The aim of the monitoring programme is to collect data on human activities that directly or indirectly impact the marine environment. The monitored human activities are those listed in the MSFD Annex III Table 2b (2017/845/EC) and relevant for point (c) of Article 8(1), and Articles 10 and 13. The following activities are covered: Coastal defence and flood protection; Offshore structures (other than for oil/gas/renewables); Restructuring of seabed morphology, including dredging and depositing of materials; Extraction of minerals; Extraction of oil and gas, including infrastructure; Extraction of water; Renewable energy generation (wind, wave and tidal power), including infrastructure; Transmission of electricity and communications (cables); Fish harvesting (professional, recreational); Fish and shellfish processing; Marine plant harvesting; Hunting and collecting for other purposes; Aquaculture — marine, including infrastructure; Transport infrastructure; Transport — shipping; Waste treatment and disposal; Tourism and leisure infrastructure; Tourism and leisure activities; Military operations and Research, survey and educational activities. Data are gathered at least once during a six-year assessment period, but in some cases also annually. The system of such data collection activities is still under development. The programme corresponds to the following monitoring programmes in the indicative list: Activities extracting living resources (fisheries including recreational, marine plant harvesting, hunting and collecting); Activities extracting non-living resources (sand, gravel, dredging); Activities producing food (aquaculture); Activities with permanent infrastructures (e.g. renewable energy, oil & gas, ports) or structural changes (e.g. coastal defences); Sea-based mobile activities (shipping, boating); Coastal human activities (e.g. tourism, recreational sports, ecotourism). The programme is the further development of the programme presented in 2014. The code of the programme also changed.

The aim of the programme is to monitor the abundance of waterbirds in the Estonian coastal and off-shore areas during the wintering season. It provides data to monitoring strategy “SD1.1 – Biological diversity – Birds”. The programme is related to GES Descriptor D1, Criterion D1C2 and potentially D1C3 and D1C4, as well as GES Descriptor D4, Criteria D4C1 and D4C2. Monitoring is conducted yearly with a goal to cover the whole area (coastal and off-shore areas) every five years. Visual counting from land in defined sectors and flight counting in off-shore areas are conducted. The programme (data collection) is regionally coordinated by HELCOM and Wetlands International. Data are annually reported to the national environmental monitoring database KESE (by 1 March). Data collection into the regional database for assessment purposes is coordinated by the HELCOM/ICES JWGBird Group. The programme was updated and modified since 2014 by adding the monitoring of the abundance of wintering waterbirds in the off-shore area. The programme corresponds to the following monitoring programmes in the indicative list: Mobile species – distribution, abundance and/or biomass; Mobile species – population characteristics.

The aim of the programme is to monitor the abundance of waterbirds in Estonian coastal areas during the breeding season. It provides data to monitoring strategy “SD1.1 – Biological diversity – Birds” and “SD8 – Contaminants”. The programme is related to GES Descriptor D1, Criterion D1C2 and potentially D1C3 and D1C4, as well as GES Descriptor D4, Criteria D4C2 and D4C4 and Descriptor D8, Criterion D8C2. Monitoring is conducted yearly on small islands (island groups) where the full number of nests and species are registered. White-tailed eagle breeding success is monitored to assess the impact of contaminants. The monitoring area of the white-tailed eagle relevant to marine status assessment covers the area up to 20 km landward from the seashore. The programme data collection is regionally coordinated via HELCOM. Data are annually reported to the national environmental monitoring database KESE (annually by 1 March). The programme corresponds to following monitoring programmes in the indicative list: Mobile species – distribution, abundance and/or biomass; Mobile species – health status; Mobile species – population characteristics.

The aim of the programme is to monitor the status of the coastal fish species and communities (Species composition of the group; Size, age and sex structure; fecundity, survival and mortality/injury rates; Habitat for the species (extent, suitability); Species abundance (numbers of individuals and/or biomass)). It provides data to monitoring strategy “SD1.4 Biodiversity – Fish”, „SD3–Commercially exploited fish“ and “SD4/SD1 Food webs / Biodiversity – ecosystems”, but also to “SD2– Non-indigenous species”. The program is regionally coordinated by HELCOM (partially also by ICES) and the HELCOM monitoring manual is followed. During the annual monitoring programme, all coastal fish species are included in the dataset, but special attention is directed towards economically significant or ecologically relevant key species (perch, flounder, pikeperch). Atlantic salmon is used as an indicator species for migratory (anadromous) fishes and is monitored in coastal waters and selected rivers (salmonid habitats). Monitoring of protected fish species under HD needs to be developed for the sea area as well. The programme was modified from 2014 by adding migratory fishes that were as a separate sub-programme in 2014. The programme corresponds to following monitoring programmes in the indicative list: Mobile species – distribution, abundance and/or biomass; Mobile species – population characteristics; Mobile species – mortality/injury rates from fisheries (targeted and/or incidental).

