Member State report / Art11 / 2014-2020 / D11 / 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 D11 Energy, incl. underwater noise
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
MP_D11
MP_D11
Monitoring programme Reference existing programme
Monitoring programme Marine Unit ID
Q4e - Programme ID
ANSNL_D11
ANSNL_D11
Q4f - Programme description
The Cabinet views this MSFD Monitoring Programme as a guiding component of the approach to ensure a good status of the marine environment in the Dutch part of the North Sea. The MSFD Monitoring Programme has been drawn up in accordance with Article 11 of the Directive. It details the actual monitoring of the 32 indicators outlined in the Marine Strategy Part 1. Based on the measurement data, the Monitoring Programme provides insight into: 1. The status of the indicators, thereby indicating the extent to which an environmental target is achieved (MSFD, Art. 10), in order to facilitate the ongoing assessment and periodic updating of the environmental targets (MSFD, Art. 5) in order to maintain or reach good environmental status. 2. The effectiveness of the programme of measures to be implemented under the MSFD. Although the Monitoring Programme focuses primarily on the 32 indicators from the Marine Strategy Part 1, it also uses, for the purpose of interpreting the results, a number of supporting parameters that are included as standard during sampling (such as temperature, acidity, conductivity, salinity and dissolved oxygen). For the purpose of the next assessment of the environmental status in 2017-2018 and assessments thereafter, use will also be made of the information resulting from monitoring for research or from other statutory frameworks and policy areas. This includes information from national monitoring under the Bathing Water Directive in the area of microbial pathogens, shipping intensity monitoring (including fishing vessels) for the purpose of shipping traffic safety and bathymetric information obtained from hydrographic measurements. In determining spatial and temporal distribution of the monitoring, natural variation is taken into account as well as the possibilities to distinguish changes from natural variability. Important parameters for climate change and ocean acidification, such as temperature and pH are incorporated in the regular monitoring programmes. Economic data is collected by Statistics Netherlands (abbreviated as CBS in Dutch). CBS supplies the required data following receipt of a specified request for information. Thus, the requirements of MSFD Art. 8 are met and the indicative list of elements included in MSFD Appendix III is incorporated. In this way, the MSFD Monitoring Programme provides a solid basis for updating the Marine Strategy during the second implementation cycle of the MSFD. This begins by updating the initial assessment (MSFD Art. 8) and describing the good environmental status (MSFD Art. 9), environmental targets and indicators (MSFD Art. 10) in 2018, and continues through to the adjustment of the existing programme of measures (Art. 13) in 2021. References: -More information on the rationale for the balance between monitoring of state/impact, pressures, activities and measures: MS II paragraph 2.3 (DPSIR –model) -MS II Annex 4
The Cabinet views this MSFD Monitoring Programme as a guiding component of the approach to ensure a good status of the marine environment in the Dutch part of the North Sea. The MSFD Monitoring Programme has been drawn up in accordance with Article 11 of the Directive. It details the actual monitoring of the 32 indicators outlined in the Marine Strategy Part 1. Based on the measurement data, the Monitoring Programme provides insight into: 1. The status of the indicators, thereby indicating the extent to which an environmental target is achieved (MSFD, Art. 10), in order to facilitate the ongoing assessment and periodic updating of the environmental targets (MSFD, Art. 5) in order to maintain or reach good environmental status. 2. The effectiveness of the programme of measures to be implemented under the MSFD. Although the Monitoring Programme focuses primarily on the 32 indicators from the Marine Strategy Part 1, it also uses, for the purpose of interpreting the results, a number of supporting parameters that are included as standard during sampling (such as temperature, acidity, conductivity, salinity and dissolved oxygen). For the purpose of the next assessment of the environmental status in 2017-2018 and assessments thereafter, use will also be made of the information resulting from monitoring for research or from other statutory frameworks and policy areas. This includes information from national monitoring under the Bathing Water Directive in the area of microbial pathogens, shipping intensity monitoring (including fishing vessels) for the purpose of shipping traffic safety and bathymetric information obtained from hydrographic measurements. In determining spatial and temporal distribution