OSPAR and eutrophication

The Common Procedure

The Common Procedure for the Identification of the Eutrophication Status of the OSPAR maritime area provides an assessment tool for Contracting Parties to evaluate their eutrophication status and to identify the areas for which action are needed (The Eutrophication Strategy). Three areas are considered:

Non-problem areas

• No grounds for concern

Potential problem areas

• Reasonable grounds for concern
• Preventive measures, monitoring and research (full assessment of the eutrophication status within five years)

Problem areas

• Evidence of an undesirable disturbance due to antropogenic enrichment by nutrients
• Measures to reduce/eliminate the causes of eutrophication