The aim of the programme is to monitor the status of the commercially exploited pelagic fish species – sprat and herring in the offshore areas of the Estonian marine waters. The biomass and fishing mortality of stocks are assessed. It provides data to monitoring strategy “SD1.4 Biodiversity – Fish” and „SD3-commercially exploited fish“. Monitoring is conducted annually. The program is regionally coordinated via ICES and the ICES monitoring manual is followed. The programme corresponds to following monitoring programmes in the indicative list: Mobile species – distribution, abundance and/or biomass; Mobile species – mortality/injury rates from fisheries (targeted and/or incidental).

The aim of the programme is to monitor phytoplankton communities (species composition, abundance, biomass and seasonal cycle of dominant groups) in the water column. It provides data to monitoring strategy “SD5 – Eutrophication”, as well as “SD1.6 Biodiversity – pelagic habitats”, “SD4/SD1 Food webs / Biodiversity – ecosystems” and “SD2– Non-indigenous species”. The programme is related to GES Descriptor D5, Criterion D5C2, Descriptor D1, Criterion D1C6 and Descriptor D4, Criterion D4C1. Data are gathered to assess spatial variability, temporal trends and environmental status in coastal water bodies and off-shore sub-basins of the Baltic Sea (HELCOM divisions) in response to pressure levels. Monitoring is conducted yearly or at least once in six years with a frequency of 5 to 12 times a year at the designated monitoring stations (at least 3 stations in each coastal water body and 11 in the Estonian off-shore areas). The program is regionally coordinated via HELCOM and the HELCOM monitoring manual is followed. Data are yearly reported to the national environmental monitoring database KESE (by 1 March) and ICES (HELCOM Combine). The threshold values for the indicator of seasonal succession of dominating phytoplankton groups are still missing for some assessment units of the Baltic Sea (incl. Estonian marine area), mainly due to the lack of data corresponding to the set criteria. The programme is essentially the same as in 2014, only minor changes in some monitoring stations and frequencies were undertaken. The programme corresponds to the following monitoring programmes in the indicative list: Pelagic habitats – community characteristics.

The aim of the programme is to monitor species composition, abundance and biomass of mesozooplankton. It provides data to monitoring strategy “SD1.6 Biodiversity – pelagic habitats”, as well as “SD2-Non-indigenous species” and “SD4/SD1 Food webs / Biodiversity – ecosystems”. The programme is related to GES Descriptors D1, Criterion D1C6, Description D2 Criterions D2C1 and D2C2 and Descriptor D4 Criterion D4C2. Data are gathered to assess the state of the marine environment and environmental status in three coastal water bodies and all off-shore sub-basins of the Baltic Sea (HELCOM sub-divisions) as well as pressures from/by non-indigenous species. Monitoring is conducted yearly with a frequency 10 times a year at the designated coastal monitoring stations (3 stations in each coastal water body) and with frequency twice a year for 16 stations in the Estonian off-shore areas. The program is regionally coordinated via HELCOM and the HELCOM guidelines are followed. Data are yearly reported to the national environmental monitoring database KESE (by 1 March) and ICES (HELCOM Combine). Mesozooplankton Mean Size Total Stock indicator is developed by HELCOM on the basis of mesozooplankton data. The threshold values for the indicator have been internationally agreed for some sub-basins, but not for the Gulf of Riga yet. The programme is essentially the same as in 2014, only minor changes in some monitoring stations and frequencies were undertaken. The programme corresponds to the following monitoring programmes in the indicative list: Pelagic habitats – community characteristics.

The aim of the programme is to monitor macrozoobenthos communities (species composition, abundance and biomass) on the seafloor. It provides data to monitoring strategy “SD5 – Eutrophication”, as well as “SD6/SD1 Sea-floor integrity/Biological diversity – benthic habitats”, “SD2– Non-indigenous species” and “SD4/SD1 Food webs / Biodiversity – ecosystems”. The programme is related to GES Descriptor D5, Criterion D5C8, Descriptor D2, Criteria D2C1, D2C2 and D2C3, Descriptor D4, Criterion D4C2 and Descriptor D6, Criterion D6C5. Data are gathered to assess spatial variability, temporal trends and environmental status in coastal water bodies and off-shore sub-basins of the Baltic Sea (HELCOM division) in response to pressure levels. Monitoring is conducted yearly or at least once in six years with a frequency once a year at the designated monitoring stations (at least 3 stations in each coastal water body and 11 in the Estonian off-shore areas). The program is regionally coordinated via HELCOM and the HELCOM monitoring manual is followed. The data are yearly reported to the national environmental monitoring database KESE (by 1 March) and ICES (HELCOM Combine). The programme is essentially the same as in 2014, only minor changes in some monitoring stations and frequencies were undertaken. The programme corresponds to the following monitoring programmes in the indicative list: Seabed habitats – community characteristics; Benthic species – abundance and/or biomass.