of the monitoring, natural variation is taken into account as well as the possibilities to distinguish changes from natural variability. Important parameters for climate change and ocean acidification, such as temperature and pH are incorporated in the regular monitoring programmes. Economic data is collected by Statistics Netherlands (abbreviated as CBS in Dutch). CBS supplies the required data following receipt of a specified request for information. Thus, the requirements of MSFD Art. 8 are met and the indicative list of elements included in MSFD Appendix III is incorporated. In this way, the MSFD Monitoring Programme provides a solid basis for updating the Marine Strategy during the second implementation cycle of the MSFD. This begins by updating the initial assessment (MSFD Art. 8) and describing the good environmental status (MSFD Art. 9), environmental targets and indicators (MSFD Art. 10) in 2018, and continues through to the adjustment of the existing programme of measures (Art. 13) in 2021. References: -More information on the rationale for the balance between monitoring of state/impact, pressures, activities and measures: MS II paragraph 2.3 (DPSIR –model) -MS II Annex 4
Q5e - Natural variability
  • Quantiative
  • Quantiative
Q5d - Adequacy for assessment of GES Q5d - Adequate data
Y
Y
Q5d - Adequacy for assessment of GES Q5d - Established methods
Y
Y
Q5d - Adequacy for assessment of GES Q5d - Adequate understanding of GES
Y
Y
Q5d - Adequacy for assessment of GES Q5d - Adequate capacity
Y
Y
Q5f - Description of programme for GES assessment
a,b) In the art 9 and 10 report in 2012 the Netherlands has opted for a general description of GES under art 9 and a further elaboration of the targets and associated indicators under art 10. These targets and indicators cover all criteria from the Commission Decision as far as they are considered relevant for the Netherlands part of the North Sea. Therefore, they also cover the information requirement for the assessment of the descriptors and targets. See paragraph 9.2.13 of the Marine Strategy II for a description of the information and monitoring strategy. c,d) The monitoring programme wil be directed towards indicators that are being developed by OSPAR ICG Underwater Noise. These will provide both quantitative and spatial information on underwater noise and will use registration of human activities that produce underwater noise. e) The MSFD Monitoring Plan will be updated annually in a digitally amended supplement based on the latest developments and insights in the area of indicator definitions and measurement methods, for example as a result from (sub) regional coordination within OSPAR.
a,b) In the art 9 and 10 report in 2012 the Netherlands has opted for a general description of GES under art 9 and a further elaboration of the targets and associated indicators under art 10. These targets and indicators cover all criteria from the Commission Decision as far as they are considered relevant for the Netherlands part of the North Sea. Therefore, they also cover the information requirement for the assessment of the descriptors and targets. See paragraph 9.2.13 of the Marine Strategy II for a description of the information and monitoring strategy. c,d) The monitoring programme wil be directed towards indicators that are being developed by OSPAR ICG Underwater Noise. These will provide both quantitative and spatial information on underwater noise and will use registration of human activities that produce underwater noise. e) The MSFD Monitoring Plan will be updated annually in a digitally amended supplement based on the latest developments and insights in the area of indicator definitions and measurement methods, for example as a result from (sub) regional coordination within OSPAR.
Q5g - Gap-filling date for GES assessment
By2018
By2018
Q5h - Plans to implement monitoring for GES assessment
The Netherlands has chosen to work towards the set-up of a monitoring programme in regional cooperation, rather than on a national level. The resulting delay is prefered above a non-regional approach. The elaboration of the indicators referred to, the research measurements and the assessment will be coordinated in an international context. Together with the United Kingdom, the Netherlands is leading the Technical Subgroup Noise under the EU Common Implementation Strategy. This working group has developed guidance for translating these indicators into actual monitoring. For the OSPAR region, this is being taken up by the ICG Underwater Noise, for which the Netherlands also acts as co-leader. In 2014 OSPAR has established the indicator on loud low or mid frequency impulsive sound as a common indicator, which will be operational within 1 or 2 years for all OSPAR regions, including the North Sea. It is expected that in 2015 a common indicator on continuous low-frequency sound will be established. Both indicators are expected to contribute to the OSPAR Intermediate Assessment in 2017.
