# ART10_Targets_Target

Description:
a) Upper infralittoral algal communities are in High and Good ecological status according to WFD.
        b) Posidonia oceanica has Good and High ecological status according to WFD.
        c) Posidonia meadows have Good and High ecological status according to WFD.
        d) Habitat structure and function of Coralligenous assemblages in Croatia are maintained.
        e) Taxonomic diversity of planktonic species is not significantly changed from naturally occurring conditions.


Description:
a) There is no statistically significant reduction in the distribution range of monitored cetaceans.
        b) Nest-site distribution of selected seabirds is stable or increasing.
        c) Geographic and depth distribution of selected fish meet individual indicator targets in a statistically significant proportion of species monitored.
        d) There is no decrease in current (baseline) range (FRR according to Habitats Directive) for Caretta caretta.
        e) Distribution range of species Corallium rubrum is stable or increasing and not smaller than the FRR values (Favourable Reference Range under Habitats Directive).


Description:
Weight and length structure of selected fish species are in good status.


Description:
a) To establish regular monitoring in areas of particular risk (ports, harbours, farms), in order to obtain information on the occurrence of new NIS (invasive) species, and to acquire new knowledge (biology, ecology) on NIS (particularly invasive species) and not just for the Adriatic Sea and the Mediterranean, globally. To establish monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of existing measures in relation to the input of NIS (invasive species) as a result of anthropogenic activities in the light of increasing knowledge about these species by means of the proposed interim targets, taking such measures even further, if it is necessary.

        b) Developing action plans for the management of key high-risk species.

        c) Reducing the risks of introduction associated with international shipping, one of the key pathways of NIS introduction.

        d) Reducing the risk of introduction and spread from other key pathways and implementing action plans to control the spread of the high-risk species.

        e) Reduce the number of some NIS by commercial fishery.


Description:
a) Demersal fish: Long-term stability of distribution, biomass and abundance of targeted species on the assessment area.
        b) Demersal fish: Long-term stability of demersal communities on the assessment area.
        c) Pelagic fish- anchovy: Long-term stability of anchovy egg and larval abundance.
        d) Pelagic fish- sardine: Long-term stability of sardine egg and larval abundance.
        e) Shellfish: Long-term stability of targeted species biomass indices.


Description:
a) Demersal fish: Demographic structure remains unchanged.
b) Pelagic fish- anchovy: Demographic structure, sex ratio and ‘batch’ fecundity remain more or less stable over time.
c) Pelagic fish- sardine: Demographic structure, sex ratio and ‘batch’ fecundity remain more or less stable over time.
        d) Coastal fish: Long-term stability of composition, biomass indices and length structure of targeted species.
        e) Shellfish: Demographic structure of targeted species remains more or less stable over time.


Description:
Small pelagic fish: a) Long-term biomass stability of food web components is not significantly disturbed.
        b) Species composition is not significantly changed.
        c) Species condition is not significantly changed.


Description:
Top predators: a) Long-term biomass stability of food web components is not significantly disturbed.
        b) Species composition and distribution are not significantly changed.


Description:
Primary producers, heterotrophic microbes and mesozooplankton: a) Long-term stability of abundance/ biomass and productivity of food web components is not significantly disturbed.
        b) Structure of plankton communities, food web types and important trophic group ratios are not significantly changed.
        c) Species composition and diversity are not significantly changed.
        d) Seasonal patterns of important trophic groups are not significantly disturbed.
        e) The flow of energy throughout plankton food web is not significantly disturbed.
        f) Dominance of crustacean over gelatinous component in mesozooplankton.
        g) Sporadic and locally restricted occurrence of large Jellyfish.
        h) Copepod abundances within normal ranges and stable on multiannual scale.
        i) Dominance of copepods in the diet of small pelagic fish.


Description:
a) Maintain existing levels of nutrients in the water column.
        b) Encourage the proper use of fertilizers in agriculture to reduce the input of nutrients in natural streams.


Description:
Chlorophyll a concentrations are not increasing.


Description:
a) Abundance of opportunistic macroalgae is not increasing.
        b) Opportunistic macroalgae coverage declines.


Description:
The distribution of monitored cetacean species is in concordance with the expected pattern throughout the previously established distribution area.


Description:
a) Distribution and sea bottom coverage with marine algae and seagrass are within the natural cycles.
        b) Distribution of biocenosis maintained.


Description:
a) Maintain existing or lower the oxygen load from anthropogenic sources to the ecosystem.
        b) No occurrence of anoxia and mortality of benthic organisms.


Description:
Posidonia oceanica meadow: a) The area of distribution of P. oceanica meadow is not decreasing.
        b) Ecological quality of P. oceanica meadow is not decreasing.


Description:
Bottoms for trawling: a) Good ecological status of benthic communities on soft bottoms is not decreasing.
        b) Distribution of biocenosis is maintained.
        Intertidal hard bottom and rocks: a) Good ecological status of benthic communities on hard bottoms is not decreasing.
        b) Distribution of biocenosis is maintained.
        Biocenosis of sublittoral algae: a) Good ecological status of benthic communities on hard bottoms is not decreasing. b) Distribution of biocenosis is maintained.


Description:
Posidonia oceanica: a) The area of distribution of P. oceanica meadow is not decreasing.
        b) Ecological quality of P. oceanica meadow is not decreasing.


