2016 to 2019), also led by the IMAR/Okeans team, which sought, inter alia, to understand the amount of marine litter in the coastline and in the marine funds of the Azores between 2016 and 2019 and to study the intake of marine species. The work carried out in the framework of the AZORLIT and LEXAZ projects is part of the ?Action Plan for the marine litter of the Azores (PALMA)? coordinated by the DRAMs. The collection of data for garbage on the surface of the water column and seabed was also possible thanks to the POPA programme (Azores Fisheries Observer Programme) and the INDITIC project (Implementation Of Indicators Of Marine Litter And Biota In Regional Sea Conventions And Marine Strategy Framework Directive Areas) and the work carried out by the Rebikoff Foundation, in the collection of seabed images on the channel Faial-Palo.

2016 to 2019), also led by the IMAR/Okeans team, which sought, inter alia, to understand the amount of marine litter in the coastline and in the marine funds of the Azores between 2016 and 2019 and to study the intake of marine species. The work carried out in the framework of the AZORLIT and LEXAZ projects is part of the ?Action Plan for the marine litter of the Azores (PALMA)? coordinated by the DRAMs. The collection of data for garbage on the surface of the water column and seabed was also possible thanks to the POPA programme (Azores Fisheries Observer Programme) and the INDITIC project (Implementation Of Indicators Of Marine Litter And Biota In Regional Sea Conventions And Marine Strategy Framework Directive Areas) and the work carried out by the Rebikoff Foundation, in the collection of seabed images on the channel Faial-Palo.

2016 to 2019), also led by the IMAR/Okeans team, which sought, inter alia, to understand the amount of marine litter in the coastline and in the marine funds of the Azores between 2016 and 2019 and to study the intake of marine species. The work carried out in the framework of the AZORLIT and LEXAZ projects is part of the ?Action Plan for the marine litter of the Azores (PALMA)? coordinated by the DRAMs. The collection of data for garbage on the surface of the water column and seabed was also possible thanks to the POPA programme (Azores Fisheries Observer Programme) and the INDITIC project (Implementation Of Indicators Of Marine Litter And Biota In Regional Sea Conventions And Marine Strategy Framework Directive Areas) and the work carried out by the Rebikoff Foundation, in the collection of seabed images on the channel Faial-Palo.

2016 to 2019), also led by the IMAR/Okeans team, which sought, inter alia, to understand the amount of marine litter in the coastline and in the marine funds of the Azores between 2016 and 2019 and to study the intake of marine species. The work carried out in the framework of the AZORLIT and LEXAZ projects is part of the ?Action Plan for the marine litter of the Azores (PALMA)? coordinated by the DRAMs. The collection of data for garbage on the surface of the water column and seabed was also possible thanks to the POPA programme (Azores Fisheries Observer Programme) and the INDITIC project (Implementation Of Indicators Of Marine Litter And Biota In Regional Sea Conventions And Marine Strategy Framework Directive Areas) and the work carried out by the Rebikoff Foundation, in the collection of seabed images on the channel Faial-Palo.

2016 to 2019), also led by the IMAR/Okeans team, which sought, inter alia, to understand the amount of marine litter in the coastline and in the marine funds of the Azores between 2016 and 2019 and to study the intake of marine species. The work carried out in the framework of the AZORLIT and LEXAZ projects is part of the ?Action Plan for the marine litter of the Azores (PALMA)? coordinated by the DRAMs. The collection of data for garbage on the surface of the water column and seabed was also possible thanks to the POPA programme (Azores Fisheries Observer Programme) and the INDITIC project (Implementation Of Indicators Of Marine Litter And Biota In Regional Sea Conventions And Marine Strategy Framework Directive Areas) and the work carried out by the Rebikoff Foundation, in the collection of seabed images on the channel Faial-Palo.