The aim of the programme is to monitor chlorophyll-a levels in the water column (including surface layer) to assess phytoplankton biomass and productivity. It provides data to monitoring strategy “SD5 – Eutrophication” and is related to GES Descriptor D5, Criterion D5C2, and strategy SD4/SD1, Criterion D4C2. Data are gathered to assess the environmental status in coastal water bodies and off-shore sub-basins of the Baltic Sea (HELCOM sub-divisions). Monitoring is conducted yearly or at least once in six years with a frequency of 6 to 12 times a year at the designated monitoring stations (at least 3 stations in each coastal water body and 18 in the Estonian off-shore areas). The programme data collection is regionally coordinated via HELCOM and the HELCOM guidelines are followed, data are delivered separately by each country. The data are yearly reported to the national environmental monitoring database KESE (by 1 March) and HELCOM ICES database (by 1 September). Algorithms for chlorophyll-a concentration estimates based on remote sensing data are under development. The programme is essentially the same as in 2014, only minor changes in some monitoring stations and frequencies were undertaken. The programme corresponds to the following monitoring programmes in the indicative list: Plankton blooms (biomass, frequency).

A description of the biological macrozoobenthic communities associated with the predominant seabed habitats. Changes in communities and abundance of alien species.

A description of the biological communities associated with the coastal soft bottom seabed habitats. Changes in communities and abundance of alien species.

Coastal hard bottom habitat forming macroalgae and blue mussel communities and population structure of macrozoobenthic species living in these habitats. Aims to observe structure changes in communities, which are especially affected by eutrophication.

Program monitors changes in macrophyte community (number of species and species coverage) in soft bottoms in coastal and shallow bay areas, which are affected among other things by eutrophication.

Currently the marine breeding birds counting network consists of 45 selected breeding areas situated in the archipelagos along the Finnish coast. About 20-30 of the areas are counted annually, but all areas are counted at least once every third year.

Wintering birds monitoring and data collection on species numbers, abundance and distribution.Work cordinated by HELCOM in Baltic Sea area.

White tailed eagle breeding success monitoring is largely based on volunteers coordinated by Sääksisäätiö-nonprofit organisation

Monitoring of the population dynamics, natural and actual range and status of grey seal and ringed seal. Abundance monitoring is conducted from aircraft. Seal bycatch data is collected from fishermen, which describes human pressure on seal mortality.

Zooplankton species composition, abundance and biomass

Phytoplankton species composition, abundance and biomass are monitored by counting phytoplankton from preserved water samples to identify changes in phytoplankton communities (e.g. harmful and invasive species

Program monitors phytoplankton blooms by monitoring pigments. Program produces information on consequences of eutrophication

Mass mortalities of breeding sea birds are monitored in the vicinity of breeding colonies. Therefore the monitoring is focuses on islands and islets in coastal and territorial waters. Aim is to register number of mass mortality's and causes

Hunting of sea birds and seals is practiced in coastal and territorial waters according to hunting regulations.Hunting organizations carry out game questionnaires. Hunting statistics are maintained by the hunting organizations and stored into a database. Data on species requiring special permit is obtained through the licensing system.

The purpose of the monitoring is to assess the ecological status of the Baltic Sea, including one of the environmental status indicators biodiversity by the state of one of the key elements in marine food webs zooplankton (species composition, abundance and biomass of zooplankton is determined) and changes in these parameters to assess the impact on environment caused by eutrophication and other kinds of anthropogenic pressures. Monitoring is carried out within the framework of the HELCOM monitoring program, in cooperation with the other Member States. Corresponding HELCOM monitoring programme topic Zooplankton and programme Zooplankton species composition, abundance and biomass. The monitoring of this programme is partially coordinated among HELCOM countries. Missing component(s): common quality assurance programme; common database. Corresponding document in HELCOM COMBINE manual is Guidelines for monitoring of mesozooplankton. The requirements for the marine waters of Latvia and the relationship of the specified environmental objectives with the qualitative characteristics characterizing the state of the marine environment are included in Regulation of the Cabinet of Ministers of Republic of Latvia No. 1071 of 23 November 2010, Requirements for the Assessment of the State of the Marine Environment, the Determination of Good Environmental State of the Sea and Development of Marine Environmental Goals.

The purpose of the monitoring is to assess the ecological status of the Baltic Sea, including one of the environmental status indicators state of food web by the determination of state of one of the main elements in marine food webs zooplankton (species composition, abundance and biomass is determined) and changes of these parameters to assess the impact on environment caused by eutrophication and other kinds of anthropogenic pressures. Monitoring is carried out within the framework of the HELCOM monitoring program, in cooperation with the other Member States. Corresponding HELCOM monitoring programme topic is Zooplankton and programme Zooplankton species composition, abundance and biomass. The monitoring of this programme is partially coordinated among HELCOM countries common quality assurance programme and common database is missing. The requirements for the marine waters of Latvia and the relationship of the specified environmental objectives with the qualitative characteristics characterizing the state of the marine environment are included in Regulation of the Cabinet of Ministers of Republic of Latvia No. 1071 of 23 November 2010, Requirements for the Assessment of the State of the Marine Environment, the Determination of Good Environmental State of the Sea and Development of Marine Environmental Goals.

