This contract supported the ECOSTAT Working Group under the WFD CIS process. For the Working Group’s meeting in November 2015, a report on nutrient boundaries in transitional, coastal and marine waters in the EU was developed. MS focal points were contacted to submit written answers to a Questionnaire circulated within the Working Group regarding the methods for setting nutrient boundaries and to submit data on the nutrient boundaries set for parameters (Total Nitrogen, Total Phosphorus, Nitrate, Phosphate and DIN). The data were analysed within each regional sea to identify what nutrients are being assessed, and when and how (mean, median, 90th percentile, etc.).
The MS questionnaires were analysed regarding details of the methodologies used to set nutrient boundaries – historical data, modelling, expert judgement, etc. – and how pressure-response relationships are taken into account. In addition, the contract supported the organisation of the November 2015 workshop on nutrient boundaries in freshwater and saline water in the EU. An issue paper (background document) was drafted for the workshop highlighting the analysis and defining conclusions on setting nutrient boundaries in saline waters.
The contract helped develop the workshop programme and questions for discussion. Conference management support was also provided, regarding setting up a conference registration website with relevant information regarding the event, supporting participants with questions, coordinating the catering and the technical audio team at the venue and planning the social event for participants. Following the workshop, a conference document was produced based on the minutes of the plenary and working group session discussions.