Abstract | The aims of COMBINE, as decided by HELCOM (HELCOM 14/18, Paragraph 5.27) and further elaborated by BMP-WS 2/96, are:
To identify and quantify the effects of anthropogenic discharges/activities in the Baltic Sea, in the context of the natural variations in the system, and
To identify and quantify the changes in the environment as a result of regulatory actions.
This general statement, which is equally valid for monitoring of inputs as well as monitoring of environmental conditions, is then converted into more specific aims for the different types of monitoring. More specifically the aims of COMBINE mean:
For the open sea and coastal area monitoring:
Hydrographic variations: to set the background for all other measurements related to the identification and quantification of the effects of anthropogenic discharges/activities, the parameters providing an indication of natural fluctuations in the hydrographic regime of the Baltic Sea must be monitored on a continuous basis.
Problems related to eutrophication:
To determine the extent and the effects of anthropogenic inputs of nutrients on marine biota, the following variables must be measured:
a) concentrations of nutrients,
b) the response of the different biological compartments and
c) Integration and evaluation of results
For contaminants:
To compare the level of contaminants in selected species of biota (including different parts of their tissues) from different geographical regions of the Baltic Sea in order to detect possible contamination patterns, including areas of special concern (or ´hot spots´).
To measure levels of contaminants in selected species of biota at specific locations over time in order to detect whether levels are changing in response to the changes in inputs of contaminants to the Baltic Sea.
To measure levels of contaminants in selected species of biota at different locations within the Baltic Sea, particularly in areas of special concern, in order to assess whether the levels pose a threat to these species and/or to higher trophic levels, including marine mammals and seabirds.
For the effects of contaminants:
To carry out biological effects measurements at selected locations in the Baltic Sea, particularly at sites of special concern, in order to assess whether the levels of contaminants in sea water and/or suspended particulate matter and/or sediments and/or in the organisms themselves are causing detrimental effects on biota (e.g., changes in community structure)."
In more explicit terms this requires several types of investigations.
For the study of eutrophication and its effects:
long-term trend studies,
studies with the budget approach (i.e. budgets or "mass balances" for main nutrients),
studies of effects on biota,
studies providing 'online' information on sudden events,
studies giving background information including baseline studies and joint studies.
For the study of contaminants and their effects:
studies of temporal trends of contaminants,
studies of spatial variations in contaminant concentrations and patterns,
studies providing information on episodic events,
studies of effects on biota as well as risk evaluations for target species,
studies of environmental fate of contaminants |