The community characteristics is monitored each year in accordance with the HELCOM methodology, including parameters necessary for the assessment of benthic habitats. Monitoring includes sampling of macrozoobenthos at 16 stations and macrophyte and angiosperms at places of occurrence within PMA. For the transitional and coastal waterbodies monitoring will be carried out for 19 monitoring points in 2020-2021 and 11 monitoring points in 2022-2025 in accordance with the WFD monitoring programme, carried out under the surface water monitoring programme for the years 2020-2025 ("Strategic State Environmental Monitoring Programme for the years 2020-2025"), approved by the Competent Minister of Climate in 2020 and the surface water executive programme for a specific year of research approved annually by the Chief Inspector of Environmental Protection

The community characteristics is monitored each year in accordance with the HELCOM methodology, including parameters necessary for the assessment of benthic habitats. Monitoring includes sampling of macrozoobenthos at 16 stations and macrophyte and angiosperms at places of occurrence within PMA. For the transitional and coastal waterbodies monitoring will be carried out for 19 monitoring points in 2020-2021 and 11 monitoring points in 2022-2025 in accordance with the WFD monitoring programme, carried out under the surface water monitoring programme for the years 2020-2025 ("Strategic State Environmental Monitoring Programme for the years 2020-2025"), approved by the Competent Minister of Climate in 2020 and the surface water executive programme for a specific year of research approved annually by the Chief Inspector of Environmental Protection

The abundance and/or biomass of species is monitored each year in accordance with the HELCOM methodology, including parameters necessary for the assessment of benthic habitats. Monitoring includes sampling of macrozoobenthos at 16 stations and macrophyte and angiosperms at places of occurrence within PMA. For the transitional and coastal waterbodies monitoring will be carried out for 19 monitoring points in 2020-2021 and 11 monitoring points in 2022-2025 in accordance with the WFD monitoring programme, carried out under the surface water monitoring programme for the years 2020-2025 ("Strategic State Environmental Monitoring Programme for the years 2020-2025"), approved by the Competent Minister of Climate in 2020 and the surface water executive programme for a specific year of research approved annually by the Chief Inspector of Environmental Protection

The abundance and/or biomass of species is monitored each year in accordance with the HELCOM methodology, including parameters necessary for the assessment of benthic habitats. Monitoring includes sampling of macrozoobenthos at 16 stations and macrophyte and angiosperms at places of occurrence within PMA. For the transitional and coastal waterbodies monitoring will be carried out for 19 monitoring points in 2020-2021 and 11 monitoring points in 2022-2025 in accordance with the WFD monitoring programme, carried out under the surface water monitoring programme for the years 2020-2025 ("Strategic State Environmental Monitoring Programme for the years 2020-2025"), approved by the Competent Minister of Climate in 2020 and the surface water executive programme for a specific year of research approved annually by the Chief Inspector of Environmental Protection

Monitoring is carried out to meet the requirements of the Birds Directive as well as the Commission Directive (EU) 2017/845 of 17 May 2017 and criteria laid down in Commission Decision (EU) 2017/848 of 17 May 2017 for Descriptor D1. The results of the monitoring are also used for the work of the HELCOM group.

So far, three species have been monitored under this program: Cormorant, Sandwich Tern, and Dunlin. New species have been added to the monitoring program since 2020: Ringed Plover, Little Tern, Oystercatcher, and Shelduck.

Harbour porpoise will be monitored at three locations including two monitored in 2016-2018, i.e. Pomeranian Bay and Ławica Stilo and at one new location - Gulf of Gdańsk. In the case of Pomeranian Bay location all five monitoring stations will be deployed in the same locations as in the pilot research and SAMBAH project. In the case of Ławica Stilo location 4 monitoring stations will be identical to the ones from the pilot monitoring and SAMBAH project. The locations of the 5th station will be subject to the approval of Maritime Office. In the case of the Gulf of Gdańsk location, four stations will be equivalent of those designated within the SAMBAH project, while one station (station code: CPOD15) will be designated in the Puck Bay region, taking into account the specificities of this area (fisheries, shipping, tourism) and in agreement with maritime administration. In order to maintain regional coherence, the timeline for harbour porpoise monitoring should be compliant with the recommendations of the expert group on marine mammals HELCOM EXPERT GROUP ON MARINE MAMMALS – HELCOM EG MAMA (former name of the group - HELCOM SEAL), which are currently in the consultation stage. According to the recommendations of the HELCOM MAMA group the monitoring will be performed in accordance with one of two proposed methodologies. One methodology recommends to conduct monitoring for at least 24 months over the six-year period covered by the assessment, but not earlier than 3 years after the end of the previous monitoring. The second methodology recommends to conduct monitoring twice over a six-year period, each of research should last 12 months. The monitoring was planned in accordance with the initial recommendation of this group, i.e. 1 year of measurements every 3 years (HELCOM 2018). Currently the SAMBAH II project is in the planning stage, the project will cover the entire Baltic Sea area. At the time of development of the current update of the monitoring programme the starting date of research is not known. It is subject to the submission of an application to LIFE funding instrument for the 2021-2027 funding period for the funding of SAMABAH II project. The monitoring planned under SAMBAH II will include the area covered by the SAMBAH project and will be extended to research of areas deeper than 80 m. Within the SAMBAH II project, it is also planned to identify juveniles. To this end, within the implementation of one of the tasks of SAMBAH II, a model will be adapt