Description:
Biocenosis of sublittoral algae: a) Good ecological status of benthic communities on hard bottoms is not decreasing. b) Distribution of biocenosis is maintained.
        c) Species composition is maintained and in accordance with nature of substrate and environmental conditions.
        Sublittoral fine sands with different amount of mud: a) Good ecological status of benthic communities on soft bottoms is not decreasing.
        b) Distribution of biocenosis is maintained.
        c) Species composition is maintained and in accordance with nature of substrate and environmental conditions.
        Sublittoral coarse sands with different amount of mud: a) Good ecological status of benthic communities on soft bottoms is not decreasing.
        b) Distribution of biocenosis is maintained.
        c) Species composition is maintained and in accordance with nature of substrate and environmental conditions.
        Circalittoral muds: a) Good ecological status of benthic communities on soft bottoms is not decreasing.
        b) Distribution of biocenosis is maintained.
        c) Species composition is maintained and in accordance with nature of substrate and environmental conditions.
        Circalittoral sands: a) Good ecological status of benthic communities on soft bottoms is not decreasing.
        b) Distribution of biocenosis is maintained.
        c) Species composition is maintained and in accordance with nature of substrate and environmental conditions.
        Bathyal muds: a) Good ecological status of benthic communities on soft bottoms is not decreasing.
        b) Distribution of biocenosis is maintained.
        c) Species composition is maintained and in accordance with nature of substrate and environmental conditions.


Description:
All developments must be in a way that ensures the full consideration of any potential impacts, including cumulative effects at the most appropriate spatial scales to ensure that GES is not compromised.


Description:
a) Maintain current status in relation to concentrations of chlorinated pesticides.
        b) Achieve GES referring to metals and synthetic contaminants.
        c) Collect data on the state of pollution by other priority substances for which there are no data.


Description:
Maintain current state for non-impacted areas and define GES for HMWB(Heavily Modified Water Bodies).


Description:
a) The number of individuals in local populations of bottlenose dolphins that are monitored in areas of territorial sea (Vis-Hvar-Lastovo; Kornati-N.Dalmatia; Kvarnerić) and in areas put forth as SCI for bottlenose dolphins is stable or increasing.
        b) Annual abundance of breeding seabirds for each selected species/nest location or area is stable or increasing.
        c) Population abundance of Caretta caretta in the Adriatic Sea is not reducing.
        d) Population abundance density and population biomass density of sensitive fish species meet individual indicator targets in a statistically significant proportion of species monitored.
        e) Density of red coral settlement is increasing.


Description:
a) Maintain the current levels of detected contaminants.
        b) Not to exceed the current number of contaminants that has surpassed maximum regulatory levels.


Description:
The maximum threshold values may only be exceeded in a small number of fish and shellfish; proposal: - 5% of samples of fish or shellfish, for each parameter during one year, based on relevant surveys.


Description:
Reduce the total amount of visible marine litter on the shores and in the sea.


Description:
a) Develop indicators for monitoring the quantity and trends of litter at the sea bottom and the impact level on humans and on marine ecosystem.
        b) Development of actions for better waste management in the region.


Description:
Develop indicators for monitoring quantity and trends of microplastics in the water column and on the coast and the impact level on the people and marine ecosystem.


Description:
Develop indicators for monitoring the amount of microplastics in stomach contents of marine organisms.


Description:
Establish a registry to record, assess and manage the distribution and timing of anthropogenic sound sources measured over the frequency band 10 Hz to 10 kHz, exceeding the energy source level as proposed in „Monitoring Guidance for Underwater Noise in European Seas, Part II: Monitoring Guidance Specifications, JRC Scientific and Policy Report EUR 26555 EN, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, 2014, doi: 10.2788/27158“


Description:
Monitor trends (by measurement stations) in the ambient noise level within the 1/3 octave bands 63 and 125 Hz (centre frequency) as proposed in „Monitoring Guidance for Underwater Noise in European Seas, Part II: Monitoring Guidance Specifications, JRC Scientific and Policy Report EUR 26555 EN, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, 2014, doi: 10.2788/27158“


Description:
a) The number of young animals in three local populations of bottlenose dolphins monitored in territorial waters (Vis-Hvar-Lastovo; Kornati – N.Dalmatia; Kvarnerić) and in proposed bottlenose dolphin SCI areas, is stable or increasing.
        b) Mortality of seabirds due to fishing by catch is sufficiently low and annual breeding success is not lower than expected.
        c) Mortality of Caretta caretta due to fishing bycatch and ingestion of marine litter is reduced and does not affect population size.
        d) Demographic characteristics of selected sensitive fish species meet individual targets in a statistically significant proportion of species monitored.
        e) The number of adult specimens of Corallium rubrum is increasing.


Description:
a) Range of photophilic algal community is stable or increasing according to all indicators monitored and not below then Favourable Reference Range (according to Habitat Directive).
        b) Range of Posidonia meadow is stable or increasing and is not less than the FRR value (Favourable Reference Range for HD habitats).
        c) Distributional range of Coralligenous assemblages in Croatia is stable or increasing and not smaller than the FRR value (Favourable Reference Range for HD habitats).


Description:
Distribution of photophilic algal community is in accordance with the expected pattern throughout the established distributional range.


Description:
a) Coastline colonized by Cystoseira amantacea is stable or increasing and not smaller that the baseline value.
        b) The upper and lower limits of Posidonia meadows are not in regression.


Description:
a) Posidonia oceanica shoot density is not decreasing.
        b) Relative abundances and plankton biomass are not significantly changed from naturally occurring conditions.


# ART8_GES_ElementStatus

Element:
Total cyclodiene pesticides (aldrin + dieldrin + endrin + isodrin)


Element:
Total DDT (DDT, p,p' + DDT, o,p' + DDE, p,p' + DDD, p,p')


# ART9_GES_GESDetermination

GESDescription:
Photophilic algal community: Distribution of photophilic algae communities in Croatian part of the Adriatic subregion is not decreasing due to anthropogenic activities. Posidonia beds: Distribution of posidonia meadow in the Croatian part of the Adriatic Sea is not decreasing due to anthropogenic activities. Coralligenous assemblages: Distribution range of Coralligenous assemblages is not reducing due to anthropogenic reasons..


