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2017 Mediterranean

Quality Status Report

Foreword

It has been over 40 years since the establishment of the Mediterranean Action Plan as the first UN Environment Regional Sea Programme and the adoption of the Barcelona Convention. During these four decades, monitoring and assessment of the marine and coastal environment have been central to the mandate of the MAP system, contributing to an ever deeper understanding of key thematic issues related to the Mediterranean marine and coastal environment. More than 170 MAP Technical Reports between 1986 and 2008, the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) of 2003 and the Initial Integrated Ecosystem Approach assessment in 2011 are just examples of the numerous products developed by the system. In the last 5 years, assessment reports include the State of the Mediterranean Marine and Coastal Environment of 2012, the Horizon 2020 joint EEA-UNEP/MAP Mediterranean report of 2014, the Marine Litter Assessment in the Mediterranean of 2015 and many other thematic assessments on climate change, biodiversity, coastal zones, and related fields. These products have been based on available information; the challenge has always been on how to

ensure comparable and quality assured data. Data on all aspects of pollution, biodiversity and coastal

zone has been mostly limited to local and national assessments and often not comparable. A key milestone towards achieving an integrated monitoring programme for the Mediterranean was the adoption in 2016 of the Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Programme (IMAP), the result of work

spanning over 3 years and involving scientific experts and all Mediterranean countries. IMAP is based

on the ecosystem approach, its Ecological Objectives for the Mediterranean, and its indicators. IMAP

is a very ambitious step now in its initial stages of implementation and requires deep commitment and

complex work from the Mediterranean countries to revise their national monitoring programmes and ensure regular reporting of data to UN Environment/MAP. In the context of implementing the Ecosystem Approach Roadmap adopted by the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention in 2008, the MAP system has now delivered the first ever Quality Status Report for the Mediterranean (2017 MED QSR). This is the first assessment product based on the MAP Ecological Objectives and IMAP indicators; it builds upon existing data and is complimented with inputs from numerous diverse sources where appropriate. The 2017 MED QSR is an important and innovative development for assessing the status of the Mediterranean ecosystem and the achievement of Good Environmental Status (GES). Despite the

challenges met, given the limited availability of data and the fact that the IMAP implementation is still

at an early phase, the 2017 MED QSR brings together national data and information to the regional

level. It also contributes to the ongoing work at the global level, including the Regional Process on a

Second World Ocean Assessment and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, especially its ocean-related Sustainable Development Goals. The report is available online to ensure that it can be easily accessed and read by experts, policy

makers and the public. It will serve as the baseline for defining the measures for progressing towards

GES in the Mediterranean and sharpening the monitoring programmes needed to feel the existing gaps. As IMAP is implemented and a more complete data-base is established, regular thematic reports will be developed in the coming years, based more and more on quantitative rather than qualitative

information. These include the 2019 State of Environment Report and the next Quality Status Report in

2023. We are confident that this progressive assessment products will provide a detailed analysis of

the state of the Mediterranean marine and coastal ecosystem, and identify the key areas of national and regional action in order to achieve the Good Environmental Status of our Sea. I am glad to introduce the delivery of the 2017 MED QSR as a very significant achievement of the MAP system, and the result of joint and integrated efforts of the Contracting Parties, Partners, and the

Secretariat with the MAP Components.

Gaetano Leone

Coordinator

UN Environment/MAP-Barcelona Convention Secretariat

1. Introduction

Over 40 years ago, the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) was established as a framework of cooperation in addressing common challenges of marine environmental degradation, and in

1976 the Barcelona Convention was adopted by the Mediterranean countries. With an initial

focus on pollution, which then expanded to further address biodiversity, coastal management and sustainable development, in 1995 the Convention was amended and renamed as the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean. In addition to the Barcelona Convention and seven protocols addressing specific aspects of Mediterranean environmental protection and conservation, since 2008 the Ecosystem Approach has been the guiding principle with the ultimate objective of achieving the Good Environmental Status (GES) of the Mediterranean Sea and Coast. An Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Programme (IMAP) was adopted by the 19th Meeting of Contracting Parties (COP 19) in 2016. The 2017 Quality Status Report is the first report based on the Ecological Objectives and Common Indicators of IMAP, with a view to assess the status of the Mediterranean in achieving GES.

