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Monitoring the Sea
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Monitoring the Sea
To keep track of the health
of the sea, we monitor the status
of Sweden’s marine environment from
the Skagerrak in the west to the Bothnian
Bay to the north-east. Many of us cooperate
in this key task. This leaflet is a brief
presentation of who does what in
marine environmental monitoring
around Sweden.
What is environmental monitoring?
Environmental monitoring consists
of recurrent, systematical investigations
that show the status of the environment.
What is monitored is determined by the objectives
adopted, requirements imposed by legislation and
EU directives, and Sweden’s commitments
under international conventions.
the purposes of marine
environmental monitoring are:
• to describe the status of the marine environment
• to follow changes in the marine environment
• to follow up the effects of measures applied
Monitoring the Sea
Multi-partner cooperation
The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency bears overall responsibility for environmental monitoring in Sweden. Central government agencies, such as the Swedish
Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) and Swedish Board of Fisheries,
monitor the sea within their respective fields. County administrative boards near
the coast head regional efforts. Municipalities, enterprises and individuals carry out
monitoring in their local areas. Universities and other higher education institutions
(HEIs), consultants and various institutes carry out, on a commissioned basis, much
of the practical work of sampling and analysis, for example, and contribute research
expertise.
Monitoring both large-scale and local effects
The scale of investigations and their purposes vary. Some surveys monitor large-scale
changes in the marine environment caused by, for example, eutrophication and climate
change. Others, instead, follow local effects of particular activities, such as emissions
from industrial facilities or farms, in relatively small areas.
results useful at all levels
The findings of the investigations inform us about the state of the sea. They are also a
key basis for decisions, enabling us to take care of the marine environment and choose
the right measures. The results are used by municipalities,
county administrative boards, central government
agencies and many other stakeholders. They are
also used in international contexts, in the EU
and international conventions; in research
and teaching; and for monitoring progress in
achieving Sweden’s environmental quality
objectives.
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Monitoring the Sea
enVironMentaL ProteCtion agenCY
• responsibility and coordination
The Environmental Protection Agency bears overall responsibility for environmental
monitoring in Sweden, and conducts a wide-ranging national programme of coastal
and marine monitoring. This programme is funded by means of a special government
appropriation for environmental monitoring. The Agency’s responsibilities include
coordinating national monitoring with regional efforts directed by the county
administrative boards. This involves, for example, carrying out the monitoring in
similar ways in order to obtain comparable data, or collaborating in data collection
and storage, and jointly evaluating results.
national seas and coastal areas programme
Every year, numerous physical, chemical and biological surveys of the marine
ecosystem are carried out. The main focus of the programme is on detecting changes
in biodiversity and effects due to eutrophication and toxic pollutants. The surveys are
usually conducted in areas that are, as far as possible, free from the impact of local
emissions. The results provide an overall picture of the status of the marine environment
and can also serve as references for surveys in areas where the local impact is greater.
The programme is funded and planned by the Environmental Protection Agency.
However, the practical work of sampling, analysis and data storage is performed by
others on the Agency’s behalf: mainly experts at HEIs, and also specialist agencies and
consultants.
national monitoring contractors
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Marine Monitoring aB
iVL Swedish environmental
research institute
!
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göteborg University
Stockholm University
Swedish Board of Fisheries
University of Kalmar
geological Survey
of Sweden (SgU)
Umeå University
Swedish Meteorological
and hydrological institute
(SMhi)
Swedish Museum of
natural history
(For a key to the symbols, see the opposite page)
Monitoring the Sea
What iS MonitoreD in the PrograMMe
For SeaS anD CoaStaL areaS
White-tailed sea eagle
the white-tailed sea eagle population along the coast is monitored by means
of counts of the numbers of successful nestings and fledglings in every nest.
the status of the sea eagle is a key indicator of toxic pollutants in the sea.
open water
Biological, chemical and physical measurements are carried out at various
depths in the open sea: water transparency, temperature, ph, oxygen content,
nutrients, plankton, bacteria etc.
Seal
grey, ringed and harbour seal are counted annually. the programme includes
documentation of the health status of dead seals that are sent in. these
seals’ state of health may reflect the presence of toxic pollutants in the sea.
Plants and algae
the depth range and cover of macrovegetation (such as seaweed and seagrass) are documented by divers.
