Paris Commission Research Articles

Chemical contamination affecting filter-feeding bivalves in no-take marine protected areas from Brazil

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are zones geographically delimited under pre-defined management goals, seeking to reduce anthropogenic threats to biodiversity. Despite this, in recent years reports of MPAs affected by chemical contamination has grown. Therefore, this study addresses this critical issue assessing legacy and current chemical contamination in filter-feeder bivalves obtained in very restrictive no-take MPAs from Brazil. The detected pollutants encompass polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), linear alkylbenzenes (LABs), and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) like dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDTs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Despite protective measures, bivalves from nine MPAs exhibited high LABs (13.2–1139.0 ng g−1) and DDTs levels (0.1–62.3 ng g−1). PAHs were present in low concentrations (3.1–29.03 ng g−1), as PCBs (0.7–6.4 ng g−1), hexachlorobenzene (0.1–0.2 ng g−1), and Mirex (0.1–0.3 ng g−1). Regardless of the sentinel species, MPAs and management categories, similar accumulation patterns were observed for LABs, DDTs, PAHs, and PCBs. Based on the limits proposed by Oslo Paris Commission, the measured levels of PAHs, PCBs and were below the environmental assessment criteria. Such findings indicate the no biological effects are expected to occur. However, they are higher considering background conditions typically measured in remote or pristine areas and potential simultaneous exposure. Such findings indicate an influence of anthropogenic sources, emphasizing the urgency for monitoring programs guiding strategic management efforts to safeguard these areas.

Butyltin Contamination in Fishing Port Sediments after the Ban of Tributyltin Antifouling Paint: A Case of Qianzhen Fishing Port in Taiwan

This study investigated the concentrations of monobutyltin (MBT), dibutyltin (DBT) and tributyltin (TBT) in the sediments of the Qianzhen Fishing Port (Taiwan) in 2020. Further, the pollution status, composition, and potential ecotoxicity of BTs were evaluated. This case study provides a reference for the benefits of the ban of TBT-based antifouling paint to date. Results showed that the total butyltin (ΣBTs, sum of TBT, DBT, and MBT) concentrations measured in the sediments of the Qianzhen Fishing Port ranged between 14.2–807 ngSn·g−1 dw, with an average of 356 ± 305 ngSn·g−1 dw. TBT was the most dominant species, with an average concentration of 303 ± 287 ngSn·g−1 dw. This average TBT concentration is about 4.3 times lower than in 2003, showing the progress of gradual degradation of TBT in the sediments. Still, the degradation is rather slow, with a half-life of about 8.09 years. An analysis of the effects of TBT on organisms in the sediments of the Qianzhen Fishing Port was carried out according to the TBT toxicity guidelines of the US Environmental Protection Agency and the assessment class criterion for imposex (ACCI) of the Oslo and Paris Commission (OSPAR). The results showed that TBT levels in 80% of the sediments may pose negative effects on sensitive gastropods, and half of the sediments may even have an impact on gastropod reproduction. These show that marine life is still affected and threatened by TBT compounds, despite the decline of TBT concentrations since the ban of TBT-containing antifouling paints on ships in 2008. Therefore, it is necessary to continue paying attention to the changes of TBT concentrations and their potential ecological risks in the marine environment, and to formulate TBT management plans and strategies to mitigate their impacts in marine ecosystems.

Composition and source of butyltins in sediments of Kaohsiung Harbor, Taiwan

Fifty-eight sediment samples were collected from the Kaohsiung Harbor (Taiwan) for analyses of monobutyltin (MBT), dibutyltin (DBT) and tributyltin (TBT), using gas chromatography/flame photometric detector (GC/FPD). The concentration of total butyltins (ΣBTs), sum of MBT, DBT, and TBT, varied from 3.9 to 158.5 ng Sn/g dw in sediment samples with TBT being the major component of the sediment samples, except for the vicinity of the Love River mouth where MBT was the most abundant BT compound (a proportion of over 57%). Based on the BTs concentration, distribution, composition and correlations, the sources of BTs found in harbor sediments are shipping activities, and TBT is the main pollutant; the estuary (i.e. Love River) has been the anthropogenic source of MBT from upstream inputs. Influences of TBT on aquatic organisms are evaluated using the toxicity guidelines proposed by the US EPA (US Environmental Protection Agency) and the ACCI (assessment class criterion for imposex) proposed by OSPAR (Oslo and Paris Commission). The evaluation shows that the TBT contained in the sediment at Kaohsiung Harbor is likely to have a negative influence at ACCI class C because gastropods present imposex and TBT levels are above ecotoxicological assessment criteria (EAC) limits.

