F. Galgani, F. Claro, M. Depledge, C. Fossi, Monitoring the impact of
litter in large vertebrates in the Mediterranean Sea within the European
Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD): constraints, specificities
and recommendations, Marine Environmental Research, Available online 24
February 2014, ISSN 0141-1136,
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2014.02.003.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0141113614000385)
Abstract: In its decision (2010/477/EU) relating to the European Marine
Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD, 2008/56/EC), the European Commission
identified the following points as focuses for monitoring:

(i) 10.1.1: Trends in the amount, source and composition of litter
washed ashore and/or deposited on coastlines,

(ii) 10.1.2: Trends in the amount and composition of litter in the water
column and accumulation on the sea floor,

(iii) 10.1.3: Trends in the amount, distribution and composition of
micro-particles (mainly microplastics), and

(iv) 10.2.1 Trends in the amount and composition of litter ingested by
marine animals.

Monitoring the impacts of litter will be considered further in 2014. At
that time, the strategy will be discussed in the context of the
Mediterranean Sea, providing information on constraints, protocols,
existing harm and research needed to support monitoring efforts.

The definition of targets and acceptable levels of harm must take all
factors into account, whether entanglement, ingestion, the transport and
release of pollutants, the transport of alien species and socio-economic
impacts. It must also reflect on the practical deployment of "ingestion"
measures (10.2.1). The analysis of existing data will reveal the
potential and suitability of some higher trophic level organisms (fish,
turtles, birds and mammals) for monitoring the adverse effects of
litter. Sea turtles appear to be useful indicator species, but the
definition of an ecological quality objective is still needed, as well
as research on alternative potential indicator species.
Keywords: Marine litter; MSFD; Good Environmental Status; monitoring;
sea turtles; marine mammals; seabirds; Fulmar