1.1. UN Environment/MAP and the Barcelona Convention: Vision, Goals, and Ecological

Objectives

With its three dimensions (Institutional: Contracting Parties, UN Environment/MAP Secretariat composed of the UN Environment Coordinating Unit and seven components, and Mediterranean Commission on Sustainable Development as advisory body; Regulatory: seven Protocols and an extensive body of strategies, action plans and decisions; and Implementation-related: partnerships, programmes, projects and activities for the delivery of the mandate), the MAP system has a unique and prominent role in the Mediterranean region for the protection of the marine environment and its coastal region as a contribution to sustainable development. The MAP was the first UNEP initiative to be developed under the Regional Seas Programme.

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pollution, as well as to formulate their national marine environmental policies. The Convention for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea Against Pollution (Barcelona Convention) and two Protocols addressing the prevention of pollution by dumping from ships and aircraft and cooperation in combating pollution in cases of emergency were also approved in 1975. In 1995, in the aftermath of the Rio Summit, the Contracting Parties decided to revise the MAP and the Convention. The Action Plan for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Sustainable Development of the Coastal Areas of the Mediterranean (MAP Phase II) was adopted in 1995 with the following objectives: to ensure the sustainable management of natural marine and land resources and to integrate the environment in social and economic development, and land-use policies; to protect the marine environment and coastal zones, through prevention of pollution, and by reduction and as far as possible, elimination of pollutant inputs whether chronic or accidental; to protect nature, and protect and enhance sites and landscapes of ecological or cultural value; to strengthen solidarity amongst Mediterranean coastal states, in managing their common heritage and resources for the benefit of the present and future generations; and to contribute to the improvement of the quality of life. In 1995, the Contracting Parties adopted substantial amendments to the Barcelona Convention of 1976 and renamed it as Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean, which entered into force in 2004. The amended Convention embodies international partnership to protect the sea, its coasts, and the uses and livelihoods that it supports. It provides a critical framework for setting environmental standards and targets agreed by all the Contracting Parties, as well as for sharing important information for management. Seven Protocols, addressing specific aspects of Mediterranean environmental conservation, and a number of regional plans complete the MAP legal framework:

1. The Protocol for the Prevention of Pollution in the Mediterranean Sea by Dumping

from Ships and Aircraft (Dumping Protocol)

2. The Protocol Concerning Cooperation in Preventing Pollution from Ships and, in

Cases of Emergency, Combating Pollution of the Mediterranean Sea (Prevention and

Emergency Protocol)

3. The Protocol for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea against Pollution from

Land-Based Sources and Activities (LBS Protocol), including Regional plans under

Article 15 of LBS Protocol

4. The Protocol Concerning Specially Protected Areas and Biological Diversity in the

Mediterranean (SPA-BD Protocol)

5. The Protocol on the Prevention of Pollution of the Mediterranean Sea by

Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal (Hazardous

Wastes Protocol)

6. The Protocol for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea against Pollution Resulting

from Exploration and Exploitation of the Continental Shelf and the Seabed and its

Subsoil (Offshore Protocol)

7. The Protocol on Integrated Coastal Zone Management in the Mediterranean (ICZM

Protocol).

In addition, a number of key strategies have been developed and adopted: Mediterranean Strategy for Sustainable Development (MSSD) Strategic Action Programme to address pollution from land-based activities (SAP- MED) and Action plans on pollution reduction deriving from specific provisions of the LBS

Protocol

Strategic Action Plan for the conservation of marine and coastal biodiversity in the Mediterranean (SAP-BIO) and Action plans on species deriving from specific provisions of the SPA-BD Protocol Regional Action Plan on Sustainable Consumption and Production in the

Mediterranean

Regional Strategy for Prevention of and Response to Marine Pollution from Ships (2016-2021)

Ballast Water Management Strategy.