Influence of a collapsed coastal landfill on metal levels in sediments and biota--a portent for the future?

In May 2008 a coastal landslide deposited landfill debris onto the shore near Lyme Regis, UK. Six months later, intertidal sediments and biota from the area were sampled to determine whether the landslip had affected distribution and bioavailability of metals in the area and if there were any biological effects. Highest sediment concentrations for the majority of metals occurred near the landslip zone and in several cases exceeded Threshold Effects or Probable Effects Levels (As, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Zn). The 1 M HCl-extractable fraction of Cd, Pb and Zn in sediments also increased near the landslip. Metal bioaccumulation by intertidal biota showed variability between different species and metals, but there were several instances of increased accumulation near the landslip through increased availability from seawater, sediment and dietary sources. In most cases, metal concentrations in molluscs exceeded Oslo and Paris Commission (OSPAR) background concentrations (BCs) together with background assessment concentrations (BACs) at some sites. Kidney tissues in winkles (Littorina littorea) were measured for evidence of oxidative stress using the Total Oxyradical Scavenging Capacity (TOSC) assay. Responses to peroxynitrite, peroxyl and hydroxyl radicals suggested raised levels of TOSC in animals from the sites close to or east of the landfill waste. There have been very few studies of direct impact of landfills on the marine environment and this study could serve as a practical model for similar events driven by sea level rise.

Identification of nonregulated pollutants in north sea‐produced water discharges

Produced water collected from oil and gas platforms on the United Kingdom Continental Shelf was characterized for nonregulated pollutants through an effects-directed analysis procedure. Produced water samples were characterized for the presence of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and estrogen receptor (ER) agonists using the dioxin-responsive, chemical-activated luciferase gene expression assay (DR-CALUX) and yeast estrogen screen (YES) bioassays. The AhR and ER agonists were then isolated by normal-phase, high-performance liquid chromatography and identified using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry in a number of formats. The identified compounds were cross-referenced with those compounds routinely analyzed and regarded by the Oslo and Paris (OSPAR) Commission for the North East Atlantic as priority hazardous substances. The occurrence in produced water of a number of nonregulated compounds with demonstrable potential environmental effects is presented, to our knowledge for the first time. These include persistent organic contaminants, such as hexachlorobenzene, decachlorobiphenyl, and octachlorodibenzofuran.

Analysis of OSPAR priority pharmaceuticals using high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry

The occurrence and potential adverse effects of pharmaceutical compounds in the aquatic environment have received much scientific interest. Presented are analytical methodologies for the determination of 10 of the pharmaceuticals listed on the Oslo and Paris Commission for the protection of the Marine Environment of the North East Atlantic (OSPAR) hazardous substances website. In addition to these 10 substances, the chemical fluoxetine (Prozac ®) was also investigated. The performance characteristics of a combined solid phase extraction (SPE) isolation and high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS) procedure have been determined. Extraction efficiencies were obtained for a variety of SPE sorbents, following this initial investigation. Strata-X (Phenomenex, UK) was selected for further development. The extraction method performed satisfactorily for the majority of the 11 compounds analysed, with recoveries of over 60% for most of the compounds and relative standard deviations of between 4 and 13%. The recoveries of chloroquine and closantel were below 50% but the method provides semi-quantitative information regarding the occurrence of these compounds. Separation of the analytes was made using a C 18 Luna analytical column (Phenomenex, UK) and mass spectra were obtained using an ion trap mass spectrometer operated in both positive and negative electrospray ionisation modes. Limits of detection for all compounds ranged from 1 to 20 ng/l, making the method suitable for low level environmental analysis. Of the selected surface water and treated sewage effluent samples ( n = 6) analysed, chlorpromazine, fluoxetine and miconazole were detected in concentrations ranging from 7 to 34 ng/l. The chemicals determined using this procedure fall into a variety of pharmaceutical classes including antipsychotics and tranquilisers resulting in an analytical method that contains compounds from diverse chemical classes.