2016 to 2019), also led by the IMAR/Okeans team, which sought, inter alia, to understand the amount of marine litter in the coastline and in the marine funds of the Azores between 2016 and 2019 and to study the intake of marine species. The work carried out in the framework of the AZORLIT and LEXAZ projects is part of the ?Action Plan for the marine litter of the Azores (PALMA)? coordinated by the DRAMs. The collection of data for garbage on the surface of the water column and seabed was also possible thanks to the POPA programme (Azores Fisheries Observer Programme) and the INDITIC project (Implementation Of Indicators Of Marine Litter And Biota In Regional Sea Conventions And Marine Strategy Framework Directive Areas) and the work carried out by the Rebikoff Foundation, in the collection of seabed images on the channel Faial-Palo.

2016 to 2019), also led by the IMAR/Okeans team, which sought, inter alia, to understand the amount of marine litter in the coastline and in the marine funds of the Azores between 2016 and 2019 and to study the intake of marine species. The work carried out in the framework of the AZORLIT and LEXAZ projects is part of the ?Action Plan for the marine litter of the Azores (PALMA)? coordinated by the DRAMs. The collection of data for garbage on the surface of the water column and seabed was also possible thanks to the POPA programme (Azores Fisheries Observer Programme) and the INDITIC project (Implementation Of Indicators Of Marine Litter And Biota In Regional Sea Conventions And Marine Strategy Framework Directive Areas) and the work carried out by the Rebikoff Foundation, in the collection of seabed images on the channel Faial-Palo.

2016 to 2019), also led by the IMAR/Okeans team, which sought, inter alia, to understand the amount of marine litter in the coastline and in the marine funds of the Azores between 2016 and 2019 and to study the intake of marine species. The work carried out in the framework of the AZORLIT and LEXAZ projects is part of the ?Action Plan for the marine litter of the Azores (PALMA)? coordinated by the DRAMs. The collection of data for garbage on the surface of the water column and seabed was also possible thanks to the POPA programme (Azores Fisheries Observer Programme) and the INDITIC project (Implementation Of Indicators Of Marine Litter And Biota In Regional Sea Conventions And Marine Strategy Framework Directive Areas) and the work carried out by the Rebikoff Foundation, in the collection of seabed images on the channel Faial-Palo.

2016 to 2019), also led by the IMAR/Okeans team, which sought, inter alia, to understand the amount of marine litter in the coastline and in the marine funds of the Azores between 2016 and 2019 and to study the intake of marine species. The work carried out in the framework of the AZORLIT and LEXAZ projects is part of the ?Action Plan for the marine litter of the Azores (PALMA)? coordinated by the DRAMs. The collection of data for garbage on the surface of the water column and seabed was also possible thanks to the POPA programme (Azores Fisheries Observer Programme) and the INDITIC project (Implementation Of Indicators Of Marine Litter And Biota In Regional Sea Conventions And Marine Strategy Framework Directive Areas) and the work carried out by the Rebikoff Foundation, in the collection of seabed images on the channel Faial-Palo.

2016 to 2019), also led by the IMAR/Okeans team, which sought, inter alia, to understand the amount of marine litter in the coastline and in the marine funds of the Azores between 2016 and 2019 and to study the intake of marine species. The work carried out in the framework of the AZORLIT and LEXAZ projects is part of the ?Action Plan for the marine litter of the Azores (PALMA)? coordinated by the DRAMs. The collection of data for garbage on the surface of the water column and seabed was also possible thanks to the POPA programme (Azores Fisheries Observer Programme) and the INDITIC project (Implementation Of Indicators Of Marine Litter And Biota In Regional Sea Conventions And Marine Strategy Framework Directive Areas) and the work carried out by the Rebikoff Foundation, in the collection of seabed images on the channel Faial-Palo.

2016 to 2019), also led by the IMAR/Okeans team, which sought, inter alia, to understand the amount of marine litter in the coastline and in the marine funds of the Azores between 2016 and 2019 and to study the intake of marine species. The work carried out in the framework of the AZORLIT and LEXAZ projects is part of the ?Action Plan for the marine litter of the Azores (PALMA)? coordinated by the DRAMs. The collection of data for garbage on the surface of the water column and seabed was also possible thanks to the POPA programme (Azores Fisheries Observer Programme) and the INDITIC project (Implementation Of Indicators Of Marine Litter And Biota In Regional Sea Conventions And Marine Strategy Framework Directive Areas) and the work carried out by the Rebikoff Foundation, in the collection of seabed images on the channel Faial-Palo.

