'Green Deal Scheepsafvalketen'
  • ANSNL-M068 - 'Green Deal Visserij voor een schone zee'
  • ANSNL-M069 - 'Bewustwording in de visserijsector'
  • ANSNL-M070 - 'Bevordering van het terugdringen ballonnen'
  • ANSNL-M071 - 'Inzet op EU-verbod op emissies van microplastics in cosmetica en detergenten'
  • ANSNL-M024 - '(Schoonmaak)- campagnes'
  • ANSNL-M025 - 'Aanpak Schone Maas Limburg'
  • ANSNL-M026 - 'Initiatief Duurzaam Doen'
  • ANSNL-M027 - 'Stakeholderinitiatieven op stranden'
  • ANSNL-M028 - 'Implementatie EU-richtlijn Havenontvangstvoorzieningen'
  • ANSNL-M029 - 'Lozingsverbod vuilnis door schepen (MARPOL Annex V)'
  • ANSNL-M030 - 'Marine environmental awareness cursus'
  • ANSNL-M031 - 'Programma Fishing for Litter'
  • ANSNL-M032 - 'Uitvoering (zwerf) afvalbeleid'
  • ANSNL-M033 - 'Vrijwillige vermindering van microplastics in cosmetica in Nederland'
  • ANSNL-M053 - 'Van Afval naar Grondstof (VANG)'
  • ANSNL-M054 - 'Raamovereenkomst Verpakkingen 2013-2022'
  • ANSNL-M055 - 'Landelijke aanpak zwerfafval'
  • ANSNL-M056 - 'Ketenakkoord kunststofkringloop'
  • ANSNL-M057 - 'Landelijk Afvalbeheerplan (LAP) 2'
  • ANSNL-M058 - 'Terugdringen van het gebruik van plastic tassen'
  • ANSNL-M062 - 'Agendering zwerfvuil bij stakeholders en in onderwijs'
  • ANSNL-M063 - 'Green Deal Schone Stranden'
  • ANSNL-M064 - 'Agendering bij waterbeheerders'
  • ANSNL-M065 - 'Stroomgebiedsgerichte aanpak zwerfvuil'
  • ANSNL-M066 - 'Uitrol Ophaalregeling zwerfvuil'
  • ANSNL-M067 - 'Green Deal Scheepsafvalketen'
  • ANSNL-M068 - 'Green Deal Visserij voor een schone zee'
  • ANSNL-M069 - 'Bewustwording in de visserijsector'
  • ANSNL-M070 - 'Bevordering van het terugdringen ballonnen'
  • ANSNL-M071 - 'Inzet op EU-verbod op emissies van microplastics in cosmetica en detergenten'
  • ANSNL-M024 - '(Schoonmaak)- campagnes'
  • ANSNL-M025 - 'Aanpak Schone Maas Limburg'
  • ANSNL-M026 - 'Initiatief Duurzaam Doen'
  • ANSNL-M027 - 'Stakeholderinitiatieven op stranden'
  • ANSNL-M028 - 'Implementatie EU-richtlijn Havenontvangstvoorzieningen'
  • ANSNL-M029 - 'Lozingsverbod vuilnis door schepen (MARPOL Annex V)'
  • ANSNL-M030 - 'Marine environmental awareness cursus'
  • ANSNL-M031 - 'Programma Fishing for Litter'
  • ANSNL-M032 - 'Uitvoering (zwerf) afvalbeleid'
  • ANSNL-M033 - 'Vrijwillige vermindering van microplastics in cosmetica in Nederland'
  • ANSNL-M053 - 'Van Afval naar Grondstof (VANG)'
  • ANSNL-M054 - 'Raamovereenkomst Verpakkingen 2013-2022'
  • ANSNL-M055 - 'Landelijke aanpak zwerfafval'
  • ANSNL-M056 - 'Ketenakkoord kunststofkringloop'
  • ANSNL-M057 - 'Landelijk Afvalbeheerplan (LAP) 2'
  • ANSNL-M058 - 'Terugdringen van het gebruik van plastic tassen'
  • ANSNL-M062 - 'Agendering zwerfvuil bij stakeholders en in onderwijs'
  • ANSNL-M063 - 'Green Deal Schone Stranden'
  • ANSNL-M064 - 'Agendering bij waterbeheerders'
  • ANSNL-M065 - 'Stroomgebiedsgerichte aanpak zwerfvuil'
  • ANSNL-M066 - 'Uitrol Ophaalregeling zwerfvuil'
  • ANSNL-M067 - 'Green Deal Scheepsafvalketen'
  • ANSNL-M068 - 'Green Deal Visserij voor een schone zee'
  • ANSNL-M069 - 'Bewustwording in de visserijsector'
  • ANSNL-M070 - 'Bevordering van het terugdringen ballonnen'
  • ANSNL-M071 - 'Inzet op EU-verbod op emissies van microplastics in cosmetica en detergenten'
Coverage of measures
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 monitoring programmes
  • ANSNL-D10-Sub1-OSPAR-Beach
  • ANSNL-D10-Sub2-OSPAR-Fulmar
  • ANSNL-D10-Sub2-OSPAR-FulmarC3
  • ANSNL-D10-Sub2-OSPAR-seabed
