Tag: Monitoring

​Abundance of Indicators on coastal and migratory fish are the first of 19 new HELCOM  launched this fall, as a result of careful preparations by HELCOM experts. For each core indicator the environmental status is evaluated against a quantitative boundary that defines Good Environmental Status (GES). Defining GES through core indicators provides an important tool for assessing the status as well as guiding management towards a healthy Baltic Sea.Judging by the new coastal fish indicators, approximately half of the assessed coastal areas of the Baltic Sea are in good environmental status.  Since populations of coastal fish species are rather stationary, they have good potential in reflecting the general environmental state of the assessment unit. Coastal fish are doing better in the northern and eastern parts of the Baltic Sea, where perch is a key species while in the west an​​d south, where flounder is a key species, the environmental status is poorer.  The entire Baltic Sea from north to south is roamed by adult salmon feeding in the open sea. The abundance of salmon smolt and spawning adults in rivers flowing into the Bothnian Bay is at a level reflecting good environmental status, while in other areas the numbers are clearly below the aspired level. Capture of both young salmon and sea trout as by-catch in fisheries as well as migration barriers in rivers continue to be two of the reasons for GES not being achieved in some areas.  Good Environmental Status (GES) is a key concept in HELCOM Baltic Sea Action , which have set the objectives and actions for reaching GES for the entire Baltic Sea by 2021. The Baltic Sea is in GES when the sea is ecologically diverse, the waters are clean, and the use of the sea is sustainable. Fish are an integral part of the marine ecosystem and maintaining healthy fish communities is thus a key concern in environment protection.   Fast facts – coastal fishFor coastal fish key species, GES is achieved in 2/3 (16 out of the 24) coastal HELCOM assessment units that were evaluated.Piscivores – fish feeding on other fish – indicate GES in a majority of the evaluated coastal assessment unit areas.Cyprinids – fish feeding on smaller animals – indicate GES in half of the evaluated coastal assessment unit areas.Coastal fish communities have significant socio-economic and ecological importance in the Baltic Sea, both for ecosystem functioning and for the recreational and small-scale coastal commercial fishery. Long-term changes in the abundance of coastal fish species are mainly caused by the effects of increased water temperature and eutrophication and also due to human exploitation.  Fast facts – migratory fish​ Salmon is a long-distance migrating big predatory fish species in the Baltic Sea marine ecosystem.The number of juvenile salmon – or smolt – has increased in the Bothnian Bay and Quark area. In the Bothnian Sea as well as Gulf of Finland, the young salmon production is showing slight increase but is still low. On the other hand, the weak smolt production in rivers flowing into the Baltic Proper are not showing any signs of improvement.Sea trout populations indicate a sub-GES state in most of the Baltic Sea coastal areas, with a good environmental state only being indicated in the south-western parts. The current evaluation shows that the status reflected by populations of sea trout is sub-GES in most Baltic Sea coastal areas.>>   * *Note for editorsThe Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission, usually referred to as , is an intergovernmental organization of the nine Baltic Sea coastal countries and the European Union working to protect the marine environment of the Baltic Sea from all sources of pollution and to ensure safety of navigation in the region. Since 1974, HELCOM has been the governing body of the ‘Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area’, more commonly known as the Helsinki Convention.* * *> For more information, please contact:>Ulla Li Zweifel> Professional Secretary> HELCOM> Tel. +358 46 850 9198> Skype: helcom64> E-mail: ullali.zweifel(at)helcom.fi>>>Johanna Laurila> Information Secretary> HELCOM> Tel: +358 40 523 8988> Skype: helcom70> E-mail: johanna.laurila(at)helcom.fi

Indicators on coastal and migratory fish are the first of 19 new HELCOM core indicators launched this fall, as a result of careful preparations by HELCOM experts.

