Member State report / Art8 / 2018 / D7 / Portugal / NE Atlantic: Macaronesia
| Report type | Member State report to Commission |
| MSFD Article | Art. 8 Initial assessment (and Art. 17 updates) |
| Report due | 2018-10-15 |
| GES Descriptor | D7 Hydrographical changes |
| Member State | Portugal |
| Region/subregion | NE Atlantic: Macaronesia |
| Reported by | DGRM |
| Report date | 2021-03-03 |
| Report access | ART8_GES_PT_setembro2020.xml |
Azores Subdivision (AMA-PT-SD-AZO)
GES component |
D7
|
D7
|
D7
|
D7
|
D7
|
D7
|
D7
|
D7
|
D7
|
D7
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Feature |
Hydrographical changes
|
Hydrographical changes
|
Hydrographical changes
|
Hydrographical changes
|
Hydrographical changes
|
Hydrographical changes
|
Hydrographical changes
|
Hydrographical changes
|
Hydrographical changes
|
Hydrographical changes
|
Element |
Benthic habitats |
Benthic habitats |
Benthic habitats |
Benthic habitats |
Benthic habitats |
Benthic habitats |
Benthic habitats |
Benthic habitats |
Benthic habitats |
Benthic habitats |
Element code |
HabBenAll |
HabBenAll |
HabBenAll |
HabBenAll |
HabBenAll |
HabBenAll |
HabBenAll |
HabBenAll |
HabBenAll |
HabBenAll |
Element code source |
Habitats (D1-D6) http://dd.eionet.europa.eu/vocabulary/msfd/broadHabitatTypes/view
|
Habitats (D1-D6) http://dd.eionet.europa.eu/vocabulary/msfd/broadHabitatTypes/view
|
Habitats (D1-D6) http://dd.eionet.europa.eu/vocabulary/msfd/broadHabitatTypes/view
|
Habitats (D1-D6) http://dd.eionet.europa.eu/vocabulary/msfd/broadHabitatTypes/view
|
Habitats (D1-D6) http://dd.eionet.europa.eu/vocabulary/msfd/broadHabitatTypes/view
|
Habitats (D1-D6) http://dd.eionet.europa.eu/vocabulary/msfd/broadHabitatTypes/view
|
Habitats (D1-D6) http://dd.eionet.europa.eu/vocabulary/msfd/broadHabitatTypes/view
|
Habitats (D1-D6) http://dd.eionet.europa.eu/vocabulary/msfd/broadHabitatTypes/view
|
Habitats (D1-D6) http://dd.eionet.europa.eu/vocabulary/msfd/broadHabitatTypes/view
|
Habitats (D1-D6) http://dd.eionet.europa.eu/vocabulary/msfd/broadHabitatTypes/view
|
Element 2 |
||||||||||
Element 2 code |
||||||||||
Element 2 code source |
||||||||||
Element source |
National |
National |
National |
National |
National |
National |
National |
National |
National |
National |
Criterion |
D7C1
|
D7C1
|
D7C1
|
D7C1
|
D7C1
|
D7C1
|
D7C1
|
D7C2
|
D7C2
|
D7C2
|
Parameter |
Other
|
Other
|
Other
|
Other
|
Other
|
Other
|
Other
|
Other
|
Other
|
Other
|
Parameter other |
Currents
|
Swell
|
Other parameters: pH of the surface of the sea, part pressure of CO2, gradient of CO2 oceanic-air, wind speed and CO2 flow.