2016 to 2019), also led by the IMAR/Okeans team, which sought, inter alia, to understand the amount of marine litter in the coastline and in the marine funds of the Azores between 2016 and 2019 and to study the intake of marine species. The work carried out in the framework of the AZORLIT and LEXAZ projects is part of the ?Action Plan for the marine litter of the Azores (PALMA)? coordinated by the DRAMs. The collection of data for garbage on the surface of the water column and seabed was also possible thanks to the POPA programme (Azores Fisheries Observer Programme) and the INDITIC project (Implementation Of Indicators Of Marine Litter And Biota In Regional Sea Conventions And Marine Strategy Framework Directive Areas) and the work carried out by the Rebikoff Foundation, in the collection of seabed images on the channel Faial-Palo.

2016 to 2019), also led by the IMAR/Okeans team, which sought, inter alia, to understand the amount of marine litter in the coastline and in the marine funds of the Azores between 2016 and 2019 and to study the intake of marine species. The work carried out in the framework of the AZORLIT and LEXAZ projects is part of the ?Action Plan for the marine litter of the Azores (PALMA)? coordinated by the DRAMs. The collection of data for garbage on the surface of the water column and seabed was also possible thanks to the POPA programme (Azores Fisheries Observer Programme) and the INDITIC project (Implementation Of Indicators Of Marine Litter And Biota In Regional Sea Conventions And Marine Strategy Framework Directive Areas) and the work carried out by the Rebikoff Foundation, in the collection of seabed images on the channel Faial-Palo.

2016 to 2019), also led by the IMAR/Okeans team, which sought, inter alia, to understand the amount of marine litter in the coastline and in the marine funds of the Azores between 2016 and 2019 and to study the intake of marine species. The work carried out in the framework of the AZORLIT and LEXAZ projects is part of the ?Action Plan for the marine litter of the Azores (PALMA)? coordinated by the DRAMs. The collection of data for garbage on the surface of the water column and seabed was also possible thanks to the POPA programme (Azores Fisheries Observer Programme) and the INDITIC project (Implementation Of Indicators Of Marine Litter And Biota In Regional Sea Conventions And Marine Strategy Framework Directive Areas) and the work carried out by the Rebikoff Foundation, in the collection of seabed images on the channel Faial-Palo.

2016 to 2019), also led by the IMAR/Okeans team, which sought, inter alia, to understand the amount of marine litter in the coastline and in the marine funds of the Azores between 2016 and 2019 and to study the intake of marine species. The work carried out in the framework of the AZORLIT and LEXAZ projects is part of the ?Action Plan for the marine litter of the Azores (PALMA)? coordinated by the DRAMs. The collection of data for garbage on the surface of the water column and seabed was also possible thanks to the POPA programme (Azores Fisheries Observer Programme) and the INDITIC project (Implementation Of Indicators Of Marine Litter And Biota In Regional Sea Conventions And Marine Strategy Framework Directive Areas) and the work carried out by the Rebikoff Foundation, in the collection of seabed images on the channel Faial-Palo.

2016 to 2019), also led by the IMAR/Okeans team, which sought, inter alia, to understand the amount of marine litter in the coastline and in the marine funds of the Azores between 2016 and 2019 and to study the intake of marine species. The work carried out in the framework of the AZORLIT and LEXAZ projects is part of the ?Action Plan for the marine litter of the Azores (PALMA)? coordinated by the DRAMs. The collection of data for garbage on the surface of the water column and seabed was also possible thanks to the POPA programme (Azores Fisheries Observer Programme) and the INDITIC project (Implementation Of Indicators Of Marine Litter And Biota In Regional Sea Conventions And Marine Strategy Framework Directive Areas) and the work carried out by the Rebikoff Foundation, in the collection of seabed images on the channel Faial-Palo.

