Eutrophication is a major
threat to the Baltic Sea. High release of nutrients, particularly nitrogen and
phosphorus, to the Baltic Sea over the decades has resulted in the occasional growing
of vast mass of toxic algae causing e.g. increased turbidity, oxygen depletion
and changes in species composition. The reduction of the input of nutrients is
one of the key tasks of the HELCOM Baltic Sea action plan.The Sixth Meeting of HELCOM
Working Group on Reduction of Pressures from the Baltic Sea Catchment Area
(PRESSURE 6-2017) will be held in St. Petersburg, Russia 25-17 April. The
Meeting will mainly focus on the follow up of the implementation of the HELCOM nutrient input reduction
scheme which is an essential part of the Baltic Sea Action Plan. The assessment
of the progress towards the targets covers the assessment of maximum allowable
inputs, the implementation of country-wise allocated reduction targets, the identification
of major sources of nutrients and the effectiveness of applied measures. The meeting
will also address matters related to marine litter, underwater noise, hazardous
substances and physical damage to the seafloor. PRESSURE working group will
also follow up the current development of the HELCOM hot spot toxic waste
landfill Krasnyi Bor in Russia.Note for editorsHELCOM is an intergovernmental organization made up of the nine Baltic Sea coastal countries and the European Union. Founded in 1974, its primary aims as a governing body are to protect the marine environment of the Baltic Sea from all sources of pollution, as well as to ensure safe maritime navigation. The official name of HELCOM is the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission; it is the governing body of the Helsinki Convention.
The Working
Group on Reduction of Pressures from the Baltic Sea Catchment Area – – focuses on
nutrient and hazardous substance inputs from diffuse sources and point sources
on land, including the follow-up of the implementation of the HELCOM nutrient
reduction scheme. The group ensures the necessary technical underpinning as
well as develops solutions to the policy-relevant questions and needs. Marine
litter and underwater noise are also coordinated by this group.For more information, please contact:Dmitry Frank-Kamenetsky Professional Secretary HELCOM Tel: +358 40 630 9933 Skype: helcom68 E-mail: dmitry.frank-kamenetsky(at)helcom.fi
Eutrophication is a major threat to the Baltic Sea.