GESDescription:
Photophilic algal community: Range is stable or increasing according to all indicators monitored and not below then Favorable Reference Range according to HD. Posidonia beds: Range of posidonia meadows is stable or increasing and is not less than the FRR value (Favourable Reference Range for HD habitats). Coralligenous assemblages: Distribution range is stable or increasing and not smaller than the FRR value (Favourable Reference Range for HD habitats)..


GESDescription:
Photophilic algal community: Distribution is in concordance with the expected pattern throughout the established distribution range..


GESDescription:
In most parts of the ecosystem the biological community remains balanced and retains all the functions in the absence of undesirable disturbances caused by eutrophication. GES of benthic communities on hard bottoms are not reduced. Distribution of  biocenosis is maintained..


GESDescription:
Condition and functioning of benthic communities are in harmony with natural processes in the ecosystem and are not adversely altered. GES is maintained, values below the limit of hypoxia are not recorded..


GESDescription:
Only Pb exceeded regulatory levels, but just on one occasion in the year 2013. GES is achieved..


GESDescription:
Mammals: The current status of the GES is unknown due to the fact that there was no evaluation and no reference data has been determined. Seabirds: The current status of the GES cannot be assessed due to lack of data, especially trends. Reptiles: Due to lack of data, primarily baseline data and trends, current state of GES is not possible to assess. Fish: Due to the fact that additional research is needed for clear trends determination, currently GES is not possible to determine. Photophilic algal community: GES is achieved. In the majority of the coastal areas in the Adriatic Sea, benthic macroalgae are assessed with high and good quality status. Posidonia: Posidonia meadow GES is achieved. Posidonia oceanica species GES is achieved. Coralligenous assemblages and species Coralium rubrum: For Coralligenous assemblages it is expert opinion that GES is achieved. For species Coralium rubrum it is expert opinion that GES is not achieved. Pelagic plankton community: GES is achieved. Overall, marine ecosystems under jurisdiction of Croatia, as well as their constituent habitats and species, are maintained. Their distribution, abundance and condition are in accordance with prevailing environmental conditions. Use of marine biological resources is sustainable and human activities do not have significant impact on the state and function of marine ecosystems and its biological components. Those species and habitats which require protection as is prescribed by national and international legislation, such as rare and endangered species and priority habitats, are protected effectively through appropriate national or (sub) regional mechanisms. As GES is achieved for the majority of components analyzed in this report, we can conclude that GES on the level of Descriptor 1, is achieved..


GESDescription:
Mammals: Population size of monitored cetacean species is stable or increasing and is not under significantly negative impact caused by human activities. Seabirds: Population size of each selected seabird species in Croatian part of the Adriatic is stable or increasing and not under significant negative impact of human activities. Reptiles: Population size is stable and not significantly decreased by anthropogenic factors. Fish: Populations of sensitive fish species are not significantly impacted by human activity. Corallium rubrum: The number of C. rubrum specimens is on the level that ensures sustainability of the species.. Mammals: The number of individuals in local populations of bottlenose dolphins that are monitored in areas of territorial sea (Vis-Hvar-Lastovo; Kornati-N.Dalmatia; Kvarnerić) and in areas put forth as SCI for bottlenose dolphins is stable or increasing. The number of striped and bottlenose dolphins in the Adriatic is stable or increasing. Seabirds: Annual abundance of breeding birds for each selected species/nest location or area is stable or increasing. Reptiles: Population abundance of Caretta caretta in the Adriatic Sea is not reducing. Fish: Population abundance density and population biomass density of sensitive fish species meet individual indicator targets in a statistically significant proportion of species monitored. Corallium rubrum: Density of red coral settlement is increasing..


GESDescription:
Mammals: The number of young animals in three local populations of bottlenose dolphins monitored in territorial waters (Vis-Hvar-Lastovo; Kornati – N.Dalmatia; Kvarnerić) and in proposed bottlenose dolphin SCI areas, is stable or increasing. Seabirds: Mortality of seabirds due to fishing by catch is sufficiently low and annual breeding success is not lower than expected. Reptiles: Mortality of Caretta caretta due to fishing bycatch and ingestion of marine litter is reduced and does not affect population size. Fish: Population demographic characteristics of selected sensitive fish species meet individual targets in a statistically significant proportion of species monitored. Corallium rubrum: The number of adult specimens of C. rubrum is increasing.. Seabirds: Population condition of each selected seabird species in Croatian part of the Adriatic is not negatively influenced by human activities. Reptiles: Mortality of Caretta caretta due to bycatch and ingestion of marine litter should be sufficiently low, so it does not negatively influence population size. Fish: Population condition of selected fish species is not significantly impacted by human activities. Corallium rubrum: Size categories of species C. rubrum are on the level that ensures sustainability of the species..


GESDescription:
Mammals: The distribution of monitored species is in concordance with the expected pattern throughout the previously established distribution area.. Mammals: The occurrence of the monitored cetacean species is stable and does not change significantly in the distribution area due to anthropogenic impacts. Seabirds: Population distribution of each selected seabird species in Croatian part of the Adriatic is stable or increasing and not under significant negative impact of human activities. Reptiles: Distribution of Caretta caretta is stable and not significantly diminishing due to anthropogenic factors. Fish: Distribution of selected fish species is not significantly impacted by human activities. Corallium rubrum: Distribution of C. rubrum is on the extent that ensures its sustainability.. Mammals: There is no statistically significant reduction in the distribution range of monitored cetaceans. Seabirds: Nest-site distribution of selected seabirds is stable or increasing. Reptiles: There is no decrease in current (baseline) range (FRR according to HD). Fish: Geographic and depth distribution of selected fish meet individual indicator targets in a statistically significant proportion of species monitored. Corallium rubrum: Distribution range of species C. rubrum is stable or increasing and not less than the FRR values (Favourable Reference Range under Habitats Directive)..


