Member State report / Art11 / 2020 / D5 / 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 | 2020-10-15 |
GES Descriptor | D5 Eutrophication |
Member State | Netherlands |
Region/subregion | NE Atlantic: Greater North Sea |
Reported by | Rijkswaterstaat Water, Verkeer en Leefomgeving Zuiderwagenplein 2 8224 AD Lelystad Postbus 2232 3500 |
Report date | 2020-11-17 |
Report access |
Descriptor |
D5 |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
||||
Coverage of GES criteria |
Adequate monitoring was in place in 2014 |
||||
Gaps and plans |
For D5, the monitoring programme is adequate, although a lot of international efforts are made in order to substantially improve methodology and harmonisation. OSPAR is conducting a review of the Common Procedure (COMP), the framework for monitoring and assessment of eutrophication, in the period 2019-2022. This could have consequences for the entire set of eutrophication parameters. Because the outcome of that process is not yet known, the MSFD monitoring programme follows the Marine Strategy part I, which is based on the third application of the COMP during the period 2006-2014. The Netherlands is actively involved in this process and will adhere as closely as possible to it in its operational programme. |
||||
Related targets |
|
||||
Coverage of targets |
Adequate monitoring was in place in 2014 |
||||
Related measures |
|
||||
Coverage of measures |
Adequate monitoring was in place in 2014 |
||||
Related monitoring programmes |
|
||||
Programme code |
ANSNL-D05-Sub1-OSPAR-NutrConc |
ANSNL-D05-Sub2-OSPAR-Oxygen |
ANSNL-D05-Sub3-OSPAR-Chlorophyll |
ANSNL-D05-Sub4-OSPAR-Input |
ANSNL-D05-Sub5-OSPAR-InputAtm |
Programme name |
Nutrient levels - in water column |
Water column - chemical characteristics |
Plankton blooms (biomass, frequency) |
Nutrient inputs - land-based sources |
Nutrient inputs - from atmosphere |
Update type |
Same programme as in 2014 |
Same programme as in 2014 |
Modified from 2014 |
Same programme as in 2014 |
Same programme as in 2014 |
Old programme codes |
|||||
Programme description |
To achieve GES, the offshore zone and coastal waters must comply with the agreements made in OSPAR. The coastal waters must also comply with the requirements of the WFD. Nutrient concentrations must be monitored for both OSPAR and the WFD. For OSPAR, the input of nutrients must also be determined. The monitoring programme complies with the OSPAR Common Procedure (COMP), OSPAR CEMP Guidelines and with the technical specifications laid down in EU Directive 2009/90/EC (the WFD method) and the Dutch protocol on monitoring and status assessment of WFD surface water bodies.
All measurements of the nutrients DIN and DIP and of salinity are part of Rijkswaterstaat’s monitoring programme (MWTL). The monitoring of these substances commenced around 1990. For the method of sampling and analysis, including information about quality assurance/quality control, see the OSPAR Guidelines (2013). The measurements are performed along transects perpendicular to the coast. Eight coastal locations are sampled every month, also in the winter period. Surveys are carried out at two offshore locations four times a year, thus also once during the winter. DIN and DIP concentrations are determined after filtration.
The monitoring programme has been unchanged since 2014 and will also suffice for the MSFD for the period until 2026. OSPAR is revising the Common Procedure (COMP), the framework for monitoring and assessing eutrophication, in the period 2019-2022. In light of the MSFD requirement that the monitoring and assessment must be comparable and coherent, OSPAR ICG-EUT has developed a new approach in an EU project in which all agencies responsible for national monitoring of eutrophication in the North Sea participated (JMP EUNOSAT, 2019). The project focused mainly on chlorophyll a (see D5C2), but also produced a proposal for formulating coherent threshold values for DIN and DIP based on area-specific background concentrations.
The recommendations will be fleshed out in OSPAR. The aim is to introduce the new approach for the next application of the Common Procedure (COMP4, 2022) and for the OSPAR Quality Status Report (QSR 2023), which will form the common basis for the MSFD assessment in 2024. Another objective, in addition to the aforementioned improvements, is to achieve greater harmonisation, for example by adopting the same definition of the winter period during which nutrients are measured. There is also room for improvement in modelling the input from rivers and the atmosphe |
To achieve GES, the offshore zone and coastal waters must both comply with the agreements made in OSPAR. The coastal waters must also satisfy the requirements of the WFD. The monitoring programme complies with the OSPAR Common Procedure (COMP), OSPAR CEMP Guidelines and with the technical specifications laid down in EU Directive 2009/90/EC (the WFD method) and the Dutch protocol on monitoring and status assessment of WFD surface water bodies.
All oxygen measurements are part of Rijkswaterstaat’s monitoring programme (MWTL). The monitoring of oxygen commenced around 1990. For the method of sampling and analysis, including information about quality assurance/quality control, see the OSPAR CEMP (2016). At least three measurements are taken at three locations in the Central Oyster Grounds between March and the end of September. If there is a metalimnion layer at the monitoring locations, oxygen is measured close to the surface, at the depth of the metalimnion and near the seafloor. If there is no metalimnion layer, the measurements are taken close to the surface, at half depth and close to the seafloor.
