Baltic Sea Scorecard

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Baltic Sea Scorecard

• Baltic Sea Festival 2007
• Åsa Andersson and Pauli Merriman

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The unique Baltic Sea

• One of the youngest seas on the planet.
• Largest brackish water body in the world.
• Particularly sensitive (brackish, shallow, semi-
  enclosed and cold)
• Home to a unique mix of fresh and saltwater
  species.
• Sustains livelihoods and economies of the 90
  million people in the catchment area.
• 8/9 countries in the EU - EUs Mare Nostrum

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Background

• One of the most studied seas in the world
  excellent scientific knowledge.
• Oldest regional seas convention on the planet.
• Despite a number of conventions and agreements
  designed to save the sea eutrophication, toxic
  pollution, overexploitation of fish stocks and
  irresponsible shipping practices continue to
  threaten the Baltic.
• The Baltic is one of the most threatened seas in
  the world!

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Measuring Performance

• Analysis is based on the rate of implementation
  and / or lack of corresponding actions of
  international / regional conventions and
  agreements.
• Results measure what governments have actually
  delivered.
• Have governments taken the actions they promised?

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Grading

• Measures performance of 9 coastal Baltic Sea
  States in five key areas.
• Maritime Transport
• Hazardous Substances
• Biodiversity
• Eutrophication
• Fisheries
• Results are shown in 10 grade levels.

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Summary Results

Average Grades

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Hazardous Substances

• Assessment
• Ratification and implementation of
  international pollution agreements
• Stockholm Convention
• Basel Convention
• Progress in addressing HELCOM Baltic Sea Hot
  Spots

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Maritime Transport
Assessment Ratification of 7 internat. shipping
conventions / agreements.

• Use of antifouling systems ballast water
  management
• AFS
• BWM

• Oil / chemical spill response
• OPRC 90
• OPRCHNS 2000
• HNS Convention
• Bunkers Convention
• Fund Protocol

9
Eutrophication

• Assessment
• Implementation of EU Nitrates Directive
• Implementation of EU Water Framework Directive
• Implementation of Helsinki Convention Annex III

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Biodiversity

• Assessment
• Designation of Helcom Baltic Sea Protected Areas
• Establishment of the Natura 2000 / Emerald
  sites

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Fisheries

• Assessment
• ICES advice and current status of Baltic Sea
  commercial fish species
• Exploitation levels of eastern Baltic Cod
• ICES advice compared to TAC and actual landings
  of eastern Baltic cod

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The scorecards clearly show that none of the
countries in the region are performing at an
acceptable level.
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The Baltic Sea deserves better
in order to reverse the negative environmental
trends, real leadership, concerted action and a
new approach is urgently needed.
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Thanks!