Bacterial uptake of DOM released from P-limited phytoplankton

The growth and the structure of a coastal bacterioplankton community were monitored in short-term bottle experiments in order to investigate the bacterial uptake of extracellular organic carbon released by the diatom Cylindrotheca closterium grown under P-balanced and P-depleted conditions. Bacterial specific growth rates and carbon demand were significantly lower in the exudates from P-depleted algae (24% and 30% reduction, respectively). The origin of the extracellular carbon appeared also to affect the taxonomic composition of the bacterioplankton assemblage, mainly reducing the development of Q-Proteobacteria. This pattern of bacterial carbon uptake could contribute to a longer persistence of the exudates released in P-depleted conditions affecting the dynamics of the carbon cycle in marine environments

Technical guidance on monitoring for the Marine Stategy Framework Directive

The Marine Directors of the European Union (EU), Acceding Countries, Candidate Countries and EFTA Countries have jointly developed a common strategy for supporting the implementation of the Directive 2008/56/EC, “the Marine Strategy Framework Directive” (MSFD). The main aim of this strategy is to allow a coherent and harmonious implementation of the Directive. Focus is on methodological questions related to a common understanding of the technical and scientific implications of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. In particular, one of the objectives of the strategy is the development of non-legally binding and practical documents, such as this technical guidance on monitoring for the MSFD. These documents are targeted to those experts who are directly or indirectly implementing the MSFD in the marine regions. The document has been prepared by the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission (JRC) with the contribution of experts from Member States, Regional Seas Conventions and ICES and following consultation of the Working Group on Good Environmental Status.JRC.H.1-Water Resource

Eutrophication in marine waters: harmonization of MSFD methodological standards at EU level

The Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) establishes the framework for the protection, conservation and sustainable use of the marine environment at the Union level. Because of its potential negative effects on the marine water quality, eutrophication is one of the criteria assessed under MSFD. This report presents the results of the joint work between JRC and a network of Member States (MS) eutrophication designated experts to assess the level of harmonization in Eutrophication methodological standards and threshold definition at regional and EU level. The information compiled at regional and national level showed that although methodologies are defined already for all the criteria, the degree of harmonization of methodological approaches across MS and regions is in some cases very low. In addition further developments are needed for some regions to agree on common indicators and threshold values. Based on these results the report highlights existing gaps and proposes recommendations to improve the eutrophication assessment framework at EU level.JRC.D.2-Water and Marine Resource

Meeting of the Ecosystem Approach Correspondence Group on on Pollution Monitoring (CorMon Pollution)

In accordance with the UNEP/MAP Programme of Work adopted by COP 21 for the biennium 2020-2021, the United Nations Environment Programme/Mediterranean Action Plan-Barcelona Convention Secretariat (UNEP/MAP) and its Programme for the Assessment and Control of Marine Pollution in the Mediterranean (MED POL) organized the Meeting of the Ecosystem Approach Correspondence Group on Pollution Monitoring (CorMon on Pollution Monitoring). The Meeting was held via videoconference on 26-27 April 2021. 2. The main objectives of the Meeting were to: a) Review the Monitoring Guidelines/Protocols for IMAP Common Indicator 18, as well as the Monitoring Guidelines/Protocols for Analytical Quality Assurance and Reporting of Monitoring Data for IMAP Common Indicators 13, 14, 17, 18 and 20; b) Take stock of the state of play of inter-laboratory testing and good laboratory practice related to IMAP Ecological Objectives 5 and 9; c) Analyze the proposal for the integration and aggregation rules for IMAP Ecological Objectives 5, 9 and 10 and assessment criteria for contaminants and nutrients; d) Recommend the ways and means to strengthen implementation of IMAP Pollution Cluster towards preparation of the 2023 MED Quality Status Report