The occurrence of selected pharmaceuticals in wastewater effluent and surface waters of the lower Tyne catchment

This paper presents the results of a survey of the wastewater effluent and surface waters of the lower river Tyne, UK. Samples were analysed by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography–electrospray tandem mass spectrometry following solid phase extraction, for the presence of 13 pharmaceuticals selected from the priority lists of the UK Environment Agency and the Oslo and Paris Commission (OSPAR). The pharmaceutical compounds measured were acetyl-sulfamethoxazole, clofibric acid, clotrimazole, dextropropoxyphene, diclofenac, erythromycin, ibuprofen, mefenamic acid, paracetamol, propranolol, sulfamethoxazole, tamoxifen and trimethoprim. Of the wastewater treatment works (WTW) samples ( n = 9) analysed, all compounds except sulfamethoxazole and acetyl-sulfamethoxazole were detected at concentrations ranging from 11 to 69,570 ng l − 1 (in raw effluent). In the surface water samples ( n = 18), clotrimazole, dextropropoxyphene, erythromycin, ibuprofen, propranolol, tamoxifen and trimethoprim were detected at concentrations ranging from 4 to 2370 ng l − 1 . Results of this study show that various pharmaceutical compounds are effectively reduced during their passage through a tertiary wastewater treatment works, whilst others are sufficiently persistent to occur in estuarine systems.

An overview of OSPAR priority compounds and selection of a representative training set

The aim of our study was to chemically characterize a set of priority substances in order to systematically select a representative set of heterogeneous substances for experimental studies of their persistence, bioaccumulation and toxicity (PBT). By including structurally diverse compounds in a PBT-screening protocol, structure-based knowledge would be achieved as a basis for more detailed studies of specific compounds from certain regions of the chemical domain. Initially compounds on the Draft Preliminary List of Substances of Possible Concern presented by the Oslo & Paris Commission (OSPAR) were subjected to broad chemical characterization using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Molecular weight and seven physico-chemical descriptors collected from the literature, five calculated properties and 25 constitutional descriptors were used in this characterization. The OSPAR list represents a broad spectrum of substances, and thus provides a good basis for selecting heterogeneous substances. D-optimal design was applied to the first four principal components derived in the PCA. In total, 19 structurally diverse substances were chosen as representatives of the chemical domain including 353 substances.

The occurrence of selected human pharmaceutical compounds in UK estuaries

This report describes a scoping study conducted in order to establish whether pharmaceutical compounds may be present in UK estuaries. Surface water samples collected from five UK estuaries were analysed for the presence of 14 pharmaceutical compounds selected from the priority lists of the UK Environment Agency and the Oslo and Paris Commission (OSPAR). The pharmaceutical compounds/metabolites clofibric acid, clotrimazole, dextropropoxyphene, diclofenac, ibuprofen, mefenamic acid, propranolol, tamoxifen and trimethoprim were detected at measurable concentrations in the samples collected. The concentrations of erythromycin, lofepramine, paracetamol, sulfamethoxazole and acetyl-sulfamethoxazole were all below the limits of detection of the methods used (between 4 and 20 ng l −1). The anti-fungal agent clotrimazole was the most frequently detected at a maximal concentration of 22 ng l −1 and a median concentration of 7 ng l −1. The analgesic compound ibuprofen was detected at a maximal concentration of approximately 930 ng l −1 and a median concentration of 48 ng l −1, whilst the other pharmaceutical compounds were detected between the limits of detection of the method used and 570 ng l −1.

The North Sea: source or sink for nitrogen and phosphorus to the Atlantic Ocean?