|
Salinity
|
Temperature
|
Topography
|
Turbidity
|
Emergence for the islands of the Azores Central Group (Faial, Pico, São Jorge, Graciosa and Terceira)
|
Azores Islands of the Azores (Flores and Corvo)
|
Artificiality for the Azores East Group Islands (São Miguel and Santa Maria)
|
Threshold value upper |
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Threshold value lower |
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Threshold qualitative |
Qualitative assessment
|
Qualitative assessment
|
Qualitative assessment
|
Qualitative assessment
|
Qualitative assessment
|
Qualitative assessment
|
Qualitative assessment
|
qualitative assessment
|
Qualitative assessment
|
qualitative assessment
|
Threshold value source |
||||||||||
Threshold value source other |
||||||||||
Value achieved upper |
||||||||||
Value achieved lower |
||||||||||
Value unit |
||||||||||
Value unit other |
||||||||||
Proportion threshold value |
||||||||||
Proportion value achieved |
||||||||||
Proportion threshold value unit |
||||||||||
Trend |
Stable |
Stable |
Stable |
Stable |
Stable |
Stable |
Stable |
Stable |
Stable |
Stable |
Parameter achieved |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Description parameter |
||||||||||
Related indicator |
||||||||||
Criteria status |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Description criteria |
There are 18 layers on the characteristics of the seabed in the Azores region, also including information on: (1) geomorphological variables of the seabed produced from different geoprocessing tools; (2) delimitation of biological zones based on depth; (3) diversity of different geomorphological structures. Occurrence of 46 epibentonic facies between 200 and 3300 m depth: evidence of the diversity of mosaics of the biological communities that occur in the bathyal and abyssal environments of the Azores, with a bathymetric zoning. The Azores have high energy waves which are sources of coastal energy, where the northern coasts are more exposed than those facing south, although most storms come from the southwest. Sediments are easily dragged and held in suspension either by the waves associated with the storms or by the currents themselves, and are subsequently deposited at depths greater than 50 m as a result of several factors, including the excessive weight of sediments in suspension. The events that lead to greater turbidity come essentially from high precipitation occurrences through the formation of torrents that carry substantial amounts of suspended solid elements; the plumes that are formed may promote a higher degree of turbidity of coastal waters that will persist for a few days, and the turbulence processes are relevant for the removal and dispersion from the seabed of suspended materials resulting from activities such as discharges from freshwaters, hydrothermal vents or even artificial mining. [for more detailed information and respective bibliographical references consult the written report]
|
There are 18 layers on the characteristics of the seabed in the Azores region, also including information on: (1) geomorphological variables of the seabed produced from different geoprocessing tools; (2) delimitation of biological zones based on depth; (3) diversity of different geomorphological structures. Occurrence of 46 epibentonic facies between 200 and 3300 m depth: evidence of the diversity of mosaics of the biological communities that occur in the bathyal and abyssal environments of the Azores, with a bathymetric zoning. The Azores have high energy waves which are sources of coastal energy, where the northern coasts are more exposed than those facing south, although most storms come from the southwest. Sediments are easily dragged and held in suspension either by the waves associated with the storms or by the currents themselves, and are subsequently deposited at depths greater than 50 m as a result of several factors, including the excessive weight of sediments in suspension. The events that lead to greater turbidity come essentially from high precipitation occurrences through the formation of torrents that carry substantial amounts of suspended solid elements; the plumes that are formed may promote a higher degree of turbidity of coastal waters that will persist for a few days, and the turbulence processes are relevant for the removal and dispersion from the seabed of suspended materials resulting from activities such as discharges from freshwaters, hydrothermal vents or even artificial mining. [for more detailed information and respective bibliographical references consult the written report]
|
There are 18 layers on the characteristics of the seabed in the Azores region, also including information on: (1) geomorphological variables of the seabed produced from different geoprocessing tools; (2) delimitation of biological zones based on depth; (3) diversity of different geomorphological structures. Occurrence of 46 epibentonic facies between 200 and 3300 m depth: evidence of the diversity of mosaics of the biological communities that occur in the bathyal and abyssal environments of the Azores, with a bathymetric zoning. The Azores have high energy waves which are sources of coastal energy, where the northern coasts are more exposed than those facing south, although most storms come from the southwest. Sediments are easily dragged and held in suspension either by the waves associated with the storms or by the currents themselves, and are subsequently deposited at depths greater than 50 m as a result of several factors, including the excessive weight of sediments in suspension. The events that lead to greater turbidity come essentially from high precipitation occurrences through the formation of torrents that carry substantial amounts of suspended solid elements; the plumes that are formed may promote a higher degree of turbidity of coastal waters that will persist for a few days, and the turbulence processes are relevant for the removal and dispersion from the seabed of suspended materials resulting from activities such as discharges from freshwaters, hydrothermal vents or even artificial mining. [for more detailed information and respective bibliographical references consult the written report]