Fish
By means of fish sampling, the composition and number of various stationary
species in fish communities in Sweden’s coastal areas are monitored.
Metals and organic contaminants
the concentrations of a large number of metals and organic contaminants
are investigated in coastal and open-sea fish, common sea mussel and
guillemot eggs, and also in bottom sediments from offshore waters.
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effects of toxic pollutants
Surveys of the health status of perch and blenny, and reproductive
disturbances in molluscs and Monoporeia affinis (a tiny benthic, depositfeeding amphipod) are conducted.
Bottom-living animals
Samples are taken of animal communities to determine, for example, the
numbers of individuals of different species living in soft sedimentary sea
bottoms.
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Monitoring the Sea
other CentraL goVernMent agenCieS
reSPonSiBLe For enVironMentaL Monitoring
SWeDiSh BoarD oF FiSherieS • monitoring fish stocks
The Board of Fisheries monitors commercial fish stocks in Swedish marine
areas. Using data on commercial fish catches and its own fish sampling,
the Board follows trends of stocks. The Board also conducts surveys of
the size and species diversity of fish stocks in coastal areas on behalf of,
for example, the Environmental Protection Agency, county administrative
boards and water quality associations.
SWeDiSh CoaSt gUarD • monitoring oil and chemical discharges
The Coast Guard monitors illegal discharges of oil and chemicals at sea. This work is
carried out by means of aerial reconnaissance, supplemented by monitoring from ships
and using data from satellite images. The Coast Guard also reports algal blooms to
the Stockholm County Administrative Board. On behalf of the Swedish Museum of
Natural History, the Coast Guard carries out seal counts in inaccessible locations and
sends in dead seals to the Museum.
SWeDiSh nationaL FooD aDMiniStration
• monitoring toxic pollutants in fish and shellfish
The National Food Administration investigates the
presence of harmful chemicals in food. It carries out
regular analyses of, for example, dioxins, PCBs,
pesticides and mercury in both shellfish and food
fish, caught wild and farmed alike.
In the marine areas along the West Coast where
commercial fishing or mussel farming is carried
on, the Food Administration checks weekly that
the concentrations of algal toxins and bacteria in
mussels are acceptable. If they are excessive, the
fishing and mussel harvest are stopped.
Monitoring the Sea
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The Geological Survey of Sweden (SGU) is responsible for surveying
Sweden’s geology. SGU systematically surveys the chemistry of the
seabed and monitors nutrients, metals and organic contaminants in
sediments, on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency, the
Swedish Radiation Safety Authority, county administrative boards,
water quality associations and other bodies.
Sediment samples are obtained with a sampling device lowered
from on board ship. The samples are analysed in terms of, for example,
the cadmium, mercury, PCBs, pesticides and radioactive caesium they
contain, to provide a picture of the incidence and range of these environmentally
hazardous substances.
SMhi • monitoring the aquatic environment
The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) conducts much of
Sweden’s monitoring of the open sea, but also some in coastal areas. It
carries out surveys both under its own auspices and on behalf of the
Environmental Protection Agency, county administrative boards
and water quality associations, for example.
From on board ship, water samples are taken at various
depths for analysis of salinity, oxygen content, pH, nutrients,
phytoplankton, zooplankton, alkalinity, chlorophyll, primary
production etc. Satellite data are used to monitor the presence of
algae, ice conditions and the surface water temperature. Special
measuring platforms are used to monitor water levels, and fixed
buoys measure temperature, salinity, waves etc. Key documentation
for oceanographic models and SMHI’s forecasts is thereby obtained.
SWeDiSh raDiation SaFetY aUthoritY • monitoring radioactivity
The Radiation Safety Authority has a national environmental monitoring programme
for radioactive substances. Measurements are carried out recurrently at fixed stations.
In the marine environment, the presence of radioactive substances is monitored in
seawater close to the surface, in the bottom sediments of the open sea and in fish. The
Authority is also responsible for drawing up programmes for monitoring radioactivity
in sediments and biological material. These programmes are conducted in the vicinity
of nuclear power plants.
Buoy system that measures temperature, salinity, chlorophyll etc.