Annual nitrogen and phosphorus budgets for the whole North Sea taking into account the most recent data available were established. The area considered has a total surface of approximately 700,000 km2 and corresponds to the definition by OSPARCOM (Oslo and Paris Commission) with the exclusion of the Skagerrak and Kattegat areas. Input and output fluxes were determined at the marine, atmospheric, sediment and continental boundaries, and riverine inputs based on river flows and nutrient concentrations at the river–estuary interface were corrected for possible estuarine retention. The results showed that the North Sea is an extremely complex system subjected to large inter-annual variability of marine water circulation and freshwater land run-off. Consequently, resulting total N (TN) and P (TP) fluxes are extremely variable from 1 year to another and this has an important influence on the budget of these elements. Total inputs to the North Sea are 8870 ± 4860 kT N year−1 and 494 ± 279 kT P year−1. Denitrification is responsible for the loss of 23 ± 7% of the TN inputs while sediment burial is responsible for the retention of only of 2 ± 2% of the TP input. For TN, due to the large variability on marine and estuarine fluxes, and to the uncertainty related to the denitrification rate, it was concluded that the North Sea could either be a source (1930 kT N year−1) or a sink (1700 kT N year−1) for the waters of the North Atlantic Ocean. For TP it was concluded that the North Sea is mostly a source (−4 to 52 kT P year−1) for the waters of the North Atlantic Ocean.

Organohalogens and metals in marine fish and mussels and some relationships to biological variables at reference localities in Norway

The main goals of this study were to define, for the Norwegian coast, “high background” levels of micropollutants routinely monitored within the the Oslo and Paris Commission Joint Assessment and Monitoring Programme, and to reassess the present Norwegian reference levels used as the basis for a classification of environmental quality. The indicator organisms analysed as bulked/individual samples were cod ( Gadus morhua, n≈1170; n≈240 for organochlorines), dab ( Limanda limanda, n≈75), plaice ( Pleuronectes platessa, n≈55) lemon sole ( Microstomus kitt, n≈13). and blue mussels ( Mytilus edulis, n≈200) collected between 1991–2000. Based on the 90–95 percentiles of measurements at localities far from point sources, we propose for liver of cod a reference level for ΣPCB 7 (CBs 28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153 and 180) of 500 μg kg −1 w.w. and further for DDE 200 μg kg −1, ΣHCHs 30 μg kg −1, HCB 20 and OCS 5 μg kg −1 w.w. In the same order the proposed reference levels for liver of dab are: 150, 60, 15, 5, and 2 μg kg −1 w.w.; and for the soft body of mussels: 3, 1, 1, 0.1 and 0.1 μg kg −1 wet weight. Reference levels of metals are 0.1 mg Hg kg −1 w.w. in fish fillet, and for Hg, Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu in mussels 0.2, 2, 3, 200 and 10 mg kg −1 d.w., respectively. Hg in fillet of cod and dab were positively correlated with length and weight. PCB levels in liver of cod and dab showed a positive but weak correlation with length, whereas no co-variation was found between PCBs and liver fat. The results of introductory recordings of polychlorinated dibenzo- p-dioxins/dibenzofurans, polychlorinated naphtalenes, Toxaphene and brominated flame retardants in liver of cod from reference sites are also presented.

Planning, licensing, and stakeholder consultation in an artificial reef development: the Loch Linnhe reef, a case study

In the UK, artificial reefs are sometimes perceived by the public as an excuse for dumping of waste materials. This negative perception, combined with the increased role (and statutory requirement) for public consultation in the granting of licences, means that artificial reef projects are greatly assisted by a structured approach to planning and consultation early in the developmental process. At present, a statutory framework governing reef construction within Europe has not been agreed, but new guidelines were issued in 1998 under the auspices of the Oslo Paris Commission. The Loch Linnhe Artificial Reef is a large-scale reef complex being constructed on the west coast of Scotland and intended for research purposes. It was the first artificial reef application to be successful under the new guidelines and therefore has particular relevance to any reef development occurring within Europe and, more generically, worldwide. The licensing process was assisted by open dialogue with a range of user groups and local bodies. Early and constructive consultation within a formal management structure impressed local government and licensing agencies, facilitated informed debate, and greatly enhanced the public's understanding of complex issues related to artificial reef construction. The whole process was considered by many as being beneficial in obtaining the final permission for deployment. Copyright 2002 International Council for the Exploration of the Sea. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

IN SITU ANALYSIS OF GUT RESIDUE OF COROPHIUM VOLUTATOR (PALLAS) BY ELECTRON PROBE MICROANALYSIS AFTER EXPOSURE TO BARYTES SPIKED SEDIMENTS

