D9

9.1

D9

D9C1

• Dutch part of the North Sea (ANS-NL-MS-1)

The approach used by the Netherlands for setting targets and indicators is described in Annex 3 of the Common Understanding document (Approach 3). Targets are set at the level of, and structured along the 29 criteria from the Commission decision 2010/477. Basic principle in drafting the targets is to keep them as surveyable and straightforward as possible, focussing on the, as far as known, main pressures and impacts as identified in the initial assessment. The targets for 2020 are realistic targets. Starting from the present situation described in the initial assessment and aiming for GES, realistic targets for 2020 are set, taking into account attainability and affordability, social and economic considerations and the response time of the ecosystem. Where GES cannot be attained in 2020 interim targets are formulated. Indicators are structured along the criteria of the commission decision ,making use of the list of indicators presented in the commission decision. Basic principle in drafting the indicators is to keep the set as concise as possible with a focus on making the achievement of targets measurable, making use of existing indicators, as much as possible, in order to make the monitoring both effective and efficient and as much as possible within the existing budgets. Indicators have to link up with indicators of neighbouring countries in the North Sea. Advices from EU and OSPAR working groups, ICES and national institutes as well as insights from other studies have been used.

The levels of contaminants in fish and other sea food from the North Sea do not exceed the standards of national and international legislation.

not relevant for targets

-7777

not relevant for targets

Pressure

2020-06

GES

Overview of current and initiated policy
•Commission Regulation (EC) no. 1881/2006 states the maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs. For fish and other sea food, maximum levels have been set for lead, cadmium and mercury, dioxins/furans and dioxin-like PCBs, and benzo(a)pyrene.
•As a result of an amendment to this regulation – by means of Regulation (EU) no. 1259/2011 – European maximum levels for PCBs in fish and other sea food also apply as of 1 January 2012.
•The annexes to Regulation (EC) no. 396/2005 cover statutory Maximum Residual Levels (MRLs) for pesticides.
•The Commodities Act contains additional MRLs for some biocides in, among others, fish for consumption.
•Levels for radioactive substances in foodstuffs have been set down at a European level (e.g. in Regulation (Euratom) no. 3954/87.

• IntroHazSubstOther