​​The delegates representing all Baltic coastal states as well as the EU are expected to agree on HELCOM Recommendation on sustainable aquaculture in the Baltic Sea region in a starting today in Tallinn, Estonia. The two-day meeting is also anticipated to endorse a list of concrete actions to tackle marine ; almost twenty new HELCOM core indicators; as well as speedier international permits for research vessels. Photo: Flickr/​Bayfield Library “The new HELCOM Recommendation on sustainable aquaculture will greatly assist the Baltic Sea region in developing this sector in healthy balance between economical profit and environmental protection. The Recommendation gives guidance for the best practices for minimizing and preventing negative environmental impact of aquaculture on Baltic marine ecosystems. Moreover, the jointly agreed document encourages the industry, predicted to grow in the region, to realize its great potential to develop and apply environmentally friendly technologies and production methods, both in marine and fresh water,” says HELCOM Chair, Harry Liiv. The Meeting is also awaited to give final approval for over thirty regional actions to mitigate littering of the Baltic Sea. The proposed actions are part of HELCOM Recommendation () which was already adopted in March. The lengthy list of actions with set deadlines focuses on reduction of littering of marine environment from the land-based sources which entail improvement of waste management and sewage water systems, remediation and removal of dumpsites and tackling top items such as microparticles, polystyrene foam, plastic bags, sanitary litter in sewage, and bottles and containers. The actions also cover sea-based sources, including developing best practices for handling waste from fisheries and ships, but also collection of abandoned fishing gears such as ghost nets. As according to research most of marine litter derives from households and consumer practices, a set of actions addressing education and outreach on marine litter is also included in the document. The comprehensive preparations for the core set of HELCOM indicators will likely be rewarded on Thursday, as the common definition of good environmental status of close to twenty of these fundamental tools await adoption by the HELCOM Heads of Delegation. Core indicators represent different biological and chemical features of the marine ecosystem and are an essential component of the HELCOM Monitoring and Assessment Strategy, and as regularly updated, also providing the basis for HELCOM thematic and holistic assessments. Good environmental status is agreed for each indicator, thereby forming the basis to evaluate the status of the Baltic Sea and the achievement of HELCOM work to improve the environmental condition.  Less unnecessary delays for granting of permits for monitoring by scientific research vessels is among the Meeting topics, as a renewed HELCOM Recommendation is in the pipeline for adoption. The main aim of the Recommendation is to ensure granting permits in the territorial waters, Exclusive Economic Zone, fishing zones or continental shelves in neighboring countries related to the Baltic Monitoring Programme without delay. It also calls the countries to grant no shorter than 1-year permits. As a related positive outcome from a recently completed BALSAM project, a shared for information and coordination of offshore monitoring cruises has been established by HELCOM.Other meeting topics include HELCOM/OSPAR Joint Harmonized Procedure for ballast water exemptions, as proposed revisions are expecting endorsement; launching the work on underwater noise with the aim of a knowledge base on this growing concern; as well as a smoother online follow-up system for the country-wise nutrient reduction targets. . All document will be public after the meeting.  * * * Note for editorsThe Heads of Delegation () of HELCOM usually meet few times a year. While the Annual Meeting of HELCOM remains the Commission’s highest decision-making body, the Heads of Delegation have a relatively high authority over most major issues.  The working structure of HELCOM, supported and administered by the Secretariat, comprises of the Helsinki Commission, the Heads of Delegation, and eight main working groups, together with tens of expert groups, correspondence groups and projects. ​The Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission, usually referred to as , is an intergovernmental organization of the nine Baltic Sea coastal countries and the European Union working to protect the marine environment of the Baltic Sea from all sources of pollution and to ensure safety of navigation in the region. Since 1974, HELCOM has been the governing body of the ‘Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area’, more commonly known as the Helsinki Convention. * * *For more information, please contact:Johanna LaurilaInformation SecretaryHELCOMTel: +358 40 523 8988Skype: helcom70E-mail: johanna.laurila(at)helcom.fi

The delegates representing all Baltic coastal states as well as EU are expected to adopt the Recommendation on aquaculture, actions on marine litter as well as core indicators.

