MAP Technical Reports Series No. 106 UNEP

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This Directive concerns the collection, treatment and discharge of urban waste water
and the treatment and discharge of waste water from certain industrial sectors.
The objective of the Directive is to protect the environment from adverse effects of the
above mentioned waste water discharges.
12. RATIONALE FOR ESTABLISHING CONTROL MEASURES
In order to establish control measures aimed at the reduction of the eutrophication
phenomena, it is essential to recognise the following points:
(a) the phenomenon known as eutrophication is affecting, to a greater or lesser extent,
many coastal areas around the Mediterranean Sea, particularly in shallow or landlocked
basins;
(b) the causes are the discharges into coastal waters, either directly or through the
catchment basins, of substances originating from land, mainly nutrients (phosphorus,
nitrogen, etc.) and biodegradable organic matter containing nutrients;
(c) the effects of intense events, even if temporary, often cause massive mortalities of
marine organisms due to anoxia and consequent production of toxic H 2S, and result in
a foul smell of the waters and the shorelines due to decomposing materials, therefore
seriously impairing the legitimate uses of the sea by threatening the living resources,
the natural heritage including genetic resources, and the recreational and aesthetic
amenities;
(d) there is ample scientific evidence of the increased spreading and intensity of
eutrophication in some areas possibly endangering natural equilibria in larger areas of
the Mediterranean Sea,
(e) there are nevertheless clear gaps in the scientific knowledge of the important physical,
chemical and biological processes which control the intensity of the phenomenon in the
various areas,
(f) methods already exist for the abatement of the intensity and extension of the
phenomenon through proper policy analysis and the use of legal, technical and other
measures envisaged inter alia in the Mediterranean Action Plan.
13. RECOMMENDED ACTION
13.1 Monitoring
It is essential to extend the monitoring component of the MED POL programme within
the framework of the Mediterranean Action Plan, to cover those areas showing clear signs of
eutrophication, to cover the inputs of eutrophicants and the physical, chemical and biological
parameters and variables cited in the guidelines. In establishing this extension, the spatial
characteristics of the impacted areas, the ease of assessment, and the appropriateness of the
measures taken should be considered.
In addition, the monitoring of and research on eutrophication, which are being carried
out or planned, should be mutually supportive and beneficial to each other.