Good Environmental Conditions Research Articles

Sustainable Development of a Region. Case Study - Kazakhstan

The article provides an overview of the region's development, while suggesting how to assess sustainable development from the point of view of the ecological component, as well as social and economic. The paper presents a combination of assessments that used data and indicators (if any), as well as expert opinions for a comprehensive assessment. Although there are some key points and controversial issues, the development of Bayanaul l district can be assessed as sustainable. In general, there is a positive, general economic situation and the level of income of most people, good environmental conditions and rich biodiversity, stable social structure, and the identity of people in the area. On the contrary, there are various threats such as engineering and transport infrastructure, an increased flow of people from tourism, degradation of habitats, declining species richness and intensification of agriculture.

Pengetahuan Perawatan Nifas pada Masyarakat yang Terdampak Rob di Pekalongan

Objective: The puerperium is the process of returning the reproductive organs to their pre-pregnancy state that requires special care. Good care is supported by good environmental conditions. The environmental situation in the affected areas has hampered sanitation and daily activities because houses have been submerged in water for a long time. This study aims to determine the knowledge of postpartum care in affected communities, especially in the area of Karangjompo village, Pekalongan Regency Methods: This article is a descriptive study, a sample of 85 respondents postartum mother in Karangjompo Village was taken by total sampling.Results: Knowledge of postpartum care for the affected community tidal flood in Karangjompo village is good (49.4%). However, there are still postpartum care criteria, most of which are still lacking, namely the fulfillment of sexual needs (77.6%) and the selection and use of postpartum contraceptives (67.1%).Conclusion: There is a need for cross-sector collaboration to address various health problems, especially in maternal and child health in areas affected by tidal waves. There is a need for specific guidelines on postpartum care for people affected by rob by taking into account the material and socio-cultural aspects of the local community.

Environmental quality assessment by multiple biogeochemical indicators of an intertidal flat under anthropogenic influence from the southwest of Buenos Aires (Argentina)

Chemical measures combined with biological data (biomarkers) are recommended in monitoring programs of marine environments. In the present research, the use of multiples biogeochemical indicators allowed interrelating different environmental measurements to deepen the knowledge of the quality/status of the intertidal flat from Puerto Rosales (Bahia Blanca estuary, Argentina) subjected to anthropogenic pressure. The sediments from this site presented a eutrophic status and high organic matter concentration with high nutritional value for the benthic community. The TPR/TCH ratio (~ 10) would evidence the untreated sewage discharge contribution and increments in protein content due to the complexation of nitrogen during phytodetritus accumulation and degradation. Trace metals levels in the fine sediments were lower than those recommended by international guides for uncontaminated sites. In the sediments, except Cu, all metals analyzed were rarely associated with adverse biological effects. Finally, metallothioneins levels in the burrowing crab Neohelice granulata were lower than those found in the literature and significantly higher in females than in males. Even though the different analyses and indices performed indicate that this intertidal flat is in good environmental condition, the wastewater discharge influenced it. Thus, it is advisable to continue with this kind of study by applying multi-combined proxies in this and other impacted tidal flats.

Environmental Sanitation, Personal Hygiene, STH Co-infection in TB Patients

Globally, helminthiasis is one of the infectious diseases that are often associated with the incidence of tuberculosis. Helminth co-infection modulates the immune system of TB patients by reducing Th-1 response that functions as protector against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This condition disrupts the process of eliminating bacteria so that its development becomes more progressive. The impact is the activation of latent TB and the success of TB treatment. A Soil-transmitted Helminth (STH) is a group of intestinal worms that often infect humans. Previous studies prove that environmental sanitation and personal hygiene are risk factors associated with STH infection. The study to determine the relationship of environmental sanitation and personal hygiene with the incidence of STH co-infection in TB patients at Puskesmas Puger, Jember in September until December 2019. This study uses a cross-sectional design. The sampling technique uses total sampling. A total of 32 TB patients met the criteria as study sample. The data analysis uses Fisher Test. Results showed the prevalence of STH co-infection was relatively low (18.8%); most of the respondents had good environmental sanitation and personal hygiene conditions. Bivariate analysis showed p-value (0,476) for environmental sanitation and p-value (1,000) for personal hygiene. This study concludes that there is no correlation between environmental sanitation, personal hygiene, and STH co-infection in TB patients at Public health center in Puger.