|
There are 18 layers on the characteristics of the seabed in the Azores region, also including information on: (1) geomorphological variables of the seabed produced from different geoprocessing tools; (2) delimitation of biological zones based on depth; (3) diversity of different geomorphological structures. Occurrence of 46 epibentonic facies between 200 and 3300 m depth: evidence of the diversity of mosaics of the biological communities that occur in the bathyal and abyssal environments of the Azores, with a bathymetric zoning. The Azores have high energy waves which are sources of coastal energy, where the northern coasts are more exposed than those facing south, although most storms come from the southwest. Sediments are easily dragged and held in suspension either by the waves associated with the storms or by the currents themselves, and are subsequently deposited at depths greater than 50 m as a result of several factors, including the excessive weight of sediments in suspension. The events that lead to greater turbidity come essentially from high precipitation occurrences through the formation of torrents that carry substantial amounts of suspended solid elements; the plumes that are formed may promote a higher degree of turbidity of coastal waters that will persist for a few days, and the turbulence processes are relevant for the removal and dispersion from the seabed of suspended materials resulting from activities such as discharges from freshwaters, hydrothermal vents or even artificial mining. [for more detailed information and respective bibliographical references consult the written report]
|
There are 18 layers on the characteristics of the seabed in the Azores region, also including information on: (1) geomorphological variables of the seabed produced from different geoprocessing tools; (2) delimitation of biological zones based on depth; (3) diversity of different geomorphological structures. Occurrence of 46 epibentonic facies between 200 and 3300 m depth: evidence of the diversity of mosaics of the biological communities that occur in the bathyal and abyssal environments of the Azores, with a bathymetric zoning. The Azores have high energy waves which are sources of coastal energy, where the northern coasts are more exposed than those facing south, although most storms come from the southwest. Sediments are easily dragged and held in suspension either by the waves associated with the storms or by the currents themselves, and are subsequently deposited at depths greater than 50 m as a result of several factors, including the excessive weight of sediments in suspension. The events that lead to greater turbidity come essentially from high precipitation occurrences through the formation of torrents that carry substantial amounts of suspended solid elements; the plumes that are formed may promote a higher degree of turbidity of coastal waters that will persist for a few days, and the turbulence processes are relevant for the removal and dispersion from the seabed of suspended materials resulting from activities such as discharges from freshwaters, hydrothermal vents or even artificial mining. [for more detailed information and respective bibliographical references consult the written report]
|
There are 18 layers on the characteristics of the seabed in the Azores region, also including information on: (1) geomorphological variables of the seabed produced from different geoprocessing tools; (2) delimitation of biological zones based on depth; (3) diversity of different geomorphological structures. Occurrence of 46 epibentonic facies between 200 and 3300 m depth: evidence of the diversity of mosaics of the biological communities that occur in the bathyal and abyssal environments of the Azores, with a bathymetric zoning. The Azores have high energy waves which are sources of coastal energy, where the northern coasts are more exposed than those facing south, although most storms come from the southwest. Sediments are easily dragged and held in suspension either by the waves associated with the storms or by the currents themselves, and are subsequently deposited at depths greater than 50 m as a result of several factors, including the excessive weight of sediments in suspension. The events that lead to greater turbidity come essentially from high precipitation occurrences through the formation of torrents that carry substantial amounts of suspended solid elements; the plumes that are formed may promote a higher degree of turbidity of coastal waters that will persist for a few days, and the turbulence processes are relevant for the removal and dispersion from the seabed of suspended materials resulting from activities such as discharges from freshwaters, hydrothermal vents or even artificial mining. [for more detailed information and respective bibliographical references consult the written report]
|
