Report on HELCOM 2012-2013

Report on the Exercise of the Observer Status of the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC) at theBaltic Marine Environment Protection Commission(Helsinki Commission - HELCOM)2012/2013IntroductionThe Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission, also known as HELCOM has been working now for over four decades on the protection of the marine environment of the Baltic Sea. Constituted on the basis of the Helsinki Convention, signed in 1974 and entered into force 1980, its nine contracting partners are dedicated to the healthy future of the Baltic Sea and therefore sharing a common goal with the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference.Consequently, the BSPC applied and obtained observer status to the commission in 2002 and since then has held the position continuously.This year, the representatives of the Standing Committee of the BSPC agreed once again during the 21th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference in St. Petersburg to appoint Sylvia Bretschneider and Christina Gestrin to exercise this mandate and report back to the BSPC on the relevant activities of HELCOM.The present report on the Exercise of the Observer Status of the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference reflects the stated appointment and is based on the previous report that documented HELCOMS’ work from 2012 to 2013.Thus, this document comprises an overview from the period between the past BSPC in St. Petersburg on 26 to 28 August 2012 following the previous report to this year’s Conference in Pärnu, Estonia from 26 to 28 August 2013.The report is based on the four meetings of the Heads of Delegation (HOD 38/2012, HOD 39/2012, HOD 40/2013, HOD 41/2013) as well as the 34th Helsinki Commission meeting (34/2012).The 38th meeting of the Heads of Delegation was held in Copenhagen, Denmark, on November 9, 2012 and discussed the necessary preparations for the upcoming ministerial meeting and dealt with the formulation of the resolution.On December 3 to 4 the 39th HOD meeting took place in Helsinki, Finland, where the contribution of a proposal on the Baltic Sea as a Nitrogen Oxid Emission Control Area (NECA) was raised anew. The Heads of Delegation were also informed on the progress of the newly founded GEAR-Group and its finalized “Baltic Roof Report”. On the HELCOM HABITAT Group various HELCOM recommendations were revised or formulated, including a recommendation for protecting migratory routes and winter quarters of Baltic Sea birds.The 34th Helsinki Commission Meeting, held in Helsinki, Finland on 5 to 6 March 2013 evaluated the outcomes of the HELCOM-BONUS Stakeholder Conference on “Future research needs in the Baltic Sea” as well as NECA Stakeholder Conference.At the HELCOM headquarters in Helsinki, Finland the 40th HOD meeting of the Heads of Delegation was hosted, on March 4, 2013. The meeting was mostly concerned with the draft of the resolution of the 2013 HELCOM Copenhagen Ministerial Meeting, incorporating the common agreement that there should be more room left for negotiations at the event. At the meeting Sylvia Bretschneider and Christina Gestrin took the opportunity to present their joint letter to the HELCOM chair Helle Pilsgaard, where they submitted the resolution of the 21. BSPC, stressing the relevance of its content to HELCOM and the upcoming Ministerial Meeting in October 2013.At the 41st HOD in Helsinki, Finland on 17 - 18 June the revised Maximum Allowable Inputs (MAI) and proposed new Country-Allocated Reduction Targets (CART) were presented and debated. Furthermore the resolution draft for the Ministerial Meeting was discussed.This year’s HELCOM Ministerial Meeting will be on October 3 2013 and will mark another milestone in order to implement the Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP). This is one of the core pieces of HELCOMs activities. To achieve the common purpose and the agreed targets a strong political will and support of all Contracting Parties and stakeholders in the Baltic Sea Region is essential. The Ministerial Meeting 2013 will be an important platform to call upon this shared commitment and to highlight the overall awareness regarding the importance of the BSAP.Cooperation between BSPC and HELCOMThe past 11 years of cooperation between HELCOM and the BSPC are characterized by an active exchange of experiences and information and the past year was no exception to the successful collaboration between both institutions.A part of the partnership is manifested in the joint participation in conferences and events as well as cooperation between intergovernmental and interparlamentary bodies within the Baltic Sea Region.At the 21st BSPC from 26 - 28 August 2012 Ms. Helle Pilsgaard, Chair of HELCOM, reported on the HELCOM and its priorities for the next two years under the Danishchairmanship which included the effective fulfilment of the Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP) with emphasis on the four segments of eutrophication, hazardous substances, biodiversity and maritime activities. Furthermore the necessity for action on marine litter, underwater noise, alien species, certification of the sea, development of regionally coordinated assessment and combinations of pollution inputs, were i. a. stressed.On the same occasion, Jochen Schulte, former Chair of the BSPC Working Group on Integrated Maritime Policy and now – together with Roger Jansson, former Vice-Chair of the WG - Rapporteur on Integrated Maritime Policy, gave his report.For the upcoming Ministerial Meeting 2013 in Copenhagen Sylvia Bretschneider and Christina Gestrin forwarded the 21st BSPC resolution and proposed that the Ministerial Meeting incorporates specific BSPC demands on Environmental Health, Energy Cooperation and Energy-Efficient Economy as well as Integrated Maritime Policy. On March 4, 2013 at the 40th Heads of Delegation meeting Ms Sylvia Bretschneider affirmed the contributions of the BSPC by presenting the proposals to the meeting. Therein the president of the State Parliament of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania put special focus on the implementation of the BSAP, stressing in particular the necessity of committed measures against eutrophication. In her presentation she also appealed to IMO to introduce of mandatory pilotage in navigationally difficult sea areas, with the intent to protect the Baltic Sea from future shipping accidents and possible leakage of hazardous substances.Programme of the Danish ChairmanshipDenmark has assumed the chair of HELCOM from 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2014. Ms. Helle Pilsgaard, Deputy Director General at the Danish Nature Agency of the Danish Ministry of the Environment and also the Danish Marine Director of the European Union, has been nominated Danish Chairlady of HELCOM.The following points of focus of the Danish chairmanship have been presented at the 37th meeting of the Heads of Delegations:• Effective fulfilment of the BSAPThe Danish chair pronounced highest priority for the implementation of the BSAP and its segments on eutrophication, hazardous substances, biodiversity and maritime activities. In order to reach the targets of the BSAP by 2021, the Danish Chairmanship will pursue a progress evaluation of the BSAP implementation to determine further measures necessary to fulfil its objectives.• New initiatives where progress is neededBeyond the implementation of the BSAP the Danish Chairmanship will foster and initiate actions that work toward a good environmental status in the Baltic Sea by 2021 such as cleaning of waste water from cities and from scattered housing, optimized use of slurry and animal manure, reduced impacts from the use of pesticides and dredging operations. Furthermore, it will work for achieving improved knowledge in areas where gaps are identified, i.e. marine litter, underwater noise, alien species and acidification of the sea.• Effective HELCOM co-operation and continued development of HELCOMThe Danish Chairmanship will work for a continued development of HELCOM’s role in the Baltic Sea region as the environmental focal point and strives to develop HELCOM as an efficient organisation that works effectively and correlates with other obligations of the contracting parties.Participation at events/conferences/forumsHELCOM attended several conferences and forums and reported on its active participation at the following events, e.g.:• Agriculture and Eutrophication - Joint Seminar – HELCOM – EU Strategy of the Baltic Sea Region (EUBSR)25-26 October 2012 CopenhagenMs Christina Gestrin participated in this seminar that was a good example for the synergies that the EUSBSR can bring to reaching the common aim of a clean Baltic Sea. Also, the EUSBSRs action plan are – together with the Marine Strategy Framework Directive – closely linked to the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP).• Baltic Sea Forum5-6 April 2013, St. Petersburg, RussiaMs Monika Stankiewicz, HELCOM Executive Secretary, spoke at the concluding Plenary Session of the Forum and presented a recipe – a list of ingredients or necessary steps – for achieving a good environmental status of the Baltic Sea.• Southern Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference2 – 4 June 2013, Schwerin, GermanyMs Monika Stankiewicz, HELCOM Executive Secretary, spoke on HELCOMs current activities and future challenges of the protection of the Baltic Sea.