International Ocean Institute Training Programme

UNEP(OCA)/LBA/IG.2/7
Page 52
(f) Establishment of mechanisms for assessing the effectiveness of the measures taken to
reduce nutrient inputs to the aquatic environment from both point and diffuse sources;
(g) Development of strategies for reducing eutrophication in areas already affected and those
susceptible to being affected.
(c) International actions
132. International actions should include:
(a) Participation in a clearing-house for providing information about best environmental
practice and access to best available techniques to reduce and/or eliminate causes of
anthropogenic eutrophication;
(b) Strengthening of international programmes for enhancing capacity for:
(i) Identification of areas where inputs of nutrients are causing or are likely to cause pollution,
directly or indirectly;
(ii) Nutrient control and removal techniques;
(iii) Application of best environmental practice in aquaculture and agriculture;
(c) Cooperation with countries in need of assistance, through financial, technological and
scientific support, in developing and implementing practices which minimize releases of nutrients to
the environment, including environmentally sound land-use techniques, planning and practices;
(d) Provision of forums for establishing criteria for determining the circumstances in which
nutrients are likely to cause pollution, directly or indirectly;
(e) Maintaining existing international quality assurance and quality control procedures relevant
to eutrophication.
G. Sediment mobilization
1. Basis for action
133. Natural sedimentation and siltation are important in the development and maintenance of
numerous coastal habitats. Habitats requiring sediment input include coastal wetlands, lagoons,
estuaries and mangroves. Reduction in natural rates of sedimentation can compromise the
integrity of these habitats, as can excessive sediment loads, which may bury benthic communities
and threaten sensitive habitats such as coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, and rocky
substrates.
134. Contaminated sediments, whether they are fresh inputs or dredged, may also lead to
pollution, the latter through resuspension or improper disposal.