There are 18 layers on the characteristics of the seabed in the Azores region, also including information on: (1) geomorphological variables of the seabed produced from different geoprocessing tools; (2) delimitation of biological zones based on depth; (3) diversity of different geomorphological structures. Occurrence of 46 epibentonic facies between 200 and 3300 m depth: evidence of the diversity of mosaics of the biological communities that occur in the bathyal and abyssal environments of the Azores, with a bathymetric zoning. The Azores have high energy waves which are sources of coastal energy, where the northern coasts are more exposed than those facing south, although most storms come from the southwest. Sediments are easily dragged and held in suspension either by the waves associated with the storms or by the currents themselves, and are subsequently deposited at depths greater than 50 m as a result of several factors, including the excessive weight of sediments in suspension. The events that lead to greater turbidity come essentially from high precipitation occurrences through the formation of torrents that carry substantial amounts of suspended solid elements; the plumes that are formed may promote a higher degree of turbidity of coastal waters that will persist for a few days, and the turbulence processes are relevant for the removal and dispersion from the seabed of suspended materials resulting from activities such as discharges from freshwaters, hydrothermal vents or even artificial mining. [for more detailed information and respective bibliographical references consult the written report]
|
Coastal artificialisation in the Azores: the islands of Corvo, São Jorge, Santa Maria and Pico have natural levels that exceed 80%, in contrast to the islands of Terceira, São Miguel and Graciosa, which have the smallest natural extensions in the coastal area; level of artificialisation: the islands of Terceira, Graciosa and Pico stand out for their values that exceed 6%, while the island of Corvo shows only 0.7%. Degree of artificialisation: the islands of Corvo and Santa Maria are semi-natural; Faial: island which presents, proportionally, the most expressive value for the degree of artificialisation (25%), followed by the islands of São Miguel and Terceira, respectively with 18.5% and 11.1%. In general, the semi-natural class is the most representative in the Azores (51%), followed by the semi-artificial class with 33.1%, with only 12% being the degree of artificialisation for the entire region of the Azores. [for more detailed information and respective bibliographical references consult the written report]
|
Coastal artificialisation in the Azores: the islands of Corvo, São Jorge, Santa Maria and Pico have natural levels that exceed 80%, in contrast to the islands of Terceira, São Miguel and Graciosa, which have the smallest natural extensions in the coastal area; level of artificialisation: the islands of Terceira, Graciosa and Pico stand out for their values that exceed 6%, while the island of Corvo shows only 0.7%. Degree of artificialisation: the islands of Corvo and Santa Maria are semi-natural; Faial: island which presents, proportionally, the most expressive value for the degree of artificialisation (25%), followed by the islands of São Miguel and Terceira, respectively with 18.5% and 11.1%. In general, the semi-natural class is the most representative in the Azores (51%), followed by the semi-artificial class with 33.1%, with only 12% being the degree of artificialisation for the entire region of the Azores. [for more detailed information and respective bibliographical references consult the written report]
|
Coastal artificialisation in the Azores: the islands of Corvo, São Jorge, Santa Maria and Pico have natural levels that exceed 80%, in contrast to the islands of Terceira, São Miguel and Graciosa, which have the smallest natural extensions in the coastal area; level of artificialisation: the islands of Terceira, Graciosa and Pico stand out for their values that exceed 6%, while the island of Corvo shows only 0.7%. Degree of artificialisation: the islands of Corvo and Santa Maria are semi-natural; Faial: island which presents, proportionally, the most expressive value for the degree of artificialisation (25%), followed by the islands of São Miguel and Terceira, respectively with 18.5% and 11.1%. In general, the semi-natural class is the most representative in the Azores (51%), followed by the semi-artificial class with 33.1%, with only 12% being the degree of artificialisation for the entire region of the Azores. [for more detailed information and respective bibliographical references consult the written report]
|
Element status |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Description element |
Qualitative assessment
|
Qualitative assessment
|
Qualitative assessment
|
Qualitative assessment
|
Qualitative assessment
|
Qualitative assessment
|
Qualitative assessment
|
Qualitative assessment
|
Qualitative assessment
|
Qualitative assessment
|
Integration rule type parameter |
||||||||||
Integration rule description parameter |
||||||||||
Integration rule type criteria |
||||||||||
Integration rule description criteria |
||||||||||
GES extent threshold |
||||||||||
GES extent achieved |
||||||||||
GES extent unit |
||||||||||
GES achieved |
GES achieved |
GES achieved |
GES achieved |
GES achieved |
GES achieved |
GES achieved |
GES achieved |
GES achieved |
GES achieved |
GES achieved |
Description overall status |