The Netherlands has chosen to work towards the set-up of a monitoring programme in regional cooperation, rather than on a national level. The resulting delay is prefered above a non-regional approach. The elaboration of the indicators referred to, the research measurements and the assessment will be coordinated in an international context. Together with the United Kingdom, the Netherlands is leading the Technical Subgroup Noise under the EU Common Implementation Strategy. This working group has developed guidance for translating these indicators into actual monitoring. For the OSPAR region, this is being taken up by the ICG Underwater Noise, for which the Netherlands also acts as co-leader. In 2014 OSPAR has established the indicator on loud low or mid frequency impulsive sound as a common indicator, which will be operational within 1 or 2 years for all OSPAR regions, including the North Sea. It is expected that in 2015 a common indicator on continuous low-frequency sound will be established. Both indicators are expected to contribute to the OSPAR Intermediate Assessment in 2017.
Q6a -Relevant targets Q6a - Environmental target
11a 11b
11a 11b
Q6a -Relevant targets Q6a - Associated indicator
11a 11b
11a 11b
Q6b - Adequacy for assessment of targets Q6b_SuitableData
Y
Y
Q6b - Adequacy for assessment of targets Q6b_EstablishedMethods
Y
Y
Q6b - Adequacy for assessment of targets Q6d_AdequateCapacity
Y
Y
Q6c - Target updating
Y
Y
Q6d - Description of programme for targets assessment
See 5f
See 5f
Q6e - Gap-filling date for targets assessment
By2018
By2018
Q6f - Plans to implement monitoring for targets assessment
See 5h
See 5h
Q7a - Relevant activities
  • Defence
  • OilGas
  • RenewableEnergy
  • Shipping
  • Defence
  • OilGas
  • RenewableEnergy
  • Shipping
Q7b - Description of monitoring of activities
Annex 4 of the Marine Strategy part 2 shows the DPSIR relations between ecosystem elements/descriptors, pressures and activities, as well as how the pressures and activities and their effects are monitored. Annex 3 of the Marine Strategy part 2 gives the relation between elements from the MSFD Annex 3 and the MSFD monitoring programme.
Annex 4 of the Marine Strategy part 2 shows the DPSIR relations between ecosystem elements/descriptors, pressures and activities, as well as how the pressures and activities and their effects are monitored. Annex 3 of the Marine Strategy part 2 gives the relation between elements from the MSFD Annex 3 and the MSFD monitoring programme.
Q7c - Relevant measures
Q7e - Adequacy for assessment of measures Q7d - Adequate data
Y
Y
Q7e - Adequacy for assessment of measures Q7d - Established methods
Q7e - Adequacy for assessment of measures Q7d - Adequate understanding of GES
Y
Y
Q7e - Adequacy for assessment of measures Q7d - Adequate capacity
Y
Y
Q7e - Adequacy for assessment of measures Q7d - Addresses activities and pressures
Y
Y
Q7e - Adequacy for assessment of measures Q7d - Addresses effectiveness of measures
Y
Y
Q7d - Description of monitoring for measures
The monitoring programme will render quantitative information on the distribution of noise in the Netherlands part of the Greater North Sea. This information gives insight in the effectiveness of current and future measures.
The monitoring programme will render quantitative information on the distribution of noise in the Netherlands part of the Greater North Sea. This information gives insight in the effectiveness of current and future measures.