  • ANSNL-D10-microafval
  • ANSNL-D10-Sub1-OSPAR-Beach
  • ANSNL-D10-Sub2-OSPAR-Fulmar
  • ANSNL-D10-Sub2-OSPAR-FulmarC3
  • ANSNL-D10-Sub2-OSPAR-seabed
  • ANSNL-D10-microafval
  • ANSNL-D10-Sub1-OSPAR-Beach
  • ANSNL-D10-Sub2-OSPAR-Fulmar
  • ANSNL-D10-Sub2-OSPAR-FulmarC3
  • ANSNL-D10-Sub2-OSPAR-seabed
  • ANSNL-D10-microafval
  • ANSNL-D10-Sub1-OSPAR-Beach
  • ANSNL-D10-Sub2-OSPAR-Fulmar
  • ANSNL-D10-Sub2-OSPAR-FulmarC3
  • ANSNL-D10-Sub2-OSPAR-seabed
  • ANSNL-D10-microafval
  • ANSNL-D10-Sub1-OSPAR-Beach
  • ANSNL-D10-Sub2-OSPAR-Fulmar
  • ANSNL-D10-Sub2-OSPAR-FulmarC3
  • ANSNL-D10-Sub2-OSPAR-seabed
  • ANSNL-D10-microafval
Programme code
ANSNL-D10-Sub1-OSPAR-Beach
ANSNL-D10-Sub2-OSPAR-Fulmar
ANSNL-D10-Sub2-OSPAR-FulmarC3
ANSNL-D10-Sub2-OSPAR-seabed
ANSNL-D10-microafval
Programme name
Litter - characteristics and abundance/volume on coast, water surface, seabed
Litter - characteristics and abundance/volume on coast, water surface, seabed
Litter/micro-litter in biota
Litter - characteristics and abundance/volume on coast, water surface, seabed
Litter micro-particles - abundance/volume in water, sediment
Update type
Same programme as in 2014
Same programme as in 2014
Same programme as in 2014
New programme
New programme
Old programme codes
Programme description
To assess whether GES is achieved for criterion D10C1, information is needed on trends in the quantity and composition of litter on Dutch beaches, on the seabed and floating on the sea surface. The quantity of plastic found in the stomachs of fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis) is used as an indicator for litter on the surface layer. This indicator is also used for D10C3, which relates to the amount of litter ingested by marine animals. Because litter crosses national borders, the monitoring and assessment is regionally coordinated in OSPAR. To gain insight into the sources of pollution and the effectiveness of measures, a distinction is made between different categories of litter. The assessment is carried out at both DCS level and North Sea level. To monitor litter on beaches, surveys are conducted four times a year on four reference beaches in the municipalities of Terschelling, Bergen, Noordwijk and Veere for Rijkswaterstaat. At each location the litter is classified according to the 115 litter types in the OSPAR CEMP Guidelines (OSPAR, 2017). For each type of litter, the number of items per 100 metres is counted along the entire width of the beach. Only items of litter that are visible on the surface are counted. The survey for monitoring plastics in the stomachs of birds has been part of Rijkswaterstaat’s MWTL programme since 2004, but has been operational since 1996. The data are provided every year by volunteers of the Northern fulmar working group, who collect dead Northern fulmars that have washed up along the Dutch coast during the year. Professionals then analyse the contents of the birds’ stomachs to determine the total mass of plastic particles in grams and the total number of particles in the stomach. The plastics found are divided into consumer plastics and industrial plastics (pellets). The method is documented in the OSPAR CEMP Guidelines (OSPAR, 2019). In the coming years, Rijkswaterstaat will carry out pilot projects to develop monitoring methods for macro-litter and micro-plastics in rivers. Although they will not be part of the MSFD monitoring programme, these surveys will provide information about sources and the effectiveness of measures.