For the assessment of Descriptor D7, the sources of information were based on the published technical literature and made available by the various official bodies as well as on scientific literature directly or indirectly related to the hydrographic patterns currently in the Azores archipelago and described in the written report. According to the qualitative analysis carried out on the basis of the most relevant scientific studies available to the Azores (see descriptions for the respective elements in this form and the text of the report), in spite of some very occasional more artificial occurrences, in the segments of the most urban coastal areas, it is proposed that GES has been achieved overall. [further details and related bibliographic references are available in the written report]
|
For the assessment of Descriptor D7, the sources of information were based on the published technical literature and made available by the various official bodies as well as on scientific literature directly or indirectly related to the hydrographic patterns currently in the Azores archipelago and described in the written report. According to the qualitative analysis carried out on the basis of the most relevant scientific studies available to the Azores (see descriptions for the respective elements in this form and the text of the report), in spite of some very occasional more artificial occurrences, in the segments of the most urban coastal areas, it is proposed that GES has been achieved overall. [further details and related bibliographic references are available in the written report]
|
For the assessment of Descriptor D7, the sources of information were based on the published technical literature and made available by the various official bodies as well as on scientific literature directly or indirectly related to the hydrographic patterns currently in the Azores archipelago and described in the written report. According to the qualitative analysis carried out on the basis of the most relevant scientific studies available to the Azores (see descriptions for the respective elements in this form and the text of the report), in spite of some very occasional more artificial occurrences, in the segments of the most urban coastal areas, it is proposed that GES has been achieved overall. [further details and related bibliographic references are available in the written report]
|
For the assessment of Descriptor D7, the sources of information were based on the published technical literature and made available by the various official bodies as well as on scientific literature directly or indirectly related to the hydrographic patterns currently in the Azores archipelago and described in the written report. According to the qualitative analysis carried out on the basis of the most relevant scientific studies available to the Azores (see descriptions for the respective elements in this form and the text of the report), in spite of some very occasional more artificial occurrences, in the segments of the most urban coastal areas, it is proposed that GES has been achieved overall. [further details and related bibliographic references are available in the written report]
|
For the assessment of Descriptor D7, the sources of information were based on the published technical literature and made available by the various official bodies as well as on scientific literature directly or indirectly related to the hydrographic patterns currently in the Azores archipelago and described in the written report. According to the qualitative analysis carried out on the basis of the most relevant scientific studies available to the Azores (see descriptions for the respective elements in this form and the text of the report), in spite of some very occasional more artificial occurrences, in the segments of the most urban coastal areas, it is proposed that GES has been achieved overall. [further details and related bibliographic references are available in the written report]
|
For the assessment of Descriptor D7, the sources of information were based on the published technical literature and made available by the various official bodies as well as on scientific literature directly or indirectly related to the hydrographic patterns currently in the Azores archipelago and described in the written report. According to the qualitative analysis carried out on the basis of the most relevant scientific studies available to the Azores (see descriptions for the respective elements in this form and the text of the report), in spite of some very occasional more artificial occurrences, in the segments of the most urban coastal areas, it is proposed that GES has been achieved overall. [further details and related bibliographic references are available in the written report]
|
For the assessment of Descriptor D7, the sources of information were based on the published technical literature and made available by the various official bodies as well as on scientific literature directly or indirectly related to the hydrographic patterns currently in the Azores archipelago and described in the written report. According to the qualitative analysis carried out on the basis of the most relevant scientific studies available to the Azores (see descriptions for the respective elements in this form and the text of the report), in spite of some very occasional more artificial occurrences, in the segments of the most urban coastal areas, it is proposed that GES has been achieved overall. [further details and related bibliographic references are available in the written report]
|
For the assessment of Descriptor D7, the sources of information were based on the published technical literature and made available by the various official bodies as well as on scientific literature directly or indirectly related to the hydrographic patterns currently in the Azores archipelago and described in the written report. According to the qualitative analysis carried out on the basis of the most relevant scientific studies available to the Azores (see descriptions for the respective elements in this form and the text of the report), in spite of some very occasional more artificial occurrences, in the segments of the most urban coastal areas, it is proposed that GES has been achieved overall. [further details and related bibliographic references are available in the written report]