Q7f - Gap-filling date for activities and measures
By2014
By2014
Q8a - Links to existing Monitoring Programmes
Reference sub-programme Sub-programme ID
ANSNL-D11-Sub2-AmbientNoise
Reference sub-programme Sub-programme name
Acute underwater noise - distribution, frequency and levels
Diffuse underwater noise - distribution, frequency and levels
Q4g - Sub-programmes Sub-programme ID
ANSNL-D11-Sub2-AmbientNoise
Q4g - Sub-programmes Sub-programme name
Acute underwater noise - distribution, frequency and levels
Diffuse underwater noise - distribution, frequency and levels
Q4k - Monitoring purpose
Pressurse Activities
Q4l - Links of monitoring programmes of other Directives and Conventions
OSPAR has named the Ambient Noise indicator as Candidate Indicator. It is expected that in April 2015 the indicator will become an OSPAR Common Indicator Together with the United Kingdom, the Netherlands is leading the Technical Subgroup Noise under the EU Common Implementation Strategy. This working group has developed guidance for translating these indicators into actual monitoring [A]. For the OSPAR region, this is being taken up by the ICG Underwater Noise, for which the Netherlands also acts as co-leader. [A] Monitoring Guidance for Underwater Noise in European Seas - Monitoring Guidance Specifications. 2nd Report of the Technical Subgroup on Underwater Noise (TSG Noise). November, 2013. https://circabc.europa.eu/sd/a/6b168331-711a-4ec5-9be3-26600c43808d/MSFD%20Monitoring%20Guidance%20Underwater%20Noise%20Part%20II%20Specifications%20IGR%200516.pdf
Q5c - Features Q5c - Habitats
Q5c - Features Q5c - Species list
  • FishAll
  • MammalsAll
  • FishAll
  • MammalsAll
Q5c - Features Q5c - Physical/Chemical features
Q5c - Features Q5c - Pressures
  • Noise
  • Noise
Q9a - Elements
  • continuous low-frequency sound
Q5a - GES criteria Relevant GES criteria
  • 11.1
  • 11.2
  • 11.1
  • 11.2
Q5b - GES indicators Relevant GES indicators
  • 11.1.1
  • 11.2.1
  • 11.1.1
  • 11.2.1
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
  • MP-9b-2-2-1
  • MP-9b-2-2-10
Q9b - Parameters monitored (activity) Activity
  • MP-9b-3-1-1
  • MP-9b-3-1-2
  • MP-9b-3-1-3
  • MP-9b-3-1-4
Q9b Parameters monitored (other) Other
Q41 Spatial scope
WFD_CW TerritorialWaters EEZ
Q4j - Description of spatial scope
Shipping is the main antropogenic source of ambient noise. To map out the potential (cumulative effects) of uninterrupted continuous background noise, existing data on ship movements, additional measurements and modelling will be used. The Netherlands has chosen to work towards the set-up of a monitoring programme in regional cooperation, rather than on a national level. The resulting delay is prefered above a non-regional approach. The elaboration of the indicators referred to, the research measurements and the assessment will be coordinated in an international context.
Marine Unit IDs
  • ANSNL
  • ANSNL
Q4h - Temporal scope Start date- End date
-
2016-9999
Q9h - Temporal resolution of sampling
  • Continually
Q9c - Monitoring method
To map out the potential (cumulative effects) of uninterrupted continuous background noise, existing data on ship movements, additional measurements and modelling will be used. Monitoring Guidance for Underwater Noise in European Seas - Monitoring Guidance Specifications. 2nd Report of the Technical Subgroup on Underwater Noise (TSG Noise). November, 2013. https://circabc.europa.eu/sd/a/6b168331-711a-4ec5-9be3-26600c43808d/MSFD%20Monitoring%20Guidance%20Underwater%20Noise%20Part%20II%20Specifications%20IGR%200516.pdf
Q9d - Description of alteration to method
Q9e - Quality assurance
  • Unknown
Q9f - Quality control
Unknown
Q9g - Spatial resolution of sampling Q9g - Proportion of area covered %
100
Q9g - Spatial resolution of sampling Q9g - No. of samples
Q9i - Description of sample representivity
Q10a - Scale for aggregation of data
  • EU
  • Region
  • Subregion
Q10b - Other scale for aggregation of data
Q10c - Access to monitoring data Q10c - Data type
ProcessedData DataProducts Simulated
Q10c - Access to monitoring data Q10c - Data access mechanism
LocationInternationalDC
Q10c - Access to monitoring data Q10c - Data access rights
RestrictedSpecific
