Vastavalt nimekirjale
16.01.2023 nr 6-3/23/88-2
Läti merestrateegia meetmekava 2022–2027
piiriülene keskkonnamõju hindamine
Piiriülese keskkonnamõju hindamise konventsiooni (Espoo konventsiooni) keskkonnamõju
strateegilise hindamise (KSH) protokolli alusel on Läti teavitanud Eestit oma merestrateegia
meetmekava ajakohastamisest.
Euroopa Liidu merestrateegia raamdirektiivi (2008/56/EÜ) nõuetest tulenevalt on Läti koostanud
ajakohastatud meetmekava mereala hea keskkonnaseisundi saavutamiseks perioodiks 2022–2027.
Läti on selgitanud, et strateegilises planeerimisdokumendis toodud eesmärkide ja nende
saavutamise meetmete hindamine on näidanud positiivse otsese ning kaudse mõju kaasnemist
merekeskkonna seisundile; olulist ebasoodsat piiriülest mõju ei ole näidatud. Kirjale on lisatud
Läti saadetud ingliskeelsed materjalid: meetmekava lühikokkuvõte, ajakohastatud meetmekava
meetmete ja ettepanekute hindamise kokkuvõte, KSH aruande kokkuvõte.
Arvestades Läti määratud vastamistähtaega ootame 1. veebruariks 2023 põhjendatud arvamusi
selle kohta, kas Eesti peaks osalema Läti merestrateegia meetmekava 2022–2027 KSH menetluses.
Juhul, kui peate Eesti osalemist menetluses vajalikuks, on oodatud ka võimalikud märkused ja
ettepanekud viidatud materjalide kohta.
Lugupidamisega
(allkirjastatud digitaalselt)
Kaupo Heinma
Asekantsler
Lisad: 1) meetmekava lühikokkuvõte
2) meetmekava meetmete ja ettepanekute hindamise kokkuvõte
3) KSH aruande kokkuvõte
Rainer Persidski, 626 2973
[email protected]
Paldiski mnt 96/ Tallinn 13522/ 626 2802/
[email protected]/ www.envir.ee/
Registrikood 70001231
Concise Summary of the Programme of Measures for Achieving Good
Environmental Status of the Marine Environment in 2022-2027
Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008 establishing a
framework for Community action in the field of marine environmental policy, the Marine Strategy
Framework Directive (hereinafter "the Directive") sets out the responsibility of the Member States of the
European Union to achieve good environmental status by 2020 in the marine waters under their
jurisdiction. The requirements of the Directive have been transposed by the Law on Marine Environmental
Protection and Management (hereinafter - the Law) and the Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No 1071 of
23 November 2010 "Requirements for the assessment of the state of the marine environment,
determination of good environmental status and development of marine environmental targets."
Under the Directive (MSFD, 2008/56/EC), Member States are required to identify the measures to be
taken to achieve or maintain good environmental status (GES) in their marine waters in a programme of
measures (Article 13 of the MSFD). The programme of measures shall include the measures required by
Community legislation and international agreements (Article 13.2) and, where necessary, additional
measures (Article 13.3) to achieve the GES.
In accordance with the requirements of the Directive and the Law, Latvia is required to develop and
implement a marine strategy, which is a comprehensive, sequenced and systematic set of measures to
achieve and maintain good marine environmental status and prevent deterioration of the marine
environment in marine waters under Latvia`s jurisdiction.
In accordance with Article 15, paragraph 3 of the Law the Ministry of Environmental Protection and
Regional Development (hereinafter - Ministry) has elaborated the updated plan "Programme of Measures
for Achieving Good Environmental Status of the Marine Environment in 2022-2027" (hereinafter -
Programme). In accordance with Article 15(3) of the Law, the Ministry shall review the Programme at
least every six years and, if necessary, update it. Pursuant to Article 12 of the Law, the first Programme
(2016-2020, valid up to and including 2021) was developed by the Ministry and approved by the Cabinet
of Ministers in 2016.
A brief summary of the Programme is presented in the table 1 below. Full draft Programme (in Latvian)
is available at https://www.varam.gov.lv/lv/pazinojums-par-plana-pasakumu-programma-laba-juras-
vides-stavokla-panaksanai-2022-2027gada-un-strategiska-ietekmes-uz-vidi-novertejuma-vides-parskata-
nodosanu-sabiedriskajai-apspriesanai.
A summary of measures included in the Programme is provided in table 2 of this document.
1
Table 1. General overview of the Programme
Content of the updated Information provided in the Programme
Programme in accordance
with MSFD Guidance
document 10 (June 2020)
A concise summary of changes Studies carried out in Latvia during the previous EU planning period (2014-
to 1st cycle PoM 2020) allowed for much more detailed and, as far as possible, quantitative
(2015-2021) assessments of the risk of not achieving the GES. This allowed the
necessary measures to achieve the environmental objectives and the GES
to be developed and justified in more detail. As a result, the Programme
contains a significant number of new baseline and complementary actions
to be implemented in the next programming period (2022-2027).