2016 to 2019), also led by the IMAR/Okeans team, which sought, inter alia, to understand the amount of marine litter in the coastline and in the marine funds of the Azores between 2016 and 2019 and to study the intake of marine species. The work carried out in the framework of the AZORLIT and LEXAZ projects is part of the ?Action Plan for the marine litter of the Azores (PALMA)? coordinated by the DRAMs. The collection of data for garbage on the surface of the water column and seabed was also possible thanks to the POPA programme (Azores Fisheries Observer Programme) and the INDITIC project (Implementation Of Indicators Of Marine Litter And Biota In Regional Sea Conventions And Marine Strategy Framework Directive Areas) and the work carried out by the Rebikoff Foundation, in the collection of seabed images on the channel Faial-Palo.

2016 to 2019), also led by the IMAR/Okeans team, which sought, inter alia, to understand the amount of marine litter in the coastline and in the marine funds of the Azores between 2016 and 2019 and to study the intake of marine species. The work carried out in the framework of the AZORLIT and LEXAZ projects is part of the ?Action Plan for the marine litter of the Azores (PALMA)? coordinated by the DRAMs. The collection of data for garbage on the surface of the water column and seabed was also possible thanks to the POPA programme (Azores Fisheries Observer Programme) and the INDITIC project (Implementation Of Indicators Of Marine Litter And Biota In Regional Sea Conventions And Marine Strategy Framework Directive Areas) and the work carried out by the Rebikoff Foundation, in the collection of seabed images on the channel Faial-Palo.

2016 to 2019), also led by the IMAR/Okeans team, which sought, inter alia, to understand the amount of marine litter in the coastline and in the marine funds of the Azores between 2016 and 2019 and to study the intake of marine species. The work carried out in the framework of the AZORLIT and LEXAZ projects is part of the ?Action Plan for the marine litter of the Azores (PALMA)? coordinated by the DRAMs. The collection of data for garbage on the surface of the water column and seabed was also possible thanks to the POPA programme (Azores Fisheries Observer Programme) and the INDITIC project (Implementation Of Indicators Of Marine Litter And Biota In Regional Sea Conventions And Marine Strategy Framework Directive Areas) and the work carried out by the Rebikoff Foundation, in the collection of seabed images on the channel Faial-Palo.

2016 to 2019), also led by the IMAR/Okeans team, which sought, inter alia, to understand the amount of marine litter in the coastline and in the marine funds of the Azores between 2016 and 2019 and to study the intake of marine species. The work carried out in the framework of the AZORLIT and LEXAZ projects is part of the ?Action Plan for the marine litter of the Azores (PALMA)? coordinated by the DRAMs. The collection of data for garbage on the surface of the water column and seabed was also possible thanks to the POPA programme (Azores Fisheries Observer Programme) and the INDITIC project (Implementation Of Indicators Of Marine Litter And Biota In Regional Sea Conventions And Marine Strategy Framework Directive Areas) and the work carried out by the Rebikoff Foundation, in the collection of seabed images on the channel Faial-Palo.

In the first assessment of Good Environmental Status (GES) in the Azores sub-dividend, the need to obtain data enabling, not only to characterise the impacts of marine litter on marine ecosystems, was identified, but also to assess its evolution over time. In spite of the progress made during the first cycle in acquiring data to assess the current status of the subdivision of the Azores for marine litter, due to the absence of thresholds for the descriptor and the criteria, it is still not possible to assess GES. The assessment of the presence of macro- and microscopic litter in marine species (ceguro, Calonectris harbour turtle Caretta caretta) was based on the results of the AZORLIT project (Establiishing the baseline on Marine Litter in the Azres) (2015-2016). This project was funded by the Gallia Foundation and implemented by Dr Christopher Pham?s work at the IMAR/Okeans of the University of the Azores, with the collaboration of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Regional Directorate for Sea Affairs (DRAMs), the Azores Observatory (WCO), the Regional Environmental Directorate (DRA) and the Islands Natural Park (PNI) through the work of the nature staff. The AZORLIT project was continued with the LEXAZ project (CORCO01-0145-FEDER-00053