Q10c - Access to monitoring data Q10c - INSPIRE standard
EnvMonitoringFacilities
Q10c - Access to monitoring data Q10c Date data are available
2015-12
Q10c - Access to monitoring data Q10c - Data update frequency
Yearly
Q10d - Description of data access
Each year in December a basic MSFD-datafile will be made available via the website of the Informatiehuis Marien (http://www.informatiehuismarien.nl/)
Descriptor
D11
D11
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
Coverage of GES criteria
Adequate monitoring will be in place by 2024
Adequate monitoring will be in place by 2024
Gaps and plans
Underwater noise is a relatively new topic and there is therefore no history of its monitoring. In the last ten years, a lot of knowledge has been developed in relation to the design of a monitoring and assessment system for underwater noise. Monitoring is in place for D11C1 and is sufficient to assess GES. For D11C2 an operational monitoring programme is expected to be in place in 2021. However, although a lot of progress has been made, there are still gaps. It is not yet possible to link underwater noise to effects on sensitive animal species through monitoring. For the time being, data collected from monitoring for D1 are used to assess the effects of underwater noise, and the results of specific studies can also be used. In addition to underwater sound, other forms of energy, such as electromagnetic fields, also fall under the descriptor D11. Because there are still no criteria for these forms of energy, no good environmental status or environmental objectives have been formulated for them yet. However, measurements are already being taken in licensing procedures and/or in research and other projects. For example, the Wozep programme also investigates the effects of electromagnetic radiation from transport cables from wind turbines on the marine environment.
Underwater noise is a relatively new topic and there is therefore no history of its monitoring. In the last ten years, a lot of knowledge has been developed in relation to the design of a monitoring and assessment system for underwater noise. Monitoring is in place for D11C1 and is sufficient to assess GES. For D11C2 an operational monitoring programme is expected to be in place in 2021. However, although a lot of progress has been made, there are still gaps. It is not yet possible to link underwater noise to effects on sensitive animal species through monitoring. For the time being, data collected from monitoring for D1 are used to assess the effects of underwater noise, and the results of specific studies can also be used. In addition to underwater sound, other forms of energy, such as electromagnetic fields, also fall under the descriptor D11. Because there are still no criteria for these forms of energy, no good environmental status or environmental objectives have been formulated for them yet. However, measurements are already being taken in licensing procedures and/or in research and other projects. For example, the Wozep programme also investigates the effects of electromagnetic radiation from transport cables from wind turbines on the marine environment.
Related targets
  • ANSNL-D11T1
  • ANSNL-D11T2
  • ANSNL-D11T1
  • ANSNL-D11T2
Coverage of targets
Adequate monitoring will be in place by 2024
Adequate monitoring will be in place by 2024
Related measures
  • ANSNL-M034 - 'Vergunningregimes windturbineparken'
  • ANSNL-M035 - 'Terugdringen van impulsgeluid via de Gedragscode explosievenruiming'
  • ANSNL-M036 - 'Regelgeving sonargebruik'
  • ANSNL-M037 - 'Aanpassing regelgeving seismisch onderzoek'
  • ANSNL-M059 - 'Uitvoering IMOrichtlijnen reductie onderwatergeluid commerciële scheepvaart'
  • ANSNL-M060 - 'Beperking platformverlichting op olieen gasplatforms'
  • ANSNL-M034 - 'Vergunningregimes windturbineparken'
  • ANSNL-M035 - 'Terugdringen van impulsgeluid via de Gedragscode explosievenruiming'
  • ANSNL-M036 - 'Regelgeving sonargebruik'
  • ANSNL-M037 - 'Aanpassing regelgeving seismisch onderzoek'
  • ANSNL-M059 - 'Uitvoering IMOrichtlijnen reductie onderwatergeluid commerciële scheepvaart'
  • ANSNL-M060 - 'Beperking platformverlichting op olieen gasplatforms'
Coverage of measures
Adequate monitoring will be in place by 2024