In the coastal zone, measurements of oxygen saturation for the WFD are taken in five water bodies: coastal zone Zeeland, coastal zone Northern Delta, coastal zone of Holland, Wadden Sea coastal zone and Ems-Dollard. There is one monitoring site in each water body, where monthly measurements are taken at a depth of one metre.
For the method of assessment, collaboration, analysis of the monitoring programme and developments, see D5C1. The existing method needs to be further developed having regard to the feasibility and practicality of monitoring and assessment of oxygen just above the seafloor. |
To achieve GES, the offshore zone and coastal waters must meet the standards for chlorophyll a agreed at OSPAR. The coastal waters must also meet the requirements of the WFD. The monitoring programme complies with the OSPAR Common Procedure (COMP), OSPAR CEMP Guidelines and with the technical specifications laid down in EU Directive 2009/90/EC (the WFD method) and the Dutch protocol on monitoring and status assessment of WFD surface water bodies.
Measurements of chlorophyll a are all part of Rijkswaterstaat’s monitoring programme (MWTL). The monitoring of chlorophyll a commenced around 1990. For the methods of sampling and analysis, including information on quality assurance/quality control, see the OSPAR CEMP (2016). Monitoring is carried out every two weeks during the summer period from March to September at six coastal locations. The frequency is once a month in areas further from the coast (at two locations) and once every two months in the remote areas of the DCS (also at two locations).
The monitoring of chlorophyll a will substantially improve with the use of satellite observations. The Sentinel satellites of the European Copernicus programme pass over the North Sea almost every day. They observe the colour of the water with optical sensors. That colour can be converted into the concentration of chlorophyll a. The satellites also measure suspended matter and CDOM (coloured dissolved organic carbon). These parameters can affect the observation of chlorophyll a, and must therefore also be measured to correct the data for chlorophyll a later if necessary. The satellites observe a stretch of the North Sea surface each time they pass over. Combining multiple stretches produces area-wide maps. Calibration and correction for atmospheric conditions is performed with sun photometers from AERONET-OC, a worldwide network organised by NASA. Rijkswaterstaat wants to contribute to this network with its own sensors on permanent platforms. Belgium and the United Kingdom also use these sun photometers, and Denmark may also start doing so soon. The JMP EUNOSAT project was completed in 2019. The results and recommendations are being fleshed out by OSPAR, which has also developed a web tool (OSPAR/ICES COMPEAT) to improve the efficiency of automated assessments. One of the results of the JMP EUNOSAT project was the conclusion of an agreement to install a new ferrybox on a cargo ship sailing between Rotterdam, Immingham (UK) and Tananger (Norway). This connection is e |
To achieve GES, the offshore zone and coastal waters must comply with the agreements made in OSPAR. The coastal waters must also comply with the requirements of the WFD. Nutrient concentrations must be monitored for both OSPAR and the WFD. For OSPAR, the input of nutrients must also be determined. The monitoring programme complies with the OSPAR Common Procedure (COMP), OSPAR CEMP Guidelines and with the technical specifications laid down in EU Directive 2009/90/EC (the WFD method) and the Dutch protocol on monitoring and status assessment of WFD surface water bodies (Rijkswaterstaat, 2020).
All measurements of the nutrients DIN and DIP and of salinity are part of Rijkswaterstaat’s monitoring programme (MWTL). The monitoring of these substances commenced around 1990. For the method of sampling and analysis, including information about quality assurance/quality control, see the OSPAR Guidelines (2013). The measurements are performed along transects perpendicular to the coast. Eight coastal locations are sampled every month, also in the winter period. Surveys are carried out at two offshore locations four times a year, thus also once during the winter. DIN and DIP concentrations are determined after filtration.
To calculate the riverine input, including total nitrogen and total phosphate, measurements of substances at WFD locations (MWTL) and discharge data from the National Water Monitoring Network (LMW) are used. Both are Rijkswaterstaat programmes. There are monitoring locations at the Haringvliet locks, Maassluis, IJmuiden, Vrouwezand (for water quality in the IJsselmeer) and Den Oever and Kornwerderzand (for water discharge). Concentrations are measured at least thirteen times a year. The discharges modelled on the basis of measurements are calculated per 24 hours.
