OSPAR's Quality Status Report 2023 Friday Ocean Findings Issue 29

This week sees the publication of 2 Indicator Assessments on waterborne inputs into the marine environment of the North-East Atlantic as well as atmospheric deposition.

As always we would like to thank the experts, policy makers and all of those involved in preparing these assessments which contribute to our 2023 Quality Status Report (QSR) which, when viewed together, build a picture of the overall condition of the marine environment of the North-East Atlantic and progress towards achieving our vision of a clean, healthy and biologically diverse North-East Atlantic Ocean, which is productive, used sustainably and resilient to climate change and ocean acidification. The results will also be used by OSPAR Contracting Parties to inform policy decisions.

We hope you enjoy these Indicator Assessments. Please do contact us with any comments at communications@ospar.org #OSPARprotects

^{Images © Shutterstock}

Inputs of Nutrients to the OSPAR Maritime Area

Since the QSR 2010, nitrogen and phosphorus inputs to the OSPAR Maritime Area have continued to decrease. Waterborne inputs to the Arctic Waters (Region I) increased substantially however, but the nitrogen increase is masked by a larger decrease in atmospheric deposition. Substantial reductions in inputs to the North Sea have been achieved.

Inputs of Mercury, Cadmium and Lead via Water and Air to the OSPAR Maritime Area

Total inputs of the heavy metals mercury, cadmium and lead have reduced since 1990. However, improved analytical procedures for mercury and cadmium since 1990 make it difficult to be certain what proportion of observed changes are due to reduced discharges and emissions.

OSPAR Commission
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