1. Director NOWPAP POMRAC
Northwest Pacific Action Plan UNEP
Pollution Monitoring Regional Activity Centre
Website –
Report on the Activities of NOWPAP Pollution Monitoring Regional Activity Center (POMRAC) in
Kachur Anatoly
Director NOWPAP POMRAC
The 21st NOWPAP Intergovernmental Meeting (Seoul, Republic of Korea, November 2016)

2. Outline History & Mission Structure & Staffing Major Activities
Expenditures of POMRAC Budget for 2015/2016

3. Address: 7 Radio Street, Vladivostok 690041, Russian Federation.
The POMRAC Secretariat is located on the basis of Pacific Geographical Institute of the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (PGI FEB RAS).
Day-to-day work is being done by the assigned 3 researchers and technicians from the Pacific Geographical Institute working as volunteers.
Address: 7 Radio Street, Vladivostok ,
Russian Federation.
Phone: , fax: /

4. Main activities in

5. In 2015, most of POMRAC activities were “frozen” due to problems with processing payments to foreign experts from Russia.
20th IGM (Beijing, People’s Republic of China October 2015) are decided in order to simplify the administrative process of recruitment of and payment to foreign experts (consultants), to assign the responsibility of implementation of two activities on the development of Ecological Quality Objectives and on the training course on ICARM with a total biennium budget of US$ 60,000 to DINRAC, while these two activities will be overseen by POMRAC.
The 20th Intergovernmental Meeting approved the budget of US$ 86,000 for biennium for POMRAC activities (including US$ 6,000 for RAP MALI implementation).

6. In accordance with the decisions of the 20th NOWPAP IGM, with the budget approved at this meeting and with the main lines of POMRAC work the following activities were scheduled for 2016 – 2017:
Activity 1. Joint activity of WG1, WG2, ICARM WG: Development of the Regional Overview “Targets and indicators for Ecological Quality Objectives used in NOWPAP member states”
Activity 2. Organization of Regional WS “Targets and indicators for Ecological Quality Objectives used in NOWPAP member states” (back to back with 13th POMRAC FPM)
Activity 3. Organization of Regional workshop/ training course on Integrated Coastal Planning/Management of Regional Guidelines for Integrated Coastal Planning/Management (in cooperation with PEMSEA)
Activity 4. Organization of 13th and 14th POMRAC Focal Points meetings
Activity 5. Update, maintenance and enrichment of POMRAC Website
Activity 6. Activities of RAP MALI: Increasing public awareness about marine litter problem by developing and distributing promotional materials “Research on micro-plastics content and migration in the Peter the Great Gulf” (in cooperation with Maritime State University)
Activity 7. Cooperation, Communication of NOWPAP POMRAC activities, with other RACs, RCU, UNEP, and other relevant organizations, projects and programms.

7. The 18th NOWPAP Intergovernmental Meeting agreed upon development of the Ecological Quality Objectives as a part of activities of ICARM Working Group.

8. Several steps are suggested for the development of Ecological Quality Objectives.
These steps include:
Preparation, discussion and approval of the set of EcoQOs;
Elaboration of the Operational Objectives for each EcoQO;
Agreement on indicators and targets for each Operational Objective.
Suggestions to develop Ecological Quality Objectives for the NOWPAP region were included in the NOWPAP Medium-term Strategy (MTS) already approved by NOWPAP member states in One of the main MTS goals is to develop and adopt a harmonious approach towards coastal and marine environmental planning on an integrated basis and in a pre-emptive, predictive and precautionary manner (objective (iii) from NOWPAP Action Plan). Suggested Activity for this purpose is Setting Ecological Quality Objectives for marine and coastal environment based on the regular assessments.
The List of the Ecological Quality Objectives is based on the vision reflecting the common broadly accepted description of ecological status of the region.

9. The Regional workshop “Setting Ecological Quality Objectives for the NOWPAP region” was held on 3 September 2014 in Busan, Republic of Korea and was combined with 12th POMRAC FPM.
The international experience in the elaboration of Ecological Quality Objectives (EcoQOs) was presented by OSPAR, PEMSEA and PICES representatives.
After lengthy and fruitful discussion the preliminary list of Ecological Quality Objectives (EcoQOs) for the NOWPAP region was suggested for further elaboration as follows:
Biological and habitat diversity are not changed significantly due to anthropogenic pressure
Alien species are at levels that do not adversely alter the ecosystems
Eutrophication adverse effects (such as loss of biodiversity, ecosystem degradation, harmful algal blooms, and oxygen deficiency in bottom waters) are absent
Contaminants cause no significant impact on coastal and marine ecosystems and human health
Marine litter does not adversely affect coastal and marine environments
More EcoQOs might be added at a later stage (or current ones could be modified)

10. A regional workshop on Development of the Ecological Quality Objectives (EcoQOs) for the NOWPAP region “Targets and indicators for Ecological Quality Objectives used in NOWPAP member states” was combined with 13th POMRAC FPM (Vladivostok, Russia 18 May, 2016).

