21st Meeting of the Advisory Group on Pollution Monitoring and Assessment and Bathing Water Experts Workshop, September, 8th 2011, Istanbul, Turkey
Minutes
Abbreviations: ED – Executive Director, VA – Valeria Abaza
Chairman: Mr. Radu Mihnea
A1: Opening and welcome, introduction of participants, approval of the Agenda and minutes of the previous meeting
The ED, Prof. Halil Ibrahim Sur opened the meeting, welcomed the participants, they presented themselves. Mr. Radu Mihnea, as chairman of the group lead the works presenting to the group draft Agenda, which was approved without any changes. The minutes and decisions of the 20th PMA AG meeting have been discussed and approved.
A2: PMA Reporting – gaps in data collection. Countries contribution to the annual report of the AGs for the Commission
BG – reported by Ms. Elitsa Hineva. There is no regular monitoring of sediments and biota contamination in the Bulgarian Black Sea waters. In 2010 only one sampling campaign was organized. The national monitoring program is carried out with difficulty due to financial problems. Still some activities have been performed. General information related to main responsible institutions, QA/QC, monitored parameters (phytoplankton, macrozoobenthos, macroalgae and angiosperms, related physical and chemical parameters; specific pollutants and priority substances, hydromorphological elements have been mentioned. Responsible institution for sampling and sample analyses is Institute of Oceanology – BAS. Decision-making scheme in marine water status assessment in accordance with WFD was presented to the group. Water quality assessment per water bodies identified according to WFD based on phytoplankton has been presented. VA asked how many water bodies have been identified in Bulgarian waters. V. Myroshnychenko requested more information on the new monitoring program. No further information provided.
No indicators were presented.
Recommendation: next reports to be based on the indicators agreed by the group.
GE–reported by Mrs. Marine Arabidze. General information on sampling stations and monitored parameters has been presented. Governmental changes in the last year in Georgia resulted in the modification of Ministry structure; pollution monitoring and inspection activities have been difficult. Sampling was performed in 5 stations, mean concentrations of chemical parameters presented by each station, only some of them being illustrated in the graphs presented. The biological parameters not presented (they were reported to CBD AG). Monitoring in Georgian waters is not carried out on regular basis (same stations, same parameters). TPH and PAHs are not yet measured, and training is still needed (partners in a project and hope in some training). Ms. Arabidze mentioned that these parameters have been included in the National Environmental Action Plan 2012 – 2015. Y. Denga suggested to invite some experts from other Black Sea countries where are good laboratories to provide training in the frame of this project.
RO – reported by Mrs. Andra Oros. General information on responsible institutions, list of monitored parameters, QA/QC (participation in Quasimeme intercomparison exercise) has been presented. Physical, chemical (both in water and sediments), contaminants in water, sediments and biota, and biological parameters have been presented, well illustrated with graphs; trends shown. General trends for contaminants show slight decrease in the last years both in water and sediments. Hypoxia event identified, first since 2001. Mr. Y. Denga asked about maximum allowed TPH concentration in Romanian legislation. Mrs. Oros promised to provide the values asked.
RU – reported by Mr. Anatoly Krutov (A. Korshenko absent). He appreciated the previous speakers for the quality of their work and informed the participants that its report will be shorter that those presented before. Four sampling cruises performed in 2010 in 28 stations in total, modest according to the shoreline length. He informed that national report was sent to PS already and presents the current situation of the monitored parameters and trends. In general, the monitored parameters didn’t exceed the maximum allowable concentration (MAC), except for Tuapse. QA/QC was conducted according to national standards. V. Myroshnychenko asked if the monitoring has been improved to Sochi. Mr. Krutov noticed that due to the incoming Olympic Games, Sochi was better monitored and the situation is better as compared to the past years, but the total funding allocated for monitoring was not increased, but re-distributed in favor of Sochi.
TR – presented by Ms. Bahar Ozogut. Different parameters in water (nutrients, TPH, PAHs, trace metals, chlorophyll, phytoplankton, and microbiology), sediments and biota have been reported in figures, graphs. 70 stations have been sampled only once in autumn, 2010. Still no PCBs analyzed. Charts only for 2010, no comparison with previous years shown. Recommendation from BSC PS made in the previous meeting: to optimize the monitoring –if necessary to reduce the number of stations but for some parameters (water) to increase the frequency of observations (biology, nutrients) still in place.
Y. Denga observed for TPH concentrations standard values were presented and noticed the very interesting approach in presenting the results of monitoring.
Mrs. Mihail asked about the biological parameters mentioned in the general information presented, but not showed in the presentation.
Ms. Ozugut explained these data are included in the excel file.
Chairman recommended for next year, the report to be elaborated according to the requirements for each parameter comparison with previous years to be shown in the graphs and explained, in order to show the trends.