Adequate monitoring will be in place by 2024
Related monitoring programmes
  • ANSNL-D11-Sub1-Impulsive
  • ANSNL-D11-Sub2-AmbientNoise
  • ANSNL-D11-Sub1-Impulsive
  • ANSNL-D11-Sub2-AmbientNoise
Programme code
ANSNL-D11-Sub1-Impulsive
ANSNL-D11-Sub2-AmbientNoise
Programme name
Impulsive underwater noise - distribution, frequency and levels
Continuous underwater noise - distribution, frequency and levels
Update type
New programme
New programme
Old programme codes
Programme description
Underwater noise is a relatively new topic and there is therefore no history of its monitoring. The Netherlands has heavily promoted the development of an international, EU-wide strategy for monitoring underwater sound. The aim of the monitoring programme is to map the distribution, duration and level of disturbance due to impulsive noise. There is international agreement that disturbance will be expressed in terms of pulse block days (PBDs), i.e., the number of days that an activity causing impulsive noise takes place within an ICES block. The Netherlands expands on that definition by also investigating the spatial distribution of noise and by determining the number of days that the noise level is above the disturbance threshold for harbour porpoises, the harbour porpoise disturbance days. The assessment is based on the harbour porpoise because it is regarded as the species that is most sensitive to impulsive noise. The monitoring strategy described in OSPAR’s CEMP Guidelines (2017) is based on registration of human activities that cause impulsive sound. In other words, there are no direct measurements of impulsive sound. The major monitoring activities are data collection and analysis of the Impulsive Noise Registry, an international register jointly created by OSPAR and HELCOM to store data relating to human activities in the OSPAR and HELCOM regions. ICES manages the register. The following parameters are registered: 1) type of activity, 2) duration (starting date and end date) with a resolution of one day, 3) location (at least the relevant block, but preferably the precise location of the activity), 4) number of peaks in impulsive sound, 5) category of the level of impulsive sound, 6) possible mitigation, and 7) spectral information, if available. The number of PBDs can be downloaded directly from the register and their spatial distribution can be mapped. The data can be broken down by type of source (pile driving, seismic, explosions, sonar) and by the strength of the source (low, medium, high). The register has been operational since 2016; the first data entered in it were from 2015. All of the relevant activities are regulated in the Netherlands, either through licensing or because they fall under specific laws, such as the Mining Act. The data are collected annually from the licensing bodies. The Netherlands also uses the concept of harbour porpoise disturbance days, which is the number of days that the impulsive noise within a block is such t
Knowledge about continuous sound is still limited; it is not possible yet to formulate a quantitative description of GES. In terms of monitoring, the main focus will be on launching an international monitoring programme for continuous sound, in order to map the level and spatial distribution of continuous sound. The programme is based on the monitoring strategy devised by TG Noise (Dekeling et al., 2014), which has been elaborated at OSPAR level (Snoek et al., 2015). The key to that strategy is a combination of measurements and numeric modelling. The Netherlands has taken the initiative to establish a joint monitoring programme with the other countries around the North Sea. The JOMOPANS project (Joint Monitoring Programme of Ambient Noise North Sea) started in January 2018, and will continue until the end of 2020, after which an operational monitoring programme for continuous sound is expected to be in place. A total of fourteen monitoring stations are being installed throughout the entire North Sea during the project, one of them in Dutch waters. The stations continuously register underwater sound over long periods. See Snoek et al. (2015) for a description of the methodology. In addition, sound maps of the entire