Monitoring of grey seal in Polish Marine Areas will be carried out each year, during which performed observations will allow to detect potential reproduction of this species and determine the abundance of the population from Vistula Mouth - Przekop (the only confirmed haul-out site on the Polish coast, determined at the time of the development of current update of the monitoring programme of marine waters). In the case of determination and confirmation of a new haul-out site during the current monitoring programme of marine waters it will be included in the monitoring. Monitoring of grey seal will be carried out in accordance with the recommendations contained in the document of the HELCOM MAMA expert group "Guidelines to the monitoring of seals" (HELCOM 2018) and the latest edition of the guideline for the monitoring of grey seal, posted on the Chief Inspectorate of Environmental Protection website in a subpage dedicated to monitoring of marine species and habitat (http://morskiesiedliska.gios.gov.pl/pl/do-pobrania/przewodniki-metodyczne). In the case of aircraft surveys, the methodology contained in the above documents will be used.

Monitoring of harbour seal is carried out in parallel with the monitoring of grey seal, i.e. the collection of information on the occurrence of harbour seal takes place during the monitoring of grey seal. In addition, in each monitoring year, one observation flight will be performed in August, i.e. during the harbour seal moulting period. The monitoring of harbour seal will include species identification of the other two seal species that may occur on the Polish coast, i.e. grey seal (constantly present) and ringed seal (occasionally occurring). Monitoring of harbour seal will be carried out in accordance with the recommendations of the HELCOM MAMA expert group contained in the document "Guidelines to the monitoring of seals" (HELCOM 2018) and the latest edition of the guideline for the monitoring of harbour seal, posted on the Chief Inspectorate of Environmental Protection website in a subpage dedicated to monitoring of marine species and habitat (http://morskiesiedliska.gios.gov.pl/pl/do-pobrania/przewodniki-metodyczne). The research will be carried out in accordance with the conditions described in the permits of relevant offices.

The ichthyological monitoring of the Polish Exclusive Economic Zone in the deepwater zone of Polish marine area has been carried out as a part of national environmental monitoring since 2011, based on data from BITS (Baltic International Trawl Surveys). BITS consist of cruises of particular Baltic countries being temporally and spatially coordinated by ICES. BITS methodology establishes use of standarized bottom trawl of the same design for scientific catches and use of the same research method for hauling sites sampling, data collection and uploading of collected data to the ICES common database - DATRAS, supplemented with measurement and ichthyological analysis of all fish species (including non-commercial).

Monitoring in transitional waterbodies is carried out once every 3 years, except for Puck Lagoon, Vistula Lagoon and Puck Bay, where monitoring is conducted annually. Fish monitoring in transitional waterbodies includes an analysis of the following elements: • determination of weight and abundance of all fish species present in the catch; • ichthyological analysis of a representative sample of all fish species present in the catch, taking into account their length, individual weight, sex, gonad maturity stage, stomach degree fullness and age of individual fish. The monitoring also includes the analysis of physico-chemical water parameters necessary for assessing the ecological status of transitional waters.

Monitoring in transitional waterbodies is carried out once every 3 years, except for Puck Lagoon, Vistula Lagoon and Puck Bay, where monitoring is conducted annually. Fish monitoring in transitional waterbodies includes an analysis of the following elements: • determination of weight and abundance of all fish species present in the catch; • ichthyological analysis of a representative sample of all fish species present in the catch, taking into account their length, individual weight, sex, gonad maturity stage, stomach degree fullness and age of individual fish. The monitoring also includes the analysis of physico-chemical water parameters necessary for assessing the ecological status of transitional waters.

Fish monitoring in coastal waterbodies includes an analysis of the following elements: • determination of weight and abundance of all fish species present in the catch; • ichthyological analysis of a representative sample of all fish species present in the catch, taking into account their length, individual weight, sex, gonad maturity stage, stomach degree fullness and age of individual fish. The monitoring also includes the analysis of physico-chemical water parameters necessary for assessing the ecological status of coastal waters.

Fish monitoring in coastal waterbodies includes an analysis of the following elements: • determination of weight and abundance of all fish species present in the catch; • ichthyological analysis of a representative sample of all fish species present in the catch, taking into account their length, individual weight, sex, gonad maturity stage, stomach degree fullness and age of individual fish. The monitoring also includes the analysis of physico-chemical water parameters necessary for assessing the ecological status of coastal waters.

Fish monitoring in offshore shallow water areas includes an analysis of the following elements: • determination of weight and abundance of all fish species present in the catch; • ichthyological analysis of a representative sample of all fish species present in the catch, taking into account their length, individual weight, sex, gonad maturity stage, stomach degree fullness and age of individual fish. The monitoring also includes the analysis of physico-chemical water parameters.