To assess whether GES is achieved for criterion D10C1, information is needed on trends in the quantity and composition of litter on Dutch beaches, on the seabed and floating on the sea surface. The quantity of plastic found in the stomachs of fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis) is used as an indicator for litter on the surface layer. This indicator is also used for D10C3, which relates to the amount of litter ingested by marine animals. Because litter crosses national borders, the monitoring and assessment is regionally coordinated in OSPAR. To gain insight into the sources of pollution and the effectiveness of measures, a distinction is made between different categories of litter. The assessment is carried out at both DCS level and North Sea level. The survey for monitoring plastics in the stomachs of birds has been part of Rijkswaterstaat’s MWTL programme since 2004, but has been operational since 1996. The data are provided every year by volunteers of the Northern fulmar working group, who collect dead Northern fulmars that have washed up along the Dutch coast during the year. Professionals then analyse the contents of the birds’ stomachs to determine the total mass of plastic particles in grams and the total number of particles in the stomach. The plastics found are divided into consumer plastics and industrial plastics (pellets). The method is documented in the OSPAR CEMP Guidelines (OSPAR, 2019). In the coming years, Rijkswaterstaat will carry out pilot projects to develop monitoring methods for macro-litter and micro-plastics in rivers. Although they will not be part of the MSFD monitoring programme, these surveys will provide information about sources and the effectiveness of measures.
To assess whether GES is achieved for criterion D10C1, information is needed on trends in the quantity and composition of litter on Dutch beaches, on the seabed and floating on the sea surface. The quantity of plastic found in the stomachs of fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis) is used as an indicator for litter on the surface layer. This indicator is also used for D10C3, which relates to the amount of litter ingested by marine animals. Because litter crosses national borders, the monitoring and assessment is regionally coordinated in OSPAR. To gain insight into the sources of pollution and the effectiveness of measures, a distinction is made between different categories of litter. The assessment is carried out at both DCS level and North Sea level. The survey for monitoring plastics in the stomachs of birds has been part of Rijkswaterstaat’s MWTL programme since 2004, but has been operational since 1996. The data are provided every year by volunteers of the Northern fulmar working group, who collect dead Northern fulmars that have washed up along the Dutch coast during the year. Professionals then analyse the contents of the birds’ stomachs to determine the total mass of plastic particles in grams and the total number of particles in the stomach. The plastics found are divided into consumer plastics and industrial plastics (pellets). The method is documented in the OSPAR CEMP Guidelines (OSPAR, 2019). In the coming years, Rijkswaterstaat will carry out pilot projects to develop monitoring methods for macro-litter and micro-plastics in rivers. Although they will not be part of the MSFD monitoring programme, these surveys will provide information about sources and the effectiveness of measures.
To assess whether GES is achieved for criterion D10C1, information is needed on trends in the quantity and composition of litter on Dutch beaches, on the seabed and floating on the sea surface. The quantity of plastic found in the stomachs of fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis) is used as an indicator for litter on the surface layer. This indicator is also used for D10C3, which relates to the amount of litter ingested by marine animals. Because litter crosses national borders, the monitoring and assessment is regionally coordinated in OSPAR. To gain insight into the sources of pollution and the effectiveness of measures, a distinction is made between different categories of litter. The assessment is carried out at both DCS level and North Sea level. Since 2013, litter on the seabed has been collected as ‘bycatch’ during the International Bottom Trawl Survey (IBTS). The IBTS monitoring is carried out every year for the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality for the purposes of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). For the IBTS, ICES quadrants (areas of roughly 56 x 56 km) are sampled with a standard bottom trawl, the Grand Ouverture Verticale (GOV). Every area is fished in accordance with the standard ICES protocol. Litter that surfaces in the process is classified according to a list of forty types of litter. The number of items of each type of litter is registered during each 30-minute trawl, and the swept area is calculated, leading to litter counts per km2. The method to be used is laid down in the OSPAR CEMP Guidelines (OSPAR, 2017). In the coming years, Rijkswaterstaat will carry out pilot projects to develop monitoring methods for macro-litter and micro-plastics in rivers. Although they will not be part of the MSFD monitoring programme, these surveys will provide information about sources and the effectiveness of measures.