​​​​Despite a general decreasing trend of concentrations of radionuc​lides, the Baltic Sea still is one of the most polluted sea areas as regards radioactive contamination. Radioactive substances in the Baltic Sea have been systematically monitored since the year 1984, and the credit mainly goes to the HELCOM MORS Expert finishing its 30th today in Oulu, Finland.>> >The several annual samples on radioactivity are a responsibility of all the coastal countries, analysed and reported to the Expert Group through three decades. Up to this date, the openly accessible environmental contains over 3,600 biota samples, over 8,000 seawater samples and 11,000 sediment samples analysed for various radionuclides. The reports on aquatic and airborne discharges of radionuclides from nuclear power plants and reprocessing plants cover discharge data starting from the year 1952, also online.In the Meeting, the Expert Group on Monitoring of Radioactive Substances in the Baltic Sea (MORS EG) discussed the next thematic assessment of long-term changes in Baltic Sea radioactivity 2011–2015, with delivery now scheduled at the end of 2016 as this will match the purposes of the holistic Baltic-wide assessment in 2018.  Further, the meeting made final check-ups for the HELCOM core indicator “Radioactive substances: Caesium-137 in fish and surface waters”, before final adoption in June. Moreover, the group reviewed the latest scientific reports provided by the HELCOM member states and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), as well as updated as necessary the shared Guidelines for monitoring of radioactive substances [link]. Radioactive substances occur naturally in the environment, but also due to nuclear weapon tests in 1950–80, Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident in 1986, as well as routine operations of nuclear power plants and research reactors. The latest HELCOM thematic of long-term changes in radioactivity in the Baltic Sea was released in 2013. The region’s first joint efforts concerning radioactivity started in early 1980s by a project under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), while MORS Expert Group had its first meeting just before the Chernobyl accident – in 1986. . All documents will be public soon after the Meeting. * * *Note for editorsThe Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission, usually referred to as , is an intergovernmental organization of the nine Baltic Sea coastal countries and the European Union working to protect the marine environment of the Baltic Sea from all sources of pollution and to ensure safety of navigation in the region. Since 1974, HELCOM has been the governing body of the ‘Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area’, more commonly known as the Helsinki Convention. * * * For more information, please contact:Tarja K. IkäheimonenChair of HELCOM MORS Expert GroupEnvironmental Radiation Surveillance and Emergency PreparednessSTUK – Radiation and Nuclear Safety AuthorityTel. +358 400 811 254E-mail: Tarja.Ikaheimonen(at)stuk.fi Johanna LaurilaInformation SecretaryHELCOMTel: +358 40 523 8988E-mail: johanna.laurila(at)helcom.fi​

Despite a general decreasing trend of concentrations of radionuclides, the Baltic Sea still is one of the most polluted sea areas as regards radioactive contamination.

​​​​​​The summary on key results of a large project on coordinated environmental monitoring in the Baltic Sea has recently been released, available both in print and online. Baltic Sea pilot project , running from October 2013 until May 2015, has focused on improving the coordination of environmental monitoring in several areas. Many of its results have already been immersed with the long-lasting regular monitoring activities of HELCOM. Environmental monitoring has a
major scientific role by revealing long-term
trends that can lead to new knowledge and
understanding​. Photo: Metsähallitus NHS.The BALSAM project, co-funded by EU, collected information on the current monitoring programmes and activities in the Baltic, which were included into the extensive HELCOM Monitoring , published in October 2014. With its 18 from eight coastal countries surrounding the Baltic Sea, the project also studied and made guidelines on how coordinated monitoring could be enhanced for , and non-indigenous in the future. The project also investigated how could be used in a more harmonized and cost-effective way, e.g. through online information exchange on such vessels and their planned cruises. Moreover, BALSAM activities were tightly linked to the work of HELCOM and its working groups, in order to ensure that the results are policy-relevant and in line with the needs identified by HELCOM countries. This has been seen as one of the strengths of the project.The rest of the project results, including guidelines for seabird and benthic habitat monitoring in the Baltic, databases for seals and seabirds, and a work plan to improve data management and infrastructure, will be available by the end of May 2015.* * * Note for editors: The Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission, usually referred to as HELCOM, is an intergovernmental organization of the nine Baltic Sea coastal countries and the European Union working to protect the marine environment of the Baltic Sea from all sources of pollution and to ensure safety of navigation in the region. Since 1974, HELCOM has been the governing body of the ‘Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area’, more commonly known as the Helsinki Convention.HELCOM (2013-2015) is an EU co-financed Baltic Sea pilot project: “Testing new concepts for integrated environmental monitoring of the Baltic Sea” with a budget of 0.46 M€. The project aim was to enhance the capacity of the Baltic Sea Member States to develop their marine monitoring programmes.  * * * For more information, please contact: Johanna Karhu Project Coordinator, BALSAM HELCOM Tel: +358 40 661 9040 Skype: helcom63 E-mail: johanna.karhu@helcom.fiJohanna Laurila Information Secretary HELCOM Tel: +358 40 523 8988 Skype: helcom70 E-mail: johanna.laurila(at)helcom.fi​