Monitoring programme of pelagic habitats – community characteristics includes the determination of the characteristics and variability of phytoplankton and zooplankton communities in PMA. Monitoring is carried out annually in 10 locations in accordance with the HELCOM guidelines. For the transitional and coastal waterbodies monitoring will be carried out for 19 monitoring points in 2020-2021 and 11 monitoring points in 2022-2025 in accordance with the WFD monitoring programme, carried out under the surface water monitoring programme for the years 2020-2025 ("Strategic State Environmental Monitoring Programme for the years 2020-2025"), approved by the Competent Minister of Climate in 2020 and the surface water executive programme for a specific year of research approved annually by the Chief Inspector of Environmental Protection.

Monitoring programme of pelagic habitats – community characteristics includes the determination of the characteristics and variability of phytoplankton and zooplankton communities in PMA. Monitoring is carried out annually in 10 locations in accordance with the HELCOM guidelines. For the transitional and coastal waterbodies monitoring will be carried out for 19 monitoring points in 2020-2021 and 11 monitoring points in 2022-2025 in accordance with the WFD monitoring programme, carried out under the surface water monitoring programme for the years 2020-2025 ("Strategic State Environmental Monitoring Programme for the years 2020-2025"), approved by the Competent Minister of Climate in 2020 and the surface water executive programme for a specific year of research approved annually by the Chief Inspector of Environmental Protection.

In scope of phytoplankton blooms, data on frequency and extent of blooms collected within the monitoring programme of pelagic habitats – community characteristics will be supplemented with information on chlorophyll a concentration in the water column collected from 23 stations located in PMA. The frequency of measurements is 6 times a year except for high frequency station (ZP6) which should be sampled 12 times a year. Data on phytoplankton blooms and chlorophyll a concentration will be supplemented with available open source remote sensing products (from satellite systems). For the transitional and coastal waterbodies monitoring will be carried out for 19 monitoring points in 2020-2021 and 11 monitoring points in 2022-2025 in accordance with the WFD monitoring programme, carried out under the surface water monitoring programme for the years 2020-2025 ("Strategic State Environmental Monitoring Programme for the years 2020-2025"), approved by the Competent Minister of Climate in 2020 and the surface water executive programme for a specific year of research approved annually by the Chief Inspector of Environmental Protection.

In scope of phytoplankton blooms, data on frequency and extent of blooms collected within the monitoring programme of pelagic habitats – community characteristics will be supplemented with information on chlorophyll a concentration in the water column collected from 23 stations located in PMA. The frequency of measurements is 6 times a year except for high frequency station (ZP6) which should be sampled 12 times a year. Data on phytoplankton blooms and chlorophyll a concentration will be supplemented with available open source remote sensing products (from satellite systems). For the transitional and coastal waterbodies monitoring will be carried out for 19 monitoring points in 2020-2021 and 11 monitoring points in 2022-2025 in accordance with the WFD monitoring programme, carried out under the surface water monitoring programme for the years 2020-2025 ("Strategic State Environmental Monitoring Programme for the years 2020-2025"), approved by the Competent Minister of Climate in 2020 and the surface water executive programme for a specific year of research approved annually by the Chief Inspector of Environmental Protection.

Coastal fish refer to the fish species that live a significant part of their lives in the coastal ecosystem, such as flounder (Platichthys flesus), perch (Perca fluviatilis) and eelpout (Zoarces viviparus). Coastal fish monitoring (trawls, nets, hydroacoustics) aims to describe changes in the fishing community as a whole, in terms of species composition, relative occurrence of different species and size structure. In addition, changes at species level are followed up by analyzing changes in the number and size structure of the most common species in the catch. In some surveys, individual sampling of selected species is performed. The individual sampling aims to provide information about, for example, individual weight and condition, and provides material for further analysis of, for example, age and fish health. The state of coastal fish reflects the coastal ecosystem and the impact of small-scale coastal fishing and recreational fishing (see programmes Commercial fisheries and Recreational fisheries). Long-term changes in the abundance of different functional groups of coastal fish can also be affected by eutrophication, deteriorating habitats and changes in predation. The latter may be due to imbalance in the food web due to human impact such as fishing and loss of important habitats. Monitoring in the Baltic Sea started in 1960 while in the North Sea it started in 1969. Abramis bjoerkna, Arnoglossus laterna, Callionymus lyra, Chelidonichthys gurnardus, Myoxocephalus scorpius and Trachinus draco are also monitored but they were not included in the element lists for Coastal fish nor Commercial fish