In the first assessment of Good Environmental Status (GES) in the Azores sub-dividend, the need to obtain data enabling, not only to characterise the impacts of marine litter on marine ecosystems, was identified, but also to assess its evolution over time. In spite of the progress made during the first cycle in acquiring data to assess the current status of the subdivision of the Azores for marine litter, due to the absence of thresholds for the descriptor and the criteria, it is still not possible to assess GES. The assessment of the presence of macro- and microscopic litter in marine species (ceguro, Calonectris harbour turtle Caretta caretta) was based on the results of the AZORLIT project (Establiishing the baseline on Marine Litter in the Azres) (2015-2016). This project was funded by the Gallia Foundation and implemented by Dr Christopher Pham?s work at the IMAR/Okeans of the University of the Azores, with the collaboration of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Regional Directorate for Sea Affairs (DRAMs), the Azores Observatory (WCO), the Regional Environmental Directorate (DRA) and the Islands Natural Park (PNI) through the work of the nature staff. The AZORLIT project was continued with the LEXAZ project (CORCO01-0145-FEDER-00053

In the first assessment of Good Environmental Status (GES) in the Azores sub-dividend, the need to obtain data enabling, not only to characterise the impacts of marine litter on marine ecosystems, was identified, but also to assess its evolution over time. In spite of the progress made during the first cycle in acquiring data to assess the current status of the subdivision of the Azores for marine litter, due to the absence of thresholds for the descriptor and the criteria, it is still not possible to assess GES. The assessment of the presence of macro- and microscopic litter in marine species (ceguro, Calonectris harbour turtle Caretta caretta) was based on the results of the AZORLIT project (Establiishing the baseline on Marine Litter in the Azres) (2015-2016). This project was funded by the Gallia Foundation and implemented by Dr Christopher Pham?s work at the IMAR/Okeans of the University of the Azores, with the collaboration of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Regional Directorate for Sea Affairs (DRAMs), the Azores Observatory (WCO), the Regional Environmental Directorate (DRA) and the Islands Natural Park (PNI) through the work of the nature staff. The AZORLIT project was continued with the LEXAZ project (CORCO01-0145-FEDER-00053

In the first assessment of Good Environmental Status (GES) in the Azores sub-dividend, the need to obtain data enabling, not only to characterise the impacts of marine litter on marine ecosystems, was identified, but also to assess its evolution over time. In spite of the progress made during the first cycle in acquiring data to assess the current status of the subdivision of the Azores for marine litter, due to the absence of thresholds for the descriptor and the criteria, it is still not possible to assess GES. The assessment of the presence of macro- and microscopic litter in marine species (ceguro, Calonectris harbour turtle Caretta caretta) was based on the results of the AZORLIT project (Establiishing the baseline on Marine Litter in the Azres) (2015-2016). This project was funded by the Gallia Foundation and implemented by Dr Christopher Pham?s work at the IMAR/Okeans of the University of the Azores, with the collaboration of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Regional Directorate for Sea Affairs (DRAMs), the Azores Observatory (WCO), the Regional Environmental Directorate (DRA) and the Islands Natural Park (PNI) through the work of the nature staff. The AZORLIT project was continued with the LEXAZ project (CORCO01-0145-FEDER-00053

In the first assessment of Good Environmental Status (GES) in the Azores sub-dividend, the need to obtain data enabling, not only to characterise the impacts of marine litter on marine ecosystems, was identified, but also to assess its evolution over time. In spite of the progress made during the first cycle in acquiring data to assess the current status of the subdivision of the Azores for marine litter, due to the absence of thresholds for the descriptor and the criteria, it is still not possible to assess GES. The assessment of the presence of macro- and microscopic litter in marine species (ceguro, Calonectris harbour turtle Caretta caretta) was based on the results of the AZORLIT project (Establiishing the baseline on Marine Litter in the Azres) (2015-2016). This project was funded by the Gallia Foundation and implemented by Dr Christopher Pham?s work at the IMAR/Okeans of the University of the Azores, with the collaboration of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Regional Directorate for Sea Affairs (DRAMs), the Azores Observatory (WCO), the Regional Environmental Directorate (DRA) and the Islands Natural Park (PNI) through the work of the nature staff. The AZORLIT project was continued with the LEXAZ project (CORCO01-0145-FEDER-00053