No GES has yet been established for micro-litter (D10C2), but OSPAR is expected to formulate an indicator in 2020. A new monitoring survey for micro-litter in sediment is expected to be launched at the beginning of 2021. The survey to be developed for monitoring at sea will have to be compatible with the technical specifications that are ultimately adopted in OSPAR’s CEMP Guidelines. Although not yet finalised, the following specifications are being considered: • Spatial coverage: the DCS will be sampled at multiple locations, with the greatest density in the coastal zone since that is where the largest concentrations are. • Monitoring frequency: a limited number of locations in the coastal zone will be sampled annually to allow for an analysis of the trend after five years of measurements. Monitoring every three years is sufficient for the other locations. • Method: methods being considered to allow quantitative analysis are sampling with box core (subtidal) or trowel (intertidal). Parameters: the total number of microplastic particles in each sample and the total mass (per kg dry weight) will be determined in the sand fraction. Only the top layer (to a depth of 5 cm) will be sampled because that is where the highest concentration of microplastics occur and the greatest changes are observed. The upper size limit for microplastic particles is 5 mm.
Monitoring purpose
  • Effectiveness of measures
  • Pressures in the marine environment
  • Effectiveness of measures
  • Pressures in the marine environment
  • Environmental state and impacts
  • Pressures in the marine environment
  • Pressures in the marine environment
  • Pressures in the marine environment
Other policies and conventions
  • OSPAR Coordinated Environmental Monitoring Programme
  • OSPAR Coordinated Environmental Monitoring Programme
  • OSPAR Coordinated Environmental Monitoring Programme
  • OSPAR Coordinated Environmental Monitoring Programme
  • OSPAR Coordinated Environmental Monitoring Programme
Regional cooperation - coordinating body
  • OSPAR
  • OSPAR
  • OSPAR
  • OSPAR
  • OSPAR
Regional cooperation - countries involved
NL
NL
Regional cooperation - implementation level
Coordinated data collection
Coordinated data collection
Coordinated data collection
Coordinated data collection
Agreed data collection methods
Monitoring details
To monitor litter on beaches, surveys are conducted four times a year on four reference beaches in the municipalities of Terschelling, Bergen, Noordwijk and Veere for Rijkswaterstaat. At each location the litter is classified according to the 115 litter types in the OSPAR CEMP Guidelines (OSPAR, 2017). For each type of litter, the number of items per 100 metres is counted along the entire width of the beach. Only items of litter that are visible on the surface are counted.
Features
Litter in the environment
Litter in the environment
Litter and micro-litter in species
Litter in the environment
Micro-litter in the environment
Litter in the environment
Litter in the environment
Litter and micro-litter in species
Litter in the environment
Micro-litter in the environment
Litter in the environment
Litter in the environment
Litter and micro-litter in species
Litter in the environment
Micro-litter in the environment
Litter in the environment
Litter in the environment
Litter and micro-litter in species
Litter in the environment
Micro-litter in the environment
Elements
  • Artificial polymer materials
  • Ceramics/pottery
  • Cloth/textile
  • Glass/ceramics
  • Medical waste
  • Metal
  • Paper/cardboard
  • Processed/worked wood
  • Rubber
  • Sanitary waste
  • Artificial polymer materials
  • Artificial polymer materials
  • Artificial polymer materials
  • Glass/ceramics
  • Metal
  • Other materials
  • Rubber
  • Artificial polymer materials
GES criteria
D10C1
D10C1
D10C3
D10C1
D10C2
Parameters
  • Amount on coastline
  • Mass
  • Mass
  • Amount on seabed
  • Concentration in sediment (total)
  • Mass
Parameter Other
Spatial scope
  • EEZ (or similar)
  • EEZ (or similar)
  • EEZ (or similar)
  • Beyond MS Marine Waters
  • EEZ (or similar)
Marine reporting units
  • ANS-NL-MS-1
  • ANS-NL-MS-1
  • L1.2
  • ANS-NL-MS-1
  • L1.2
  • L1.2
  • ANS-NL-MS-1
Temporal scope (start date - end date)
2001-9999
1996-9999
1996-9999
2013-9999
2021-9999
Monitoring frequency
3-monthly
Continually
Continually
Yearly
3-yearly
Monitoring type
  • In-situ sampling land/beach
  • In-situ sampling land/beach
  • In-situ sampling land/beach
  • In-situ sampling coastal