11. Experts found with satisfaction that at least several targets related to biodiversity, eutrophication and contaminants might be common for all four NOWPAP member states. Following preparation of national inputs and submissions from all NOWPAP Regional Activity Centers, the regional overview on EcoQO targets and indicators for the NOWPAP region will be prepared at the end of 2017.

12. Operational objectives
Ecological Quality Objectives- monitoring status (RoK)
EcoQOs
Operational objectives
Monitoring status
Biological/habitat diversity
Mammal/waterbirds O
Fish stocks
Plankton/benthos
Invasive species
Population structure
Δ (R&D)
Environmental impact
Eutrophi-cation
Nutrient
Direct effects (blooming)
Indirect effects (hypoxia)
Contaminants
Concentration
Adverse effects (source to pathway)
Marine litters
Characteristics
Impacts (ingested by animals)
Based on these backgrounds, this study has two objectives. One, to provide a scientific and transparent decision model. Second, as a case study, the decision model is applied to Korean estuary management in order to identify and compare collective expert preferences across the three major estuaries.
O: national monitoring system
Δ: Research & Development project (R&D)

13. Developing of Standards for Ecological Quality assessments (China)
Developing stage of EcoQOs
Integrated ecological quality standards
Ecosystem health standards
Eutrophication and biodiversity standards
Environmental quality standards
Developing

14. Environmental Quality Standards in Japan
・Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) is established to protect human 　health and the living environment on the Basic Environment Law.
・EQS establishes levels desirable for achieving and maintaining public
water quality policy objectives
Type
Standard Values
COD DO pH
Total Coliform
N-hexane Extracts A
2mg/L or less
7.5mg/L or more
7.8～8.3
1,000MPN
/100ml or less
Not Detectable B
3mg/L or less
5 mg/L or more － C
8mg/L or less
2 mg/L or more
7.0～8.3
Type
Standard Values
T-N
T-P Ⅰ
0.2mg/L or less
0.02mg/L or less Ⅱ
0.3mg/L or less
0.03mg/L or less Ⅲ
0.6mg/L or less
0.05mg/L or less Ⅳ
1　mg/L or less
0.09mg/L or less
Utilization
I Conservation of nature
II Fisheries Class 1
III Fisheries Class 2
IV Fisheries Class 3
・EQS Achievement Ratio(%) = No. water bodies passing / No. corresponding bodies

15. Several steps are suggested for the further development of Ecological Quality Objectives in the NOWPAP region. These steps include:
Elaboration of the Operational Objectives (targets) for each EcoQO;
Agreement on indicators and targets among NOWPAP RACs, nominated national (technical) experts and, later on, by the NOWPAP member

16. Implementation process of EcoQOs activity (preparation of Regional Overview ) in 2016
End of June 2016 – signing of MoUs with experts for the preparation of National inputs – Dr. Ryu (ROK); Prof. Matsuda (Japan); Dr. Lan (China); Dr. Shulkin (Russia) - done;
End of June – signing of MoUs with RACs for the preparation of extended abstracts of RACs activities relevant to the EcoQOs - done;
End of October – signing of MoU with international expert for the compilation of National inputs and preparation of Regional Overview-done;
20 November – submission of draft National Inputs:
Korean National Input – submitted
Russian National Input – submitted
Chinese National Input – pending of approval by officials
Japanese National Input – pending of approval by officials

17. The 13th POMRAC Focal Points Meeting
The 13th NOWPAP POMRAC Focal Points Meeting was held during May 2016 in Vladivostok, Russian Federation. The major objectives of this meeting were as follows:
Overview of the progress made in the intersessional period after the 12th NOWPAP POMRAC Focal Points Meeting
Report of NOWPAP RCU representative on the implementation of the Northwest Pacific Action Plan after the 12th NOWPAP POMRAC FPM
Report on the implementation and the budget expenditures of POMRAC activities period after the 12th NOWPAP POMRAC Focal Points Meeting
Report on the implementation of Marine Litter Activity (RAP MALI)
Discussion of the workplan for 2016/2017 and future activities of POMRAC for the achievement of Ecological Quality Objectives in the NOWPAP Region
Review and adoption of the structure and content of the Regional Overview “Targets and indicators for Ecological Quality Objectives for the NOWPAP region”
Discussion of the timetable and budget for the Ecological Quality Objectives activity of POMRAC in 2016/2017 biennium
Discussion of other intersessional activities of POMRAC
Marine Litter Activity (RAP MALI)
Review of workplan and budget of POMRAC activities for the biennium

18. NOWPAP RAP MALI work plan and budget,
NOWPAP RAP MALI budget allocations for the biennium (as agreed upon by the 20 IGM) determine that the main RAP MALI activity of NOWPAP POMRAC in the biennium of will be the Research on micro-plastics content and migration in the Peter the Great Gulf (in cooperation with Maritime State University). Budget of this activity - 6,000 USD.
The aim of this activity is to study spatial distribution of floating microplastics in the coastal water area of Peter the Great Gulf. It will be implemented in cooperation between PGI and MSUN.