Key results of a large project on coordinated environmental monitoring are available, covering seals, non-indigenous species, research vessels, among others.

How the countries are doing in reaching
their HELCOM nutrient reduction targets was a priority topic of the HELCOM
Pressure group
ending last Friday, as a comprehensive follow-up system for the regional nutrient
reduction scheme is getting ready, based on the most recent data on polluting
nutrient inputs. The assessment of progress in cutting nutrient inputs, and all
related issues, is a key task of the Pressure group. ​​​​The latest data for individual sub-basins of the Baltic Sea is revealed by the recent on the assessment of nitrogen and phosphorus input to the Baltic Sea in 2012. The statistical trend of the overall burden of nitrogen and phosphorus to the Baltic Sea as a whole, indicates decrease with 18% and 23%, respectively, in the past 15 years. However, the situation differs between the sub-basins.  According to the HELCOM nutrient reduction scheme, reductions in inputs of nitrogen were needed to three sub-basins where Maximum Allowable Inputs were exceeded: Baltic Proper, Gulf of Finland and Kattegat. Out of these, only to Kattegat has the nitrogen input been cut sufficiently. However, statistically significant reduction has also been achieved for the Baltic Proper, by almost 55,000 tonnes (average annual input during 2010–2012 compared to the reference period of 1997–2003). No statistically significant reduction, compared to the reference period, can be confirmed for the Gulf of Finland. Reduction requirements were not set for nitrogen inputs to other basins, assuming that inputs were within acceptable maximum allowable input levels. Since adoption of the scheme, inputs of nitrogen have increased to Gulf of Riga and inputs to this basin now exceed maximum allowable levels. For the three sub-basins to which there was a need for reduce phosphorus inputs – Baltic Proper, Gulf of Finland and Gulf of Riga – inputs to none of them have yet measured below the maximum allowable level. The reduction of 20% (3,700 tonnes) and nearly 14% (1,000 tonnes) have been recorded since the reference period in inputs to the first two basins, while there have been no reductions in inputs to the third one.    The Maximum Allowable Input (MAI), a key component of HELCOM nutrient reduction scheme, is the estimated highest amount of nutrient input per year to a given sub-basin, which would still allow for reaching Good Environmental Status in terms of eutrophication.   The assessment results for sub-basins (MAI) have been and work is on-going to finalize an assessment of the progress of individual countries in reaching the country-wise reduction targets (CART). First results indicate that only Denmark has reached their reduction targets for nitrogen to all applicable sub-basin, and no countries have reached their reduction targets for phosphorous to all relevant basins. The assessment towards country-wise reduction targets is far more complex and requires substantial effort to be scientifically evident, as transboundary riverine inputs and retention have to be taken into account.  The draft assessment about the countries’ progress in reducing nutrient inputs, discussed at length by the Meeting, is expected to be published next month. The web presentation of the assessments will continue to be improved thereafter, as part of the overall effort in HELCOM to produce more user-friendly and easier to update reports.  The Pressure group meeting, also addressed another regionally significant matter – underwater noise. As impacts of underwater noise are a new concern, a road map for activities to improve the knowledge base on noise pollution and its consequences on marine life is under preparation.   The meeting also discussed other matters such as the upcoming implementation of the recent HELCOM Recommendation, Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter (36/1), and the urgent need for promoting regionally the sustainable and environmentally friendly practices for handling of sludge, a by-product of waste water treatment processes.  The Pressure group meeting launched a process of data collection in order to compile a regional status report on medical substances in the environment, their sources and pathways. There is no such overview yet for the Baltic Sea region. The compiled information will be the basis for regional discussion on needed measures to prevent or mitigate possible environmental consequences of growing drug consumption in the region. The report is planned to be issued by mid-2016.  The Pressure group meeting was held in Tallinn, Estonia on 6-8 May 2015 and chaired by Lars Sonesten, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences .  All documents are available in the site. * * * Note for editors: The Baltic Sea coastal countries have each committed to annual targets for reducing the polluting nutrients, phosphorus and nitrogen, ending up in the sea. The HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan nutrient reduction scheme, originally from 2007, was reviewed and revised in 2013. The calculations of nutrient inputs to all sub-basins of the Baltic Sea were updated, including the transboundary air and waterborne inputs, allowing for more precise targets per each country. – 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.The Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission, usually referred to as , is an intergovernmental organization of the nine Baltic Sea coastal countries and the European Union working to protect the marine environment of the Baltic Sea from all sources of pollution and to ensure safety of navigation in the region. Since 1974, HELCOM has been the governing body of the ‘Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area’, more commonly known as the Helsinki Convention.* * * 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.fiJohanna Laurila Information Secretary HELCOM Tel: +358 40 523 8988 Skype: helcom70 E-mail: johanna.laurila(at)helcom.fi