UA – the report of PMA RAC was presented by Mr. Yuriy Denga. The monitoring has been performed in 2010 only in front of the Danube, different area that usual monitoring network. National monitoring network established in 1995 was presented, as well as the plan to extend it, in order to better cover the area between main land and Crimean Peninsula. National institutions involved in monitoring and QA/QC information were provided (participation in intercomparison exercises organized by Quasimeme and MEL-IAEA, Monaco). For eutrophication assessment no stations in open sea were sampled. Comprehensive analysis of Nodularia spumigena bloom occurred in 2010, correlated with higher concentration of trace metals in sediments has been presented. Mr. Denga explained that regular monitoring could not be carried out due to lack of funding and requested the PS to address the Ukrainian Government the request to allocate more money for national monitoring system, as part of the regional monitoring system.
Chairman inquired about the Nodularia spumigena blooms occurred in 2010, if this affected biota, producing mortalities. What kinds of samples have been taken to relate Nodularia with trace metals concentration and how many cells/l have been counted.
The answer was that because of very short life span of this species, the bloom lasted only two weeks, and mortalities, which usually are recorded in this area, have not been linked with Nodularia bloom. Certainly, no fish poisoning was recorded. Only water was sampled and seven different trace metals were identified, which were measured in TSS (total suspended matter), and Nodularia was considered as TSS in this particular case.
Chairman recommended to Ukraine to follow the agreed format for reporting the national data.
All the presentations of the countries’ reports are attached to the meeting documents
General recommendations for the annual reports made for the previous years’ still in place:
-To show the concentrations in µmols.
-To present monthly data (where respective sampling was carried out), not only annual averages, to better follow the dynamics of parameters. For annual averages to be shown on what data they are based.
-To analyze the trends (giving reasons for increase or decrease).
-To keep the report as close as possible to the recommended Format (sequence of items as well).
-To make sure that all the Figures are correct, legends clear, titles –comprehensive.
The missing national data to be submitted a.s.a.p. It will be quality checked by the BSC PS and in case of mistakes sent back for revision. Further the quality checks will be responsibility of the PMA RAC as a part of the data management they will perform.
D1: Countries should send their annual reports for 2010 to the Secretariat by 1st of October according to the approved format both in excel and word.
D2:The Secretariat will raise the funding aspect of monitoring to the next meeting of the Commission
A3:Quality Assurance and Quality Control of Chemical Oceanographic Data Collections(Regional Procedure for QA/QC) – discussion on approval of regional guidelines produced in the frame of Up-Grade Black Sea SCENE FP 7 project.
Because Mr. Korshenko that elaborated the document didn’tattend the meeting, Mr. Krutov informed the participants that most of the received comments and suggestions have been already incorporated in the document. After the draft document will be finalized by authors, it will be distributed again to countries for their final comments.
Chairman asked the countries’ opinion on the draft document sent prior to them for consideration.
BG – agreed the document with no further comments
GE – agreed
RO – good document; in the accredited laboratories almost all requirements included in the document are fulfilled already.
RU – tried to collect and incorporate all the comments received. The author will work further on the document, in order to finalize it as soon as possible.
TR – agreed the document, but specified that their laboratory is ISO accredited and the table of used standards is approved by the Ministry of Environment.
UA – Mr. Y. Denga commented that the presented documents shouldn’t be named as “guidelines” and in its introduction should be mentioned that all the procedure of QA/QC of data is according to ISO.
D3: Following the incorporation of the last comments by the authors, the document (QA/QC of Chemical Oceanographic Data Collection) will be considered approved and implemented by the involved laboratories
A4: PMA AC. Regional database on Pollution (RDB-P)- Development of the special data base, including calculations of indicators was presented to the participants by Mr. Richard Lisovsky. He stressed that the work with BSC PS started already as recommended last year in the PMA AG meeting and the database looks much better. The Activity Center works according to ISO requirements with certified specialists and data provided for 2000 – 2005 and 2006 – 2009 were included already in database. The activities undertaken so far refer to development of: structure of Regional Database – tables, links, indexes; web-interface of RDBP for public access, read, edit, update or import data; security matrix for RDBP access – public, BSC members, data provider, AG members; GIS mapserver application and integrated to database web-interface; common user interface. Mr. Lisovsky presented also the activities within Regional Database for Pollution which still are under development at moment: excel data parser for automatic data import to database via user web-interface; mapserver GIS layers and navigation tools; GIS map objects identification upon user request; preparations for migrating database and web-interface to dedicated server and set up test-production status; statistics visualization – map data, charts, tables; tools for export requested data in common formats – text files, excel files, ocean data view files.
For testing the database, Mr. Lisovsky proposed to provide the PMA AG members with ID and password in a week, in order to upload themselves their own data.
Chairman commented on the importance of having such a database in the region, making work not only of the group but of other experts as well much easier. He asked the opinion of the group.
Mrs. Oros asked if the data reported already to the Secretariat cannot be imported in Database from excel files sent. Mr. Lisovsky explained that excel files sent by the Secretariat have already been uploaded on the server. This should be an exercise for the future, to simplify the work.
Mr. Myroshnychenko commented that a DB online is a good tool to demonstrate the work of BSC, in the same time presenting some advantages: makes easy to find different information, represent a tool for people enabling them to control the implementation of the work plan and improves the analysis of data.