North Sea are being produced with the help of numerical modelling, with a resolution of at least the ICES blocks, but possibly also higher. The input for the numerical modelling are physical features such as the bathymetry and seabed composition (from EMODNET) and the conditions, such as meteorology and oceanographic parameters (waves, current, water temperature). The sources of noise from human activities form the most important input for the modelling. These are derived from AIS and VMS for shipping and fisheries and from the international register for impulsive sound (see D11C1). In the sound maps of the North Sea, the 5th 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 95th percentiles of the sound pressure level are calculated for each season (Merchant et al., 2018). The measurements are used to validate the numerical calculations and to produce a confidence map of the results. The development towards a monitoring programme for continuous sound is progressing well, while in 2014 there was no programme to report. The expectation is that an operational monitoring programme along the lines described above will be implemented in 2021. The design of the monitoring and assessment system for underwater sound is based mainly on the Baltic Sea Information on th
Monitoring purpose
  • Human activities causing the pressures
  • Pressures in the marine environment
Other policies and conventions
  • OSPAR Coordinated Environmental Monitoring Programme
  • OSPAR Coordinated Environmental Monitoring Programme
Regional cooperation - coordinating body
  • OSPAR
  • OSPAR
Regional cooperation - countries involved
Regional cooperation - implementation level
Joint data collection
Joint data collection
Monitoring details
Features
Impulsive sound in water
Continuous low frequency sound
Impulsive sound in water
Continuous low frequency sound
Impulsive sound in water
Continuous low frequency sound
Impulsive sound in water
Continuous low frequency sound
Elements
  • Not Applicable
  • Continuous sound (1/3 octave frequency band centred on 125 Hz)
  • Continuous sound (1/3 octave frequency band centred on 2000 Hz)
  • Continuous sound (1/3 octave frequency band centred on 63 Hz)
GES criteria
D11C1
D11C2
Parameters
  • Other
  • Level of sound
Parameter Other
Pulse-Block-Days
Spatial scope
  • Beyond MS Marine Waters
  • EEZ (or similar)
  • EEZ (or similar)
Marine reporting units
  • ANS-NL-MS-1
  • L1.2
  • ANS-NL-MS-1
  • L1.2
Temporal scope (start date - end date)
2015-9999
2021-9999
Monitoring frequency
Daily
Continually
Monitoring type
  • Administrative data collection
  • In-situ sampling offshore
  • Numerical modelling
Monitoring method
  • OSPAR CEMP Guidelines for Monitoring and Assessment of loud, low and mid-frequency impulsive sound sources in the OSPAR Maritime Region
  • Other monitoring method
Monitoring method other
Merchant, N. D., Farcas, A., Powell, C. F. (2018) Acoustic metric specification. Report of the EU INTERREG Joint Monitoring Programme for Ambient Noise North Sea (JOMOPANS). Fischer, J-G., Kühnel, D., Basan, F. (2020) WP5 final report. Report of the EU INTERREG Joint Monitoring Programme for Ambient Noise North Sea (JOMOPANS).
Quality control
OSPAR CEMP
An operational monitoring program for D11 is expected to be implemented from 2021. Organizing the quality control of this monitoring is part of this implementation process.
Data management
Data access
www.ICES.dk nog invullen
Related indicator/name
Contact
References
Dekeling, R.P.A., Tasker, M.L., Van der Graaf, A.J., Ainslie, M.A, Andersson, M.H., André, M., Borsani, J.F., Brensing, K., Castellote, M., Cronin, D., Dalen, J., Folegot, T., Leaper, R., Pajala, J., Redman, P., Robinson, S.P., Sigray, P., Sutton, G., Thomsen, F., Werner, S., Wittekind, D. & Young, J.V. (2014) Monitoring Guidance for Underwater Noise in European Seas, Part I: Executive Summary, Part II: Monitoring Guidance Specifications, Part III: Background Information and Annexes, JRC ScientiSnoek R.C., Ainslie M.A., Prior M.K. & Van Onselen E. (2015) Ambient noise monitoring strategy and joint monitoring programme for the North Sea – Part I: Monitoring Strategy Ambient Noise, Arcadis in opdracht van Rijkswaterstaat WVL, maart 2015.