Environmental Literacy Education through Mural Artwork at Madrasah Diniyah Awaliyyah Al Qamariyyah in Ciroyom Bandung

This research aims to develop a mural artwork that conveys educational material on environmental literacy. Environmental literacy education is one of the most important things that children must learn. Such education may be done through formal or informal educational institutions. This research is conducted in Madrasah Diniyah Awaliyyah (MDA) Al Qamariyyah, located in Ciroyom settlement, Bandung. The existence of Madrasah Diniyah Awaliyyah Al Qamariyyah has been important for the people of Ciroyom urban village, Bandung. In this madrasah, the students can learn the basic values of Islam religion. Since its establishment, Madrasah Diniyah Awaliyyah (MDA) Al Qamariyyah have not been supported by a good environment condition for an educational institution. Therefore, some actions are necessary to help improve the environmental quality of the madrasah. The action that has been done is to create a mural artwork within the area of the madrasah. The mural artwork itself conveys educational values about environment. The method used in this research is the artistic research methods as brought forward by Borgdorff. This research conveys messages that includes aesthetic experiences, creative practices, and materializes an artistic product. This research explains the process of creating the artwork from preparation, elaboration, synthesizing, concept realization, and finishing of the artwork. The process resulted in a mural artwork that presents the important values of appreciating the environment. Keywords: creation, mural, environmental literacy, madrasah, Ciroyom settlement DOI: 10.7176/ADS/91-02 Publication date: March 31 st 2021

Sensitivity of foraminiferal-based indices to evaluate the ecological quality status of marine coastal benthic systems: A case study of the Gulf of Manfredonia (southern Adriatic Sea)

This paper aims to compare two foraminiferal based biotic indices generally used to evaluate the ecological quality status (EcoQS): the Foram-AMBI and the Foram Stress Index (FSI). For this purpose, we report the distribution and diversity of living foraminiferal assemblages and the environmental variables from a bathymetric transect in the Southern Adriatic Sea. The two indices agree well with the detected organic enrichment but indicate conflicting EcoQS as the Foram-AMBI detects good environmental conditions, whereas the FSI describes a poor-moderate quality. Many species not assigned (including soft-shelled foraminifera) are to blame for the different results. Also, both foraminiferal-based indices neglect the heavy metal increase encountered in the deepest stations. These findings suggest the need for a more in-depth analysis to improve the ecological status evaluation of marine benthic systems, including other descriptors as chemical pollutants in combination with biotic indices sensitive to organic matter enrichment.

DC Motor Speed Regulation Using Speech Recognition

One of the uses of this sound technology is controlling the speed of a DC motor. Sound in the form of a spectrum signal can be converted to digital. Digital signals can be used as a microcontroller input to adjust the speed of a DC motor using the PWM (pulse width modulation) method. The design of the tool uses the V3 voice recognition module to convert the voice into digital. A microcontroller as a voice data processor by changing the input voltage to a DC motor. Voice command to set DC motor speed. Based on the results of tests carried out in good environmental conditions, 90% of voice commands can be recognized. Meanwhile, in bad environmental conditions by 50%. Manual measurement is done by entering the input voltage from 1 volt to 10 volts. The results of the comparison show that the speed is almost the same, namely 2727 rpm for manual calculation and 2915 rpm for the whole tool. This difference occurs because the test when manually inputting the tension is not very accurate. It can be concluded that the tool is working properly and as desired. If the environmental conditions are bad only 50% can be recognized from 30 voice commands, then there is a difference in voice intonation during the training process.

Observations on Bycatch Rate for Vulnerable Fish Species on the Romanian Coast

"Living marine resources obviously contribute to the survival of humanity. Unfortunately, numerous studies highlighted that marine biological diversity faces various threats related to overfishing and illegal fishing, pollution (marine and terrestrial), invasive species, marine litter and climate change. In this context, the incidental catch of vulnerable species (i.e., elasmobranchs, marine mammals, seabirds) is considered one of the main threats to good environmental condition of the marine fauna.The aim of the study conducted in 2020, was to highlight the impact of fishing activities on aquatic resources, especially on vulnerable fish species as picked dogfish Squalus acanthias), thornback ray (Raja clavata) and common stingray (Dasyatis pastinaca), marine mammals and seabirds. The background information was collected by observations from scientific trawl surveys by pelagic and demersal trawl gears, observations from stationary fishing points, observations from commercial beam-trawl fishing operations. The analysis of logbooks of several economic operators and data collected by observers on board vessels, highlighted the low bycatch rate for vulnerable species in most fishing gear. Key Words: vulnerable species, by-catch, fishing gear "

Stability analysis of sugar beet genotypes in terms of yield and sugar ratios (Beta vulgaris Var. saccharifera L.)

