Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Quality Status, Appropriate Monitoring and Legislation of the North Sea in Relation to its Assimilative Capacity

  • Chapter
Perspectives on Integrated Coastal Zone Management

Part of the book series: Environmental Science ((ENVSCIENCE))

  • 439 Accesses

Abstract

The North Sea is one of the most heavily polluted marginal seas on earth (Degens 1988), and used to be one of the most biologically productive. The problems have been slowly recognized and the eight North Sea states are committed to “… the principle of safeguarding the marine ecosystem of the North Sea” (Ministerial Declaration 1987), and regular Ministerial Declarations set out agreed measures to achieve these ends. The Quality Status Reports provide the scientific basis for the Ministerial Declarations, and with associated research programmes (see Quality Status Reports for the North Sea 1987, 1990, 1993), demonstrate that the North Sea is also one of the most intensely studied and monitored in the world. The example must therefore provide an instructive case study for those enclosed seas where the need to achieve a sustainable environment may be in conflict with the economic growth of bordering states.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Aalst RM van (1988) Input from the atmosphere. In: Salomons W, Bayne BL, Duursma EK, Forstner U (eds) Pollution of the North Sea. Springer, p 687

    Google Scholar 

  • Abel R (1996) European policy and regulatory action for organotin-based antifouling paints In: Champ MA, Seligman P (eds) Organotin: Environmental Fate and Effects. Chapman & Hall, p 623

    Google Scholar 

  • Addison RF (1992) Biochemical measurements: summary. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 91:61–63

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Addison RF, Clarke KR (1990) The IOC/GEEP Bermuda Workshop. J Exp Mar Biol Ecol 138:1–8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Alzieu C, Heral M, Thiband Y, Dardignac MJ, Feuillet M (1982) Influence des peintures antisalissures a base d’organostanniques sur le calcification de la coquille de l’huite Crassostrea gigas. Rev Trav Inst Peches Marit 45:101–116

    Google Scholar 

  • Bayne BL, Clarke KR, Gray JS (1988) Biological effects of pollutants. Results of a practical workshop. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 46:1–278

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bayne BL, Widdows J, Moore MN, Salkeld P, Worrall CM, Donkin P (1982) Some ecological consequences of the physiological and biochemical effects of petroleum compounds on marine molluscs. Phil Trans R Soc Lond B 297:219–239

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bening J-C, Karbe L, Schupfner G (1992) Liquid/solid phase extraction of water samples used for toxicity testing in the German Bight. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 91:233–236

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brorstroem-Lunden E (1996) Atmospheric deposition of persistent organic compounds to the sea surface J Sea Res 35:81–90

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cairns J (1977) Quantification of biological integrity. In: Ballantine RK, Guarraia LJ (eds) The Integrity of Water. EPA, Office of Water and Hazardous Materials, Washington, DC

    Google Scholar 

  • Cameron P, Berg J (1992) Morphological and chromosomal aberrations during embryonic development in dab Limanda limanda. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 91:163–169

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cameron P, Westernhagen H von (1997) Malformation rates in embryos of North Sea fishes in 1991 and 1992. Mar Pollut Bull 34:129–134

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Champ MA, Seligman PF (1996) Organotins: Environmental Fate and Effects. Chapman & Hall, London, p 623

    Google Scholar 

  • Chapman PM (1997) Is bio-accumulation useful for predicting impacts? Mar Pollut Bull 34:282–283

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chester R, Bradshaw GF, Ottley CJ, Harrison RM, Merrett JL, Preston MR, Rendell AR, Kane MM, Jickells TD (1994) The atmospheric distributions of trace metals, trace organics and nitrogen species over the North Sea. In: Charnock H, Dyer KR, Huthnance JM, Liss PS, Simpson JH, Tett PB (eds) Understanding the North Sea system, Chapman & Hall, p 222

    Google Scholar 

  • Cleary J, Stebbing ARD (1987) Organotin in the surface layer and subsurface waters of Southwest England. Mar Pollut Bull 18:238–246