GESDescription:
Photophilic algal community: Quality of photophilic algae settlement in the Croatian part of the subregion is not reduced due to human activities. Posidonia beds: Posidonia meadows and the species P. oceanica have Good and High ecological status, and each of the monitored indicators are not significantly decreased due to anthropogenic activities. Coralligenous assemblages: Structure and function of Coralligenous assemblages are not negatively affected by human activities. Pelagic plankton community: Taxonomic biodiversity and abundance of plankton species is preserved in accordance with the prevailing biotic and abiotic conditions which are not significantly negatively impacted by human activities.. Photophilic algal community: Upper infralitoral algal communities are in High or Good ecological status according to WFD. Posidonia oceanica: is in Good and High ecological status according to WFD. Posidonia beds: are in Good and High ecological status according to WFD. Coralligenous assemblages: Habitat structure and function is maintained. Pelagic plankton community: Taxonomic diversity is not significantly changed compared to the natural conditions.. Posidonia oceanica: shoot density is not decreasing. Pelagic plankton community: Relative abundance and plankton biomass are not significantly altered regarding the natural community..


GESDescription:
Non-indigenous (invasive) species introduced into the environment as a result of human activities (anthropogenic influence) have not caused significant changes in the ecosystem..


GESDescription:
The abundance and distribution of non-indigenous (invasive) species entered by anthropogenic activity in the Croatian Adriatic waters is not at high level. GES is reached.. The trend of incidence of NIS (IAS) entered by anthropogenic activity is increasing. GES is not reached..


GESDescription:
Currently, impacts are not assessed directly. The biopollution index (Olenin et al., 2007) assesses the magnitude of bioinvasion impacts and its applicability needs evaluation. Therefore, we believe that the determination of good environmental status in relation to the impact of NIS, based on currently available data, at this point would be premature.. Due to the lack of data on the impact of non-indigenous (invasive) species on the ecosystem, it is not possible to assess the good environmental status.. Due to the lack of data that would allow such an assessment, ratios between the abundance of native and NIS species are not known. However, in the framework of the existing data on the distribution of NIS in Croatian waters (Caulerpa racemosa, Womersleyella setacea), it can be assumed that in some areas there are indications of reduced biodiversity..


GESDescription:
Demersal stocks: GES is not reached on the level of the GSA 17. Due to the lower fishing pressure in the territorial waters than in the rest of the Adriatic sea, current status of demersal stock inside territorial waters of Croatia are in the sustainable condition.
        Pelagic stocks: GES is not reached on the level of the GSA 17. State of the stocks in the territorial waters of Croatia is in the sustainable condition in the recent time.
        Coastal stocks: GES is not possible to assess. Times series of data are missing for majority of coastal stocks and types of fisheries.
        Shellfish stocks: GES is reached. Although times series of data for shellfish stocks and shellfish fisheries are poor, due to the very low level of exploitation in the past and recently, populations are in the sustainable condition..


GESDescription:
The spatial range of many fish stocks, and some shellfish stocks, overlaps the EEC or other extraterritorial waters of more than one Member State so that assessments and management needs to occur at the regional or sub-regional scale. Fish and shellfish stocks in Croatia, as part of EU waters are assessed and managed at the regional level (GSA 17), apart from some inshore coastal stocks which are assessed and managed at the national (Member State or sub-Member State) level. Apart from inshore stocks, scientific assessments of the state of fish stocks, management reference points and the extent of fishing activity are provided to the European Commission by STECF and GFCM. The primary measure for the state of a stock is the spawning stock biomass (SSB), which provides a measure of the reproductive potential of a stock. The primary measure for the extent of fishing activity is the fishing mortality (F) that is applied to a stock. GFCM and STECF does not conduct assessments, nor provide reference points, for all stocks exploited in Croatia (more than 150 species) or European waters. Therefore, assessments of GES for criterion 3.1 (level of pressure of fishing activity) and criterion 3.2 (reproductive capacity of the stock) cannot currently be conducted for all stocks on the basis of GFCM and STECF’ assessments and reference points. Furthermore STECF does not provide scientific assessments or reference points relating to criterion 3.3 (population age and size distribution). It is also noted that a number of national and European initiatives are developing assessment methods and reference points for ‘data poor’ stocks and it is expected that additional methods will be incorporated into the formal STECF’ advisory process. Therefore, the position in relation to secondary indicators could be revised in time for the 2015 definition of the Programme of Measures (Directive 2008/56/EC Art 13) or the 2018 review of Marine Strategies (Directive 2008/56/EC Art 17). For the initial assessment of GES it is proposed that no assessment is made for stocks for which STECF does not provide assessments of the primary indicators of F and SSB in relation to reference values. To facilitate harmonized assessments amongst regional partners it is proposed that assessment of GES for Descriptor 3 is based on STECF assessments and reference points..