In the first assessment of Good Environmental Status (GES) in the Azores sub-dividend, the need to obtain data enabling, not only to characterise the impacts of marine litter on marine ecosystems, was identified, but also to assess its evolution over time. In spite of the progress made during the first cycle in acquiring data to assess the current status of the subdivision of the Azores for marine litter, due to the absence of thresholds for the descriptor and the criteria, it is still not possible to assess GES. The assessment of the presence of macro- and microscopic litter in marine species (ceguro, Calonectris harbour turtle Caretta caretta) was based on the results of the AZORLIT project (Establiishing the baseline on Marine Litter in the Azres) (2015-2016). This project was funded by the Gallia Foundation and implemented by Dr Christopher Pham?s work at the IMAR/Okeans of the University of the Azores, with the collaboration of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Regional Directorate for Sea Affairs (DRAMs), the Azores Observatory (WCO), the Regional Environmental Directorate (DRA) and the Islands Natural Park (PNI) through the work of the nature staff. The AZORLIT project was continued with the LEXAZ project (CORCO01-0145-FEDER-00053

In the first assessment of Good Environmental Status (GES) in the Azores sub-dividend, the need to obtain data enabling, not only to characterise the impacts of marine litter on marine ecosystems, was identified, but also to assess its evolution over time. In spite of the progress made during the first cycle in acquiring data to assess the current status of the subdivision of the Azores for marine litter, due to the absence of thresholds for the descriptor and the criteria, it is still not possible to assess GES. The assessment of the presence of macro- and microscopic litter in marine species (ceguro, Calonectris harbour turtle Caretta caretta) was based on the results of the AZORLIT project (Establiishing the baseline on Marine Litter in the Azres) (2015-2016). This project was funded by the Gallia Foundation and implemented by Dr Christopher Pham?s work at the IMAR/Okeans of the University of the Azores, with the collaboration of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Regional Directorate for Sea Affairs (DRAMs), the Azores Observatory (WCO), the Regional Environmental Directorate (DRA) and the Islands Natural Park (PNI) through the work of the nature staff. The AZORLIT project was continued with the LEXAZ project (CORCO01-0145-FEDER-00053

In the first assessment of Good Environmental Status (GES) in the Azores sub-dividend, the need to obtain data enabling, not only to characterise the impacts of marine litter on marine ecosystems, was identified, but also to assess its evolution over time. In spite of the progress made during the first cycle in acquiring data to assess the current status of the subdivision of the Azores for marine litter, due to the absence of thresholds for the descriptor and the criteria, it is still not possible to assess GES. The assessment of the presence of macro- and microscopic litter in marine species (ceguro, Calonectris harbour turtle Caretta caretta) was based on the results of the AZORLIT project (Establiishing the baseline on Marine Litter in the Azres) (2015-2016). This project was funded by the Gallia Foundation and implemented by Dr Christopher Pham?s work at the IMAR/Okeans of the University of the Azores, with the collaboration of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Regional Directorate for Sea Affairs (DRAMs), the Azores Observatory (WCO), the Regional Environmental Directorate (DRA) and the Islands Natural Park (PNI) through the work of the nature staff. The AZORLIT project was continued with the LEXAZ project (CORCO01-0145-FEDER-00053