Offshore fish refers to those fish species that live a significant part of their lives in the open sea off the coast, such as herring, sprat and cod. The monitoring of these species and also commercial crustaceans such as crabfish, North Sea shrimp and lobster is coordinated between several countries in the Baltic Sea and the North Sea area, and takes place via acoustic methods and trawl surveys. Data are also collected by sampling on board commercial fishing boats and catches in ports. Several of the species monitored are used in commercial fishing (see programme Commercial fisheries) and all surveys described here are carried out within the framework of the data collection on fish and fisheries governed by EU legislation ((EU) 2017/1004, (EU) 2019 / 909 and (EU) 2019/910). The data collection forms the basis for the scientific basis for the EU Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and the information is used in the work of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) to produce a basis for the fishing quotas decided by the EU. Data collection is also done for bycatches in the fishery, see programme Bycatch. Trawling of demersal fish in the North Sea (IBTS) started 1972 Trawling of demersal fish in the Baltic Sea (BITS) started 1978 Acoustic survey of pelagic fish (BIAS) started 1978 (Baltic Sea only) Sampling on board commercial fishing boats in the Baltic Sea and Kattegat stareted 1996 Sampling on board commercial fishing boats in the Skagerrak started 2002 Sampling of commercial catches in ports: different starting years for different species Frequency: Trawl surveys are carried out 6-monthly and control of fisheries 3-monthly.

What is currently included in the targeted monitoring is the ten-legged crustacean Nephrops norvegicus. The species is nocturnal and lives on and buried in solid clay bottoms. Along the coast of Sweden, the species occur in the Kattegat and Skagerrak. Nephrops norvegicus is an important commercial species that is fished through bottom trawling. In addition to Nephrops norvegicus, other species that live in the same habitat, such as sea pens and other coral animals, can be injured or die as a result of trawling. The purpose of monitoring Nephrops norvegicus is to map the abundance of the species in areas that are fished. This is done in a UWTV survey (Under Water TV), ie by filming the seabed with an underwater camera and counting the number of inhabited holes per unit area. During the monitoring, the effects of trawling can also be assessed. The geographical coverage of the monitoring is based on the main catchment areas and is thus expected to cover the species main distribution areas. Data collection (in accordance with EU legislation (EU) 2017/1004, (EU) 2019/909 and (EU) 2019/910) through UWTV is coordinated by ICES's working group WGNEPS between several countries in the North Sea area.

Seabirds are an important part of the marine ecosystem, as most species are high up in the food chain. The monitoring of breeding and wintering birds along the coast and in the offshore areas aims to follow the population development over time, which can be affected by changing conditions in the food web but also by the direct impact that arises from a number of different human activities. The status of seabirds therefore gives a general indication of the state of the ecosystem and corresponds to the cumulative impact of different pressures. Breeding and wintering birds are nationally monitored annually along the Swedish coast. Standardized inventories of wintering birds along the coast of Sweden have been ongoing annually since 1967 and are coordinated internationally within the International Waterbird Census. Breeding birds have been monitored on a large scale since 2010. At the local level, monitoring of breeding coastal birds is also carried out in a number of coastal counties, where several of the programmes are linked to the national programme. With an approximate six-year interval, inventories of wintering seabird species in the offshore areas are carried out, in order to supplement the annual inventories. These inventories are coordinated internationally and were first carried out in 1992-93. In 2020, inventories will be carried out in the offshore sea areas within the HELCOM and OSPAR regions in order to improve knowledge of the species that live there, especially hareld (Clangula hyemalis). The inventories are coordinated with other countries around the Baltic Sea and the North Sea through the working group JWGbird. Somateria mollissima (Anas molissima) is also monitored, but was not in the element list

In Sweden, there are three species of seals - grey seal (Halichoerus grypus), harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) and ringed seal (Pusa hispida). Each species have a custumized national monitoring programme for estimating the poulation abundance. The aim of monitoring the abundance and distribution of seals is to detect long-term effects of human activities affecting seals as a result of hunting, bycatch, hazardous substances and changes in the food web. Grey seal monitoring started in 1989 Harbour seal monitoring started in 1988 Ringed seal monitoring started in 1995

Zooplankton are located between phytoplankton and fish in the food web and thus constitute an important link as they can reduce the amount of phytoplankton acting as predators and at the same time act as food for species higher up in the trophy levels such as fish. Different groups of zooplankton have different functions in the food web as some are herbivores and others carnivores. By monitoring abundance, species diversity, and the biomass of zooplankton, one can thus capture potential changes in the food web as a result of, for example, eutrophication, fishing or other human activities. Zooplankton monitoring started in the Baltic Sea in the early 1970s, but regular data is only available at data hosts from 1994. In the North Sea, regular monitoring started in 1998. Since 2007, continuous sampling of gelatinous zooplankton has been ongoing at Släggö in Gullmarsfjorden and in 2020 the monitoring was extended to other zooplankton stations.

The purpose of monitoring macrophytes on hard- and sedimentbottom communities are to follow longterm changes in the marine environment due to changes in water transparency, nutrient enrichment and physical disturbance, and indirect effects due to changes in foodwebs. During 2016-2019 the monitoring programme was revised. New methods for monitoring of hardbottom vegetation has started and additional areas and stations has been added the national programme. New methods for monitoring of sediment communities with vegetation/eelgrass has started and additional areas and stations has been added the national programme. Sweden is also developing integrated methods for monitoring shallow habitats using satellites or drones to supplement the current in situ monitoring. Sampling primarily every year, every other year or every third year

The purposes of monitoring phytoplankton, blooms, bacterioplankton and primary production are to follow short- and longterm effects of eutrophication, climate change and changes in foodwebs. Monitoring is conducted in both offshore and coastal areas as well as in areas with more pressures in terms of run-offs and point sources. Starting year: Regular monitoring of phytoplankton started in 1983 in the Baltic Sea and 1986 in the North Sea. Chorophyll a has been monitored since 1982. Earliest data on bacterioplankton is available from 1989 and primary production from 1979. Algae blooms has been monitored using remote sensing since 2002. Specify frequency: 1-26 times a year Algae blooms – Daily There is an ongoing work on developing improved methods and, above all, collaboration in the area of remotely analyzed chlorophyll using satellites.