  • In-situ sampling offshore
  • In-situ sampling coastal
  • In-situ sampling offshore
Monitoring method
  • OSPAR CEMP Guidelines for monitoring marine litter washed ashore and/or deposited on coastlines (beach litter)
  • OSPAR Coordinated Environmental Monitoring Programme (CEMP) Guidelines for Monitoring and Assessment of plastic particles in stomachs of fulmars in the North Sea area
  • OSPAR Coordinated Environmental Monitoring Programme (CEMP) Guidelines for Monitoring and Assessment of plastic particles in stomachs of fulmars in the North Sea area
  • OSPAR CEMP Guidelines on Litter on the Seafloor
  • Other monitoring method
Monitoring method other
Microplastics were not previously covered in the MSFD monitoring programme. On the basis of technical specifications and in consultation with OSPAR, Rijkswaterstaat is developing a monitoring method and monitoring network survey for microplastics in sediment. The method is expected to be operational from the beginning of 2021. International coordination takes place under the auspices of OSPAR; to which the MSFD monitoring programme is linked as closely as possible. In recent years, a lot has been learned about the presence, the analysis and the effects of microplastics in national and international research programmes, including JPI Oceans, EU programmes and in the context of regional marine sea conventions. The OSPAR microplastic expert group is currently working to construct OSPAR CEMP guidelines for monitoring of microplastics in marine sediment. The finalization of these CEMP guidelines is expected no sooner than in 2022, because many countries are still gaining experience with this new type of monitoring. With these CEMP guidelines, a common OSPAR indicator for microplastics in marine sediment will be established. The monitoring of emissions of microplastics is still in the research phase. Various long-term research programmes are underway in the Netherlands, including the TRAMP project financed by the Technology Foundation STW.58 Steps will be taken in the coming years to develop a first monitoring programme for microplastics in fresh water, primarily designed to determine and model the microplastics mass load.
Quality control
Monitoring of litter on the beach is carried out by the North Sea Foundation on behalf of RWS. The measurements are carried out by experienced employees according to strict OSPAR protocols. The results are processed annually into an extensive report with static analyzes and trend calculations. http://publicaties.minienm.nl/download-bijlage/96367/bm-18-15-ospar-beach-litter-monitoring-in-the-netherlands-2012-2017-annual-report.pdf
The monitoring of plastics in petrels is carried out by Wageningen Marine Research according to an internationally agreed method. The results are processed annually into an extensive report with static analysis and trend calculations. Ongoing data quality by OSPAR-ICG-ML and OSPAR secretariat.
The monitoring of plastics in petrels is carried out by Wageningen Marine Research according to an internationally agreed method. The results are processed annually into an extensive report with static analysis and trend calculations. Ongoing data quality by OSPAR-ICG-ML and OSPAR secretariat.
Monitoring of litter on the seabed is part of the IBTS survey and is coordinated by ICES. This monitoring is relatively new and not yet fully developed, which means that the quality of the collected data can be further improved.
The monitoring of microplastics is still under development. Data quality control has not yet been organized for this monitoring.
Data management
Marine Information and Data Centre
Marine Information and Data Centre
Marine Information and Data Centre
Marine Information and Data Centre
Data access
not yet available
Related indicator/name
  • ANSNL-OSPAR-D10C1 strandafval
  • ANSNL-OSPAR-D10-Plastic in stormvogels
  • ANSNL-OSPAR-D10-Plastic in stormvogels
  • ANSNL-OSPAR-D10C1-zeebodem
Contact
https://www.informatiehuismarien.nl/uk/secundaire-navigatie/contact/
https://www.informatiehuismarien.nl/uk/secundaire-navigatie/contact/
https://www.informatiehuismarien.nl/uk/secundaire-navigatie/contact/
https://www.informatiehuismarien.nl/uk/secundaire-navigatie/contact/
References
Van Hal R. (2019) Dutch seafloor litter monitoring North Sea. International Bottom Trawl Survey 2019. Wageningen Marine Research, IJmuiden.
OSPAR (2018) Proposal for a candidate indicator on micro litter in sediments. Accepted by EIHA Committee.