The development of an international programme for monitoring the biological effects of contaminants in the OSPAR convention area

Programmes and measures to control pollution in the northeastern Atlantic, the North Sea, the Celtic Seas and the coastal zones of Western Europe are determined under the OSPAR Convention. An integral part of this process is the monitoring and assessment of pollution in the maritime area of Contracting Parties to the Convention. Historically such assessments were based on measurements of contaminants in water, sediment and biota. However, recently the Commissions have adopted a biological effects monitoring programme based on key issues identified for the region. The programmes developed to monitor the impact of polyaromatic hydrocarbons, tributyltin, heavy metals and the general quality status of the marine environment are described.