The monitoring programme has been unchanged since 2014 and will also suffice for the MSFD for the period until 2026. OSPAR is revising the Common Procedure (COMP), the framework for monitoring and assessing eutrophication, in the period 2019-2022. In light of the MSFD requirement that the monitoring and assessment must be comparable and coherent, OSPAR ICG-EUT has developed a new approach in an EU project in which all agencies responsible for national monitoring of eutrophication in the North Sea participated (JMP EUNOSAT, 2019). The project focused mainly on chlorophyll a (see D5C2), but also produced a proposal for formulating coherent threshold values for DIN and DIP based on area-speci |
The OSPAR Comprehensive Atmospheric Monitoring Programme (CAMP) consists of coastal atmospheric monitoring stations where monitoring data are estimated to represent marine atmospheric deposition conditions. See OSPAR publications of annual CAMP Data reports for historic and current practice by OSPAR Contracting Parties. OSPAR produces assessments at the North East Atlantic Scale [and its sub-regions] CAMP data reported by Contracting Parties to OSPAR under this programme are managed by an external data centre. OSPAR CAMP Database at NILU http.ebas.nilu.no subject to OSPAR data policy. Database can be queried online. |
Monitoring purpose |
|
|
|
|
|
Other policies and conventions |
|
|
|
|
|
Regional cooperation - coordinating body |
|
|
|
|
|
Regional cooperation - countries involved |
NL |
NL |
NL |
NL |
NL |
Regional cooperation - implementation level |
Coordinated data collection |
Coordinated data collection |
Common monitoring strategy |
Coordinated data collection |
Coordinated data collection |
Monitoring details |
All measurements of the nutrients DIN and DIP and of salinity are part of Rijkswaterstaat’s monitoring programme (MWTL). The monitoring of these substances commenced around 1990. For the method of sampling and analysis, including information about quality assurance/quality control, see the OSPAR Guidelines (2013). The measurements are performed along transects perpendicular to the coast. Eight coastal locations are sampled every month, also in the winter period. Surveys are carried out at two offshore locations four times a year, thus also once during the winter. DIN and DIP concentrations are determined after filtration. |
Measurements of chlorophyll a are all part of Rijkswaterstaat’s monitoring programme (MWTL). The monitoring of chlorophyll a commenced around 1990. For the methods of sampling and analysis, including information on quality assurance/quality control, see the OSPAR CEMP (2016). Monitoring is carried out every two weeks during the summer period from March to September at six coastal locations. The frequency is once a month in areas further from the coast (at two locations) and once every two months in the remote areas of the DCS (also at two locations). |
|||
Features |
Eutrophication
|
Eutrophication
|
Eutrophication
|
Eutrophication
|
Eutrophication
|
Elements |
|
|
|
|
|
GES criteria |
D5C1 |
D5C5 |
D5C2 |
D5C1 |
D5C1 |
Parameters |
|
|
|
|
|
Parameter Other |
Precipitation and airborne |
||||
Spatial scope |
|
|
|
|
|
Marine reporting units |
|
|
|
|
|
Temporal scope (start date - end date) |
1990-9999 |
1990-9999 |
1990-9999 |
1990-9999 |
1990-9999 |
Monitoring frequency |
Monthly |
Other |
2-weekly |
Monthly |
Monthly |
Monitoring type |
|
|
|
|
|
Monitoring method |
|
|
|
|
|
Monitoring method other |
At least three measurements are taken at three locations in the Central Oyster Grounds between March and the end of September. |
OSPAR (2016) CEMP Guideline Chlorophyll a in water (Agreement 2016-01) (superseding 1997-04). |
Principles for the Comprehensive Atmospheric Monitoring Programme. Revised in 2005. Adopted: 2001. OSPAR Agreement Ref. No.: 2001-07 See CAMP Principles and reference to EMEP methods. |
||
Quality control |
For information about quality assurance/quality control, see the OSPAR CEMP.
Sampling and analysis are largely outsourced by Rijkswaterstaat to commercial laboratories with their own quality assurance system that is accredited according to NEN-EN-ISO / IEC 17025. |
For information about quality assurance/quality control, see the OSPAR CEMP.
Sampling and analysis are largely outsourced by Rijkswaterstaat to commercial laboratories with their own quality assurance system that is accredited according to NEN-EN-ISO / IEC 17025. |
For information about quality assurance/quality control, see the OSPAR CEMP.
Sampling and analysis are largely outsourced by Rijkswaterstaat to commercial laboratories with their own quality assurance system that is accredited according to NEN-EN-ISO / IEC 17025. |
The analyzes in environmental samples are largely outsourced by Rijkswaterstaat to commercial laboratories with their own quality assurance system that is accredited according to NEN-EN-ISO / IEC 17025. |
For information about quality assurance/quality control, see: https://www.ospar.org/work-areas/hasec/chemicals/camp |
Data management |
Marine Information and Data Centre
For WFD: https://www.waterkwaliteitsportaal.nl |
Marine Information and Data Centre
For WFD: https://www.waterkwaliteitsportaal.nl |
Marine Information and Data Centre
|
OSPAR
|
https://www.ospar.org/work-areas/hasec/chemicals/camp
|
Data access |
|||||
Related indicator/name |
|||||
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 |
OSPAR (2013) Common Procedure for the Identification of the Eutrophication Status of the OSPAR Maritime Area (Reference number: 2013-8). |