GESDescription:
The spatial range of many fish stocks, and some shellfish stocks, overlaps the EEC or other extraterritorial waters of more than one Member State so that assessments and management needs to occur at the regional or sub-regional scale. Fish and shellfish stocks in Croatia, as part of EU waters are assessed and managed at the regional level (GSA 17), apart from some inshore coastal stocks which are assessed and managed at the national (Member State or sub-Member State) level. Apart from inshore stocks, scientific assessments of the state of fish stocks, management reference points and the extent of fishing activity are provided to the European Commission by STECF and GFCM. The primary measure for the state of a stock is the spawning stock biomass (SSB), which provides a measure of the reproductive potential of a stock. The primary measure for the extent of fishing activity is the fishing mortality (F) that is applied to a stock. GFCM and STECF does not conduct assessments, nor provide reference points, for all stocks exploited in Croatia (more than 150 species) or European waters. Therefore, assessments of GES for criterion 3.1 (level of pressure of fishing activity) and criterion 3.2 (reproductive capacity of the stock) cannot currently be conducted for all stocks on the basis of GFCM and STECF’ assessments and reference points. Furthermore STECF does not provide scientific assessments or reference points relating to criterion 3.3 (population age and size distribution).It is also noted that a number of national and European initiatives are developing assessment methods and reference points for ‘data poor’ stocks and it is expected that additional methods will be incorporated into the formal STECF’ advisory process. Therefore, the position in relation to secondary indicators could be revised in time for the 2015 definition of the Programme of Measures (Directive 2008/56/EC Art 13) or the 2018 review of Marine Strategies (Directive 2008/56/EC Art 17). For the initial assessment of GES it is proposed that no assessment is made for stocks for which STECF does not provide assessments of the primary indicators of F and SSB in relation to reference values. To facilitate harmonized assessments amongst regional partners it is proposed that assessment of GES for Descriptor 3 is based on STECF assessments and reference points..


GESDescription:
Observed indicators suggest that plankton, small pelagic fish (sardine) and top predator (tuna) communities are not significantly adversely influenced by anthropogenic drivers. The flow of energy to higher trophic levels is ensured. GES reached..


GESDescription:
Fish: The size-composition of fish communities reflects a healthy status and it is not significantly impacted by human activity.. Fish: Weight and length structure of selected species are in good status..


GESDescription:
Fish: The size-composition of fish communities reflects a healthy status and it is not significantly impacted by human activity.. Fish: Weight and length structure of selected species are in good status.. Primary producers, heterotrophic microbes, mesozooplankton: GES reached. Observed indicators suggest that plankton community is not significantly adversely influenced by anthropogenic drivers. The flow of energy to higher trophic levels is ensured..


GESDescription:
Top predators: GES reached. Observed indicators suggest that top predator (tuna) community is not significantly adversely influenced by anthropogenic drivers..


GESDescription:
Small pelagic fish: GES reached. Observed indicators suggest that small pelagic fish (sardine) community is not significantly adversely influenced by anthropogenic drivers. The flow of energy to higher trophic levels is ensured..


GESDescription:
Eutrophication in the Croatian part of the Adriatic Sea is mainly manifested at the local level. The ecological status of this part of the Adriatic is in its most part very good that is of the highest quality. Biological community remains balanced and retains all the functions in the absence of undesirable disturbances caused by eutrophication. GES of benthic communities on hard bottoms are not reduced. Distribution of biocenosis is maintained. Condition and functioning of benthic communities are in harmony with natural processes in the ecosystem and are not adversely altered. GES is maintained, values below the limit of hypoxia are not recorded..


GESDescription:
In most parts of the ecosystem the biological community remains balanced and retains all the functions in the absence of undesirable disturbances caused by eutrophication..


GESDescription:
GES is maintained, values below the limit of hypoxia are not recorded..


GESDescription:
GES of benthic communities on hard bottoms are not reduced..


GESDescription:
Condition and functioning of benthic communities are in harmony with natural processes in the ecosystem and are not adversely altered..


GESDescription:
Sea floor integrity in Croatian part of the Adriatic Sea is maintained. Distribution, size and state of different marine habitats and associated biocenosis are in accordance with prevailing natural conditions. According to analysis of available long term collected data, expert opinion and applied metrics, GES is reached in the Croatian part of the Adriatic Sea for analysed criteria and indicators of Descriptor 6..


GESDescription:
Soft bottom habitats are maintained and not adversely affected by human activities. Hard bottom habitats are maintained and not adversely affected by human activities. Posidonia oceanica meadows maintain or increase distribution area and ecological quality..


GESDescription:
Extent of the seabed significantly affected by human activities does not endanger ecosystem functioning. GES is reached..


GESDescription:
Cystoseira amantacea: Coastline colonized by C. amantacea is stable or increasing and not smaller that the baseline value. Posidonia beds: The upper and lower limits of posidonia meadow are not in regression.. Cystoseira amantacea: Distribution of C. amantacea settlements in Croatian part of the Adriatic subregion is not decreasing due to anthropogenic activities.  Posidonia beds: The upper and lower limit of the posidonia meadow in the Croatian part of the Adriatic Sea is stable or expanding (upper towards shallower depth and lower towards deeper) and is not in regression due to human activity.. Distribution and characteristics of biogenic substrate are maintained and ecosystem functions naturally. GES is reached..


GESDescription:
Conditions and functionality of benthic communities are in accordance to natural ecosystem processes and not adversely affected. GES is reached.. Photophilic algal community: Quality of photophilic algae settlement in the Croatian part of the subregion is not reduced due to human activities. Posidonia beds: Posidonia meadows and the species P. oceanica have Good and High ecological status, and each of the monitored indicators are not significantly decreased due to anthropogenic activities. Coralligenous assemblages: Structure and function of Coralligenous assemblages are not negatively affected by human activities. Pelagic plankton community: Taxonomic biodiversity and abundance of plankton species is preserved in accordance with the prevailing biotic and abiotic conditions which are not significantly negatively impacted by human activities.. Photophilic algal community: Upper infralitoral algal communities are in High or Good ecological status according to WFD. Posidonia oceanica: is in Good and High ecological status according to WFD. Posidonia beds: are in Good and High ecological status according to WFD. Coralligenous assemblages: Habitat structure and function is maintained. Pelagic plankton community: Taxonomic diversity is not significantly changed compared to the natural conditions.. Posidonia oceanica: shoot density is not decreasing. Pelagic plankton community: Relative abundance and plankton biomass are not significantly altered regarding the natural community.. Presence and abundance of sensitive species is in accordance to nature of habitats. GES is reached.. Soft bottom habitats are maintained and not adversely affected by human activities. Hard bottom habitats are maintained and not adversely affected by human activities. Posidonia oceanica meadows maintain or increase distribution area and ecological quality..