Corophium volutator (Pallas) has been recommended by the paris Commission as one of the standard species for testing chemical used in offshore oil and gas exploration/production. In the present study, gut contents of Corophium volutator have been analysed by electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) for BaSO4 and other heavy metal impurities after exposure tto spiked sediments following a standard ASTM sediment bioassay protocol. Results show that depuration of Corophium gut for 48 h in clean filtered seawater after exposure to sediments containing barites, prior to whole body metal analysis, is required to reflect the true metal burdens

Impact of oestrogenic substances from oil production at sea

The possibility that chemicals present in the environment may mimic hormones, causing deleterious physiological effects to wildlife, has been given considerable attention. Although the question of ecological significance of ‘endocrine disrupters’ is not yet settled, and standard assessment procedures have not yet been established, proposals to control these chemicals into the marine environment are now being made under the Oslo and Paris Commission (OSPAR) and the Helsinki Commission (HELCOM). A possible source of such emissions is offshore-drilling, where applications containing polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and alkylphenols, indicated as environmental oestrogens, historically have been used. This paper examines available evidence regarding the potential impact of these substances on aquatic organisms living around offshore platforms.

Environmental regulation: Industry and the marine environment

Control of industrial pollution remains high on the UK political agenda. The implementation of industrial pollution policy is, in practice, deferred to individual Integrated Pollution Control inspectors who make their decisions taking into account such factors as environment, technology and economics. Structured interviews with regulators and industrial operators reveal similarities between their respective attitudes. Scientific, technical and economic information is used in the negotiation which forms a key part of the regulation process and in some areas an imbalance between the regulators and the operators has been found. The established system of Environmental Quality Standards and authorised release limits is viewed by the regulators and operators as effectively safeguarding the environment and making it manageable. It is, however, criticised by environmental groups for being bureaucratic, poorly enforced and for not taking into account the possible biological effects of a growing number of industrial chemicals. Attitudes towards compliance with environmental regulations suggest that industrial operators and regulators view limits as being flexible. There is a general consensus that more environmental monitoring is required. Despite the organisational changes that have taken place in the regulatory bodies, there is a perceived lack of functional integration. This paper calls for a reappraisal of the current system which is unlikely to be able to manage the growing number of chemicals found to cause biological effects. A fresh approach and new skills are required by the regulators if the ambitious targets, agreed at the 1998 Ministerial Meeting of the Oslo and Paris Commission, are to be achieved.

Development of a standardized reference sediment to improve the usefulness of marine benthic toxicity testing as a regulatory tool

Acute benthic toxicity tests can be a useful tool for screening nonaqueous base fluids used in drilling fluids. These toxicity tests were originally designed to evaluate dredged spoil, and were adapted and introduced as a standard benthic test, using field sediments for approval of nonaqueous drilling fluids, by the Oslo & Paris Commission (OSPAR) in the North Sea in 1994. In the US, development of a standard benthic test for regulatory approval of nonaqueous drilling fluids and screening new base fluids is continuing. There is now some concern that the variability and nature of field sediments can cause effects in addition to the toxicity of the test material. Use of formulated sediment to replace natural sediment may greatly decrease this variability, and allow for greater interlaboratory comparisons. The formulated sediment developed and refined in this study consisted of 30% sand, 20% silt, 48% clay, 1% organic material, and 1% calcium carbonate. This formulation produced acceptable control survival (>90%) in ten toxicity tests using Leptocheirus plumulosus. The results of five diesel toxicity tests and five C1618 internal olefins toxicity tests produced coefficient of variations of 16.0 and 28.9, respectively, indicating the formulation can produce consistent test results.

A field evaluation of international monitoring guidelines for the biological effects of tributyltin.

The Oslo and Paris Commission (OSPAR) Guidelines for monitoring the biological effects of tributyltin compounds (TBT) were evaluated using data collected for preparation of a Celtic Seas Quality Status Report. Two types of survey were undertaken: broad scale, to determine wide impacts in coastal waters; and localised, around representative harbours to establish ranges of effect from recognised input points. This evaluation indicates that results from the broad scale surveys can be used to compare different areas of coastline. Nucella is widespread away from point sources although many individuals show some degree of imposex. Populations are generally not at risk. The localised surveys indicate that, in certain situations, the monitoring objectives can be met in the OSPAR Guidelines (subject to minor amendment). Criteria are identified for the selection of point sources suitable for monitoring under OSPAR Guidelines.

