HELCOM TARGREV (2010-2011)
This project aims at strengthening the scientific basis of the ecological targets for eutrophication of the HELCOM BSAP. The results of this project, i.e. the preliminary eutrophication targets, will be submitted to the decision making process of the HELCOM Contracting Parties. The final targets adopted by the HELCOM Contracting Parties will be used for reviewing, and if necessary revising, the maximum allowable nutrient inputs of the BSAP and the country wise nutrient reduction allocation schemes. The scientific advice for the latter two parts of the BSAP update will be coordinated by the Swedish BNI team.
Those HELCOM Contracting Parties that are also EU member states will be able to make use of the targets in the implementation of the MSFD in the Baltic Sea, especially in fulfilling the tasks related to setting targets for Good Environmental Status related to eutrophication (descriptor 5 of Annex III of the directive).
Project description:
HELCOM has defined 5 ecological objectives for eutrophication: Concentrations of nutrients close to natural levels, clear water, natural level of algal blooms, natural distribution of plants and animals, natural oxygen levels.
However, these objectives must be transformed into quantitative values for specific indicators representing the different objectives. The first drafts of targets for the different ecological objectives showed inconsistencies between countries and across basins of the Baltic Sea. Moreover, strong scientific support for the values was mostly missing. Therefore, TARGREV will revise and harmonize ecological targets within the Baltic Sea.
Expected results
- a selection of indicators to characterise HELCOM EcoOs for eutrophication
- hindcast estimates of historical values for the selected indicators
- predicted values for the selected indicators given scenarios of nutrient inputs and fishing pressure
- identification of critical values where drastic changes in EcoOs may occur
- recommendations for setting target values for the selected indicators
Contacts:
Ms. Maria Laamanen
Professional Secretary
HELCOM
Mr. Jacob Carstensen
Project Coordinator
(HELCOM TARGREV)