GESDescription:
There are no significant changes in hydrographic indicators (temperature, salinity, transparency and sea level) that would have impact on the ecosystem. Since there is no permanent changes of Descriptor 7 influenced by human activity, we can say that GES is achieved in the Croatian part of the Adriatic Sea..


GESDescription:
The nature and scale of any permanent changes to the prevailing hydrographic conditions resulting from anthropogenic activities, having taken into account climatic or long-term cyclical processes in the marine environment, do not lead to significant long term impacts on biological and other components considered under other descriptors. GES is reached..


GESDescription:
In order to estimate GES with respect to the first criterion of this descriptor (Concentrations of contaminants), we can conclude that the measured concentrations of priority substances in seawater (33 +8) show that good environmental status is achieved, because only 3 of 24 samples exceeded the criteria, but insufficient number of measurements (only two sampling campaigns) do not give a reliable assessment of the condition of priority substances. Altogether it can be concluded that the GES has not been achieved for all measured parameters, however, it should be taken into account that the most of the locations where the samples were taken from were exposed to strong anthropogenic influence, so it is questionable whether this assessment is relevant for the whole Croatia?s Adriatic coast and it should be considered to be only partially reliable. The assessment of GES in relation to the second criteria of this descriptor (Effects of contaminants) is that GES is reached. Due to the lack of data on the effects of significant acute pollution events, considering this indicator GES assessment is not possible..


GESDescription:
Good environmental status has not been reached for some metals (especially Hg and Pb) and PCB. Data for concentrations of priority substances and synthetic contaminants in coastal waters are insufficient. There are not enough data on the reference values for the Adriatic, so that the criteria of OSPAR were used. Most of the sites with available data are exposed to significant anthropogenic pressures, so it is questionable how much the evaluation is relevant for the entire coastal area the assessment is partially reliable. GES is not reached.. The concentrations of priority substances in seawater, measured 2010 in the potentially endangered water bodies, (13 of 16 examined stations) were mostly within the set Standards of environmental quality, except in the two water bodies where elevated concentrations of C10-13 chloroalkanes or TBT were found. Results of measurements of priority substances at 8 potentially threatened coastal areas during 2014 indicate good chemical status at 7 stations examined, while one indicated the elevated concentration of lead. These preliminary results indicate that the concentrations of most of priority substances in seawater are not elevated, but based on only two measurements it is difficult to make a definitive conclusion about the state of pollution by these substances. Monitored metals in shellfish, during the last 10 years show a growing trend for Pb, Hg, and Zn, while Cd and Cu showed no significant changes. Concentrations of metals in sediment were monitored at 12 locations. As well as for shellfish, concentrations of all metals in the sediment were significantly elevated in harbors, or area exposed to industrial pollution. Average concentrations of metals in sediment showed no significant temporal trends, primarily because of the way of sediment sampling that does not allow temporal resolution on a scale of 10. All measured concentrations of organotin compounds in shellfish significantly exceed BAC according to OSPAR, especially in the harbors where marine traffic is enhanced. Reduction of TBT in 2011 indicates decreased input of TBT in the marine environment. At all locations, concentrations of PCBs in shellfish were significantly higher than BAC values. Trends of average concentrations show slight decline, but it is obvious that the PCB contamination is still notable. Mean concentrations of the sum of 7 congeners in sediment were measured at 6 locations in the period of 2006-2011, showing that the concentrations are the highest at the location OT10 in the Kastela Bay, similar to that of shellfish. All average concentrations of chlorinated pesticides (DDE (p, p*)) in shellfish are higher than the BAC values, but the trend of the pressure is significantly decreasing; similar situation is recorded in sediment. The highest concentrations are at the locations that are significantly exposed to anthropogenic impacts. Average lindane concentrations in shellfish are all significantly lower than the BAC values and demonstrating their downward trend, while lindane was.


GESDescription:
Levels of contaminant effects measured in seawater, sediment and biota at potentially impacted coastal stations were below or in the range of established good environmental status while a “good ecological potential” (GEP) was achieved at stations placed in areas such as harbours, industrial areas, etc. classified as heavily modified water bodies (HMWB). GES is reached.. Levels of contaminant effects measured in seawater, sediment and biota at potentially impacted coastal stations were below or in the range of established good environmental status. GES is reached..


GESDescription:
Due to the lack of adequate data on the biological effects of acute natural concentrations of heavy metals in the sediment of the Adriatic. The assessment is unreliable..


GESDescription:
Due to the lack of adequate data on the biological effects of acute natural concentrations of heavy metals in the sediment of the Adriatic. The assessment is unreliable.. Levels of contaminant effects measured in seawater, sediment and biota at potentially impacted coastal stations were below or in the range of established good environmental status. GES is reached..


GESDescription:
Metal concentrations were determined in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) collected in areas exposed to pollution sources; in the muscle tissues of hake (Merluccius merluccius), red mullet (Mullus barbatus) and sea bream (Pagellus erythrinus) from the eastern part of the Adriatic Sea (caught at 48 sampling stations) and in four fish species commonly caught in coastal and open waters of the eastern Adriatic Sea: anchovy (Engraulis encrasicholus), mackerel (Scomber japonicas), red mullet (Mullus surmuletus) and picarel (Spicara smaris). Organic contaminants were determined in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis). Radionuclides were measured in sardines (Sardina pilchardus), Musky octopus (Eledone moschata) and mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis). Levels of contaminants do not exceed regulatory levels, except for Pb, but the frequency of exceeding regulatory levels for Pb was reduced to one for the last year, and is not affected to GES. GES is achieved..


