AUTHOR=Andersen Jesper H. , Caetano Miguel , Grouhel-Pellouin Anne , Harvey Eva Therese , Reker Johnny , Murray Ciaran J. 

TITLE=Mapping of contamination problem areas in Europe’s seas using a multi-metric indicator-based assessment tool

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Marine Science

VOLUME=Volume 9 - 2022

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2022.1037914

DOI=10.3389/fmars.2022.1037914

ISSN=2296-7745

ABSTRACT=We report identification and mapping of areas in Europe’s seas and coastal areas impacted by contaminants, i.e. areas with concentrations above internationally agreed threshold values. The study is based on (1) a state-of-the-art data set anchored in national monitoring activities, (2) internationally agreed target values and (3) an updated version of the CHASE assessment tool (originally: the HELCOM Chemical Status Assessment Tool). The spatial cover of data enabled us to classify 1541 spatial assessment units, of which 85% were mapped as problem areas. We have proven that it is possible to make an integrated assessment of contaminants spanning over four marine regions, and 10 marine sub-regions (sensu the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive), including marine waters of 30 European countries. In a long-term perspective is the power of combining data of different sources and contaminant categories over larger geographical scales, potentially the way forward for wider use of multi-metric indicator-based assessment tools supporting informed decision-making.