19. Beached macro-litter pollution assessment

21. Mapping of the water area for identifying hot spots of pollution and distribution of sizes/types of plastic particles

22. To support the activity on Organization of 2016 NOWPAP ICC and Workshop on Marine Litter Management in Primorsky Kray, Russia, POMRAC and UNEP singed SSFA UNEP/SSFA/DEPI/2016/MCEB-NOWPAP/014 B17-40PNL SB AF June 2018 (Total Cost: USD 20,000).
The 2016 NOWPAP ICC and Workshop on Marine Litter Management was held in Slavyanka, Primorsky Krai, Russia on September 2016.
Representatives of administrative bodies, representatives of NGOs and researchers from four NOWPAP member countries (China, Japan, Korea and Russia) made their presentations concerning coastal waste management programs, studies of marine litter (macro-and micro-litter distribution), and cleanup actions organized by municipalities and local activists along river and marine coastal areas in their countries

23. 2016 NOWPAP ICC in Primorsky Kray, Russia
Workshop on Marine Litter Management
2016 NOWPAP ICC in Primorsky Kray, Russia

24. In the morning of 24 September 2016 the RAP MALI working meeting was held. NOWPAP Marine Litter Focal Points and representatives of NOWPAP RACs, except DINRAC, attended the meeting. The meeting reviewed briefly the progress on the implementation of the NOWPAP Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter (RAP MALI) for After the brief reports, the participants discussed further steps in enhancement of institutional cooperation on marine litter issue between NOWPAP member countries.
It was suggested that at the 21st NOWPAP IGM to be held in November 2016 in Korea the NOWPAP members should discuss the possibility of preparation of the Regional Guidelines on Assessment of Marine Litter Pollution, including macro-and micro-litter, by one of the Regional Activity Centers.
It would promote for the establishment of an efficient and uniform regional tool to collect and compare related data among all member countries.

25. POMRAC proposal for this activity:
After primary assessment of microplastic pollution in the coastal water of the Peter the Great Gulf carried out by POMRAC this biennium, we suggest that another important activity should be assessment of riverine input of microplastics into the marine environment.
It would become the next step of the ongoing activity, as currently collected monitoring data can be used to compare quantities, types, and sizes of microplastics in discharged river water and in the coastal water. This survey would be useful in identifying the most common types of plastic particles entering the marine environment via rivers, and their quantities. Moreover, this activity, along with estimation of content and migration of microplastic particles in the Russian part of NOWPAP Region, is in consistence with another activity on Ecological Quality Objectives approved for the NOWPAP MTS.

26. Planned budget: US$ 1,000. POMRAC expenses are US$ 1000.
POMRAC Website
http//nowpap.pomrac.org
Operative work of POMRAC and WG’s
Database on publications devoted to POMRAC activities ( )
National programs of monitoring for assessment of atmospheric deposition of contaminants and air quality (on the basis of National reports)
Basic methods of air quality monitoring (on the basis of the regional overview)
Present state of air quality and atmospheric deposition of contaminants in the NOWPAP region and the tendencies of their changes (on the basis of the regional overview, SOMER 2)
Presentation of public awareness materials related to the results of monitoring in the NOWPAP region (on the basis of the regional overview)
- Other international programs in the Asian - Pacific region devoted to assessment of environmental quality
Planned budget: US$ 1,000. POMRAC expenses are US$ 1000.

27. Other Activities

28. Representatives of POMRAC participated in FPM’s of other regional NOWPAP centers: CEARAC (2015, 2016); DINRAC (2015, 2016), MERRAC (2015, 2016).
Within the framework of the 9th International Ecological Forums “Nature without borders” (Vladivostok, Russia, October 2015) POMRAC participated in next topics: people and the environment, protected areas, ecological safety of the seas, international environmental cooperation.
Within the framework of the 10th International Ecological Forums “Nature without borders” (Vladivostok, Russia, October 2016) POMRAC participated in preparation of topic session “Transboundary natural processes in the Asia-Pacific region and the role of the negative man-made effects on them in extreme natural phenomena in the region”. The session were mainly focused on cooperation among countries of Region.

29. POMRAC staff participated in the next meetings for problems Nature protection in Region:
International cooperation in the Northwest Pacific Region to study the transboundary transport of pollutants. (The Second International Symposium FEB RAS and the Korean Academy of Science and Technology, Seoul, May 2016);
4th round of Russian-Japanese consultations in the field of ecosystem conservation in adjacent areas in the framework of the cooperation program between the Russian Federation and the Government of Japan in the neighboring regions of the two countries in the field of research, conservation and management / sustainable use of ecosystems (Russia, Moscow, October 2016).
III International Conference "Resources, Environment and sustainable regional development in Northeast Asia." (Vladivostok, Russia. October 2016) Distribution of beached marine litter and floating microplastics in the Minonosok inlet of Possiet Bay of The Peter The Great gulf. Kozlovskii N.V., Hong S.H., Song Y. K., Kachur А.N.

30. Expenditures of POMRAC Budget for 2015 - 2016

32. POMRAC Budget 2016-2017 from Trust fund of NOWPAP

33. POMRAC Expenditure for 2016 (as 10 November 2016)

34. Thank You for your attention