GESDescription:
Concentrations of Cd in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) caught for human consumption in areas exposed to pollution sources, were below the maximum permitted levels listed in Commission Regulation No 1881/2006 and 629/2008; concentrations of Pb occasionally exceeded the maximum permitted levels, while increased Hg concentrations were measured in samples collected in the middle of the eastern part of the Adriatic Sea in an area which has been exposed to the activities of the chemical plant for the production and processing of vinyl chloride. Concentrations of Cd and Pb in the muscle tissue of hake (Merluccius merluccius), red mullet (Mullus barbatus) and sea bream (Pagellus erythrinus) from the eastern part of the Adriatic Sea (caught at 48 sampling stations) do not exceed the maximum permitted levels. The concentrations of Cd, Hg and Pb determined in four fish species commonly caught in coastal and open waters of the eastern Adriatic Sea: anchovy (Engraulis encrasicholus), mackerel (Scomber japonicas), red mullet (Mullus surmuletus) and picarel (Spicara smaris) were below the maximum permitted levels and indicate the good environmental condition along the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea. Organic contaminants were determined in mussels (M. galloprovincialis). Organochlorine compounds (DDT, aldrin, dieldrin, lindane and HCB) showed decreasing trend; polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were present at low levels and uniformly distributed during the investigation period. Concentrations of benzo(a)pyrene (PAH) were below the detection limits in mussels from 45 sampling stations. Concentrations of chrysene, benzo(b)flouranthene and benzo(a)anthracene in shellfish from 13 breeding area and 6 shellfish harvesting areas were below the limit of detection. The highest concentration of 137Cs were determined in indicator organisms sardines (Sardina pilchardus) 0.25 Bq/kg. Concentrations activity of natural radionuclide, 232Th (228Ra), 238U and 226Ra measured in mussels were extremely low and almost always below the detection limit. GES is achieved.. Levels of contaminants do not exceed regulatory levels, except for Pb, but the frequency of exceeding regulatory levels for Pb was reduced to one for the last year, and is not affected to GES. GES is achieved..


# CostOfDegradationType

CostOfDegradationType:
Residual impacts, with reference to the current legislation objectives


# ElementCodeSources

Link:
Link to other vocabulary or code lists that may be relevant


Conditional:
Eutrophication (D5) and contaminants (D8-D9)


# Features

Subject:
Uses and human activities in or affecting the marine environment


Feature:
All activities related to cultivation of living resources


Feature:
Aquaculture – marine, including infrastructure


Feature:
All activities related to extraction of living resources


Feature:
Fish and shellfish harvesting (professional, recreational)


Feature:
Hunting and collecting for other purposes


Feature:
All activities related to extraction of non-living resources


Feature:
Extraction of minerals (rock, metal ores, gravel, sand, shell)


Feature:
Extraction of oil and gas, including infrastructure


Feature:
Military operations (subject to Article 2(2))


Feature:
All activities related to production of energy


Feature:
Transmission of electricity and communications (cables)


Feature:
Renewable energy generation (wind, wave and tidal power), including infrastructure


Feature:
Research, survey and educational activities


Feature:
All activities related to physical restructuring of rivers, coastline or seabed

Theme:
Physical restructuring of rivers, coastline or seabed (water management)


Feature:
Canalisation and other watercourse modifications


Feature:
Offshore structures (other than for oil/gas/renewables)


Feature:
Restructuring of seabed morphology, including dredging and depositing of materials


Feature:
All activities related to tourism and leisure


Subject:
Structure, functions and processes of marine ecosystems


Feature:
All ecosystem services related to provision of energy


Feature:
All ecosystem services related to mediation of flows


Feature:
Mass stabilisation and control of erosion rates


Theme:
Underpinning and/or enhancing physical and intellectual interactions


Feature:
All ecosystem services underpinning physical and intellectual interactions


Feature:
Experiential use of plants, animals and land-/seascapes in different environmental settings


Feature:
Physical use of land-/seascapes in different environmental settings


Feature:
All ecosystem services underpinning spiritual, symbolic and other interactions

Theme:
Underpinning and/or enhancing spiritual, symbolic and other interactions


Feature:
All ecosystem services related to maintenance of physical, chemical and biological conditions

Theme:
Maintenance of physical, chemical, biological conditions


Feature:
Global climate regulation by reduction of greenhouse gas concentrations

Sub-theme:
Atmospheric composition and climate regulation


Sub-theme:
Lifecycle maintenance, habitat and gene pool protection


Feature:
Maintaining Nursery Populations and Habitats


Feature:
Materials from plants, algae and animals for agricultural use


Feature:
All ecosystem services related to provision of materials


Feature:
Fibres and other materials from plants, algae and animals for direct use or processing


Feature:
All ecosystem services related to nutrition


Feature:
All ecosystem services related to mediation of waste, toxics and other nuisances

Theme:
Mediation of waste, toxics and other nuisances


Feature:
Filtration/sequestration/storage/accumulation by micro-organisms, algae, plants, and animals


Feature:
Bio-remediation by micro-organisms, algae, plants, and animals


Feature:
Commercially exploited fish and shellfish


Feature:
Offshore circalittoral rock and biogenic reef


Feature:
All physical and hydrological characteristics


Subject:
Anthropogenic pressures on the marine environment


Feature:
Loss of, or change to, natural biological communities due to cultivation of animal or plant species


Feature:
Disturbance of species (e.g. where they breed, rest and feed) due to human presence


Feature:
Extraction of, or mortality/injury to, wild species (by commercial and recreational fishing and other activities)


Feature:
Input of genetically modified species and translocation of native species


