Performing First Integrative Evaluation of the Ecological Status of Romanian Black Sea Waters Using Nested Environmental Status Assessment Tool

Abstract

The integrated assessment of the ecological status of marine waters is considered the ultimate goal under Marine Strategy Framework Directive in order to provide an overview of the current ecological state of the marine environment. The aim of this paper is to provide the first integrative evaluation of the ecological status of Romanian Black Sea waters. The Nested Environmental Status Assessment Tool (NEAT) uses an ecosystem-based approach, excluding the “one-out, all-out” (OOAO) very restrictive principle. For the Romanian Black Sea waters case study, NEAT version 1.4 was tested. The current evaluation was performed based on more than 50 indicators, aggregated into the evaluation in a comparable and systematic way. The evaluation was performed under 7 out of the total 11 descriptors according to MSFD: D1 (Biodiversity), D2 (Non-indigenous species/current evaluation performed only for non-native zooplankton species), D3 (commercial fish, both pelagic and demersal), D5 (Eutrophication), D6 (seafloor integrity), D8 (Contaminants) and D9 (Contaminants in biota). The assessment period was 2012 – 2017. The study area was divided into four Spatial Assessment Units (SAUs): variable salinity, coastal, shelf and offshore waters. NEAT classifies each SAU from ecological point of view relying on the considered ecosystem component and habitat type.