• Expert Group of the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS)8 August 2013, Warnemünde, GermanyMs Monika Stankiewicz, HELCOM Executive Secretary, spoke on HELCOMs intention of initiating a “Green Technology and Alternative Fuels Platform for Shipping”.• Baltic Sea Days21 - 23 March 2013, St. Petersburg, RussiaMs Christina Gestrin participated and highlighted the BSPCs commitment to the support of the BSAP and her hope for the Ministerial Meeting to continue their dedication to take concrete action to fulfil its goals by 2021.Implementation of the Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP)In 2007 the HELCOM Ministerial Meeting in Krakow, Poland adopted the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP). This ambitious programme strives to restore the good ecological status of the Baltic marine environment by 2021 and was strongly supported by the BSPC in several resolutions, including the latest.Different from any other programme previously undertaken by HELCOM, the plan, drafted since 2005, is based on a clear set of “ecological objectives” defined to reflect a jointly agreed vision of “a healthy marine environment, with diverse biological components functioning in balance, resulting in a good ecological status and supporting a wide range of sustainable human activities”.National Implementation Plans (NIPs)Since 2010 the BSAP demands National Implementation Plans (NIPs) to be submitted to for HELCOMs assessment in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the programmes and to find out whether additional measures are needed at this year’s HELCOM Ministerial Meeting in 2013.All contracting parties had submitted their NIPs for the 32rd HELCOM meeting 2010.The 34th meeting of HELCOM agreed that in the updated report on the document on the progress in implementation of the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan, that is to be presented at the Ministerial Meeting 2013, needs reference to the National Implementation Plans, with the explanation that NIPs are implemented also through various national policies under relevant European and global frameworks.The 38th meeting of the Heads of Delegations pointed out that there is a need to streamline and simplify the BSAP Index tables especially by focusing on those actions that have been completed.Groups/Working Groups6.1 HABITAT (Nature Protection and Biodiversity Group)The task of the commission of the HELCOM Group HABITAT is to collect and compile information on ecosystems and habitats to ensure the availability of suitable information on habitats, species and the conservation of biodiversity is the task of the Nature Protection and Biodiversity Group. HABITAT identifies and assesses current and potential impacts of human activities on Baltic marine biodiversity (ecosystems/habitats, species and genetic diversity) and makes concrete proposals for consideration by HELCOM’s other groups and projects.The 15th meeting of the Nature Protection and Biodiversity Group HELCOM HABITAT was held in Riga, Latvia, on 14-17 May 2013 where all contracting parties, except Lithuania and the Russian Federation participated. In preparation to the ministerial meeting the HABITAT Group presented the input of the group for the draft declaration focussing on Biodiversity and resilient ecosystem underpinning ecosystem services,human well-being and prosperity.The meeting also took note of the information by Germany on reporting results for the reporting under Recommendation 21/4 “Protection of heavily endangered or immediately threatened marine and coastal biotopes in the Baltic Sea area” and that the meeting was of the opinion that it is not relevant to continue the reporting under this Recommendation since it will be outdated once the new red list on habitats and biotopes will be adopted. The meeting agreed that HELCOM HABITAT should consider the review or replacement of this Recommendation after finalisation of the red list on habitats and biotopes and depending on the outcome of the Ministerial Meeting.During HOD 38/2012 the outcome of the Sixth meeting of the ad hoc HELCOM Seal Expert Group (HELCOM SEAL 6/2012) was presented and it was welcomed that the SEAL group is planning to provide HELCOM HABITAT 15/2013 with an assessment of whether the HELCOM BSAP objective of finalising management plans for the seals had been reached by 2012.At the Heads of Delegation meeting 41/2013 it was taken note of the conclusion and overview made by HELCOM HABITAT regarding the completion of the seal management plans that the management plans are well underway in those countries where there are seal populations and further progress is expected in 2014 by nearly all Contracting Parties with seal populations and agreed to use the overview of management plans to support the preparations for the Ministerial Meeting, as well as to be made available on HELCOM website along with the BSAP Index of Actions and as background information for 2013 HELCOM Ministerial Meeting.In regards to the seal Limit Reference Levels (LRL) Sweden in the same meeting, lifted its study reservation and how to link it to the core indicators on seals. The meeting acknowledged the statement that Sweden considers that their seal populations are in stable condition, while it was noted that for Finland this issue is still open and under negotiation.The meeting invited Finland to inform HELCOM HOD 42/2013 on whether it can accept the proposed LRLs as considered during HELCOMHOD 39/2012.6.2 LAND (Land-based Pollution Group)Reducing land-based pollution within the Baltic Seas region is the aim of the Land-based Pollution Group (HELCOM LAND). It identifies sources of land-based pollution of nutrients and hazardous substances, and proposes suitable measures and actions to reduce these emissions and discharges. The objective is to reduce inputs of nutrients, especially from diffuse sources such as agriculture and transport. Priority areas of LAND are eutrophication and hazardous substances.Of special interest and importance for LAND Group are following projects: BALTHAZAR, COHIBA, PURE as well as the Baltic COMPASS Project.The 18th meeting of the Land-based Pollution Group (HELCOM LAND 18/2013) was held from 17 to 19 April 2013 in Uppsala, Sweden, at the premises of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). Representatives of Observers from Republic of Belarus and the EUREAU, as well as invited guests from John Nurminen Foundation (Finland), Center of Environmental Safety of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the ARTWEI and BASE Projects attended the meeting. With regards to the upcoming HELCOM Ministerial Meeting the focus of the meeting was on deliveries and inputs on various pollution reduction measures.Hence the meeting welcomed the information by the Secretariat that a scientific background report on revision of Maximum Allowable Inputs (MAI) and Country-Allocated Reduction Targets (CART) is under development and contains information on sensitivity of modelling tools used for the revision process. It was also noted that the recently launched project on modernisation of Pollution Load Compilation database (HELCOM PLUS) aims to develop transparent and open pollution load user system and that PLC-6 Project (see section 8.8) will also address issues related to frequency and quality assurance of collected data within revision of PLC Guidelines.When informed on the outcome of the HELCOM/LAND 18/2013 meeting, HELCOM/HOD41 welcomed the information by Russia confirming that the discharge of phosphorus from the phosphogypsum facility in Kingisepp into River Luga has decreased significantly, due to pollution abatement measures undertaken by the Phosphorite facility under joint cooperation of Finnish and Russian experts in 2011-2012. Phosphorus will most probably also be in the future an important issue in HELCOM discussions since e.g. in summer 2013 the Finnish Environmental Institute (SYKE) proved that two Polish phosphorous-gypsum sites near the Baltic Coast were leaking large amounts of phosphorous into near waters.The meeting also re-elected the new chairperson of of HELCOM Land-based Pollution Group Mr. Leonid Korovin, Russia and Ms. Galina Danilishina, Estonia, as a Vice-Chair of HELCOM LAND for eutrophication component for the two-year period (2013-2015), based on the nominations by the Contracting Parties. The meeting also proposed Ms. Ulrike Pirntke to be elected as a Vice-Chair of HELCOM LAND for hazardous substances component,respectively, and invited Germany to confirm that Ms. Ulrike Pirntke can take this post.HELCOM “Hot Spots” under the JCPThe JCP specifies a series of actions to be undertaken at "pollution hot spots" around the Baltic Sea drainage basin, as most notorious hot spots are point sources, like municipal facilities and industrial plants. The first environmental hot spots were designated in 1992. Since then, water quality in many coastal waters of the Baltic Sea has improved considerably. At the 18th HELCOM LAND Meeting the on-going success of the Programme was confirmed, further nominations for deletion of remaining hot spots were committed. As of December 2012, 51 more hotspots were deleted from the list of JCP Hot Spots in the Baltic Sea catchment area.Additionally, the Second HELCOM Land-based Pollution Group’s Workshop was held in Dessau-Rosslau, Germany