These Guidelines address the planning and application of sea-based measures intended to manage internal nutrient reserves in the Baltic Sea. They cover activities undertaken in research and operational contexts and refer to the use of chemical, physical and biological techniques. They also refer to their consideration by competent authorities in the context of consultations and environmental permitting procedures. The document identifies the elements required for the preparation of proposed activities. It sets out the need to define the environmental problem, the mechanisms to be applied, and the expected results. It further refers to site selection and characterization based on physical, chemical and biological conditions, as well as to the consideration of scale, duration and environmental circumstances of the activity. It sets out requirements for the assessment of activities, including the identification of potential benefits and adverse environmental effects. These include effects on marine ecosystems, species, habitats and environmental conditions, as well as cumulative and transboundary effects. It also refers to uncertainties in available information and to the need to obtain additional data where necessary prior to implementation. The document further addresses risk-related aspects and subsequent measures. It provides that risk assessment is to consider the magnitude and probability of identified effects and that risk management may include mitigation and contingency measures. It also provides for monitoring before, during and after implementation and for the reporting of results, including in cases where activities may have transboundary effects.
2021-10-01