Feature:
Input or spread of non-indigenous species


Subject:
Pressure levels and impacts in marine environment


Feature:
All pressures related to inputs of substances, litter and energy


Feature:
Input of other substances (e.g. synthetic substances, non-synthetic substances, radionuclides) – diffuse sources, point sources, atmospheric deposition, acute events


Feature:
Input of litter (solid waste matter, including micro-sized litter)


Feature:
Input of nutrients – diffuse sources, point sources, atmospheric deposition


Feature:
Input of organic matter – diffuse sources and point sources


Feature:
Input of other forms of energy (including electromagnetic fields, light and heat)


Feature:
Input of anthropogenic sound (impulsive, continuous)


Feature:
Input of water – point sources (e.g. brine)


# GESComponents

Description:
Area covered by the species (for sessile/benthic species)


Description:
Mean maximum length across all species found in research vessel surveys


Description:
Nutrient ratios (silica, nitrogen and phosphorus)


Description:
Frequency of regulatory levels being exceeded


Description:
D11C2 – Anthropogenic continuous low-frequency sound


Description:
D1C1 – Mortality rate from incidental by-catch


Description:
D1C3 - Population demographic characteristics


Description:
D1C4 - Population distributional range and pattern


Description:
D5C6 - Opportunistic macroalgae of benthic habitats


Description:
D5C7 - Macrophyte communities of benthic habitats


Description:
D5C8 - Macrofaunal communities of benthic habitats


Description:
D6C2 - Physical disturbance to the seabed


Description:
D6C3 – Adverse effects from physical disturbance


Description:
D7C1 – Permanent alteration of hydrographical conditions


Description:
D7C2 – Adverse effects from permanent alterations of hydrographical conditions


Description:
D8C3 – Significant acute pollution events


Description:
D8C4 – Adverse effect of significant acute pollution events


# IntegrationRules

Description:
If two variables do not meet the required standard, good status is not achieved.


Description:
The use of hierarchical approaches to structure indicator inclusion and group is very common. The added structure provides the ability to output intermediate CIs that aid in the interpretation of the overall CI/AI. The nesting of associated indicators into clusters greatly improves the clarity of the aggregation process. Weightings are equal for each indicator and typical of when there is not enough information on the influence of individual indicators.


Description:
Hierarchical layers and clustering of input indicators is used to structure and order the aggregation. Weightings are variable between indicators and can be allocated according to multivariate analysis, expert judgement or based on theoretical assumptions regarding value. Weights can be applied to either individual indicators or to clustered indicators.


Description:
Often hierarchically-structured and have inputs clustered by metric. Weights can be variable or equal. Calculation is undertaken with complex approaches such as summation, multiplication or bespoke formulae operations.


Description:
Use predefined statistical procedures. Commonly applied methods include Factor Analysis, Discriminate analysis and Principal Components Analysis


Description:
Combination of variables/indicators into a flat structure with no intermediate aggregation. Weightings are equal for all indicators and is atypical approach used when there is not enough information on the influence of individual indicators. This method is the most basic of quantitative aggregations, and is more common for indicator production. Averaging can be arithmetic or geometric.


Description:
Combination of variables/indicators into a flat structure with no intermediate aggregation. Weightings are variable between indicators and can be allocated according to multivariate analysis, expert judgement or based on theoretical assumptions regarding value.


Description:
All variables have to achieve good status.


Description:
‘High-level integration’ assessment results for three groups: biological indicators, hazardous substances, indicators and supporting indicators, each applying OOAO.


Description:
Spatial analysis where layers are combined using different functions to produce an integrated output.


Description:
A specific proportion of the variables have to achieve good status.


Description:
Uses specific decision rules to integrate elements into a quality assessment.


# NACECodes

Label:
Exploitation of offshore wind energy for producing electricity


Label:
Quarrying of ornamental and building stone, limestone, gypsum, chalk and slate


Label:
Operation of gravel and sand pits; mining of clays and kaolin


Label:
Support activities for petroleum and natural gas extraction


Label:
Processing and preserving of fish, crustaceans and molluscs


Label:
Building of ships and floating structures


Label:
Repair and maintenance of ships and boats


Label:
Construction of railways and underground railways


Label:
Construction of utility projects for fluids


Label:
Construction of utility projects for electricity and telecommunications


Label:
Construction of other civil engineering projects n.e.c.


Label:
Wholesale of solid, liquid and gaseous fuels and related products


Label:
Wholesale of wood, construction materials and sanitary equipment


Label:
Wholesale of hardware, plumbing and heating equipment and supplies


Label:
Wholesale of other intermediate products


Label:
Sea and coastal passenger water transport


Label:
Service activities incidental to water transportation


# Parameters

Description:
Concentration in muscle meat of fish or fishery products


Description:
Mortality rate / Mortality rate from fishing (F)


# ThresholdSources

Description:
Common Fisheries Policy - Data Collection Framework (DC-MAP)


Description:
Drinking Water Directive (80/778/EEC) as amended by Directive (98/83/EC)


Description:
Environmental Impact Assessment Directive (85/337/EEC)


Description:
Regulation on contaminants in foodstuffs (EC 1881/2006)


Description:
General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean


Description:
Prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species (Regulation 1143/2014)


Description:
International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas


Description:
International Maritime Organisation (MARPOL, Ballast Water Convention, Antifouling Convention)


Description:
Integrated Pollution Prevention Control Directive (96/61/EC)


Description:
UNECE Convention on long-range transboundary air pollution


Description:
North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission


Description:
Directive on National Emission Ceilings for certain pollutants (2001/81/EC)


Description:
Placing of plant protection products on the market (Regulation EC/1107/2007)


Description:
Regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (EC 1907/2006)


Description:
Major Accidents (Seveso) Directive (96/82/EC)


Description:
Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC)


# Units

Description:
Decibels reference 1 microPascal squared second


Description:
number of items per kilogram of dry weight