|
For the assessment of Descriptor D7, the sources of information were based on the published technical literature and made available by the various official bodies as well as on scientific literature directly or indirectly related to the hydrographic patterns currently in the Azores archipelago and described in the written report. According to the qualitative analysis carried out on the basis of the most relevant scientific studies available to the Azores (see descriptions for the respective elements in this form and the text of the report), in spite of some very occasional more artificial occurrences, in the segments of the most urban coastal areas, it is proposed that GES has been achieved overall. [further details and related bibliographic references are available in the written report]
|
For the assessment of Descriptor D7, the sources of information were based on the published technical literature and made available by the various official bodies as well as on scientific literature directly or indirectly related to the hydrographic patterns currently in the Azores archipelago and described in the written report. According to the qualitative analysis carried out on the basis of the most relevant scientific studies available to the Azores (see descriptions for the respective elements in this form and the text of the report), in spite of some very occasional more artificial occurrences, in the segments of the most urban coastal areas, it is proposed that GES has been achieved overall. [further details and related bibliographic references are available in the written report]
|
Assessments period |
2012-2018 |
2012-2018 |
2012-2018 |
2012-2018 |
2012-2018 |
2012-2018 |
2012-2018 |
2012-2018 |
2012-2018 |
2012-2018 |
Related pressures |
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|
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Related targets |
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|
Madeira subdivision (AMA-PT-SD-MAD)
GES component |
D7
|
|---|---|
Feature |
Hydrographical changes
|
Element |
|
Element code |
|
Element code source |
|
Element 2 |
|
Element 2 code |
|
Element 2 code source |
|
Element source |
|
Criterion |
D7C1
|
Parameter |
Extent
|
Parameter other |
|
Threshold value upper |
|
Threshold value lower |
|
Threshold qualitative |
|
Threshold value source |
|
Threshold value source other |
|
Value achieved upper |
|
Value achieved lower |
|
Value unit |
|
Value unit other |
|
Proportion threshold value |
|
Proportion value achieved |
|
Proportion threshold value unit |
|
Trend |
Unknown |
Parameter achieved |
Not assessed |
Description parameter |
|
Related indicator |
|
Criteria status |
Good, based on low risk |
Description criteria |
As stated in the previous report, good environmental status is achieved when there are no changes in the river basin conditions or, if any, are not significant or do not affect ecosystems.
The expected impact of the new structures deployed on the coast and on seabed close to the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo, in terms of changing the hydrographic conditions of the Madeira subdivision, is not significant.
|
Element status |
|
Description element |
|
Integration rule type parameter |
|
Integration rule description parameter |
|
Integration rule type criteria |
|
Integration rule description criteria |
|
GES extent threshold |
|
GES extent achieved |
|
GES extent unit |
|
GES achieved |
GES achieved |
Description overall status |
In the initial assessment report for the subdivision of Madeira (DROTA, 2014) the hydrographical conditions considered, for the definition of GES, corresponded to hydrological and hydrodynamic pressures, and morphological changes are not included in the descriptor. The main pressures analysed, as they are considered to be able to bring about changes in hydrographical conditions, were port and defence works (jetties, pontoons, breakwaters), submarine pipelines, communications and aquaculture.
In the case of the subdivision of Madeira, because the coastline is extensive and in open sea (up to 200 nautical miles), it was considered that the pressures identified had reduced interference in the quality of the marine environment.
Therefore, it was considered that in relation to Descriptor 7 (D7) GES was reached, with an average degree of confidence, for the two areas of assessment of the subdivision. The expected impact of the new structures deployed on the coast and on seabed close to the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo, in terms of changing the hydrographic conditions of the Madeira subdivision, is not significant.
However, the replenishment of the inert extraction areas should be considered, as well as the continuation of the monitoring activities stemming from the recommendations of the environmental impact assessments of the various structures deployed on the coast.
The systematic monitoring of Porto Santo beach should also be continued, possibly with integration into the COSMO programme. This monitoring could be extended to other coastal areas of this sub-area.
In parallel, an effort should be made to increase knowledge beyond the coastal areas of this subdivision, within the boundaries of oceanic waters under Portuguese jurisdiction.
|
Assessments period |
2014-2018 |
Related pressures |
|
Related targets |