The Good Environmental State (GES) for Descriptor 10, in the Azores subdivision ?will be reached if the amount of marine litter, and the resulting disaggregated and degraded products do not present risks for marine ecosystems and biota.? The absence of defined limit values for each OSPAR region make it impossible to assess GES for each criterion of Descriptor 10 as set out in Article 3 (5) (b) of the MSFD. However, in the Article 8 report, the assessment carried out for each criterion is described in more detail, according to the available information, which contributed to a preliminary quantitative assessment of good environmental status. It is expected that when the limit values are set for each of the parameters of Descriptor 10, the GES definition is updated, integrating existing criteria and indicators.

D10C1 ? Composition, quantity and spatial distribution of litter along the coastline, in the surface layer of water column and seabed, levels are at levels they do not endanger the coastal and marine environment. D10C2 ? spatial composition, quantity and distribution of micro-litter along the coastline, in the layer surface of the water column and bottom sediments of the sea are at levels that do not endanger the coastal and marine environment. D10C3 ? The amount of litter and micro-litter (classified as ?artificial polymer? and ?other? categories) ingested by marine animals is at a level that does not adversely affect the health of the species concerned. D10C4 ? The number of individuals of each species that are negatively affected by litter (e.g. by entanglement or undergoing other types of injury or death or health effects).

GES not determined at sub-regional level as laid down in Article 3 (5) (b) of the MSFD. The assessment under Article 8 was based on the level of risk, considering that if the level of risk is low, as the pressure resulting from human activities is low, GES is achieved.