SOCIB and IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB) support to MSFD Implementation

David March, researcher from PERSEUS EU funded project at IMEDEA TMOOS participated in the first PERSEUS Summer School workshop 'The contribution of environmental indices in meeting the objectives and principles of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive', that took place from June 3-7 , 2013 in Constanta, Romania. In this intensive summer course, young researchers from several European countries, including Romania, Ukraine, Russia, Turkey, Italy and Spain, have focused on a selection of environmental index ranging from lower to higher trophic levels. Such work will contribute to build up experience in the formulation of scientifically based synthetic assessments in order to support the implementation of European Directives such as for example MSFD.

Environmental indexes are currently used in projects where SOCIB and IMEDEA are participating to provide support to the MSFD. The indexes covered in the workshop were:

• Fisheries related indices;
• Benthic ecological status using M-AMBI (multivariate AMB – AZTI’s Marine Biotic Index);
• Eutrophication-related indixes based on water quality parameters (Trophic index –TRIX) and satellite ocean color (CSI023 for chlorophyll-a).

These indexes provide a scientific basis for the evaluation of Descriptor 1 (Biodiversity), Descriptor 3 (Population of commercial species) and Descriptor 5 (Eutrophication) from the MSFD. Additionally, the recent advances in Descriptor 11 (Energy and noise) through the work conducted in SOCIB using AIS data (Automated Identification System) were also discussed. Recent advances in such indexes will be applied in the cumulative pressure assessment conducted in the KnowSeas project, and further works of the Perseus project as well.

Related media:

• TV : http://www.reporterntv.ro/
• Perseus website: http://www.perseus-net.eu/