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Costanza R, d’Arge R, de Groot R, Farber, S, Grasso M, Hannon B, Limburg K, Naeem S, O’Neill RV, Paruelo J, Raskin RG, Sutton P, van den Belt M (1997). The value of the world’s ecosystem services and natural capital. Nature 387:253–260

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Davies JM, Kingston PF (1992) Sources of environmental disturbance associated with offshore oil and gas development. In: Cairns WJ (ed) North Sea oil and the environment-developing oil and gas resources, environmental impacts and responses. International Council on Oil and the Environment, Elsevier, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Deggens ET (1988) Introduction. In: Kempe S, Liebezeit G, Dethlefsen V, Harms U (eds) Biogeochemistry and distribution of suspended matter in the North Sea and implications to fisheries biology. Mitt Geol-Palaeont Inst Univ Hamburg, SCOPE/UNEP Sonderband Heft 65, p 552

    Google Scholar 

  • Donkin P, Widdows J, Evans SV, Worrall CM, Carr M (1989) Quantitative structure-activity relationships for the effect of hydrophobic organic chemicals on rate of feeding by mussels (Mytilus edulis). Aquat Toxicol 14:277–294

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Donkin P, Widdows J, Evans SV, Brinsley MD (1991) QSARs for the sublethal responses of mussels (Mytilus edulis). Sci Total Environ 109/110:461–476

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Donkin P, Widdows J, Evans SV, Staff FJ, Yan T (1997) Effect of neurotoxic pesticides on the feeding rate of marine mussels (Mytilus edulis). Pestic Sci 49:196–209

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eisma D, Irion G (1988) Suspended matter and sediment transport. In: Salomons W, Bayne BL, Duursma EK, Forstner U (eds) Pollution of the North Sea. Springer, p 687

    Google Scholar 

  • Elliott, M (1996) The derivation and value of ecological quality standards and objectives. Mar Pollut Bull 32,762–763

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • GESAMP (IMO/FAO/UNESCO/WMO/IAEA/UN/UNEP Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Pollution) (1993) Impact of oil and related chemicals and wastes on the marine environment. GESAMP Rep Stud 50:1–180

    Google Scholar 

  • Gibbs PE, Bryan GW (1996) Reproductive failure in the gastropod Nucella lapillus associated with imposex caused by tributyl tin pollution: A review. In: Champ MA, Seligman P (eds) Organotin: Environmental fate and effects. Chapman & Hall, p 623

    Google Scholar 

  • Goldberg ED (1981) Assimilative capacity of US coastal waters for pollutants. Proceedings of a workshop at Crystal Mountains WA, 29th July-4th August 1979. US Department of Commerce, NOAA Working Paper No 1

    Google Scholar 

  • Goss-Custard JG, Willows RI (1996) Modelling the responses of mussel Mytilus edulis and oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus populations to environmental change. In: Greenstreet SPR, Tasker ML (eds) Aquatic predators and their prey. Fishing News Books, Oxford p 191

    Google Scholar 

  • Gray JS (1996) Environmental science and a precautionary approach revisited. Mar Pollut Bull 32:532–534

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gray JS, Clarke KR, Warwick RM, Hobbs G (1990) Detection of initial effects of pollution on marine benthos: An example from the Ekofisk and Eldfisk oilfields, North Sea. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 66:285–299

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hardy JT (1982) The sea surface microlayer, biology, chemistry and anthropogenic enrichment. Progr Oceanogr 11:307–328

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hardy JT, Cleary J (1992) Surface microlayer contamination and toxicity in the German Bight. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 91:203–210

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hardy JT, Apts CW, Crecelius EA, Fellingham GW (1985) The sea surface microlayer: Fate and residence time of atmospheric metals. Limnol Oceanogr 30:93–101

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Harris JRW, Gorley RN, Bartlett CA (1993) ECoS Version 2 — An estuarine modelling shell. Plymouth Marine Laboratory, p 146

    Google Scholar 

  • Heip C (1992) Benthic studies: Summary and conclusions. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 91:265–268

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Holdgate MW (1979) A perspective of environmental pollution. Cambridge University Press, p 278