from 21-23 November 2012, where actions to limit emissions and discharges of nutrients from land-based sources as well as actions to limit emissions and discharges of hazardous substances from land-based sources were discussed.6.3 MARITIME (Maritime Group)The Maritime Group of the Helsinki Commission (HELCOM MARITIME) has set itself the task to prevent deliberate operational discharges as well as accidental pollution from ships. To achieve that target HELCOM MARITIME ensures that adopted regulations are observed and enforced effectively and uniformly through close international co-operation, while at the same time identifying and promoting actions to limit sea-based pollution as well as ensuring safe navigation.At the 12th meeting of the MARITIME group on June 4, 2013 in Helsinki, Finland, was concerned with the upcoming Ministerial Meeting and the preparation of the Ministerial Declaration. The Meeting was updated on drafting process of the 2013 HELCOM Ministerial Declaration, and it’s content. The third draft of the Declaration was submitted to HELCOM HOD 41/2013 on 27 May 2013 but contributions are still expected by upcoming meetings like HELCOM MARITIME 13/2013 taking place on 26-28 November in Szczecin, Poland.At the same time the meeting approved the Guidelines for harmonized implementation of the Ballast Water Management Convention Regulation A-4 as amended by OSPAR EIHA (Environmental Impacts of Human Activities) for submission to HELCOM HOD 41/2013 and adoption as part of the 2013 HELCOM Ministerial Declaration.This was also met with approval from HELCOM 34/2013 where the meeting welcomed the presentation by the Chair of HELCOM MARITIME, Ms. Lolan Eriksson, Finland, regarding main outcomes and progress of the group with special focus on the preparations for the Ministerial Meeting in 2013. The joint HELCOM-OSPAR work on ensuring a regional harmonized was also highlighted as well the implementation of the IMO Ballast Water Management Convention. A harmonized exemption regime in the two regions was also included. The current efforts to ensure smooth implementation of the designation of the Baltic Sea as Special Area under MARPOL Annex IV in respect of sewage from passenger ships and the HELCOM work on safety of navigation and hydrographic re-surveys was noted. In connection to the work on airborne emissions from ships it was also elaborated on the on-going discussions on alternative fuels, such as LNG, as a very promising option to reduce emission from ships.During HELCOM MARITIME 12/2013 it was agreed upon that an updated overview of information on Port Reception Facilities (PRFs) should be provided, therefore on May 29 2013 HELCOM MARITIME and the Secretariat of the Baltic Port Organization (BPO) contacted port of the Baltic Sea Region in order to gain insight to PRF developments in ports during 2010-2013 as well as an agreed that the 2013 Ministerial Meeting should be informed of the status of upgrading PRFs in the first and second priority ports in the Baltic Sea Area based on the information received through this consultation.On safety of navigation issues, the meeting welcomed the proposal for a HELCOM Recommendation on e-navigation solutions in the Baltic Sea as a timely initiative and approved the Recommendation for submission to HELCOM HOD 41/2013 and adoption as part of the 2013 HELCOM Ministerial Declaration.Designation as NECAGiven that nitrogen and phosphorus are the two key nutrients causing eutrophication the MARPOL Convention created a legal framework under Annex VI of the MARPOL Convention for reducing NOx emissions from ships. Within the legislation subsequent Tiers of regulations were introduced. On 1 January 2011 Tier II took effect, requiring marine diesel engines installed on a ship built on or after that date a 15-20% reduction level compared to the previous legislation.However, HELCOM wants to expand its effort in NOx emission reduction and is applying for a NOx Emission Control Area (NECA) status for the Baltic Sea aiming for positive effects on marine environment as well as on human health along the coastal areas. Therefore, the Baltic Sea countries have been working on a joint proposal to the IMO (International Maritime Organization) since 2008.Under the leadership of Finland the NECA Correspondence Group was created to prepare a draft for submission as well as providing a current overview of research studies regarding the issue. In the course of these endeavours HELCOM published the study “Baltic NECA – economic impacts” by the Centre of Maritime Studies of the University of Turku, confirming NOx emissions from shipping as a significant contributor to air pollution, adverse effects on human health, especially in big coastal cities, and to the eutrophication of the Baltic Sea. In the study it was concluded, that it will take 20 - 30 years to achieve full environmental benefits of NECA.In order to bring about those beneficial changes, operating in a NECA would mean for ships built on or after 1 January 2016 to reduce their NOx emission by 80% (Tier III). The Baltic Sea would only be the second designated NOx Emission Control Area in the world joining ranks with the North American ECA which came into effect from 1 August 2012. The North American ECA which in 2016 will even bring stricter controls on emissions of SOx, NOx and particulate matter for ships trading off the coasts of Canada, the United States and the French overseas.To further promote measures for the NECA application to the IMO the HOD meeting 39/2012 on December 3 - 4 in Helsinki, Finland recalled the 2010 Ministerial commitment on NECA and recalled the HELCOM 33/2012 decision to make the final decision regarding the NECA submissions at the meeting of the Heads of Delegation in June 2012, taking into account the need to report on fulfilling this BSAP commitment before the Ministerial Meeting in 2013. The HELCOM 34/2013 meeting from March 5 - 6 2013 in Helsinki, Finland emphasized the timing of the NECA submission as well.The aspired date for the decision of the submission was deferred at HOD 41/2013 to HELCOM HOD 42/2013 in September where further NECA-related discussions will take place.As part of the unresolved issues delaying the decision on the date of submission on NECA is the discussion of technology for compliance to Tier III as an essential contribution to the NOx Emission reduction.The Russian Federation objected to SCR technology as an available technology for compliance to Tier III NOx emission standard due to excessive greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Therefore, the Russian federation proposed at HOD 39/2012, that the decision about the timing of submission to IMO of the document concerning the Baltic NECA should be dependent on the information of the HELCOM 34/2013 meeting as well as the HELCOM Stakeholder conference “Baltic Sea – NOx Emission Control Area in March 2013 with regards to insights provided by the shipping industry and thus postponed the decision.Denmark and Finland replied by providing the information of the NECA Correspondence Group that Tier III technology is available, that the parallel introduction of EEDI (Energy Efficiency Design Index) by IMO will compensate the increased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to the use of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology, and that designation of the Baltic Sea as a NECA will not lead to an increase of GHG emissions in this region. At HELCOM 34/2013 both stakeholders repeated their claim and added that those technologies are already used e.g. by Danish and Swedish shipping companies.It was noted that according to MARPOL Annex VI the IMO should review the status of the technology development not later than 2013 and shall, if proven necessary, adjust the implementation date of 2016.The meeting noted that, since HELCOM 33/2012 already decided that there will be two submissions by the Baltic Sea countries to IMO (on the NECA and on technology) while the timing is the only remaining question, it would be beneficial for the industry to get a clear indication of the timing of the entry into force of the NECA status. This is due to the fact that ordering new ships and their delivery requires around three years.At the HELCOM Stakeholder Conference: Baltic Sea - NOx Emission Control Area in Helsinki, Finland on March 4th 2013 these issues were discussed in detail with the support of experts in the field.Key topics in the Conference agenda included regulation of NOx emissions from shipping, the environmental effects of a Baltic NECA; compliance options and technology; as well as estimations and practical experiences related to NOx reduction measures. Technological options highlighted at the event, with the potential to meet stricter NOx emission limits (Tier III) included various catalysator (SCR) solutions, Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), and alternative fuel solutions,including Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).Addressing Nitrogen emissions in the Baltic Sea is a way for the shipping industry to join forces with municipal wastewater treatment and other measures on land in reducing nutrient pollution, or eutrophication, of the Baltic Sea. The conference brought different stakeholders together and through dialogue looked for the best ways forward to achieve this.At the HELCOM Maritime 12/2013 meeting on 4 June 2013 