SGU’s vessel, the Ocean Surveyor
SgU • monitoring bottom sediments
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Monitoring the Sea
regionaL anD LoCaL enVironMentaL Monitoring
CoUntY aDMiniStratiVe BoarDS
• regional monitoring and coordination
Part of the government appropriation for environmental monitoring is allocated by the
Environmental Protection Agency to the county administrative boards, which direct
environmental monitoring at regional level and are responsible for the existence of a
long-term monitoring programme in their respective counties. The regional programmes
are devised to monitor various parts of the marine ecosystem, in a manner resembling
the Agency’s national programmes, i.e. through a combination of physical, chemical
and biological investigations.
The county administrative boards also consider other monitoring in the county and
coordinate the various measures under way when the programmes are drawn up.
examples of what county monitoring includes:
• the county administrative board’s regional monitoring, funded by means of
the national environmental monitoring appropriation
• surveys forming part of the Environmental Protection Agency’s
national programme for the Swedish seas and coastal areas
• other monitoring funded through the Agency, such as follow-up
of the Habitats and Species Directive (‘Natura 2000’ sites).
• environmental monitoring cofunded with other agencies, the EU
and non-profit organisations
• municipal environmental monitoring
• the water quality associations’ programme of operator self-monitoring.
MUniCiPaLitieS • local monitoring
The municipalities, too, conduct marine environmental monitoring. This may entail
surveys outside the municipal wastewater treatment works in cooperation with the
water quality associations, or the municipalities’ own studies to follow up municipal
environmental objectives. The municipalities are also responsible for collecting
information about water quality at Swedish bathing places and reporting to the
Swedish Institute for Infectious Disease Control, which stores the results on behalf of
the Environmental Protection Agency.
Monitoring the Sea
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Water QUaLitY aSSoCiationS
• in-house monitoring of emissions
Under the Swedish Environmental Code, all parties who engage in some form of activity
entailing a risk of environmental effects, such as industries, companies and
landowners, are obliged to check their own impact through monitoring.
This is known as the ‘operator self-monitoring system’. It may, for
example, be a matter of investigating the impact of a company’s
wastewater on a particular coastal area. Such monitoring is
often extensive and, in many counties, makes up a substantial
share of the regional monitoring coordinated by the county
administrative boards.
For practical and financial reasons, it is common
for parties that affect the same water area to form an
association (a ‘water quality association’ or ‘coastal water
quality association’, for example) and coordinate their
monitoring. What is monitored varies, but some examples
are the presence of toxic pollutants, seaweed and other algae,
fish, phytoplankton or nutrient concentrations in the water.
inDiViDUaLS • contributing information
Private individuals can contribute information about the status of the marine
environment in various ways. For example, members of the public
can report sightings of harbour porpoises and whales,
dead or alive, to the Swedish Museum of Natural History.
These reports afford information on the animals’
range and behaviour in the seas around Sweden. The
Museum also receives dead seals, otters and porpoises.
Investigations of these animals’ health status are
carried out, partly within the framework of the
Environmental Protection Agency’s national
programme, and samples are stored in the
Museum’s Environmental Specimen Bank
for studies of toxic pollutants.
Autopsy of a dead seal in Yngsjö, near Kristianstad. Kristin
Johansson, a marine biologist from Ängelholm, and Lennart
Sjöland, a county veterinary officer, investigate the cadaver
to check whether the animal may have been carrying a
deadly virus.
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Monitoring the Sea
Unrestricted use of results
On behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency, results from the national
environmental monitoring are stored with special ‘data hosts’. These data are available
to anyone wishing to use them and may, as a rule, be ordered or downloaded online free
of charge. The data hosts also receive data from the regional environmental monitoring,
and the municipalities report their findings from their bathing-water sampling.
The hope is that the system will also boost the use of results, since it will be easier
to carry out joint analyses when data of the same type are collected in one place.
Data hoStS • storing and providing results
• IVL Swedish Environmental
Research Institute
Stores data on metals and organic
contaminants in biological material
and on the effects of toxic pollutants.
• SMHI
Stores data on physical, chemical and
biological conditions in the sea.
• Swedish Board of Fisheries
Stores data on coastal fish and effects
of toxic pollutants on fish.
• SGU
Stores data on the chemistry of sediments, including metals and organic
contaminants.