    Google Scholar 

  • Huiskes AHL, Rozema J (1988) The impact of anthropogenic activities on the coastal wetlands of the North Sea. In: Salomons W, Bayne BL, Duursma EK, Forstner U (eds) Pollution of the North Sea-an assessment. Springer, p 687

    Google Scholar 

  • Hylland K, Haux C, Hogstrand C (1992) Hepatic metallothionein and heavy metals in dab Limanda limanda from the German Bight. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 91:89–96

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • IAEA (1985) Sediment K ds and concentration factors for radionuclides in the marine environment. International Atomic Energy Agency Technical Series Report No 247, p 71

    Google Scholar 

  • ICES (1983) Flushing times of the North Sea. Coop Res Rep Cons int Explor Mer 123, p 159

    Google Scholar 

  • Kautsky H (1988) Radioactive substances. In: Salomons W, Bayne BL, Duursma EK, Forstner U (eds) Pollution of the North Sea — an assessment. Springer, p 687

    Google Scholar 

  • Kempe S, Leibezeit G, Dethlefsen V, Harms U (eds) (1988) Biogeochemistry and distribution of suspended matter in the North Sea and implications to fisheries biology. Mitt Geol-Palaeont Inst Univ Hamburg, SCOPE/UNEP Sonderband Heft 65:11–24

    Google Scholar 

  • Kersten M, Dicke M, Kriews M, Naumann K, Schulz M, Schwikowski M, Steiger M (1988) Distribution and fate of metals in the North Sea. In: Salomons W, Bayne BL, Duursma EK, Forstner U (eds) Pollution of the North Sea — an Assessment. Springer, p 687

    Google Scholar 

  • Kingston PF (1992) Impact of offshore oil production installations on the benthos of the North Sea ICES J Mar Sci 49: 45–53

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Klamer HJC, Fomsgaard L (1993) Geographical distribution of chlorinated biphenyls (CBs) and poly-cyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface sediments from the Humber plume, North Sea. Mar Pollut Bull 26:201–206

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kocan RM, Westernhagen H von, Landolt ML (1987) Toxicity of sea-surface microlayer: Effects of hexane extracts on Baltic herring (Clupea harengus) and Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) embryos. Mar Environ Res 23:291–305

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Krom MD (1986) An evaluation of the concept of assimilative capacity as applied to marine waters. Ambio 15:208–214

    Google Scholar 

  • Law RJ, Dawes VJ, Woodhead RJ, Matthiessen P (1997) Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in seawater around England and Wales. Mar Pollut Bull 34(5):306–322

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lohse J (1988) Distribution of organo chlorine pollutants in North Sea sediments. In: Kempe S, Liebezeit G, Dethlefsen V, Harms U (eds) Biogeochemistry and distribution of suspended matter in the North Sea and implications to fisheries biology. Mitt Geol-Palaeont Inst Univ Hamburg, SCOPE/ UNEP Sonderband Heft 65:345–365

    Google Scholar 

  • McGarvin M (1990) The North Sea. Collins 8c Brown, p 144

    Google Scholar 

  • Maier-Reimer E (1977) Residual circulation in the North Sea due to the M-2 tide and mean annual wind stress. Dt Hydr Zeitschr 30(3):69–80

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mensink BP, Everaarts JM, Kralt H, Hallers-Tjabbes CC (1996) Tributyl tin exposure in early life stages induces the development of male sexual characteristics in the common whelk, Buccinum undatum. Mar Environ Res 42:151–154

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ministerial Declaration (1987) Second International Conference on the Protection of the North Sea, London 24th–26th November 1987

    Google Scholar 

  • Moore MN (1992) Molecular and cellular pathology: Summary. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 91:117–119

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Olsgard F, Gray JS (1995) A comprehensive analysis of the effects of offshore oil and gas exploration and production on the benthic communities of the Norwegian continental shelf. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 122: 277–306

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pagee JL van, Postma L (1986) North Sea pollution. The use of modelling techniques for impact assessment of waste inputs. In: Reasons for concern, Proceedings of the 2nd North Sea Seminar 86, Rotterdam, pp 97–113