The environmental targets The targets are reflected in the 2018 Marine Assessment and are taken into
corresponding to the updated account in the Programme.
PoM
An updated overview of New key actions (measures 1b) planned for implementation by 2027 that
relevant changes in the are relevant for achieving the GES have been added to the updated
existing measures with Programme of Measures. They result from new requirements in the EU and
reference to their original international agreements and policy planning documents and national
publication policy planning documents for the relevant time period. A summary of such
policy frameworks and measures is provided in Annex 2 of the Programme,
"General assessment of existing and planned sectoral policies with a
positive impact on the marine environment.”
A short summary of the For the qualitative descriptors for which the current status is assessed as not
analysis of the contribution of meeting the GES, a risk assessment was developed for the risk of not
the measures of the PoM achieving the marine targets and the GES in 2027. The risk assessment is
(updated list of existing based on a 'baseline scenario' which includes an assessment of the expected
measures and new measures of changes in pressures, taking into account the expected development of
the first cycle) to achieving the marine exploitation activities and the effect of existing policy measures on
environmental targets and GES pressures. This assesses the contribution of existing policy measures to the
and the gap that needs to be achievement of the marine targets and the MSFD. The risk assessment also
addressed (gap analysis). provides information on the expected reductions in pressures and a
comparison of the current situation with the environmental objectives, as
well as policy gaps that require additional measures.
A summary of the results of the risk assessment is provided in Annex 3
"Assessment of the risk of non-achievement of the marine environmental
objectives and good status of the marine environment" to the Programme.
The full results of the assessment are presented in the thematic reports on
the qualitative descriptors of the project “Improving knowledge on the state
of the marine environment” (project No 17-F06803-000001) funded by the
EU European Maritime and Fisheries Fund1 (hereinfater – EMFF project)
and in the proposals for the updated Programme.
An overview of additional new Based on the results of the risk assessment and the identified policy gaps,
measures adopted in the the necessary additional measures were developed. The updated
second cycle under MSFD programme includes new additional measures for the qualitative descriptors
with a full description, if not D1, D2, D5, D8 and D10. These measures will also have a positive impact
described elsewhere, or with for other qualitative descriptors (in particular D3, D4, D6, D9). A summary
1
Information and reports of the EMFF project (in Latvian) available at: https://www.varam.gov.lv/lv/ejzf-projekts-
zinasanu-uzlabosana-juras-vides-stavokla-joma
2
reference to a document of the measures is provided in Annex 1 and the rationale for the measures
containing a full description. in Annex 6. Further information on each measure is provided in the thematic
reports on the qualitative descriptors of the EMFF project.
A summary of updated The updated Programme includes three additional measures that have
descriptions of any new been updated/refined from the previous Programme. These are research
measures adopted in the first activities that need to be continued in the next planning period related to:
cycle which have been 1) trends and impacts of non-indigenous species, 2) national estimates for
updated/amended since with reducing nutrient loads to coastal waters and 3) solid waste and micro-
reference to the document litter in the marine environment. Information on these measures is
containing the full updated provided in Annex 6 "Justification of measures" of the Programme and in
description thematic reports of the EMFF project.
Summary of identified spatial The Programme includes new spatial protection measures to protect marine
protection measures and the benthic habitats and birds. Measures include the designation of new MPAs
purpose for which they are put in EEZ waters (measure 1b), the designation of strict protection areas for
in place . benthic habitat restoration within MPAs (additional measure) and seasonal
restrictions on recreational activities along the coast at important nesting
sites and during the breeding season (additional measure). The programme
also includes additional measures to prepare the necessary information and
proposals for changes to the Thematic Coastal Public Infrastructure Plan
and the Maritime Spatial Plan in relation to marine benthic habitat and bird
protection areas, targets and measures.
An overview of applied Under Article 14(4) of the Directive, Member States may apply exceptions
exceptions under Art. 14 with without introducing additional measures if the cost of the measures would
substantiated justifications and be disproportionate in the light of the risks to the marine environment. The
associated ad hoc measures information gathering and assessment of the possible application of such
where relevant to continue exemptions was carried out and it was concluded that there is currently
pursuing the environmental insufficient justification for the application of such exemptions.
targets Information on the exceptions applied is provided in Annex 4 to the
Programme. An exception is applied for D5 "Eutrophication" on the basis
of Article 14(1)(e) of the Directive (second paragraph of Article 16 of the
Law).