In the absence of harmonised methods and procedures to assess trends in the composition, quantity and spatial distribution of litter in the marine environment, in particular microplastics, technical and scientific groups have been set up at the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), the Joint Research Centre (JRC), the European Commission, the Regional Sea Conventions and include representatives of the Member States. These groups produced several supporting documents to identify knowledge gaps and harmonise best practices for the implementation of the D10 evaluation in the MSFD. None of the indicators for missing studies/monitoring could not be made in the initial assessment report. Thus, in the initial assessment report it was not possible to carry out the assessment of D10?s GES for the subdivision of Madeira due to the lack of sufficient information to establish trends in the amount of litter on beaches, water column and seabed and to characterise the impacts of litter on marine ecosystems. Taking into account the need identified in the initial assessment report to foster research on indicators for Descriptor 10, a number of research projects have been initiated in the context of the marine waste (ex: PLSMAR18, CleanAtlantich19), which will lay the foundations for continued monitoring in the subdivision of Madeira. This work mainly concerns D10C1, more particularly on the coastline, and D10C2 (coastline and water column), and opportunistic information was also gathered for these criteria with regard to the seabed. The absence of thresholds for levels of marine litter implies that the assessment of the GES of the descriptor, in combination with the lack of information available for the subdivision of Madeira, is not possible. Therefore, while significant progress has been made on the initial report, the number of research projects for this descriptor, the fact that the data were not yet made makes it impossible to assess the GES of D10 in the subdivision of Madeira. There are a number of ongoing work on turtles, cetaceans and bird monitoring programmes, and on beaches, but which are not yet available in publications.

In the absence of harmonised methods and procedures to assess trends in the composition, quantity and spatial distribution of litter in the marine environment, in particular microplastics, technical and scientific groups have been set up at the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), the Joint Research Centre (JRC), the European Commission, the Regional Sea Conventions and include representatives of the Member States. These groups produced several supporting documents to identify knowledge gaps and harmonise best practices for the implementation of the D10 evaluation in the MSFD. None of the indicators for missing studies/monitoring could not be made in the initial assessment report. Thus, in the initial assessment report it was not possible to carry out the assessment of D10?s GES for the subdivision of Madeira due to the lack of sufficient information to establish trends in the amount of litter on beaches, water column and seabed and to characterise the impacts of litter on marine ecosystems. Taking into account the need identified in the initial assessment report to foster research on indicators for Descriptor 10, a number of research projects have been initiated in the context of the marine waste (ex: PLSMAR18, CleanAtlantich19), which will lay the foundations for continued monitoring in the subdivision of Madeira. This work mainly concerns D10C1, more particularly on the coastline, and D10C2 (coastline and water column), and opportunistic information was also gathered for these criteria with regard to the seabed. The absence of thresholds for levels of marine litter implies that the assessment of the GES of the descriptor, in combination with the lack of information available for the subdivision of Madeira, is not possible. Therefore, while significant progress has been made on the initial report, the number of research projects for this descriptor, the fact that the data were not yet made makes it impossible to assess the GES of D10 in the subdivision of Madeira. There are a number of ongoing work on turtles, cetaceans and bird monitoring programmes, and on beaches, but which are not yet available in publications.

In the absence of harmonised methods and procedures to assess trends in the composition, quantity and spatial distribution of litter in the marine environment, in particular microplastics, technical and scientific groups have been set up at the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), the Joint Research Centre (JRC), the European Commission, the Regional Sea Conventions and include representatives of the Member States. These groups produced several supporting documents to identify knowledge gaps and harmonise best practices for the implementation of the D10 evaluation in the MSFD. None of the indicators for missing studies/monitoring could not be made in the initial assessment report. Thus, in the initial assessment report it was not possible to carry out the assessment of D10?s GES for the subdivision of Madeira due to the lack of sufficient information to establish trends in the amount of litter on beaches, water column and seabed and to characterise the impacts of litter on marine ecosystems. Taking into account the need identified in the initial assessment report to foster research on indicators for Descriptor 10, a number of research projects have been initiated in the context of the marine waste (ex: PLSMAR18, CleanAtlantich19), which will lay the foundations for continued monitoring in the subdivision of Madeira. This work mainly concerns D10C1, more particularly on the coastline, and D10C2 (coastline and water column), and opportunistic information was also gathered for these criteria with regard to the seabed. The absence of thresholds for levels of marine litter implies that the assessment of the GES of the descriptor, in combination with the lack of information available for the subdivision of Madeira, is not possible. Therefore, while significant progress has been made on the initial report, the number of research projects for this descriptor, the fact that the data were not yet made makes it impossible to assess the GES of D10 in the subdivision of Madeira. There are a number of ongoing work on turtles, cetaceans and bird monitoring programmes, and on beaches, but which are not yet available in publications.