in Helsinki, Finland theMeeting took note of the alternative proposal from the Russian Federation onthe paragraph on the NECA decision, focusing on promoting industry research on NOx emission abatement technology: “URGE Shipping industry to enhance development of technology to implement Tier III NOX emission standard of MARPOL Annex VI including SCR technology.At the same meeting Denmark provided the information that North Sea countries agreed to develop an application for NECA to IMO without setting up specific deadlines.6.4 MONAS (Monitoring and Assessment Group)The HELCOM Monitoring and Assessment Group (MONAS) fulfils one of HELCOM’s key tasks by assessing trends in threats to the marine environment, their impacts, the resulting state of the marine environment, and the effectiveness of adopted measures. This work forms the basis for the work of HELCOM’s other main groups, and helps to define the need for additional measures. HELCOM MONAS aims to ensure that HELCOM’s monitoring programmes are efficiently used through horizontal co-ordination between the Commission’s five permanent working groups.The 17th HELCOM MONAS meeting took place in Gothenburg, Sweden, 25-28 September 2012 where the progress in the implementation of the HELCOM MONAS Work Programme 2012-2014 was reviewed. The meeting focused especially on the first set of core indicators with targets, arrangements for a eutrophication assessment, nutrient loads’ monitoring, revision of HELCOM monitoring programme and preparations for the 2013 HELCOM Ministerial Meeting.At the 39/2012 HOD meeting the updated HELCOM MONAS work programme for2012-2014 was endorsed, where also the outcome of the Seventh Intersessional Workshop of HELCOM MONAS on the Development of HELCOM Core Eutrophication Indicators (HELCOM CORE EUTRO 7/2012), held on 21-23 November 2012 in Sopot, Poland was noted.As requested by HELCOM MONAS 17/2012 it was noted that the CORESET expert groups was to further assess the coherence of the indicators at a sub-regional level and categorize the relevance and possibility of monitoring of the indicators in the different sub-regions of the Baltic Sea and the request to the expert groups to propose such exceptions to Baltic wide applicability of the indicator reports and include this information to the indicator reports.Furthermore the HOD 39/2012 meeting thanked Ms Barbara Frank, Germany, for acting as Vice-Chair of HELCOM MONAS for 2010 - 2012 and took note of the election of Ms Wera Leujak, Germany, and congratulated her for the election as the second Vice-Chair of HELCOM MONAS for the period 2012 - 2014.The 18/2013 HELCOM MONAS meeting held Rønne, Denmark, from 22 to 25 April 2013 in focused on the finalisation of the first set of HELCOM core indicators and associated targets and revision of the HELCOM monitoring programmes, as well as issues related to monitoring and assessment of nutrient loads. In regard to the HELCOM core indicators, the meeting adopted the project “Operationalization of HELCOM core indicators (HELCOM CORESET II)” for 2013 - 2015 of HELCOM HOD 39/2012 and welcomed that the project will facilitate the further development and operationalization of core indicators as well as assessment procedures.The HOD 41/2012 also took up the issue and discussed the set of pre-core indicators which the meeting agreed should be further developed by the HELCOM CORESET II project along with the candidate indicators in such a way that they will be developed into core indicator proposals for consideration by HELCOM MONAS, HELCOM GEAR and HELCOM HOD by mid-2015. The Meeting took note that the HELCOM CORESET II project, supported by relevant experts, will work on the operationalization of the regular updating of the core indicators.6.5 RESPONSE (Response Group)HELCOM RESPONSE was created by HELCOM to ensure quick national and international action in case of maritime pollution accidents. The group warrants that in a case of emergency the right equipment is available and routines are in place to respond immediately in co-operation with neighboring states. It takes also responsibility for analyzing developments in maritime transportation around the Baltic and investigates possible impacts on international cooperation with regard to pollution response. Within that mandate HELCOM RESPONSE coordinates the aerial surveillance of maritime shipping routes to provide a complete picture of sea-based pollution around the Baltic, and to help identify suspected polluters.BALEX DELTA is one of HELCOM RESPONSEs tools to efficiently prepare for an emergency of maritime pollution accidents. By emulating annually pollution incidents, BALEX DELTA ensures the capability of the contracting parties to lead a major response operation. The most recent BALEX DELTA exercise was held in Warnemünde, Germany on 13 June 2013. The International oil spill response was completed under calm weather conditions under the direction of the Central Command for Maritime Emergencies (CCME).The exercise, one of the largest worldwide, had 23 oil response ships from Denmark, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia and Sweden, along with two airplanes and a helicopter, practicing the response to a major oil spill. This involved for instance the using of special equipment for collecting oil and testing communication between the involved units, and the overall response capability of the HELCOM Contracting Parties.The 16th HELCOM RESPONSE meeting was held in Copenhagen, Denmark, from 20 - 22 November 2012. The meeting focused mainly on the preparation of the Ministerial Meeting 2013 further it discussed the current maritime traffic situation where it was welcomed, that the HELCOM Secretariat will soon provide a letter regarding the transfer of shipping accidents data from the EMSA’s European Marine Casualty Information Platform (EMCIP) to the HELCOM accident database. Also it was noted in the meeting that the HELCOM BRISK and BRISK-RU projects reports were finalized and welcomed the successful finalization of the BRISK and BRISK-RU projects.It was also reported on recent operation by Estonia. An empty tanker grounded in Muuga Bay, in the immediate vicinity of a nature protected area, on 24 September 2012. The Meeting took note that if the tanker had been loaded this would have been a very serious accident but that even the 2500t of heavy fuel oil carried posed serious risks. The tanker was freed from shallow area without any spill of bunker fuel oil into marine environment, although the fuel pump room was punctuated. The tanker was towed to a Finnish shipyard for repair works. Volunteers in Estonia were alerted with little delay but that booming of the island was not completed before the vessel had been towed away. It was noted that even though POLREP or other notification was not issued by Estonia, Estonia and Finland were in intensive bilateral contact during the period. The Meeting recommended that notification should be done in similar situations.The HOD Meeting 39/2012 took note of HELCOME RESPONSEs initiative to amend the Helsinki Convention Annex VII by explicitly introducing shoreline response as well as the recent developments regarding pollution notification systems in theBaltic Sea, including the development by European Commission DG ECHO ofa dedicated version of its CECIS system for marine pollution incidents incorporating a regional dimension enabling access for all Contracting Parties.Concerning the developments on oiled wildlife response, the meeting acknowledged the aim to create a concise Baltic OWR “preparedness assessment.At the 17th HELCOME RESPONSE meeting, the drafting of the Terms of Reference for the Task Group to draft a HELCOM Recommendation for means of communication to be used for HELCOM POLREPs when alerting and requesting/offering assistance for pollution incidents at sea and on the shore in Baltic Sea Area were at the centre of the discussion, which was also later approved of at the HELCOM HOD 41/2013 meeting. HOD 41/2013 also approved of the Working Programme for HELCOM RESPONSE 2014 - 2016.The forthcoming 18th HELCOM RESPONSE meeting will be held in on 21 – 23 January 2014 in Szczecin, Poland.6.6 Joint HELCOM-VASAB GroupThe mandate of HELCOM-VASAB is to ensure the balance between the exploitation of the Baltic Sea resources and the preservation of its ecosystem.By facilitating cooperation among the Baltic Sea Region countries theHELCOM-VASAB Working Group is advocating for coherent regional maritime spatial planning processes. Therefore the joint co-chaired HELCOM-VASAB Working Group on Maritime Spatial Planning provides a platform to discuss links between international agreements, EU legal instruments and policies as well as Baltic Sea Region and national policies.On January 29 - 30 the HELCOM-VASAB Group met for the 6th time in Riga, Latvia to discuss as a priority the HELCOM and VASAB Ministerial Meetings where it was agreed upon that a road map for Maritime Spatial Planning is necessary to facilitate, reaching the target of drawing up and application of trans boundary, ecosystem based Maritime Spatial Plans throughout the region in 2020. In this regard it was also discussed that there should be a reflection upon the link between MSP and Good Environmental Status in the context of the ecosystem approach as well as goals of other policy areas, e.g. based on experiences of and input to be provided by Sweden in