Indicators reviewed for the SEBI2010 EEA – EMMA Workshop – Copenhagen 20-21 November 2006 Requirements and data needs to develop the assessments of marine ecological processes and biological elements ETC/BD Indicators reviewed for the SEBI2010 Trends in coverage of seagrasses in the European Seas Leonardo Tunesi – ETC/BD

Trends in selected Biomes, Ecosystems and Habitats EU scale indicator likely to be based on analysis of Corine Land Cover data / EUNIS Allows change since 1990 to be demonstrated Analysis at biogeographic scale being developed Connectivity / fragmentation indicator also required Presentations of conservation status assessments for habitats could also be chosen Trends in coverage of seagrasses in the European Seas - Relevant data sets for many countries Relative easy control of changes in distribution in sensitive areas (Spain, France, Italy, Greece)

Main questions 1. Why have seagrasses been chosen as an indicator? What is the indicator supposed to measure/predict (e.g. what metrics/parameters are being considered)? 2. What is the current stage of development/application of the indicator? 3. What are the data needs? 4. What have been the problems in the process and have they been (or not) overcome? Please answer these questions: Are you aware that there are other EU processes looking at seagrasses as indicators? Are you involved in them or using data coming from them? In addition to the use in WFD coastal waters and/or for the Habitats Directive, can the indicator be used for the EMS/MSD implementation process? Is it applicable to offshore waters (beyond the WFD 1 nm)?

Main questions Why have seagrasses been chosen as an indicator? What is the indicator supposed to measure/predict (e.g. what metrics/parameters are being considered)? Policy – All the Contracting Parties of the CBD have agreed to test the seagrasses coverage indicator at National and Global level Science - The marine Angiosperms form the structural base for some of the most productive ecosystems of the world (including rocky and soft bottom intertidal and subtidal zones, reefs lagoons and salt marches). These species are considered as effective “bio-indicators” of environmental quality, in relation to their: wide geographical distribution, longevity, of the permanence of their population during all the seasons, facility in collecting samples, abundance and of their availability to concentrate a wide range of xenobiotic compounds

Main questions 1b. What is the indicator supposed to measure/predict (e.g. what metrics/parameters are being considered)? Progress in halting the biodiversity loss by 2010, shown per sea and comparables at global scale. Trends in coverage of seagrasses in the European Seas, which implies. Distribution of specific meadows and their extension in term of area and upper and lower vertical/depth limits. Density of shoots and biomass. Species composition.

Main questions 2. What is the current stage of development/application of the indicator? It is in a drafting phase. The first set of indicators proposed in the SEBI2110 process will be put together by the end of this year and will be discussed at European level during 2007. Before deciding at the method we are looking at the work done in other initiatives such as the EU WFD, the HABITAT Directive, the Global Sea Grasses Map WCMC, the RAC/SPA UNEP, inviting them (especially the experts working on intercalibration) to give specific comments

Main questions 3. What are the data needs? Completing the UNEP maps for Europe (geographical aspect with distribution), which could be used as reference To use data from site monitoring to detect the changes To use complementary information processed from remote sensing. The resultant indicator is likely to be in the form of an index The issue pending is how can the metrics used in each country for sea grasses be reported in a useful way for detecting changes in time. This type of information will also define the calculation of the indicator.

Main questions What have been the problems in the process and have they been (or not) overcome? Three main challenges: to use existing approaches, especially to take full advantage of the existing or planned monitoring and reporting programs 2. to actually test it and create a specific reference baseline as a reference in time (= before 2010) and a second one after 2010. 3. to be able to have a clear message to perceive the state of biodiversity per se in the European seas

Please answer these questions: Main questions Please answer these questions: Are you aware that there are other EU processes looking at seagrasses as indicators? - NATURA 2000 Habitat Directive- the Habitat type 1120 – Posidonia beds assessment of conservation status having as reference the concept of “favourable conservation status” - WFD Are you involved in them or using data coming from them? Yes – but this is the challenge!

Main questions In addition to the use in WFD coastal waters and/or for the Habitats Directive, can the indicator be used for the EMS/MSD implementation process? Yes. Is it applicable to offshore waters (beyond the WFD 1 nm)? Only if the waters are shallower than 40-45 meters.