A summary description of For the quality descriptors for which the current status was assessed as not
methods applied for 1) the gap meeting the GES, a risk assessment was developed for the risk of not
analysis, 2) the selection of achieving the marine targets and the GES in 2027. The assessment followed
new measures in the second a similar approach as the Baltic Sea Regional assessment for the
cycle, 3) the impact development of the updated HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan (HELCOM
assessment of new measures BSAP 2021) (the so-called "measures` sufficiency assessment").
(including cost-effectiveness Based on the results of the risk assessment, the identified policy gaps,
analysis and cost-benefit- proposals for necessary additional measures were developed, including
analysis if not described taking into account the HELCOM BSAP 2021.
separately .
As required by the Directive, a socio-economic assessment was carried out
on the additional measures in line with EC guidelines. For the additional
measures, the technical feasibility, costs, cost-effectiveness and benefits of
the improvements in marine environmental quality achieved through the
achievement of the LVS were assessed. A summary of the results of the risk
assessment is provided in Annex 3 of the Programme, "Assessment of the
risk of not achieving the marine environmental objectives and good status
of the marine environment". A summary of the development and socio-
economic assessment of additional measures is provided in Annex 5
“Socio-economic assessment of additional measures” of the Programme.
The full results of the evaluations are presented in the thematic reports on
the qualitative descriptors of the EMFF project.
3
A summary description of how In assessing the expected changes in pressures up to 2027 ("baseline
future socio-economic scenario" for the risk assessment), the expected changes in marine
developments and the exploitation activities were taken into account. Results from the relevant
interaction of the Programme HELCOM Baltic Sea regional assessment (2021) were used, as well as
of Measures with climate national assessments and information. The programme's relevance to
change (if relevant) have been climate change was not assessed.
taken into account in the
update.
Regional coordination and In developing the Programme, activities were implemented to ensure
transboundary impacts regional coordination of national approaches, assessments and actions. The
approaches and results of the Marine Region Assessments have been taken
into account in the development of the respective national approaches and
assessments (for risk assessment and assessment of accompanying
measures). Actions from the HELCOM BSAP 2021 were taken into
account in the development of the necessary additional measures. Through
participation in HELCOM GEAR2 meetings, information was exchanged
with other Baltic Sea countries to coordinate the development of the
updated programmes of measures and the application of exemptions. This
coordination process and the results have been included in a joint document
for the Baltic Sea Region. Regular involvement in HELCOM EN ESA3
meetings ensured coordination of the socio-economic assessment approach.
Public consultation The risk assessment was based on individual consultations with sectoral
information authorities on planned measures to address existing policies.
The assessments and measures developed were discussed in five thematic
expert and stakeholder discussions organised between 2020 and 2022. The
assessments and proposals for measures were refined in the light of those
discussions. All the results of the discussions are provided in the EMFF
project reports.
The public consultation4 on the Programme and the Strategic
Environmental Assessment (SEA) Environmental Report is open from 15
November 2022 to 14 December 2022. The public consultation meeting on
the Programme and the SEA Environmental Report was held on 5
December 2022.
Table 2 summarises the measures needed for 2022-2027 to achieve marine environmental targets
and GES.
2
HELCOM Group on the Implementation of the Ecosystem Approach (GEAR).
3
HELCOM Expert network on economic and social analyses.
4
Communication on the public consultation on the Programme and the SEA Environmental Report is available at:
https://www.varam.gov.lv/lv/pazinojums-par-plana-pasakumu-programma-laba-juras-vides-stavokla-panaksanai-
2022-2027gada-un-strategiska-ietekmes-uz-vidi-novertejuma-vides-parskata-nodosanu-sabiedriskajai-apspriesanai
4
Table 2. Summary of measures needed for 2022-2027 to achieve marine environmental targets and to achieve and maintain GES.
Marine environmental target (JVM) JVM1 Anthropogenic activities have not adversely affected marine habitats and species
1.Area of actions to achieve the target (RV): RV1 Ensure effective protection of marine biodiversity and the achievement of
conservation objectives and improve the information base on the status, values and
effectiveness of conservation measures for biodiversity
Measures to achieve the target Execution deadline Operational result Indicator of the result
(1b) JVM1 EP1 Implement the measures provided for in the ‘Priority Action Programme for the Natura Throughout the Monitoring, research and The protection and status of
2000 network in Latvia (2021-2027)’ in relation to the protection of marine biodiversity, including: programme period protection measures for the marine biodiversity has
define new MPAs for the protection of benthic habitats in the waters of the EEZ and develop a conservation of marine improved.
management plan for MPAs; biodiversity have been
ensure the monitoring of marine habitats and the regular monitoring of marine biodiversity implemented (including the
therein identification of new MPAs
number of marine Natura 2000 sites; and the development of MPAs
carry out an assessment of the effectiveness of the marine Natura 2000 network; MPAs).
research into important feeding, breeding and migration sites and habitats for seabirds.