combining implementation of MSFD and MSP.HELCOM HOD 39/2012 noted the outcome of the meeting and 6th HELCOM-VASAB Group, The meeting noted HELCOM-VASAB MSP WG will function as Project Advisory Group for the PartiSEApate project on Multilevel Governance in MaritimeSpatial Planning throughout the Baltic Sea Region, as well as its intention to cooperate between PartiSEApate and HELCOM’s BALTFIMPA project.The HELCOM-VASAB Maritime Spatial Planning Working Group seventh meeting (HELCOM -VASAB MSP WG 7/2013) in Helsinki, Finland from 6-7 May 2013 revolved mostly around the preparation of the draft for the Ministerial Meeting 2013.Providing a Regional MSP roadmap was a major concern in anticipation of the Ministerial Meeting. On another note HELCOM-VASAB MSP WG 6/2013 invited the Contracting Parties/Member Countries to provide input to the status of implementation of the HELCOM-VASAB MSP WG Work Plan 2010 - 2013, especially regarding future priorities for the work, with a view to discussing the Work Plan of the Working Group for a new period at the next meeting.HOD 41/2013 took note of the outcome of HELCOM-VASAB MSP WG 7/2013 and the planned input for the Ministerial Declaration. The meeting approved also the Mandate of the Working Group.The next VASAB Ministerial Meeting HELCOM-VASAB MSP WG 8/2014 which will be arranged in autumn 2014 in Tallinn, Estonia, under the Estonian Chairmanship of VASAB.Forums7.1 AGRI/ENV (Agricultural/Environmental Forum)In 2010 the HELCOM Ministerial Meeting modelled after the establishment of the Fisheries and Environmental Forum, the Agricultural/Environmental Forum. The intention of this endeavour was to enhance the dialogue between agricultural and environmental authorities on the development and application of sustainable agricultural practices with the least environmental impact on the Baltic Sea.Agriculture being a main source of land-based nutrient pollution of the Baltic Sea leading to eutrophication, the Group focuses on reducing nutrient leakage in agricultural practices. Thereby AGRI/ENV Forum plays a substantial role in the implementation of the BSAP.On 15 - 16 April 2013 the Fifth AGRI/ENV Forum was convened in Uppsala, Sweden.With the focus on the next HELCOM Ministerial Meeting, the evaluation of the progress in the implementation of the Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP) was discussed at the meeting. Under consideration were also the revised maximum allowable nutrient inputs (MAI) and country-allocated nutrient reduction targets (CART). Concentrating on how maximum allowable nutrient inputs and country-allocated nutrient reduction targets, currently under the revision, can be expected to be transposed into national pollution prevention strategies and policies for agriculture, e.g. cross-sector and cross-scale monitoring programmes within water protection measures under the EU WFD, programmes of measure under the EU MSFD and action programmes under Russian Schemes of Comprehensive Use of Water Bodies.In light of the Ministerial Meeting 2013 the meeting further debated on how to develop and apply cost-efficient, timely and targeted agro-environmental measures, including the revision of the Palette of agri-environmental measures under the HELCOM BSAP and as a supporting tool for implementation of Part II “Prevention ofpollution from agriculture” of Annex III of the Helsinki Convention (1992).HOD 41/2013 took note of the outcome of HELCOM AGRI/ENV 5/2013. The meeting took note of the election of Mr. Håkan Alfredsson, Sweden as Co-chair of HELCOM Agriculture and Environment Forum from the agricultural side and invited the Contracting Parties to consider nomination of Co-chair from the environmental side prior to the next meeting in 2014.Concluding, the meeting noted the consideration on future format of the HELCOM Baltic Agriculture and Environment Forum proposed to be structured in three tiers/levels – Strategy, Action and Communication, including the identified topics for the future work, and the plan to re-visit the Terms of Reference for the Forum for the next period by the Co-Chairs and Finland with the support of the Secretariat, to be worked out prior to the next meeting of the Forum as well.7.2 FISH/ENV(Fisheries and Environment Forum)Since its inception over three years ago, the HELCOM Fisheries and Environment Forum has acted as a regional platform to discuss and facilitate information exchange and dialogue on current fisheries and environment issues between relevant authorities and stakeholders. The Forum contributes to a cross-sectorial integration of environmental and fisheries policies in the Baltic.HELCOM FISH/ENV FORUM 8/2012 was convened on 14 - 15 November 2012 Gdynia, Poland. The aim of the meeting was to continue the dialogue, exchange of experiences and opinions, and to develop common solutions for the implementation of the fisheries-related actions of the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan between relevant authorities and stakeholders from the fisheries management and the environmental protection field.HOD 39/2012 took note of HELCOM FISH/ENV FORUM 8/2012 and welcomed especially the following concrete recent actions on implementation of fisheries-related actions of the HELCOM BSAP and the 2010 Moscow Ministerial Meeting:• the proposal to implement discard ban in the Baltic Sea as a pilot region,prior to respective CFP requirements will enter into force;• proposed series of HELCOM/ICES eel-related workshops is expected to bearranged in January-February 2013 in coordination with ICES;• recently signed agreement between Poland and Russia (KaliningradOblast) on development until November 2013 of a joint eel managementplan for Vistula Lagoon and Pregolya River Basin District;• submission of the large-scale BALTFIMPA project proposal for financingthrough the EU LIFE+ Programme;• submission of the follow-up project proposal for HELCOM SALAR forfinancing through the EU LIFE+ Programme and aiming at implementationof specific salmon and seatrout restoration measures;Managing Fisheries in Baltic Marine Protected Areas (BALTFIMPA) was a major concern at the HELCOM FISH/ENV FORUM 9/2013 and BALTFISH, held in Tallinn, Estonia on 29 April 2013. The meeting took note of the progress of the inception phase of the BALTFIMPA Project presented by the Secretariat including the outcome of HELCOM BALTFIMPA Stakeholder Conference which was held on 21-22 March 2013 at the ICES Headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark.At the meeting Denmark’s development of the document on the state of play with regards to the implementation of a ban on discards in the Baltic Sea was thankfully acknowledged and various items with regards to the proposed discard ban were discussed.HOD 41/2013 noted the outcome of HELCOM FISH/ENV FORUM 9/2013, especially the progress of the inception phase of the BALTFIMPA Project, the discussion on draft revised HELCOM Recommendation on measures aimed at the reduction of discharges from fresh water and marine aquaculture and HELCOM FISH/ENVs general support towards an establishment of a Task Force on Migratory Fish Species.Projects8.1 BALTFIMPA (Managing Fisheries in Baltic Marine Protected Areas)The main objective of the BALTFIMPA project is to assist, on a regional level, the HELCOM Contracting States to comply with their obligations to fulfill conservation objectives of marine protected areas in the Baltic Sea. BALTFIMPA therefore analyses possible conflicts between fisheries and conservation objectives in MPAs (including Baltic Sea Protected Areas and areas of NATURA 2000), taking into account the protected species, and will identifies fisheries management measures accordingly. To facilitate its objectives BALTFIMPA is studying the impact of fisheries and then finding new solutions to mitigate it. Solutions can range from improved management of fisheries regulations to development of new types of fishing gear that are more sustainable for the environment. These solutions need then to be promoted and disseminated to all relevant stakeholders.At the regional level, the project will deliver:• A generic tool to support and guide decision making, which describes and classifies the effects of different types of fishing modalities and gear on different types of habitats and protected species within the marine protected areas in the area of the Helsinki Convention and lists sustainable/selective fishing gear.• Technical assistance to the Marine Protected Areas (MPA) cases that join the project.• Experiences shared and a modality of work or procedure that can be replicated by HELCOM states in new MPA cases, including in case of needed trans boundary management measuresEach MPA pilot case joining the project shall deliver:• A mapping and description of fishing activities within or in the vicinity of the MPA.• An assessment of fishing activities which are in conflict to the conservation objectives of the MPA.• Advice on how to increase the effectiveness of the MPA to deliver conservation objectives by means of fisheries management and the use of sustainable/selective fishing gear.