Mr. Krutov asked if there is in place a protocol on information and data exchange (yes), list of queries (yes), the organization responsiblefor data QA/QC (countries first check and then UkrSCES as PMA RAC).
Mr. Myroshnychenko commented on errors, which continued to be identified in the excel files received from countries. Mr. Y. Denga confirmed that mistakes regarding the measurement units are still identified.
Mrs. Mihail appreciated the existence of such DB in the region, but in the same time, drew the participants’ attention on the image of the Black Sea if DB is not fed by countries with requested data. When all data will be included in DB the situation will be analyzed and the gaps will be better revealed. This is a matter that should be raised to Commission.
Recommendation to PS: to raise the question of data reporting to the Commission.
D4: According to the Baltic2Black project, PMA RAC will include all data received from PS for 2001-5 and 2006-9 in the RDB-P. The Secretariat will continue to send the new sets of data to RAC PMA to be loaded into DB
A5: Bathing waters quality in 2010
All the Black Sea countries were invited to report on bathing waters quality.
BG – Ms. Vesselina Bojilova reported.
In Bulgaria, 100 % of the coastal bathing waters complied with the mandatory values in 2010. This isan increase of 1.1 % compared to the previous year, when one bathing location was non-compliantwith the mandatory values (according to Directive 76/160/EEC). The rate of compliance with the guide values decreased from 91 % to 84.4%. Since 2008, no coastal bathing water had to be closed during the bathing season.The water quality of coastal bathing waters has improved since 2007. The rate of compliance with themandatory values was the highest in 2010 (100 %), while the rate of compliance with the guide valueswas higher in 2009 (91 %). Bathing water monitoring takes place usually twice a month, and only in case the situation it’s not as it should be the frequency is increased. No marine (beach) litter monitoring has been reported.
Mr. Y. Denga asked about the financial resources allocated by the Ministry for bathing water monitoring, but the information was not available.
GE – Mr. Nodar Kontselidze announced in the last moment that could not attend the meeting and will send the information requested; the Secretariat didn’t received any information.
RO – Mrs. Luiza Caruceru.
Presented the Romanian legislation related to the bathing water quality; fully reported on the measured parameters for water and sand. Samples taken twice a month from 49 stations most of them located in Constanta County; there were not banned or closed beaches in 2010. For all the microbiological and chemical parameters monitored, standards have been provided. Information on the public communication was also provided. No information on marine (beach) litter provided.
RU – no report or presentation on bathing water quality provided.
TR – Mr. Rifat Pamuk
The monitoring is regularly performed, twice a month according to EC Directives and national legislation, from 221 points, classified according to Blue Flag system. Indicators reported for the bathing water quality:
-14% - A quality
-62% - B quality
-20% - C quality
-4% - D quality (closed) – more than 2009, when only 1% were included in this category. Most of them have been recorded in Samsun region.
D5: Bathing water quality – countries shall send the annual reports for 2010 to the Secretariat by 1st of October
A6: SoE Report
VA presented information on the necessity to elaborate the next 5-year report to PMA AG, as it was included in the work program for the next year, but should be initiated this year. Experts to deal with the data gathered for the last five years were requested to be involved in the elaboration of the report for the pollution monitoring and assessment part.
Mr. Y. Denga suggested that RDB-P should be able to help the State of the Environment Report because includes all data provided by countries.
Mr. Lisovsky explained that DB has a visualization section with links to other sections, where data should be accessible for the moment to PMA AG members; ODV shall be a good instrument for data interpretation and visualization.
Chairman stressed that first it’s better to make sure the data is available to PMA AG and then, agreed scientists can be asked to process the data and elaborate the report. Also, the Commission should be informed on the limited access to regional data.
Mr. Myroshnychenko proposed to use the last Diagnostic report to show to BSC the real situation of the monitoring data in the Black Sea region.
D6: The Secretariat will consider the necessary and possible actions to be taken in order to develop and publish the SoE (2006 – 2010)
DECISIONS of the 21st PMA AG meeting:
D21.1:Countries should send their annual reports for 2010 to the Secretariat by 1st of October according to the approved format both in excel and word.
D21.2: The Secretariat will raise the funding aspect of monitoring to the next meeting of the Commission.
D21.3: Following the incorporation of the last comments by the authors, the document (QA/QC of Chemical Oceanographic Data Collection) will be considered approved and implemented by the involved laboratories
D21.4: According to the Baltic2Black project, PMA RAC will include all data received from PS for 2001-5 and 2006-9 in the RDB-P. The Secretariat will continue to send the new sets of data to RAC PMA to be loaded into DB.
D21.5: Bathing water quality – countries shall send the annual reports for 2010 to the Secretariat by 1st of October
D21.6: The Secretariat will consider the necessary and possible actions to be taken in order to develop and publish the SoE (2006 – 2010).
REMINDERS:
R21.1: RO to send themaximum allowed TPH concentration in Romanian legislation
R21.2: General recommendations for the annual reports made for the previous years’ still in place:
-To show the concentrations in µmols
-To present monthly data (where respective sampling was carried out), not only annual averages, to better follow the dynamics of parameters. For annual averages to be shown on what data they are based.