This study was carried out to investigate the ecological regions of Eskişehir, Konya, Kırşehir, and Çorum in terms of sugar beet root yield (kg da-1), polar sugar rate (%), refined sugar rate (%) and sugar yield (kg da-1), to determine stabilities of selected genotypes, and to assist future studies. The experiment was conducted in the ecological regions of Eskişehir, Konya, Kırşehir, and Çorum between 2013 and 2017, using the trial data from the Variety Registration and Seed Certification Center. 58 genotypes of foreign origin were used in the study. It was determined that the Çorum location could be considered as bad environment in terms of sugar beet root yield feature, the Çorum and Eskişehir locations in terms of polar sugar beet and refined sugar rate feature, and the Eskişehir location in terms of polar sugar rate feature. It was concluded that Sandrina, Bernache and Aigrette genotypes showed good adaptation under good environmental conditions and were stable in terms of sugar beet root yield; Garrot and Beetle genotypes in terms of sugar yield; Delano and Portofina KWS (5K618) genotypes in terms of polar sugar rate; Ametist (SV1634), Masai, and Eldorado genotypes in terms of refined sugar rate. Since the performances of genotypes in different environmental conditions differ, it is of great importance to examine the performances of new varieties in different ecological environments. In terms of sugar beet root yield characteristics, it is recommended to prefer warmer ecological locations

Possible human health risk of some heavy metals from consumption of tilapia fish from Lake Mariut, Egypt.

Lake Mariut Main Basin (MB) is not only one of the three basins composing Lake Mariut (LM) but is also the main source of the popular tilapia fish to Alexandrian people. Unfortunately, this basin was consistently for about 50 successive years receiving a continuous discharge of agricultural, sewage, and industrial effluents. This has led to contamination of the flesh of its tilapia fish living there particularly with some toxic heavy metals like Cd and Pb. Lately, in 2010, a rehabilitation program was adopted and carried out to save this vital MB from such intensive pollution. This had been achieved by diverting all those polluting sources. The present work is made after elapsing about 7years from the diversion process date, to assess and evaluate the levels of those two metals (in addition to the other four one's Fe, Cu, Cr, and Zn) in the edible flesh part besides the liver and gills of this fish (Nile tilapia spec., Oreochromis niloticus), and in ambient water of this restored basin to measure the efficiency of the rehabilitation program on quality of endogenous fish. A simultaneous parallel sampling program was also commenced for the other two basins of LM. The obtained results revealed that the concentration level of the studied metals in each of the muscles of the fish and the ambient water of the restored MB becomes now not only almost alike the metal levels of the corresponding compartments of the other two basins of LM, but also they became at concentration levels lay below those of their counterpart permissible limits in fish and water recommended by national and international standards. Health risk assessment indices: bioaccumulation factor (BAF), metal pollution index (MPI), estimated daily intake (EDI), hazardous index (HI), and relative risk (RR) for the present case were estimated, assessed, and subsequently evaluated. All are referring to a fact that MB is currently in good environmental condition and producing safe fish for human consumption.

Predicting agroecosystem responses to identify appropriate water-saving management in arid irrigated regions with shallow groundwater: Realization on a regional scale

