Ecological quality objectives for the Dutch sector of the North Sea, an outline of a policy under development

Abstract

We describe the process of formulating ecological quality objectives for the Dutch sector of the North Sea and the future steps that have to be taken before they can be translated into management measures. The project ‘North Sea Ecosystem Objectives’ started in January 1999 with the distinction of twelve rather broad objectives. They range from ‘natural dynamic processes’ (e.g. transport of sand and sediment), through aspects of ‘biodiversity’ (e.g. fish fauna and sea birds) to issues of ‘human perception’ (e.g. open horizon and panoramic view). The objectives were worked out on the basis of available scientific information and concretised into ecological targets. We highlight the targets for the fish fauna as an example. After consultation of the stakeholders, the effects of the various human activities in relation to the ecological objectives have been classified according to type and seriousness. Fisheries turned out to be by far the number one on the list of intervening activities. Shipping is also high on the list. Eutrophication is a serious factor in the coastal zone, whereas large-scale sand extraction will cause problems in the near future. During the next phase of the project, policy decisions will be made on the most relevant set of ecological targets, possible management measures and ways of implementation. With regard to the most problematic activity (i.e. fisheries; particularly beam trawling on flatfish), a first start has been made with a discussion on several options for measures meant to spare fish populations, nursery areas and bottom fauna. Due to the international context of fisheries management, measures regarding fisheries on the NCP will always need international agreement.