• An ex-ante assessment of the consequence of interventions or various fisheries management scenarios in the MPA.Considering the progress in the implementation of the BALTFIMPA Inception Phase, as well as to further develop an application for a larger scale BALTFIMPA project, was the aim of the 2nd BALTFIMPA project meeting (HELCOM BALTFIMPA 2/2012) on 6-7 September 2012 in Helsinki, Finland.The First BALTFIMPA Stakeholder Conference was held in Copenhagen, Denmark on 25-26 March 2013.HOD 41/2013 received a presentation of the Chairman’s report on the progress of the group. The meeting was informed that the Stakeholder Conference concluded the Inception Phase of BALTFIMPA and was perceived by the participants as a successful event. The Conference focused on the information on the status of the project and its outcomes, the preliminary version of the BALTFIMPA Generic Tool and the next steps to develop it as well as fisheries impacts on birds and mammals and alternative lLow Impact gears.The meeting also approved the Mandate of the Working as well as the next meeting of the Group to be held on 28-29 January 2014 in Riga.8.2 BASEWhen the BALTHAZAR project was completed in June 2012, HELCOM and EU signed for a new joint cooperation project under the title: “Implementation of the Baltic Sea Action Plan (BASE)". Utilizing the experience and findings of BALTHAZAR, BASEs goal is to support the implementation of Baltic Sea Action Plan in Russia.BASE main areas of focus are eutrophication, hazardous substances, and biodiversity and nature protection, as well as monitoring activities to support and measure the implementation progress within the above-mentioned segments.According to the broadened scope with new activity it was considered necessary to implement efficient and practical project procedures through a PSG. Therefore, the first meeting of the BASE Project Steering Group was held in St Petersburg, Russia, on 20 March 2013.As the progress was presented in BASEs core areas of work, the meeting also approved the planned activities of BASE. Among the future activities was a closer cooperation with SUE Vodokanal of St. Petersburg. Furthermore it was seen crucial, that in addition to the Project Expert Group - consisting of experts in the relevant field on an Ad Hoc basis depending on the task – an involvement of a wider range of target groups was necessary.At HELCOM 34/2013 the progress of the BASE was presented by the Project Manager Saija Vuola and noted. The meeting stressed the importance of the BASE project to contribute to the work of HELCOM LOAD and the related work on Pollution Load Compilation and emphasised the significance of the joint and coordinated sampling and intercalibration activities of the project. The meeting welcomed that the project will contribute to the biodiversity, fisheries and core indicator work of HELCOM.HOD 41/2013 underlined this conclusion and in this regard noted that the BASE Project will provide better background on load estimates from Russia in the future after acknowledging the information by Russia on their general acceptance of the proposed CART figures. In this context, the further investigation of the high phosphorus load in the River Luga in North-West Russia was discussed as well as the better determination of the exact source for the pollution was touched upon.The next BASE project meeting will be held in September 2013.8.3 FISH-PRO (Expert network on monitoring and protecting of coastal fish and lamprey species)To protect the Baltic Seas unique combination of marine and freshwater species and habitats adapted to brackish conditions, HELCOM initiated the Expert network on monitoring and protecting of coastal fish and lamprey species (FISH-PRO). As a continuation of the HELCOM Project “Expert network on monitoring and protecting of coastal fish and lamprey species (HELCOM FISH Project)”, which was finalized in 2010, its objectives are:• Knowledge: to update and improve knowledge about occurrence, distribution, population and threat and/or decline of coastal fish1 based on all relevant data.• Assessment: further development of different assessment methodologies for coastal fish1, including indicators with setting target and reference values.• Recommendations: provide advice to national authorities and ongoing HELCOM work on implementation of coastal fish related actions in the BSAP.The expert network coordinates and develops the coastal fish monitoring and assessment component of the COMBINE Programme. It works mainly by correspondence and has one meeting per year. The expert network aims at further developing a harmonised monitoring programme for coastal fish, which also takes into account national and other international programmes.During the last project period of HELCOM FISH-PRO (2010-2013), the network has published a second thematic assessment on coastal fish community status in the Baltic Sea. In this publication, a method for selecting indicators to assess coastal fish community status and a review of existing conservation and mapping activities focused on coastal fish is also included.Further, has the expert network been engaged in developing candidates for CORE indicators for coastal fish in the Baltic, as coordinated by the HELCOM CORESET project. Besides this, HELCOM FISH-PRO has provided input to the HELCOM RED LIST and MORE projects, the latter for updating monitoring of coastal fish the HELCOM COMBINE Manual. Currently, the expert network is working on finalizing Baltic Sea Environmental Facts Sheets (BSEFs) for suggested coastal fish CORE indicator and on updating the BSEFs for HELCOM coastal fish monitoring programs.In June 2013 HELCOM FISH-PRO expired. However, HELCOM MONAS 17/2012 encouraged HELCOM FISH-PRO to submit a project proposal to the next meeting of HELCOM MONAS for continuation of the work of the group also beyond June 2013.HOD41/2013 considered the project proposal for continuation of the Projectfor Baltic-wide assessment of coastal fish communities in support of an ecosystem-based management (HELCOM FISH-PRO II). The meeting welcomed that Sweden confirmed its Lead Party role for this HELCOM activity.8.4 MORE (HELCOM monitoring programmes)In order to develop guidelines for a scientifically sound, well-coordinated, optimised and cost-effective joint HELCOM monitoring programme HELCOM established in June 2012 HELCOM MORE.Thereby it was mandated that it should summarize and list the required parameters, processes and products, including those identified by TARGREV and CORESET that must be monitored/produced to meet the requirements of the Baltic Sea Action Plan, HELCOM Ministerial declarations and for HELCOM States being also EU Members especially the EU Water Framework Directive and EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive.Further, it was tasked to identify gaps in the current programmes based on the outcome of the aforementioned HELCOM projects and the requirements of the EU Directives. Define the parameters as well as their spatial and temporal observation needs, making use where possible of previous studies (e.g. PEX, HELCOM MON-PRO, the EU projects ODON and ECOOP).As well as preparing revised guidelines for a joint programme fulfilling the requirements of the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan and Declaration of the Moscow Ministerial Meeting, as well as for the EU Member countries the needs of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the EU Water Framework Directive.The Third expert workshop of the HELCOM project for the revision of monitoring programmes (HELCOM MORE 3/2012) was held at the Estonian Ministry of the Environment in Tallinn, Estonia on 29-30 October 2012. The objectives of the Workshop were to review the first draft of the overview of HELCOM monitoring, to continue the revision of HELCOM Monitoring and Assessment Strategy and to plan the next steps of the MORE project.Finalising at the expert level the revision of the HELCOM Monitoring and Assessment Strategy and the overview of the marine monitoring in the Baltic Sea and to plan the next steps of the MORE project were the priorities of the HELCOM MORE 4/2013 meeting in Helsinki, Finland on 29-30 January 2013.Discussing the overview of the current monitoring activities, the review of the HELCOM Monitoring and Assessment Strategy and the future work on HELCOM MORE, including streamlining of HELCOM manuals and guidelines and the coordination of monitoring activities, were the major concerns of the 5th meeting of HELCOM MORE 5/2013 in Helsinki, Finland, 8-9 April.8.5 PLC-5/5.5/6 (HELCOM pollution load compilation)The HELCOM BSAP has the overall objective of reaching a Baltic Sea in good environmental status by 2021 by addressing the issues of eutrophication, hazardous substance, biodiversity and maritime activities. As concerns reducing eutrophication and hence water and airborne loads of nutrients, this can only be done if the sources and magnitude of nutrient pollution are known. High quality, complete and consistent HELCOM Pollution Load Compilation (PLC) data ensures that progress of the HELCOM countries in reaching their BSAP nutrient reduction targets can be followed.HELCOM HOD 39/2012 urged Latvia to nominate a national expert to participate in the PLC-5.5 project and encouraged also other Contracting Parties to actively participate in the elaboration of the PLC-5.5 report.When discussing the compilation of the PLC-5 report, the meeting pointed out that, significant gaps in the reported transboundary data were identified. The initial calculations of nutrient loads by HELCOM allocate riverine loads to the country situated at the river mouth. This means that Latvia and Lithuania are assigned the entire