Mapping and monitoring of benthic habitats is of crucial importance for all environmental management at sea, from a functioning ecosystem-based marine environment management to meeting the various requirements of environmental legislation. The need for continuous and comprehensive monitoring covering the biological components of the MSFD, the Habitats Directive and the WFD has been clarified in recent reporting cycles. Corresponding needs also exist within the national environmental goals, from the Convention on Biological Diversity and the current challenges of tackling climate change. The new objectives of the EU Biodiversity Strategy (2021-2030) require functioning monitoring systems that provide comprehensive information for protection, assessment of permits, action planning and evaluation (of protection, permit modification and implemented measures). Monitoring is needed for sustainable fisheries regulation and coastal planning linked to exploitation, as well as for the management of transport routes and energy production, and last but not least to ensure a functioning network of protected areas and a functioning beach protection. The monitoring of benthic habitats is largely dependent on technical solutions. Methods for monitoring are under development and will, together with monitoring of pressures (see program Physical disturbance and loss), provide a basis for assessing the condition of the benthic habitats and how they are affected by various human activities. The Habitats Directive's assessment in 2019 shows that physical impact on conservation status in the form of construction, ports, dredging and bottom trawling predominates in the North Sea, while water quality, hazardous substances and nutrient load instead have a greater derogatory impact on habitats in the Baltic Sea. In order to be able to respond to the requirements in an integrated manner, a development of coordinated methods is underway that can deliver the necessary data on benthic habitats. The pilot phase of a survey and monitoring of shallow marine areas using satellite, aerial and drone images and biological sampling will be completed in 2020 and the established monitoring method will be tested and fine-tuned in 2021. The studies include testing of methods from satellite to biological sampling both in the Baltic Sea and on the West Coast. The overall monitoring of shallow benthic environments strives to be able to annually measure shallow marine areas completely (all of Sweden) w

Marine mammals are top predators in the food chain, which increases the probability of detecting changes in ecosystems and high levels of hazardous substances. Substances found in low levels in fish can be enriched and detected in high levels in seals and porpoises, which makes them suitable as indicator organisms for early detection of changes in the environment. The primary aim of the monitoring is to study the long-term effects of hazardous substances and other human activities affecting the marine environment by documenting population development for grey seals, harbor seals, ringed seals and harbor porpoises in combination with studies of cause of death, health, diseases and chemical analyzes. Marine mammals (bycatch, hunted or found dead for unknown reasons) are collected and investigated each year. Monitoring of Baltic seal healths started in 1975 and was expanded with ongoing health and disease monitoring of marine mammals in 2020. During 2020-2021, the monitoring of the effects of hazardous substances will be evaluated in order to be able to optimize the monitoring programmes both in terms of coverage and costs and to provide a better basis for state assessment and determining the causes of the effects. Comment: D8C2 was not in the list for the feature Adverse effects on species and habitats, but this criteria is relevant for this programme.

Sediment-living macrofauna have a size that is captured on a 1 mm sieve and include many different animal groups e.g. polychaetes, molluscs, echinoderms and crustaceans. The aim is to follow long-term trends in the marine environment as a result of organic loading and oxygen deficiency by documenting changes in the structure of the sediment-living macrofauna communities. Sampling primarily every year or every other year Monitoring in the Baltic Sea started 1971, and 1972 in the North Sea.

White-tailed eagles are at the top of the food chain in the Baltic Sea, which makes the species particularly exposed to hazardous substances. White-tailed eagles can show high levels of persistent organic compounds that are also enriched in their adipose tissue. The white-tailed eagle was one of the earliest animal species to signal the problems of hazardous substances in the Baltic Sea, which was expressed as a greatly reduced reproductive success. The primary purpose of the monitoring is to study effects and demonstrate long-term load changes of hazardous substances in the marine environment by documenting the reproductive capacity and population development of the white-tailed eagle population along the Swedish Baltic coast. Observed reproduction figures are compared with background levels from the time before the impact of environmental toxins. Other than the main areas that are included in national monitoring there are also monitoring in other areas based on voulontary actions, but this is mostly conducted by elderly persons, so the future of these ations are rather uncertain, therefore we only included MRU:s covered by national monitoring. During 2020-2021, the monitoring of the effects of hazardous substances will be evaluated in order to be able to optimize the monitoring programmes both in terms of coverage and costs and to provide a better basis for state assessment and determining the causes of the effects.