Scenario analysis is the basis of developing rational water management practices (WMPs) for watersheds. How to predict future hydrological responses on a regional-scale is still a challenge for modeling work in irrigated watersheds with shallow groundwater environments. Therefore, this paper presents an efficient realization of predicting regional agroecosystem responses and searching for appropriate WMPs, through using a water balance-based, semi-distributed hydrological model (SWAT-AG). The scenario case study is carried out in the Jiyuan Irrigation System located in the Hetao of upper Yellow River basin, based on the calibrated and validated modeling work in our previous companion paper. Eight scenarios of water-saving practices (WSPs) are proposed, with consideration for reducing irrigation depth and controlling initial groundwater depth. Then the coupled responses of agroecosystem processes to various WSPs are predicted for the case study region in 2012 and 2013, mainly related to the groundwater depth, root zone soil water and salinity, and crop yield/natural vegetation biomass. Based on the analysis for proposed scenarios, the 100% of present irrigation depth combined with increasing initial GWD by 50 cm are recommended as appropriate WSPs for dry years, and the 80% of present irrigation depth combined with increasing initial GWD by 100 cm are recommended for wet years, in order to maintain good environmental conditions for both crops and natural vegetation. In addition, results show that SWAT-AG could overcome the scale/function limitations of traditional soil/crop models and also avoid computational issues of numerical models. We further point out that the scenarios in reality will be more complicated and comprehensive in time and space, and thus the predictions should be updated accordingly. Overall, this case study fully presents the feasibility and practicality of using the SWAT-AG model to realize the scenario response analysis and water management decision-making on a region scale for irrigated watersheds with shallow groundwater environments.

Study on the Cultivation of “Craftsman Spirit” for Vocational Automobile Students

In view of the new situation, this paper discusses the teaching and management methods of higher vocational education from the perspective of caring education and establishing students’ educational concepts. According to the actual situation, improve the quality of teaching, to accept higher vocational education students to create a good learning environment and high-quality learning conditions, to promote their future development. We should strengthen the leading position of “craftsman spirit” in the reform of vocational education and create a new situation in the reform of vocational education teaching.

Effect of non-genetic factors on milk production performance and composition traits in Sahiwal cattle

The present investigation was carried out on data of first lactation production traits related record of 300 Sahiwal cows for milk production and milk composition traits among them 154 records for protein traits calves during 2000 to 2017 and 2006 to 2013 respectively. The data collected from Record Cell, Animal Genetics and Breeding Division and Livestock Production Management Division of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institutes, Karnal were collected. Least squares analysis was done to study the effect of different non-genetic factors on milk production performance traits. The period of calving was found to be significant on first lactation total milk Yield (FLTMY), first lactation 305days or less fat yield (305DFY), first lactation 305 days or less milk solids-not-fat yield (305DSNFY), first lactation length (LL) and highly significance effect on first lactation 305 days or less milk yield (305DMY). The data collected on various production performance and composition traits do not provide a true reflection of genetic merit of an individual because it is affected by several non-genetic factors. So the needs of adjustment of significant data before estimation of mean performance and genetic parameters are of primary importance. Under present study, least squares analysis was carried out to assess the effect of non-genetic factors, especially the season and period of calving on first lactation production performance traits. Due to difference in feeding management, different culling level and difference in climatic condition. For improving milk production performance traits maintaining good environmental condition, optimum replacement dairy cattle and maintain superior bull for breeding.

Temporary ditches are effective in reducing soil erosion in hilly areas. An evaluation with the RUSLE model

The European Cross-Compliance mechanism set up within the Common Agricultural Policy provides support payments to farmers under the condition that specific Standards for Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions (GAECs) are respected. GAEC standard 5 is specific to limit soil loss by erosion in arable crops and requires to comply with the ‘Realization of temporary ditches’ in sloping lands affected by soil erosion. The evaluation of soil erosion with the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), performed in 60 hilly areas of Italy located in 11 administrative regions, indicated the effectiveness of temporary ditches in reducing soil erosion. As average the presence of ditches significantly decreased erosion by 22.6 Mg ha–1 yr–1 (67%) compared to erosion without temporary ditches. The highest soil losses in the presence of temporary ditches were found in Marche (24.1 Mg ha–1), Umbria (17.4 Mg ha–1), and Emilia-Romagna (15.3 Mg ha–1) regions, which were much above the USDA maximum acceptable erosion rate. Instead, the lowest soil losses were observed in Apulia (1.6 Mg ha–1), Molise (4.1 Mg ha–1), and Tuscany (5.9 Mg ha–1), where they assumed values below the USDA acceptable limit. Results pointed out that the topographic factor has the highest weight among the RUSLE parameters, thus its appraisal requires the best accuracy for a correct estimation of soil losses.
 