load via Daugava and Nemunas while large share of drainage basin belongs to Belarus (40% of the entire Daugava catchment area and 48% of the Nemunas). These gaps are so serious that they complicate the interpretation of, for example, the trend analysis and the relative importance of different Contracting Parties as sources of nutrient loading to the Baltic Sea. In future it is important to focus on data completeness and to improve the comparability of applied methodologies between countries.At HELCOM 34/2013 the on-going effort to modernize the HELCOM Pollution Load Compilation (PLC) was discussed. It was pointed out that some of the modifications executed during the years haven't always been implemented in the most reasonable way. In addition, as some unclear definitions have been used, this caused some redundancy in the structure. Therefore it was asked to, when restructuring the database, recognize problematic structures and to solve consequent problems in the most reasonable way.The meeting added that, more complete datasets and higher quality are crucial whensetting maximum allowable nutrient inputs and allocating country-wise nutrient reduction targets. Therefore, better quality datasets will also support possible future revisions of the BSAP nutrient reduction scheme, and would help to have a draft PLC-6 assessment ready by the end of 2016/beginning of 2017HOD 41/2013 took note of the Draft updated Fifth Baltic Sea Pollution LoadCompilation (PLC-5.5): An Executive Summary, presented by HELCOM LOAD Chairman Mr. Lars Svendsen, Denmark. With satisfaction the meeting acknowledged that considerable reduction in nutrient inputs has already been achieved through pollution reduction measures undertaken in the Contracting Parties, as reflected in the draft PLC-5.5 report.8.6 PURE (Project on Urban Reduction of Eutrophication)Urban areas are in a key position to contribute to the state of the sea and the possibilities of cutting down nutrient loading. The Project on Urban Reduction of Eutrophication (PURE) was established under HELCOM LAND in 2010 to support municipalities to reduce the phosphorus load to the Baltic Sea by 300-500 tons, bypreparing and implementing concrete, voluntary investments in municipalities.PURE is one of the flagship projects of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region and partly financed by the European Regional Development Fund, the Baltic Sea Region Programme and the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument of the European Union.The PURE project was finalized in October 2012. The Final Conference of the Project with the title “Practical experiences on advanced municipal sewage treatment” took place on 16-17 October 2012 in Gdansk, Poland.The event showcased the results of PURE project in Belarus, Estonia, Germany, Latvia and Poland; reflected the Polish national situation and also international views on the role of municipal waste water treatment in reaching EU norms and HELCOM recommendations. PURE partner water companies have implemented concrete investments to enhance their phosphorus removal and have planned improvements in their sludge management. The Project promoted practical experiences in problem solving and provide inspiration and ideas for further work.Voluntary commitments to improve waste water and sewage sludge treatment emphasize the importance of local actions – impact of which extend wide beyond the local borders of municipalities.8.7 Red ListHELCOMs commitment to biodiversity as recorded in the BSAP, ignited the initiation of the HELCOM Red List Project in 2009. Its mandate is to produce a comprehensive Red List of Baltic Sea species and to update the Red Lists of Baltic Sea biotopes and biotope complexes for the HELCOM area by 2013. The Red Lists are prepared according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List criteria for the following species groups: macrophytes, benthic invertebrates, water birds, fish and lamprey species and marine mammals.The 39th meeting of HELCOM Heads of Delegation (HOD 39/2012) welcomed the progress of the project, for the upcoming Ministerial Meeting 2013 the project is expected to deliver input including the already finalised Checklist of Baltic Sea Macro-species, the EUNIS compatible habitat/biotope classification, the Red Listof Baltic Sea Species and the Red List of habitats/biotopes.Further, the meeting noted the draft red list assessment of cod in the BalticSea and of the replies by the HELCOM RED LIST Fish and lamprey team to the comments by Poland, EC, Denmark and Finland and welcomed the initial general views of IUCN on the assessment results on cod. However, the study was met with reservations by the EU and Poland.HOD 41/2013 took also the issue of assessment of cod for the HELCOM Red List up. Whilst the EU and Sweden lifted its reservations on the study, Germany and Denmark demonstrated a critical stand toward the assessment.Sweden lifted its study reservation on redlisting of cod with the understanding that it will not pre-suppose the fishery quota negotiations between competent authorities beyond the mandate of HELCOM.Further, the meeting considered Species Information Sheets (SIS) from HELCOMRED LIST, i.e. for red-listed birds, benthic invertebrates, macrophytes, marine mammals and fish and lamprey species, noting that the Species InformationSheet for cod will be prepared. Also, it took note that habitats and biotopes will be assessed for a threat of extinction and the resulting Red list of biotopes, as well as that the Biotope Information Sheets will be presented for approval to HELCOM HOD 42/2013.The Fifth Steering Group meeting of the Project for Completing the HELCOM Red List of Species and Habitats/Biotopes (HELCOM RED LIST 5/2013) was held in Copenhagen, Denmark, at the premises of the Danish Nature Agency on 3-4 April 2013 where the objective of the meeting was to review and finalise the products of the HELCOM REDLIST project as far as possible.8.8 CORESET (Development of HELCOM core set Indicators)Established in 2010 HELCOM CORESETs main mandate is to develop a set of core indicators for following up the effectiveness of the implementation of the Baltic Sea Action Plan. The core indicators will also support the EU Member States in the Baltic Sea region in implementing the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive. The work will particularly focus on core indicators in relation to biodiversity and hazardous substances in the Baltic Sea, the latter of which has been named as an EU flagship project. HELCOM core indicators for eutrophication have been further developed within the CORE EUTRO process.The CORESET project was finalized with its final report, presented at HELCOM HOD 41/2013, in Helsinki, Finland, 17-18 June 2013. The report complements the HELCOM CORESET interim report published in 2012. The objective of the final report is to give background to the development of the HELCOM coreindicators, make an overview of the proposed core indicators and discuss the proposed set of core indicators in relation to anthropogenic pressures, environmental policy and monitoring programmes. In addition, the report presents supporting indicators to assessments of biodiversity and hazardous substances and discusses the state of candidate indicators which were not developed further.The final report has been reviewed by:HELCOM MONAS 17/2012HELCOM GEAR 2/2012, andHELCOM MONAS 18/2013.HELCOM MONAS 18/2013welcomed the final report of the HELCOM CORESET project and endorsed the report in general and recommended to HELCOM HOD 41/2013 its publication after it has been updated according to the comments given during the meeting.The Meeting was invited to adopt the HELCOM CORESET final report for publication in the Baltic Sea Environment Proceedings and to be made available as background information for the Ministerial Meeting along with the set of core indicators to be published on the HELCOM website.Sylvia Bretschneider Christina GestrinPresident of the Parliament of FinlandParliament of Mecklenburg-VorpommernAnnex – Joint letter of both observers to the HELCOM chairSylvia Bretschneider Christina GestrinPräsidentin des Landtages Member of ParliamentMecklenburg-Vorpommern Finnish ParliamentHelsinki CommissionBaltic Marine Environment Protection CommissionMs. Helle PilsgaardHELCOM ChairKatajanokanlaituri 6 B00160 HELSINKIFINNLANDFebruary 2013Re: HELCOM Ministerial Declaration – Ministerial Meeting Copenhagen 2013Dear Madam Chair,Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference has concerned itself for many years with common tasks and challenges of the Baltic Sea states.At the 21st Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference from 26th to 28th August 2012 in St. Petersburg/Russian Federation, the Conference unanimously adopted a resolution containing recommendations regarding environmental health as well as integrated maritime policy. We enclose the complete resolution of the 21. BSPC for your information.As observers at HELCOM, we are now looking forward to taking the opportunity to bring in some of these recommendations to the governments in the Baltic Sea region, the CBSS and the EU as well as other organizations into the 2013 HELCOM-Ministerial Meeting Declaration.Being aware of several overlaps, we suggest inserting the following demands with possible editorial amendments into this years’ HELCOM Ministerial Meeting Declaration as follows:Welcoming• the content related to environmental health, energy cooperation and energy-efficient economy as well as related to integrated maritime policy of the resolution adopted by the 21. Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC);Regarding Environmental Health, Energy Cooperation and Energy-Efficient Economy,striving• to ratify, for those states that have not already done so, the Espoo Convention (the EU Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context);• to ratify, for those states that have not already done so, the Convention on Ballast waters (International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships ́ Ballast Water and Sediments of 2004);• to fulfill all commitments under the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan, adopted by the Governments of the Baltic Sea Region in Krakow in 2007, aimed at restoring a good environmental status of the Baltic Sea by 2021; to further raising the level of ambition at the HELCOM ministerial meeting in fall 2013 for reducing the outlet of phosphorous and nitrates into the Baltic Sea; and to carry out active efforts to coordinate activities with OSPAR in regard of promoting initiatives to decrease waste from vessels in the Baltic Sea and in the North-West Atlantic Ocean and the English Channel;• within the framework of improving health and rehabilitating the ecosystem of the Baltic Sea, to carry out work aimed at removing the sewage waste pollution sources in the drainage basin of the Baltic Sea, including the modernization of sewage systems and municipal sewage treatment facilities;• to contribute to the introduction of best agricultural practices and technologies in animal waste conversion and poultry farming;• to promote the decrease of influx of biogenic substances into the Baltic Sea by means of introducing best agricultural practices and technologies to manage waste from animal farming, including poultry farming, and by gradually decreasing use of polyphosphates in synthetic detergents;• to promote better health and rehabilitation of the Baltic Sea ecosystem by improving recycling, especially recycling of manure in a sustainable way and by removing obsolete pesticide storages;• to welcome work within the trilateral Project of the Year of the Gulf of Finland, aimed at implementation of a set of measures to improve environmental health of the Baltic Sea, namely through research and environmental protection efforts that promote better environmental status of the Baltic Sea ecosystem;• to work actively within the IMO to improve the technical requirements, adopted earlier, in respect of the energy efficiency of new sea vessels and development of globally binding technical and/or operational regulations in order to decrease emissions of greenhouse gases from the existing vessels;Regarding Integrated Maritime Policy,• to expand information exchange, joint planning and dissemination of best practices between maritime authorities in order to manage the growing vessel traffic in the Baltic Sea;• to develop real-time maritime surveillance information and e-navigation technologies in order to improve vessel traffic management and augment the joint preparedness against accidents;• to strengthen the competitiveness of clean shipping in the Baltic Sea Region by using appropriate targeted incentives;• to promote research and innovation in order to develop competencies in the areas of shipping safety, energy efficiency, emission reductions, alternative propulsion technologies and renewable energies in order to strengthen the competitiveness of the Baltic Sea Region in the global competition;• to carry on further actions aiming at developing a joint macro-regional prevention and preparedness approach towards major hazards and emergencies at sea and on land, and to promote research and to develop technologies aimed at oil spills response in ice conditions, as well as in bad weather and visibility conditions• to strengthen the cooperation with the shipping companies to further prevent and minimize the risk of accidents and groundings;• to support the implementation of the tripartite project “The Gulf of Finland Year 2014”, with the purpose of consolidating joint research and conservation efforts of Finland, Estonia and Russia in order to strengthen the maritime ecosystems of the Baltic Sea;• to support the build-up of a more integrated marine and maritime knowledge network (environment, fisheries, regional planning, shipping etc.);• to draft joint objectives in maritime spatial planning policy (taking the VASAB guidelines into account).Moreover and as a consequence of a current collision of two ships near the Isle of Rügen/Germany, we would like to add one more recommendation stemming from the 16th BSPC Resolution:Striving• to take concrete and effective steps – considering the rapidly increasing amount of oil transports in the Baltic Sea – to ensure a high level of maritime safety and security, for instance by introducing the use of pilots in navigationally difficult sea routes, defined by internationally acknowledged rules and standards.”With best regards,Sylvia Bretschneider Christina GestrinEncl.: Conference Resolution adopted by the 21st BSPC 2012cc: Monika Stankiewicz, Executive Secretary, HELCOMGlossaryAIS Automatic Identification SystemBALTHAZAR Baltic Hazardous and Agricultural Releases Reduction projectBALTFIMPA Managing fisheries in Baltic marine protected areasBRISK/BRISK-RU Sub-regional risk of spill of oil and hazardous substances in the Baltic Sea projectBSAP Baltic Sea Action PlanBSPC Baltic Sea Parliamentary ConferenceBWMC Ballast Water Management ConventionCCB Coalition Clean BalticCEPCO Coordinated Extended Pollution Control OperationCG Correspondence GroupCORESET Development of HELCOM core set Indicators projectDG ECHO Directorate-General for Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection department of the European CommissionDG MARE Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of the European CommissionEIA Environmental Impact AssessmentEMSA European Maritime Safety AgencyESPO European Sea Pro OrganisationEU MSFD EU Marine Strategy Framework DirectiveEU SBSR EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea RegionGHG Green House GasesGEAR Group for Implementation of the Ecosystem ApproachGES Strategic Coordination Group or the Working Group on GoodEnvironmental Status (EU)HABITAT Nature Protection and Biodiversity GroupHOD Heads of DelegationIAEA International Atomic Energy AgencyICES International Council for the Exploration of the SeaICZM Integrated Coastal Zone ManagementIDUM International Dialogue on Underwater MunitionsIMO International Maritime OrganizationIUCN International Union for Conservation of NatureIWGAS Informal Working Group on Aerial SurveillanceJCP Baltic Sea Joint Comprehensive Environmental Action ProgrammeLIFE+ EU Financial Instrument for the EnvironmentLAND Land-based pollution groupMAI Maximum Allowable InputsMARITIME Maritime groupMARPOL International Convention for the Prevention of Marine Pollutionfrom ShipsMEPC Marine Environment Protection Committee of the IMOMONAS Monitoring and Assessment GroupMORS Monitoring of radioactive substances in the Baltic Sea projectMSFD Maritime Strategy Framework DirectiveMSP Maritime Spatial PlanningMUNI EG Ad Hoc expert Group on dumped chemical munitions projectMPA Marine Protected AreaNECA NOx Emission Control AreaNEFCO Nordic Environment Finance CorporationNIB Nordic Investment BankNIP National Implementation PlanOSPAR Convention for the Protection of the marine Environment of the North-East AtlanticPIU Project Implementation UnitPLC Pollution Load Compilation projectPRF Port reception facilityPSG Project Steering GroupPURE Project on Urban reduction of eutrophicationRESPONSE Response groupSALAR Project on the state of salmon and sea trout populations in riversflowing to the Baltic SeaSCR Selective Catalytic ReductionSECA SOx emission control areaSYKE Finnish Environment InstituteTARGREV Review of the ecological targets for eutrophication of theHELCOM BSAP projectTSS Traffic and Scheduling SystemVASAB Vision and Strategies around the Baltic SeaWDF Water Framework DirectiveWWF World Wildlife FundWWTP Wastewater treatment plantTable of Contents1. Introduction 12. Cooperation between BSPC and HELCOM 23. Programme of the Danish Chairmanship 34. Participation at events/conferences/forums 35. Implementation of the Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP) 4National Implementation Plans (NIPs) 46. Groups/Working Groups 56.1 HABITAT (Nature Protection and Biodiversity Group) 56.2 LAND (Land-based Pollution Group) 6HELCOM “Hot Spots” under the JCP 76.3 MARITIME (Maritime Group) 7Designation as NECA 96.4 MONAS (Monitoring and Assessment Group) 116.5 RESPONSE (Response Group) 126.6 Joint HELCOM-VASAB Group 147. Forums 157.1 AGRI/ENV (Agricultural/Environmental Forum) 157.2 FISH/ENV(Fisheries and Environment Forum) 168. Projects 178.1 BALTFIMPA (Managing Fisheries in Baltic Marine Protected Areas) 178.2 BASE 188.3 FISH-PRO (Expert network on monitoring and protecting of coastal fish and lamprey species) 198.4 MORE (HELCOM monitoring programmes) 208.5 PLC-5/5.5/6 (HELCOM pollution load compilation) 218.6 PURE (Project on Urban Reduction of Eutrophication) 228.7 Red List 228.8 CORESET (Development of HELCOM core set Indicators) 239. Annex 2510. Glossary 2911. Table of Contents 31