    Google Scholar 

  • Pearce D (1976) The limit of cost-benefit analysis as a guide to environmental policy. Kyklos 29:97–112

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Portmann JE, Lloyd R (1986) Safe use of assimilative capacity of the marine environment — is it feasible? Wat Sci Tech 18:233–244

    Google Scholar 

  • Pravdic V (1985) Environmental capacity — is a new scientific concept acceptable as a strategy to combat marine pollution? Mar Pollut Bull 16:295–296

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pravdic V, Juracic M (1988) The environmental capacity approach to the control of marine pollution: the case of copper in the Krka River estuary. Chem Ecol 3:105–117

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Preston MR, Merrett JL (1991) The distribution and origins of the hydrocarbon fraction of particulate material in the North Sea atmosphere. Mar Pollut Bull 22:516–522

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Preston MR, Chester R, Bradshaw GF, Merrett JL (1992) PAH/lead relationships. A possible tool for the assessment of anthropogenic influence on marine aerosols. Mar Pollut Bull 24:164–166

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Quality Status Report for the North Sea (1987) Second International Conference on the Protection of the North Sea, September 1987, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Quality Status Report for the North Sea (Interim) (1990) North Sea Conference, March 1990. The Hague

    Google Scholar 

  • Quality Status Report for the North Sea (1993) Oslo and Paris Commissions, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Radach G, Berg J, Hagmeier E (1990) Long term changes of the annual cycles of meteorological, hydrographic, nutrient and phytoplankton time series at helgoland and ay LV Elbe 1 in the German Bight. Continental Shelf Res 10(4):305–328

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Radford PJ, West J (1986) Models to minimise monitoring. Wat Res 20:1059–1066

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Readman JW, Mantoura RFC, Rhead MM (1987) A record of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) pollution obtained from accreting sediments of the Tamar Estuary, UK: Evidence for non-equilibrium behaviour of PAH. Sci Tot Environ 66:73–94

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Salomons W, Forstner U (1984) Metals in the Hydrocycle. Springer, Berlin, p 349

    Google Scholar 

  • Salomons W, Bayne BL, Duursma EK, Forstner U (1988) Pollution of the North Sea — an Assessment. Springer, Berlin, p 687

    Google Scholar 

  • Skei J (1981) The entrapment of pollutants in Norwegian fjord sediments — a beneficial situation for the North Sea. Spec Publ Int Assoc Sediment 5:461–468

    Google Scholar 

  • Starczak VR, Fuller CM, Butman CA (1992) Effects of barite on aspects of ecology of the polychaete Mediomastus ambiseta. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 85: 269–282

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stebbing ARD (1979a) An, experimental approach to the determinants of biological water quality. Phil Trans R Soc 286:465–481

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stebbing ARD (1996) Foreward: organotins — what help from hindsight? In: Champ MA, Seligman P (eds) Organotin: Environmental fate and effects. Chapman & Hall, p 623

    Google Scholar 

  • Stebbing ARD, Harris JRW (1988) The role of biological monitoring. In: Salomons W, Bayne BL, Duursma EK, Forstner U (eds) Pollution of the North Sea. Springer, p 687

    Google Scholar 

  • Stebbing ARD, Akesson B, Calabrese A, Gentile JH, Jensen A, Lloyd R (1980) The role of bioassays in marine pollution monitoring. Rapp P-v Reun Cons int Explor Mer 179:322–332

    Google Scholar 

  • Stebbing ARD, Cleary JJ, Brown L, Rhead M (1984) The problem of relating toxic effects to their chemical causes in waters receiving wastes and effluents. In: IVth International Ocean Disposal Symposium, Plymouth, April 1983

    Google Scholar 

  • Stebbing ARD, Dethlefsen V, Carr M (1992) Biological effects of contaminants in the North Sea. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 91(1–3): 1–361

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sunda WG, Guillard RRL (1976) The relationship between cupric ion activity and the toxicity of copper to phytoplankton. J Mar Res 34:511–529

