The concentrations of contaminants relevant to the marine environment (UPBT and non-UPBT) meet the threshold values set at European (WFD, Dutch part of the North Sea) and regional level (OSPAR, Southern North Sea). Indicator(s) and (reference): Concentrations of priority and specific pollutants in water (WFD); Concentrations of priority and specific pollutants in biota (WFD); Thresholds: Priority substances: EU thresholds, other substances: national thresholds (cf. Directive 2008/105/EC) Indicator(s) and (reference): Metals, PAHs, PBDE, PCBs in biota (OSPAR); Metals, organotin, PAHs, PBDE, PCBs in sediment (OSPAR): Thresholds: Assessment criteria (OSPAR)

The health of species (marine snails) in the Southern North Sea is not harmed by contaminants (tributyltin) and meets the OSPAR threshold. Indicator(s) and (reference): Imposex in marine snails (OSPAR): Thresholds: Vas deferens sequence Tritia reticulata, Buccinum undatum <0.3, Nucella lapillus <2

Significant pollution events in the Dutch part of the North Sea have been minimised. Indicator(s) and (reference): Registration of incidental serious pollution (national) Oil and oily substance pollution (Bonn Agreement): Thresholds: n/a