The overall burden of nitrogen and phosphorus to the Baltic Sea as a whole have decreased with 18% and 23%, respectively, in the past 15 years. However, the situation differs between the sub-basins.

​​Final touches for the key set of region-wide indicators is a prominent point in this week’s of the HELCOM Working on the State of the Environment and Nature Conservation. Environmental managers and experts from all the riparian states are gathered to discuss and agree on new or improved procedures, guidelines and recommendations for regional monitoring and assessment of Baltic marine environment. Two of the suggested HELCOM core indicators are related to marine mammals: their reproductive status and nutritional status.  Photo: Anders Galatius. ​HELCOM core set of indicators, currently 25, are shared tools which help to better measure the status of the entire sea. Many of the HELCOM core indicators are about the status of different species, ranging from seals and seabirds to coastal fish and zooplankton. Other indicators concern hazardous substances, and pressures on the environment such as introduction of alien species and inputs of nutrients. The core indicators will now be given a final technical review before the HELCOM Heads of Delegation are expected to decide on them in June.  The agreed core indicators will be used as a basis for future HELCOM assessments. Furthermore, each fully developed indicator has a boundary value for Good Environmental Status (GES) defined which reflects the acceptable level of contamination. All in all, the operational indicators thus assist in constantly evaluating progress towards the agreed objectives of the Baltic Sea Action Plan and other relevant policies aiming at reaching a healthy sea by 2021.  In addition to the first batch of proposed HELCOM core set indicators, over 20 more are considered for further development to join the core set later. The State and Conservation Group meeting will also review the progress in renewal of the regional database for the coastal and marine Baltic Sea protected areas and agree on a method for the next HELCOM assessment of ecological coherence of protected areas to be carried out during this year. Moreover, clarifications are expected on the HELCOM Recommendation on conservation of Baltic Sea species categorized as threatened, whether the Contracting Parties are ready to proceed on adoption. New plans to upgrade the HELCOM work on monitoring and assessment of benthic habitats and birds are also on the agenda.  Other items in the 5-day meeting include two HELCOM Recommendations, on new procedures for notifying neighbouring countries about the use of autonomous monitoring devices in the Baltic Sea, and about the revised procedures for granting monitoring permits. Both of the recommendations, proposed for agreement, are important to facilitate monitoring and research in the Baltic Sea. These proposed procedures are part of the many results of the recently completed BALSAM Project on improving monitoring in the region, presented to the Meeting and summarized in a . The second meeting of the Working Group on the State of the Environment and Nature Conservation 11-15 May 2015 will be co-chaired by Urmas Lips, Marine Systems Institute at Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia and Penina Blankett, Ministry of the Environment of Finland. . All documents will be public after the meeting. * * * Note for editors:HELCOM Working Group on the State of the Environment and Nature Conservation () covers monitoring and assessment functions as well as issues related to nature conservation and biodiversity protection in HELCOM. The group works across the monitoring-indicators-assessment chain for the coordinated development of HELCOM thematic assessment tools, as well as coherent holistic assessment of the ecosystems health. The Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission, usually referred to as , is an intergovernmental organization of the nine Baltic Sea coastal countries and the European Union working to protect the marine environment of the Baltic Sea from all sources of pollution and to ensure safety of navigation in the region. Since 1974, HELCOM has been the governing body of the ‘Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area’, more commonly known as the Helsinki Convention. * * * For more information, please contact:Ulla Li ZweifelProfessional SecretaryHELCOMTel. +358 46 850 9198Skype: helcom64E-mail: ullali.zweifel(at)helcom.fi Johanna LaurilaInformation SecretaryHELCOMTel: +358 40 523 8988Skype: helcom70E-mail: johanna.laurila(at)helcom.fi