    Google Scholar 

  • Sunda WG, Engel DW, Thuotte RM (1978) Effect of chemical speciation on toxicity of cadmium to grass shrimp Palaemonetes pugio: importance of free calcium ion. Env Sci Tech 12:409–413

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tanabe S, Nishimura A, Hanoaka S, Yanagi T, Takeoka H, Tatsukawa R (1991) Persistent organochlorines in coastal fronts. Mar Pollut Bull 22:344–351

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Taylor, AH (1987) Modelling contaminants in the North Sea. Sci Tot Environ 63:45–67

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Turner K, Pearce D, Bateman (1994) Environmental economics. Harvester Wheatsheaf, p 328

    Google Scholar 

  • Turrell WR (1992) New hypotheses concerning the circulation of the northern North Sea and its relation to North Sea fish stock recruitment. ICES J Mar Sci 49:107–123

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Uncles RJ, Stephens JA, Woodrow TY (1988) Seasonal cycling of estuarine sediment and contaminant transport. Estuaries 11:108–116

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Warwick RM, Clarke KR (1992) Comparing the severity of disturbance: a meta-analysis of marine macrobenthic community data. Mar Ecol Progr Ser 92:221–231

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Westernhagen H von (1988) Sublethal effects of pollutants on fish eggs and larvae. Fish Physiology Vol XIA, Chap 4:253–335

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wharfe JR, Tinsley D (1995) The toxicity-based consent and the wider application of direct toxicity assessment to protect aquatic life. J Ciwem 9:525–530

    Google Scholar 

  • Widdows J, Johnston D (1988) Physiological energetics of Mytilus edulis: Scope for growth. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 46:113–121

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Widdows J, Donkin P (1991) Role of physiological energetics in ecotoxicology. Comp Biochem Physiol 100C:69–75

    Google Scholar 

  • Widdows J, Page DS (1993) Effects of tributyltin and dibutyltin on the physiological energetics of the mussel, Mytilus edulis. Mar Environ Res 35:233–249

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Widdows J, Burns KA, Menon NR, Page D, S, Soria S (1990) Measurement of physiological energetics (scope for growth) and chemical contaminants in mussels (Arca zebra) transplanted along a contamination gradient in Bermuda. J Exp Mar Biol Ecol 138:99–117

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Widdows J, Donkin P, Brinsley MD, Evans SV, Salkeld PN (1993) Stress effects and contaminant levels in North Sea mussels. Department of the Environment Final Report, Contract No PECD 7/7/352 p 45

    Google Scholar 

  • Widdows J, Donkin P, Brinsley MD, Evans SV, Salkeld PN, Franklin A, Law RJ, Waldock MJ (1995) Scope for growth and contaminant levels in North Sea mussels Mytilus edulis. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 127:131–148

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wild SR, Jones KC (1995) Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons in the United Kingdom: A preliminary source inventory and budget. Env Pollut 88:91–108

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Willows RI (1994) The ecological impact of different mechanisms of chronic toxicity on feeding and respiratory physiology. In: Sutcliffe DW (ed) Water quality and stress indicators in marine and freshwater systems: Linking levels of organisations. Freshwater Biological Association, Ambleside, pp 88–97

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Authors
  1. A. R. D. Stebbing
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. R. I. Willows
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. GKSS Research Center, Max-Planck-Straβe, D-21502, Geesthacht, Germany

    Wim Salomons

  2. Centre for Social and Economic Research on the Global Environment (CSERGE), University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK

    R. Kerry Turner

  3. Departamento de Geoquímica, Universidade Federal Fluminense, CEP-24020-007, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

    Luiz Drude de Lacerda

  4. Centre for Water Resources and Ocean Management, Anna University, Madras, 600 025, India

    S. Ramachandran

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1999 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Stebbing, A.R.D., Willows, R.I. (1999). Quality Status, Appropriate Monitoring and Legislation of the North Sea in Relation to its Assimilative Capacity. In: Salomons, W., Turner, R.K., de Lacerda, L.D., Ramachandran, S. (eds) Perspectives on Integrated Coastal Zone Management. Environmental Science. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-60103-3_9

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-60103-3_9

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-64259-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-60103-3

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation