This Regional synthesis has been prepared based on national inputs provided by the nominated experts from NOWPAP member states: People’s Republic of China, Japan, Republic of Korea, and Russian Federation (hereinafter referred to as China, Japan, Korea, and Russia). Results from the regional workshop held in March 2019 in Vladivostok (Russia) have been also taken into account
(including views expressed by experts in their presentations).
For each of six Ecological Quality Objective (EcoQO) indicators agreed upon earlier, national experts considered their advantages and limitations; data availability; the possibility of application; and the existence of national numerical targets (standards). Experts’ opinions, reflecting these criteria, are briefly summarized in this report. Based on the results of discussions at the March 2019 workshop, nominated national experts have agreed that EcoQO targets could be set up for the following four indicators:
- Nutrients concentration in the water column;
- Chlorophyll a concentration in the water column;
- Concentration of contaminants in water and sediments;
- Trends in the amount and composition of litter washed ashore.
At the same time, experts concluded that on two indicators related to eutrophication setting targets would be premature or unnecessary: nutrient ratios and harmful algal blooms (HABs). While discussing potential targets related to eutrophication (including Chlorophyll a and nutrients concentration), the experience of NOWPAP CEARAC has been taken into account, and further
collaboration between POMRAC and CEARAC was encouraged.