Final touches for the key set of region-wide indicators is a prominent point in this week’s meeting of HELCOM State & Conservation group.

​The hands-on work has now started for the holistic assessment on the ecosystem health of the entire Baltic Sea area, orchestrated by HELCOM for the second time, as the core team that will carry out the project in Helsinki, Finland. The sealed the agreement to prepare such an overarching assessment.  Updating assessment tools as well as pressure and impact indices are parts of the next comprehensive assessment of the Baltic Sea. Photo: Wiesława CielątkowskaAt large, the second holistic assessment will help evaluate progress towards reaching the goals and objectives of HELCOM Baltic Sea Action . It will also be used, for HELCOM countries that are EU member states, as a joint report in the 2018 assessment of the Baltic Sea that is required by the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Starting now will allow for sufficient time to prepare a high quality product for serving to the deadline. The report will follow up the first one from 2010 and as a part of the project, the common existing tools for assessing the pressures on and status of the environment will be updated. Moreover, social and economic analyses of the use of the Baltic Sea will be part of the assessment. Such comprehensive assessments of the Baltic Sea should be conducted ever six years to ensure up-to-date information and a solid basis for decisions on policies and measures. Furthermore, as stated in the HELCOM Monitoring and Assessment from 2013, the forthcoming assessment will build on indicators. At present, thirty HELCOM core indicators are close to finalization, most of them being indicators of the state of the environment. The development work is still ongoing and will further shape the work on the second holistic assessment.  * * * The Second holistic assessment on the ecosystem health of the Baltic Sea will:Update HELCOM assessment tools, most prominently for biodiversity, hazardous substances and the Baltic Sea Pressures and Impact indices.>Carry out the assessment based on the Drivers – Pressures – State – Impact – Response framework, by establishing a clear link between human activities and drivers behind them; pressures; impact on the state of the environment as well as on society; and response in terms of measures taken to strive for the good environmental status. Work towards operational assessments, aiming at HELCOM assessments being fully operational and increasingly automated, so that the assessment can be carried out efficiently.  of the core group meeting 16-17 December 2014 * * * Note for editors:The Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission, usually referred to as , is an intergovernmental organization of the nine Baltic Sea coastal countries and the European Union working to protect the marine environment of the Baltic Sea from all sources of pollution and to ensure safety of navigation in the region. Since 1974, HELCOM has been the governing body of the ‘Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area’, more commonly known as the Helsinki Convention. * * * For more information, please contact:Ulla Li Zweifel Professional Secretary HELCOM Tel. +358 46 850 9198 Skype: helcom64 E-mail: ullali.zweifel(at)helcom.fi Johanna Laurila Information Secretary HELCOM Tel: +358 40 523 8988 Skype: helcom70 E-mail: johanna.laurila(at)helcom.fi 

Second HELCOM holistic assessment will help evaluate progress of the Baltic Sea Action Plan and also assist in joint reporting for EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive in 2018.