Systematic application of United Kingdom river flow and quality databases for estimating annual river mass loads (1975–1994)

This article describes the first effective merger of the Harmonised Monitoring Scheme (HMS) database of river quality and the National River Flow Archive (NRFA) for systematic estimation of UK river mass loads. Benefits and pitfalls of applying these national river flow and quality datasets for calculating river mass loads are described and demonstrated. The benefits of using the HMS database and the NRFA as a combined super-database include a synergy of information in terms of improved precision in river mass load estimates. Special software is introduced for the systematic c alculation o f r iver mass a ggregated l oads (CORAL) for rivers grouped by coastal zones around the UK. Such an approach necessarily establishes an audit trail of the data sources and estimation method(s) employed, facilitating more meaningful comparisons of river mass load estimates. Possible pitfalls include the application of a `blanket' estimation methodology — irrespective of the hydrological regime at the site in question or the dynamic flow–concentration behaviour of the determinand of interest — where a suite of site/determinand-specific estimation algorithms would make better use of the available data. Other issues discussed include the need to make allowances, when interpreting time series of river mass loads, for any temporal variations in: (1) monitoring networks; (2) quality of flow measurements; (3) sampling regimes; and (4) methods of laboratory chemical analysis. A focus of interest is the quality of data and information which the United Kingdom, along with several other north-western European countries, provides to the Oslo and Paris Commission (OSPAR) for monitoring the contaminant loading of the North Sea by rivers and by dumping and incineration at sea (e.g. from ships). Time series of annual mass loads from the aggregated area covered by the HMS network of catchments in Great Britain, from 1975 to 1994, are presented for 12 determinands, with comments on their reliability for detecting trends. For 10 determinands, annual estimates are compared with previous, independently-derived, estimates for selected years which have been submitted to OSPAR. Future monitoring and database requirements to meet the need for reliable time series of river mass loads are discussed.

Discharges from hydroelectric power schemes as a trigger for marine algal blooms

It has been suggested that the occurrence of marine algal blooms world-wide, has increased over the last few decades due in large part to nutrient eutrophication (Smayda, 1990). Specific reference was made to the Skagerrak and Kattegat where reports of unusual blooms (North Sea Task Force, 1993) contributed to their classification as eutrophication ‘Problem Areas’ by the Paris Commission (Oslo and Paris Commissions, 1992). Part of the supporting evidence was based on two exceptional blooms, with associated deoxygenation and fish kills in 1980 and 1981 (Lindahl and Hernroth, 1983; Dahl et al., 1982; Edler, 1984). This paper shows that these blooms coincided with unusually large run-off from rivers regulated by hydroelectric power schemes. Such large freshwater discharge to the sea causes shallow and stable stratification; ideal conditions for rapid phytoplankton growth (Cloern, 1984; Therriault and Levasseur, 1985). These events, as does a similar example in 1982 in France (Rossignol-Strick, 1985), throw in doubt any direct causative relationship with eutrophication, and highlights the need for a careful evaluation of all parameters that are used as assessment criteria for eutrophication problem areas.

Interrelations between science and policy-making: the North Sea example

The regulatory framework for the management of the North Sea is constantly changing. The new Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment in the North Atlantic, signed in Paris in 1992, will come into force under the auspices of the Oslo and Paris Commission (OSPARCOM) in late 1997. The North Sea Task Force (NSTF) existed from 1988–1994 and its approach was then incorporated into ASMO, the new Environmental Assessment and Monitoring Committee. This paper reviews the scientific approach to and the role of science in solving human-induced ecological problems and assessing the quality of the North Sea. With the increasing European Union (EU), there now is a greater overlap between the EU and OSPARCOM and this article discusses the possible duplication between these and other organizations and the consequences of implementing new European environmental legislation. From a scientific view, it considers the consequences of the International Conferences on the Protection of the North Sea (1982–1995), the role of the NSTF, its successes and failures and how its past experience will serve ASMO. The paper discusses the role and future of scientific research on the marine environment, and in particular on coastal areas, in the new international legislation context. Focus is put on the need for obtaining good scientific data as a precursor to management, for processing the data in order to create information for dissemination to the public and political bodies, and for using the information for policy-making and environmental management.