Proposed UK Targets for achieving GES and Cost-Benefit Analysis for the MSFD: Final Report Appendix February 2012 Proposed UK Targets for achieving GES and Cost-Benefit Analysis for the MSFD: Final Report Appendix This report describes expert advice to support the development of proposals for UK targets and indicators of Good Environmental Status, including an initial cost benefit analysis for the implementation of the MSFD. A large number of contributors from the marine science community have helped with the development of these proposals, coordinated by expert panels and the Evidence Groups of the UK Marine Monitoring and Assessment Strategy. Significant input to this Cefas project report (ME5405) has been provided by the HBDSEG Drafting Team and eftec. February 2012 Proposed UK Targets for achieving GES and Cost-Benefit Analysis for the MSFD: Final Report (appendix) Table of Contents Appendix 1 – Target Templates ................................................................................. 4 Descriptor 2 - Non-indigenous species introduced by human activities are at levels that do not adversely alter the ecosystem ............................................................... 4 Descriptor 3 - Populations of all commercially exploited fish and shellfish are within safe biological limits, exhibiting a population age and size distribution that is indicative of a healthy stock. ................................................................................. 10 Descriptor 5 - Human-induced eutrophication is minimised, especially adverse effects thereof, such as losses in biodiversity, ecosystem degradation, harmful algal blooms and oxygen deficiency in bottom waters. ......................................... 16 Descriptor 7 - Permanent alteration of hydrographical conditions does not adversely affect marine ecosystems ..................................................................... 29 Descriptor 8: Concentrations of contaminants are at levels not giving rise to pollution effects. .................................................................................................... 36 Descriptor 9 - Contaminants in fish and other seafood for human consumption do not exceed levels established by Community legislation or other relevant standards) ............................................................................................................. 65 Descriptor 10 - Properties and quantities of marine litter do not cause harm to the coastal and marine environment. .......................................................................... 74 Descriptor 11 - Introduction of energy, including underwater noise, is at levels that do not adversely affect the marine environment ................................................... 89 Appendix 2 - Target-indicator template .................................................................... 96 Descriptor 2 - Non-indigenous species ................................................................. 96 Descriptor 3 - Commercial fish and shellfish ......................................................... 98 Descriptor 5 - Eutrophication ............................................................................... 100 Descriptor 7 – Hydrographical conditions............................................................ 102 Descriptor 8 - Contaminants ............................................................................... 104 Descriptor 9 - Contaminants in fish and shellfish ................................................ 106 Descriptor 10 - Marine litter ................................................................................. 108 Descriptor 11 - Underwater noise ....................................................................... 110 Appendix 3 - Targets and Potential Management Measures .................................. 112 Appendix 4 - Biodiversity components: species & habitat lists ............................... 113 Appendix 5 - Supporting information for the Benthic Habitats Section 3.2 ............. 115 Appendix 5A - Distribution of Benthic Habitats throughout UK waters. ............... 115 Appendix 5B - Relationship between predominant habitats, and Special (listed) habitats and EUNIS habitat classes. ................................................................... 120 Page 2 of 337 Proposed UK Targets for achieving GES and Cost-Benefit Analysis for the MSFD: Final Report (appendix) Appendix 5C - Draft Regional Seas (2009). ........................................................ 121 Appendix 5D - Summary of the possible baseline-setting and target-setting approaches ......................................................................................................... 122 Appendix 5E - Sensitivity matrix and pressure thresholds .................................. 123 Appendix 5F - Background to sensitivity matrix information ................................ 126 Appendix 5G – Rock and Biogenic Reef Habitats – Additional detail .................. 131 Appendix 5H – Sediment Habitats – Additional detail ......................................... 137 Appendix 6 - Pelagic habitats report....................................................................... 142 Appendix 7 - Birds report ........................................................................................ 157 Appendix 8 - Marine mammals report .................................................................... 172 Appendix 9 - Fish report ......................................................................................... 187 Appendix 10 - Detailed targets and indicators for each biodiversity descriptor ...... 229 Appendix 11 - CBA spreadsheets of biodiversity targets, pressures and measures: ............................................................................................................................... 230 Appendix 12 - Background information on Baseline ............................................... 234 Appendix 13 - Analysis of Impacts of Potential Management Measures ................ 251 Appendix 14 - Method and data used for estimating the economic costs of the potential management measure to ban use of mobile demersal gears (MDGs) ..... 321 Appendix 15 - Analysis of Fuel Tax Subsidies ....................................................... 327 Appendix 16 - UK Marine Valuation Studies .......................................................... 330 Appendix 17 - Note of workshop on Disproportionate Costs Analysis .................... 335 Page 3 of 337 Proposed UK Targets for achieving GES and Cost-Benefit Analysis for the MSFD: Final Report (appendix) Appendix 1 – Target Templates Descriptor 2 - Non-indigenous species introduced by human activities are at levels that do not adversely alter the ecosystem There are some non-indigenous species (NIS) currently present in the marine environment and there are many examples from throughout the world of unsuccessful attempts to remove these. It therefore has to be accepted that for the most part the species already present cannot be eradicated. GES for non-indigenous species (NIS) in UK waters can therefore best be achieved by preventing new introductions. Management-based targets should be set such that the risk from pathways and vectors which facilitate the introduction and spread of NIS have been significantly reduced. The impact from and spread of invasive alien species (IAS, a minority subset of NIS, which are demonstrated to have an adverse effect on biological diversity, ecosystem functioning, socio-economic values and/or human health) will be reduced as a consequence of this approach. This approach also allows for the fact that it is not always possible to predict which NIS will become AIS. Also, management measures will be more effective if they are applied at least at regional seas (if not international) level and so ideally they should be coordinated between Member States. Although understanding of the main pathways and vectors of introduction are improving, a better assessment of current status is needed to provide a basis for future measures. There is some uncertainty that targets based on implementing management measures to reduce impacts will be acceptable to the Commission. Criterion 2.1 - Abundance and state characterisation of non-indigenous species, in particular invasive species Indicator 2.1.1 - Trends in abundance, temporal occurrence and spatial distribution in the wild of non-indigenous species, particularly invasive non indigenous species, notably in risk areas, in relation to the main vectors and pathways of spreading of such species Type of targets It will not be possible to develop robust targets on the basis of numbers and distribution of NIS in UK waters, due to the lack of sufficiently detailed knowledge on current status that arises from the difficulty of obtaining up to date information. Such targets are also constrained by the difficulty of removing these species once they have become established in any location. There will have to be an acceptance that non-indigenous species, including invasive species, will remain in the marine environment and that new introductions will never be entirely prevented. Page 4 of 337 Proposed UK Targets for achieving GES and Cost-Benefit Analysis for the MSFD: Final Report (appendix) Trend based targets, based on long term monitoring at high risk sites for introduction, for example selected marinas or ports, and in marine protected sites identified as vulnerable to introduction and spread of particular IAS, could be developed. Pathway / vector