 Highlights
 - Temporary ditches significantly decreased erosion by 67%. - Highest soil losses in Marche, Umbria, and Emilia-Romagna regions are above the maximum acceptable erosion rate. - The lowest soil losses are in Apulia, Molise, and Tuscany. - The topographic factor has the highest weight among the RUSLE parameters. - Cross-Compliance measures can be coupled with conservation tillage.

Applications of Raman spectroscopy in art and archaeology

Applications of Raman spectroscopy in art and archaeology

Seawater Acidification Affects Beta-Diversity of Benthic Communities at a Shallow Hydrothermal Vent in a Mediterranean Marine Protected Area (Underwater Archaeological Park of Baia, Naples, Italy)

One of the most important pieces of climate change evidence is ocean acidification. Acidification effects on marine organisms are widely studied, while very little is known regarding its effects on assemblages’ β-diversity. In this framework, shallow hydrothermal vents within a Marine Protected Area (MPA) represent natural ecosystems acting as laboratory set-ups where the continuous carbon dioxide emissions affect assemblages with consequences that can be reasonably comparable to the effects of global water acidification. The aim of the present study is to test the impact of seawater acidification on the β-diversity of soft-bottom assemblages in a shallow vent field located in the Underwater Archeological Park of Baia MPA (Gulf of Naples, Mediterranean Sea). We investigated macro- and meiofauna communities of the ‘Secca delle fumose’ vent system in sites characterized by sulfurous (G) and carbon dioxide emissions (H) that are compared with control/inactive sites (CN and CS). Statistical analyses were performed on the most represented macrobenthic (Mollusca, Polychaeta, and Crustacea), and meiobenthic (Nematoda) taxa. Results show that the lowest synecological values are detected at H and, to a lesser extent, at G. Multivariate analyses show significant differences between hydrothermal vents (G, H) and control/inactive sites; the highest small-scale heterogeneities (measure of β-diversity) are detected at sites H and G and are mainly affected by pH, TOC (Total Organic Carbon), and cations concentrations. Such findings are probably related to acidification effects, since MPA excludes anthropic impacts. In particular, acidification markedly affects β-diversity and an increase in heterogeneity among sample replicates coupled to a decrease in number of taxa is an indicator of redundancy loss and, thus, of resilience capacity. The survival is assured to either tolerant species or those opportunistic taxa that can find good environmental conditions among gravels of sand.

Evaluation of Sustainable Regional Development Combining Remote Sensing Data and Ecological Constraints: A Case Study of Chaohu Basin, China

The maintenance of sustainable development in light of climate change is presenting society with a serious challenge. This study analyzes the spatial environment and its coupled relationship with socio-economic and food security in the Chaohu Lake Basin in central Anhui Province, China. Previous studies have shown that this study area has good environmental conditions. However, the ecological security, economic development, and food security in the Chaohu Lake Basin was generally poor and poorly coordinated in 2018, especially in the center of local cities and surrounding areas. Nevertheless, many towns are in a well-organized state, meaning sustainable and coordinated regional development can be achieved through resource optimization. Generally, the economic conditions in the Chaohu Lake Basin should be improved in a way that ensures that the environment is not significantly degraded. The main functional zoning requirements of the counties’ land management planning designate most of the counties as parts of ecological conservation areas. The present study provides monitoring of important basin ecosystems and serves as a guide to future sustainable regional development by providing directions and paths to follow; it can also provide a reference for eco-functional zoning that is applicable to various natural basins worldwide.

Impact of environmental conditions on phospholipid fatty acid composition: implications from two contrasting estuaries

Phospholipid (PL) composition has a tremendous influence on the cell integrity and physiological competency. At the same time, plankton PL make important metabolic fuels for higher trophic levels. The goal of this study was to identify environmental control on PL production and their molecular identity of the suspended particles in two different estuaries. We conducted research in subtropical, eutrophic Wenchang River Estuary in China and temperate pristine, mesotrophic Krka River Estuary in Croatia. In agreement with the more abundant phytoplankton, PL concentrations were much higher in the Wenchang River Estuary (30.3–178.2 μg L−1) than in the Krka River Estuary (8.4–18.8 μg L−1). Given that six PL classes investigated (phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidic acid (PA), phosphatidylinositol (PI), and phosphatidylserine (PS)) have different roles in the cell, we expected their different fatty acid composition in different environments. We found small differences in the fatty acid composition of PC, PG, and PI between two estuaries. These results suggest that the essential fatty acid compositions of these PL in estuarine plankton are relatively constant in order to preserve membrane functions and/or cell processes in which they are involved regardless of environmental conditions. In contrast, PE, PA and PS fatty acid composition substantially differed between two estuaries as well as throughout the salinity gradient in each estuary. This suggests the adaptability of plankton to remodel these PL depending on the environmental conditions and the plankton community structure. Good environmental conditions (favorable N/P ratio, temperature) are important for increased PL content (% in POC and total lipids) in estuarine plankton and increased essential polyunsaturated fatty acid content in PL, which is beneficial to higher trophic levels.