• Swedish Institute for Infectious
Disease Control
Stores data on bathing-water quality.
other marine investigations
Besides monitoring of environmental status, many other marine investigations are
carried out. Environmental impact is monitored by measuring, calculating and modelling
emissions and deposition of pollutants. Scientific research tackles new questions and helps
to detect new environmental threats and improve measuring and analytical methods.
Extensive inventories of, for example, marine habitats and geological and hydrological
conditions are carried out to describe the landscape below the surface. The sea is also
affected by what takes place on land and investigations there, too, are important.
All these investigations are key pieces of the jigsaw puzzle. Together, they give us a
cognitive foundation for managing our marine environment properly.
Monitoring the Sea
read more
The Environmental Protection Agency’s website
The Environmental Protection Agency’s website, www.swedishepa.se, contains a great
deal of information about environmental monitoring and links for further reading.
Click on ‘State of the environment’ and then on ‘Environmental monitoring’.
Environmental status of Swedish marine areas
‘The Sea’ is an annual report (in Swedish) that collects the latest findings from the
national environmental monitoring of Swedish marine areas. In addition, it presents
results from regional environmental monitoring, research and other investigations of
importance in terms of boosting knowledge about the environmental status of the seas
around Sweden.
The Health of the Sea
How healthy are Sweden’s seas? The Health of the Sea describes, in plain language,
the key environmental problems affecting the sea; what society is doing to remedy the
situation; and what you yourself can do to help. Most of the material in the booklet is
obtained from ‘The Sea’, the annual environmental monitoring report (see above).
These publications can be ordered or downloaded from the Environmental Protection
Agency’s online bookshop.
Fish stocks and the environment in the sea and freshwater:
resources and environmental overview
The Board of Fisheries’ Annual Report on fish stocks and the environment in the sea
and lakes. This report (in Swedish) describes the status of stocks of the key species in
Swedish fisheries. The assessment is based on research collaboration in the International
Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) and the Board’s investigation.
Toxic pollutants in biological material
The Annual Report (in English) of the Swedish Museum of Natural History includes
results from the national monitoring of metals and toxic pollutants in biological
material. Go to www.nrm.se and enter, in the search box on the first page, the title of
this report: Comments Concerning the National Swedish Contaminant Monitoring
Programme in Marine Biota.
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of the Swedish marine environment from the Skagerrak in the
west to the Bothnian Bay to the north-east. Many of us are
involved in this key task. The Environmental Protection Agency
is responsible for marine environmental monitoring at national
level. Central government agencies – SMHI, the Swedish
Board of Fisheries, the Coast Guard and so forth – monitor
the sea within their respective fields. The coastal county
administrative boards direct regional work. Municipalities,
companies and individuals monitor the marine environment
locally. Higher education institutions and various institutes
carry out sampling and analysis, and provide research
expertise. This leaflet gives a brief presentation of who does
what in Sweden’s marine environmental monitoring.
www.swedishepa.se
Swedish Environmental Protection Agency,
SE-106 48 Stockholm, Sweden.
Phone: +46 8 698 1000,
email: registrator@naturvardsverket.se
Internet: www.swedishepa.se
ORDERS
CM-Gruppen, Box 110 93, SE-161 11 Bromma, Sweden
Order phone: +46 8 5059 3340, email: natur@cm.se
Online orders: www.naturvardsverket.se/webbokhandeln
Production: Swedish Environmental Protection Agency • Text: Elin Håkansson, Swedish Environmental
Protection Agency; Susanne Liljenström, Ekografen • Translation: Clare James, Språkverksta’n AB •
Graphic design and illustration: forsbergvonessen • Photographs: front cover, small picture on top,
Peter Dahl/Johnér; small picture in middle, Steven Zeff/Azote; p. 2, Joakim Hansen/Azote; p. 3,
Martin Almqvist /Johnér; p. 6, upper picture, Gustaf Almqvist/Azote; lower picture, Robert Kautsky/
SMHI; p. 8, Johan Willner/Johnér; p. 9, upper picture, Sven Halling/Tryman/Johnér; lower picture,
right, Willy Alm/Scanpix • Edition: 2 000 • Printing: NRS Tryckeri 2009 • ISBN 978-91-620-8388-5
• This booklet is available in Swedish, ISBN 978-91-620-8383-0.
To keep track of the health of the sea, we monitor the status