Abstract
Key Customer Purpose - Why is the R&D needed? The UK is working with its partners in the European Union and OSPAR to combat the threats that eutrophication poses to the marine environment. A key OSPAR objective is to combat eutrophication in the OSPAR maritime area in order to achieve a healthy marine environment where eutrophication does not occur. The target date for achieving this objective is 2010. Following the first application of the OSPAR CP there was discussion on the way in which Contracting Parties had classified their waters. One particular issue was the allegation by the Netherlands and Germany that riverine inputs of nitrogen from the UK caused a significant contribution to eutrophication problems in the Oyster Grounds and the German Bight. Summary Objectives To complete a programme of work which will, by bringing together the necessary skills and applying an appropriate mix of tools, provide Defra with the best available evidence on whether nutrients arising from the UK rivers and estuaries might contribute significantly to eutrophication problems in the waters of other countries.
United Kingdom