Quality Assessment, Functional Potentials, and Safety Evaluation of Stored Egyptian Honey as an Environmental Pollution Bioindicator.

Egyptian honeys are distinguished by their variety, properties, and therapeutic applications. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the quality and the functional and safety characteristics of Egyptian honey as a sensitive environmental bioindicator collected from 9 different locations in Egypt that were exposed to various air pollution sources, either stationary, mobile, or area sources, and stored for 6 mo at ambient temperature (22 ± 2 °C) compared with Codex Alimentarius international standards. Physicochemical properties, sugar profile via high performance liquid chromatography, functional potentials (antioxidant and antimicrobial), and safety parameters (microbiological quality, aflatoxins, and heavy metal pollutants) were assessed. The results revealed that honey obtained from Shabshir Hessa, El Gharbia Governorate (GSH-1), showed the best quality with the highest monosaccharide and phenolic and flavonoid content (73.07%, 363.07, and 15.33 mg/g, respectively) and clear of biotic and abiotic contaminants, reflecting good hygienic, environmental conditions and apiarian practices. The other 8 honey samples reflected inferior quality in physicochemical parameters either of low monosaccharide content (40.46-50.25%), high hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) values as in Borg El-Arab Industrial Zone, Alexandria Governorate (BAI-9), and Nubaria Desert Road, Alexandria Governorate (NDR-4; 50.83 and 48.25 mg/kg), or of high acidity as in Agricultural Road, El Gharbia Governorate (GAR-3), and NDR-4 (74.72 and 68.47 mEq/kg) attributable to contaminated locations (fermentations) or thermal treatment (HMF). Furthermore, safety assessment revealed that coliform counts exceeded 2.5 log10 cfu/g in 6 samples-Chemicals Company, Kafr El Zayyat Governorate (KZC-2); GAR-3; NDR-4; Mansoura Fertilizer Talkha Company, Daqahlia Governorate (MFT-5); Gharbaniyat Cement Company, Beheira Governorate; and BAI-9-and the highest counts of yeast and molds in Abees Ceramic Company, Alexandria Governorate (3.72 log10 cfu/g), which was reflected in its total aflatoxins (679.83 μg/kg). Samples MFT-5; GAR-3; Kafr El-Sheikh Petroleum Company, Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate; and KZC-2 exceeded the lead permissible limit (0.75, 0.61, 0.57, and 0.51 mg/kg, respectively) as a result of inferior hygienic quality and the negative effects of environmental pollutants. The results ring alarm bells about how we should take substantial steps toward stringent standards for quality control practices of honey production operations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:1894-1907. © 2020 SETAC.

A Bayesian approach for assessing the boundary between desirable and undesirable environmental status – An example from a coastal fish indicator in the Baltic Sea

Ecological indicator approaches typically compare the prevailing state of an ecosystem component to a reference state reflecting good environmental conditions, i.e. the desirable state. However, defining the reference state is challenging due to a wide range of uncertainties related to natural variability and measurement error in data, as well as ecological understanding. This study propose a novel probabilistic approach combining historical monitoring data and ecological understanding to estimate the uncertainty associated with the boundary value of an ecological indicator between good and poor environmental states. Bayesian inference is used to estimate the epistemic uncertainty about the true state of an indicator variable during an historical reference period. This approach replaces the traditional boundary value with probability distribution, indicating the uncertainty about the boundary between environmental states providing a transparent safety margin associated with the risk of misclassification of the indicator’s state. The approach is demonstrated by applying it to a time-series of an ecological status indicator, ‘Abundance of coastal key fish species’, included in HELCOM’s Baltic Sea regional status assessment. We suggest that acknowledgement of the uncertainty behind the final classification leads to more transparent and better-informed decision-making processes.