Finally, given the increasing impact of climate change on the marine and coastal environment of the Mediterranean, the Regional Climate Change Adaptation Framework for the Mediterranean Marine and Coastal Areas was adopted in 2016. In 2008, the Contracting Parties committed to apply the Ecosystem Approach with its vision for Ű biologically diverse for the benefit of present and future generatiűThe following three strategic goals were identified for marine and coastal areas, on the basis of the relevant priority field of action of the MSSD and the experience gained by other international and regional bodies: a) To protect, allow recovery and, where practicable, restore the structure and function of marine and coastal ecosystems thus also protecting biodiversity, in order to achieve and maintain good ecological status and allow for their sustainable use. b) To reduce pollution in the marine and coastal environment so as to minimize impacts on and risks to human and/or ecosystem health and/or uses of the sea and the coasts. c) To prevent, reduce and manage the vulnerability of the sea and the coasts to risks induced by human activities and natural events; In 2012, the Contracting Parties adopted 11 Mediterranean Ecological Objectives (EO) to achieve GES, as presented in table 1 below. Supported by thematic Correspondence Groups on Monitoring (CORMON) on pollution and marine litter, biodiversity and fisheries, and coast and hydrography, and based on the above-mentioned 11 Ecological Objectives, common indicators, Good Environmental Status definition and targets were developed and adopted by the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention in in 2012 and 2013.

1.2. Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Programme of the Mediterranean Sea and

Coast The Ecosystem Approach in the Mediterranean is being implemented in accordance with a seven-step roadmap. It is now fully integrated into the MAP and Barcelona Convention framework and is in line with the EU Marine Strategic Framework Directive and the decisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) regarding the ecosystem approach and the

Aichi targets.

Monitoring and assessment of the sea and coast, based on scientific knowledge, are the indispensable basis for the management of human activities, in view of promoting the sustainable use of the seas and coasts and conserving marine ecosystems and their sustainable development. The 19th Meeting of Contracting Parties in 2016 agreed on the Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Programme of the Mediterranean Sea and Coast and Related Assessment Criteria (IMAP) in its Decision IG. 22/7 which lays down the principles for an integrated monitoring, which will, for the first time, monitor biodiversity and non- indigenous species, pollution and marine litter, coast and hydrography in an integrated manner. The IMAP implementation is in line with article 12 of the Barcelona Convention and several monitoring related provisions under different protocols with the main objective to assess GES. Its backbone are the 27 common indicators as presented in decision IG 22/7: Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Programme (see Table 1). Table 1. List of IMAP Ecological Objectives (EOs) and Indicators

Ecological Objective IMAP Indicators

EO 1 Biodiversity

Biological diversity is maintained or

enhanced. The quality and occurrence of coastal and marine habitats and the distribution and Common Indicator 1: Habitat distributional range (EO1) to also consider habitat extent as a relevant attribute species and communities (EO1) abundance of coastal and marine species are in line with prevailing physiographic, hydrographic, geographic and climatic conditions. Common Indicator 3: Species distributional range (EO1 related to marine mammals, seabirds, marine reptiles) Common Indicator 4: Population abundance of selected species (EO1, related to marine mammals, seabirds, marine reptiles) Common indicator 5: Population demographic characteristics (EO1, e.g. body size or age class structure, sex ratio, fecundity rates, survival/mortality rates related to marine mammals, seabirds, marine reptiles)

EO 2 Non-indigenous species

Non-indigenous species introduced

by human activities are at levels that do not adversely alter the ecosystem

Common Indicator 6: Trends in abundance, temporal

occurrence, and spatial distribution of non-indigenous species, particularly invasive, non-indigenous species, notably in risk areas (EO2, in relation to the main vectors and pathways of spreading of such species) EO 3 Harvest of commercially exploited fish and shellfish

Populations of selected

commercially exploited fish and shellfish are within biologically safe limits, exhibiting a population age and size distribution that is indicative of a healthy stock

Common Indicator 7: Spawning stock Biomass (EO3);

Common Indicator 8: Total landings (EO3);

Common Indicator 9: Fishing Mortality (EO3);

Common Indicator 10: Fishing effort (EO3);

Common Indicator 11: Catch per unit of effort (CPUE) or Landing per unit of effort (LPUE) as a proxy (EO3) Common Indicator 12: Bycatch of vulnerable and non-target species (EO1 and EO3)

EO 4 Marine food webs

Alterations to components of marine

food webs caused by resource extraction or human-induced environmental changes do not have long-term adverse effects on food web dynamics and related viability

To be further developed

EO 5 Eutrophication

Human-induced eutrophication is

prevented, especially adverse effects thereof, such as losses in biodiversity, ecosystem degradation, harmful algal blooms and oxygen deficiency in bottom waters. Common Indicator 13: Concentration of key nutrients in water column (EO5); Common Indicator 14: Chlorophyll-a concentration in water column (EO5)