The cooperation between HELCOM and the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR) is expected to smoothen.  For the first time, a dedicated session with the representatives from relevant EUSBSR Priority Areas and Horizontal Actions was successfully organized as a part of this week’s of HELCOM Heads of Delegation representing all the Baltic coastal countries as well as the EU. The full meeting is now available online, listing all the issues addressed and decided on in the meeting for the benefit of the Baltic marine environment.Improving cooperation in practice was the key topic of HELCOM session with representatives from the EU Strategy for the Baltic sea Region. Photo: Dodik Putro.Concrete proposals on why and how to improve the synergies between HELCOM and EUSBSR have been listed in the meeting outcome. The shared goal would be to better communicate the policy directions and needs by HELCOM, which then can be met with and supported by the EUSBSR work and projects. The meeting recommended practical ways for better use of the expertise of HELCOM groups. Using the existing forums, co-chairing, back-to-back meetings, opportunity for involving Russian experts, and helping HELCOM countries in tapping into EU funding were also mentioned as practical solutions for more effective regional cooperation. The timing for the joint HELCOM-EUSBSR meeting was particularly adept, as the HELCOM streamlining process has been completed few months ago while the Action Plan of the EUSBSR is currently under revision, expecting launch at the Strategy’s Annual Forum in mid-June 2015. As per other results of the Heads of Delegation meeting, HELCOM “sub-hot spot” No. 18.1 “Construction of new sewer connections” was deleted, concerning the waste water treatment system of St. Petersburg. A large-scale environmental project for the construction of the northern tunnel collector of the city of five million inhabitants was finalized in October 2013, preventing the discharge of untreated waste water into the Neva River by approximately 122 million m3 per year. Since then, 98.4% of waste water has been estimated as adequately treated in St. Petersburg. HELCOM originally included 162 of the region’s significant sources of pollution, out of which over two thirds have since been mitigated.   Adequate reception for passenger ships was also negotiated by the Meeting, being part of the larger process of complying with the Baltic’s status as a sewage special area as decided by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in 2011. The consultations for a joint notification on the adequacy of ports’ reception facilities will continue via correspondence early next year. The meeting was held on 9-10 December 2014 and it was chaired by the current Estonian Chair of HELCOM, Mr. Harry Liiv. ..  * * * Note for editorsThe European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region () is the first macro-regional strategy in Europe. It aims at reinforcing cooperation within this large region in order to face several challenges by working together as well as promoting a more balanced development in the area. The Strategy also contributes to major EU policies and reinforces the integration within the area. The (HOD) of HELCOM usually meet few times a year. While the Annual Meeting of HELCOM remains the Commission’s highest decision-making body, the Heads of Delegation have a relatively high authority over most major issues.  The working structure of HELCOM, supported and administered by the Secretariat, comprises of the Helsinki Commission, the Heads of Delegation, and eight main working groups, together with tens of expert groups, correspondence groups and projects. The Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission, usually referred to as , is an intergovernmental organization of the nine Baltic Sea coastal countries and the European Union working to protect the marine environment of the Baltic Sea from all sources of pollution and to ensure safety of navigation in the region. Since 1974, HELCOM has been the governing body of the ‘Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area’, more commonly known as the Helsinki Convention. * * * For more information, please contact:Johanna Laurila Information Secretary HELCOM Tel: +358 40 523 8988 Skype: helcom70 E-mail: johanna.laurila(at)helcom.fi​

For the first time, a dedicated session with the representatives from relevant EUSBSR areas was organized as a part of this week’s meeting of HELCOM Heads of Delegation.

The new HELCOM is now published as a part of the free
HELCOM data and map , operational
in its current form since 2010 and probably one of the globe’s largest hubs of
compiled regional spatial information on marine environment. With the
Biodiversity map service now open, HELCOM provides free access to some 500 map
layers in total, with maps ranging from biodiversity landscape features to information
of maritime traffic.  he newest addition to the HELCOM map
service are maps on the distribution of and
produced in the HELCOM RED LIST project in 2013. The datasets make the data of
the Species Information and Biotope Information publically available for management purposes, including maritime spatial
planning.