EO 6 Sea-floor integrity

Sea-floor integrity is maintained,

especially in priority benthic habitats

To be further developed

EO7 Hydrography

Alteration of hydrographic conditions

does not adversely affect coastal and marine ecosystems. Common Indicator 15: Location and extent of the habitats impacted directly by hydrographic alterations (EO7) to also feed the assessment of EO1 on habitat extent

EO 8 Coastal ecosystems and landscapes

The natural dynamics of coastal

areas are maintained and coastal ecosystems and landscapes are preserved Common Indicator 16: Length of coastline subject to physical disturbance due to the influence of man-made structures (EO8);

Candidate Indicator 25: Land use change (EO8)

EO 9 Pollution

Contaminants cause no significant

impact on coastal and marine ecosystems and human health

Common Indicator 17: Concentration of key harmful

contaminants measured in the relevant matrix (EO9, related to biota, sediment, seawater) Common Indicator 18: Level of pollution effects of key contaminants where a cause and effect relationship has been established (EO9) Common Indicator 19: Occurrence, origin (where possible), extent of acute pollution events (e.g. slicks from oil, oil products and hazardous substances), and their impact on biota affected by this pollution (EO9); Common Indicator 20: Actual levels of contaminants that have been detected and number of contaminants which have exceeded maximum regulatory levels in commonly consumed seafood (EO9); Common Indicator 21: Percentage of intestinal enterococci concentration measurements within established standards (EO9)

EO 10 Marine litter

Marine and coastal litter do not

adversely affect coastal and marine environment Common Indicator 22: Trends in the amount of litter washed ashore and/or deposited on coastlines (EO10); Common Indicator 23: Trends in the amount of litter in the water column including microplastics and on the seafloor (EO10); Candidate Indicator 24: Trends in the amount of litter ingested by or entangling marine organisms focusing on selected mammals, marine birds, and marine turtles (EO10)

EO 11 Energy including underwater noise

Noise from human activities cause

no significant impact on marine and coastal ecosystems Candidate Indicator 26: Proportion of days and geographical distribution where loud, low, and mid-frequency impulsive sounds exceed levels that are likely to entail significant impact on marine animal Candidate Indicator 27: Levels of continuous low frequency sounds with the use of models as appropriate The implementation of IMAP requires standard guidelines and approaches in monitoring the common indicators and the revision of national monitoring programmes of the Contracting Parties to be aligned with the IMAP indicators. Regular national data reporting will contribute to thematic and overall regional assessments. The first integrated assessment based on IMAP is the 2017 Quality Status Report. It builds upon an initial Integrated Ecosystem Assessment developed in 2011, the 2012 Mediterranean State of Environment Report, as well as several thematic assessments undertaken in recent years.

1.3. Other key global and regional assessment processes

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Sustainable Development Goals The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by world leaders in September 2015 at an historic UN Summit. Over the next fifteen years, with these new Goals that universally apply to all, countries will mobilize efforts to end all forms of poverty, fight inequalities and tackle climate change, while ensuring that no one is left behind. While the SDGs are not legally binding, governments are expected to take ownership and establish national frameworks for the achievement of the 17 Goals. Countries have the primary responsibility for follow-up and review of the progress made in implementing the Goals, which will require quality, accessible and timely data collection. Regional follow-up and review will be based on national-level analyses and contribute to follow-up and review at the global level. In recognition of the growing importance of the role of oceans in sustainable development, Goal 14 is to Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources, and UN Environment will play a key role in contributing to the implementation of those environment-related indicators in coordination with other actors. As the importance of the regional dimension is increasingly recognized for the implementation of global agendas, the Regional Sea Programmes are considered to be the units of marine ecosystems that can functionally provide services to human beings surrounding these seas. Therefore, there will be close coordination between Mediterranean countries and MAP in support of the implementation and monitoring of relevant SDGs. UN Regular Process for Global Reporting and Assessment of the State of the Marine Environment, including Socioeconomic Aspects (Regular Process) At the World Summit on Sustainable Development, held in Johannesburg, South Africa, fromquotesdbs_dbs50.pdfusesText_50

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