​The newly added Red List datasets provide distribution maps on red-listed biotopes (36), benthic invertebrates (59), fish species (58), bird species (32), and marine mammals (5). The preparation of datasets for online publishing has been supported by a project funded by the European Commission.  According to HELCOM , all data stemming from monitoring and used in assessments is made publicly available. In case of the biodiversity datasets, the datasets are available for view and download from the as well as the thematic . To serve access to open spatial data, all map layers are available through open standard web mapping interfaces (OGC WMS), so the data can be used remotely without downloading and can be embedded in customized web applications.   * * * Note for editors:The Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission, usually referred to as , is an intergovernmental organization of the nine Baltic Sea coastal countries and the European Union working to protect marine environment of the Baltic Sea from all sources of pollution, including operational and accidental pollution from ships and to ensure safety of navigation in the region. * * * For further information, please contact:Joni Kaitaranta Data Administrator HELCOM Tel: +358 46 850 9206 Skype: helcom37 E-mail: joni.kaitaranta(at)helcom.fiJohanna Laurila Information Secretary HELCOM Tel: +358 40 523 8988 Skype: helcom70 E-mail: johanna.laurila(at)helcom.fi

Almost 200 new map layers on the distribution of red-listed species and biotopes further improve HELCOM’s free data and map service, a large hub of spatial information on Baltic marine environment.

The first of the new HELCOM working on the state of the environment and nature conservation in the Baltic Sea, starting today in Pärnu, Estonia, will formulate a concrete work plan regarding the two key themes of the group: monitoring and assessment as well as nature conservation and biodiversity. The 5-day session will discuss, among others, monitoring of benthic habitats, the production of the holistic assessment of the ecosystem health, as well as the modernization of the database on marine protected areas. Monitoring of benthic habitats could be supported e.g. by remote-sensing methods.  Photo: Metsähallitus NHS/Jan Ekebom & Mats Westerbom.The future coordinated monitoring of benthic habitats in the Baltic Sea will be a key topic of the Meeting. The HELCOM Monitoring and Assessment states that monitoring in the Baltic Sea should cater for assessments of quality and quantity of habitats and biotopes. Still, at present the recently published HELCOM Monitoring shows limited monitoring of benthic habitats in the Baltic Sea thus there is room for improvements and new joint initiatives. Different tools for assessing biodiversity is another theme that expecting major attention. HELCOM recently agreed to start a project with the aim of producing a 2nd Holistic Assessment of the Ecosystem Health of the Baltic Sea by 2018. Assessing the state of biodiversity will be an important component of the holistic assessment and principles for such analyses will be considered at the meeting. Moreover, the modernization of the HELCOM database on marine protected areas () will be discussed. HELCOM has hosted data on protected areas since 2006 and improvements regarding the structure and contents of the database have now been considered necessary. The new database will include data to cater the assessments of ecological coherence of MPAs, management plans and the effectiveness of managing MPAs.  The current development work on core indicators will also be reflected on, concerning biodiversity, hazardous substances as well as eutrophication. A major overall aim of the State group is to work across the monitoring-indicators-assessment chain in order to provide a stronger basis for coordinated development of the HELCOM thematic assessment tools.  . Documents will be public after the meeting. * * * Note for editors:The working group on the state of the environment and nature conservation (tentative name: ) will cover monitoring and assessment theme as well as nature conservation and biodiversity protection theme. A major aim of the group is to work across the monitoring-indicators-assessment chain in order to provide a stronger basis for coordinated development of the HELCOM thematic assessment tools and a coherent holistic assessment of the ecosystems health, including Baltic Sea Pressure Index and Impact Index. The Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission, usually referred to as , is an intergovernmental organization of the nine Baltic Sea coastal countries and the European Union working to protect the marine environment of the Baltic Sea from all sources of pollution and to ensure safety of navigation in the region. Since 1974, HELCOM has been the governing body of the ‘Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area’, more commonly known as the Helsinki Convention. * * * For further information, please contact:Ulla Li Zweifel Professional Secretary HELCOM Tel. +358 46 850 9198 Skype: helcom64 E-mail: ullali.zweifel(at)helcom.fiJohanna Laurila Information Secretary HELCOM Tel: +358 40 523 8988 Skype: helcom70 E-mail: johanna.laurila(at)helcom.fi

First meeting addresses monitoring of benthic habitats, production of the holistic assessment of the ecosystem health, as well as modernization of the database on marine protected areas.