(1b) JVM1 EP2 Implement the measures provided for in the ‘Priority Action Programme for the Natura Throughout the Monitoring and research to Improved information base on
2000 network in Latvia (2021-2027)’ in relation to pressures on marine biodiversity, including: programme period assess pressures affecting pressures and measures to
carry out a study on the impact of invasive alien species on ecosystems, habitats, natural marine biodiversity have been protect marine biodiversity.
species, and on the best containment techniques for IAS not included in the list of IAS of EU carried out and measures The protection of marine
relevance; designed and implemented to biodiversity has improved.
monitor invasive alien species and develop and implement an action plan for marine invasive mitigate these pressures have
alien species containment; been developed and
monitor bycatch of seals and birds and develop measures to reduce birds and seals by-catches implemented.
in coastal fisheries;
assess the impact of climate change on species and habitats and develop adaptation
measures;
carry out an assessment of the impact of wind farms on migratory birds;
implement actions to deal with pollution incidents at sea;
implement measures related to restoration and protection of coastal habitats, anthropogenic
(1b) JVM1pressures reduction
EP3 Execution fromproject
of a pilot major public
to limitevents
accessand
forthe development
holidaymakers toof tourism
three infrastructure
coastal SACs in 2022, every year A pilot project has been The protection and condition
along the coast.
important locations and for a period (from 1 April to 1 August in the ‘Ovies’ (Irbes estuary) and Slicier carried out to protect of endangered coastal nesting
national park (Cikana estuary) and from 1 May to 1 August in the Natural Park ‘At Sea’ (Guay of Goija)). vulnerable seabirds nesting birds has improved.
sites (3 sites).
(1b) JVM1 EP4 Continue regular monitoring of the condition of wintering and nesting birds in the Throughout the Monitoring of the condition of Provision of information on
framework of the National Monitoring Programme. programme period seabirds has been carried out. the status of seabirds for
policy development.
Throughout the Measures have been taken to The protection and status of
(1b) JVM1 EP5 Implementation of the measures contained in the ringed seal ‘Phoca hispida’, grey seal SAP period improve and protect the status the Baltic Sea seal populations
(Halichoerus grypus) and harbour seal (Pusa vitulina) species protection plan (SAP) 2021-2031, including: of seal populations in the have improved.
implement effective measures to reduce by-catches of seals in coastal fisheries, including a technical Baltic Sea.
solution the development of safe seal fishing gear and methods of repelling seals and measures to
inform and educate fishermen;
implement a set of measures for the protection and management of juvenile seals;
research and data collection to assess the status of seal populations and the pressures affecting them,
by implementing the inventory of seals killed in fishing gears, the counting of seals in the Gulf of Riga
and the monitoring of the grey seal foraging condition in Latvian waters.
(2a) JVM1 PP1 Develop and implement a national restoration plan for marine habitats, including objectives 2025-2027 Development and Improved status of marine
and measures for the restoration of marine habitats, and proposals for strict protection areas within MPAs, implementation of a recovery habitats.
which will at the same time serve as scientific reference areas. plan for marine habitats.
(2a) JVM1 PP2 Develop, for the MPA management plan, quantitative benthic habitat conservation 2024-2025 MPAs set quantitative Improved protection and
objectives for each MPA and the management measures necessary to achieve them to prevent conservation objectives for status of benthic marine
anthropogenic pressures and to effectively protect native species. benthic habitats and effective habitats.
conservation measures.
(2a) JVM1 PP3 Develop a national methodology for assessing the efficiency of the MPA network. National methodology A methodology for assessing
2023-2024 developed. the efficiency of the MPA
(2a) JVM1 PP4 Limitation of recreational activities for breeding at critical locations and during the period 2024-2027 A measure has been network
The statushas
ofbeen provided.
waterbirds
(start of May – end of July), control of compliance with restrictions and monitoring of the effectiveness of implemented to protect breeding at risk on the coast
the measure breeding sites of waterbirds has improved.
nesting at risk on the coasts at
(2a) JVM1 PP5 Develop and implement a Species Conservation Plan (SAP) for coastal nesting bird species with 2025 for the risk.
Development and
non-GES status. development of implementation of the SAP. Protection and improvement
the SAP, 2025- of species of birds reared on
2027 for the the coast.
implementation
(2a) JVM1 PP6 Prepare the necessary information and proposals for changes to the renewed spatial plan for of the SAP
2026-2027 Proposals for a renewed Ensuring the integration of the
Latvian marine waters and the thematic plan for coastal public infrastructure in relation to benthic habitats maritime spatial and coastal protection of the marine
and seabirds conservation areas, objectives and measures. thematic plan have been environment into marine and
prepared. coastal management policies.
(supporting measure) JVM1 PP7 Research monitoring to provide information in addition to indicators for 2025-2027 Research monitoring has been Improved information base for
assessing the status and pressures of seabirds in line with JSD requirements and HELCOM indicators. carried out. assessing the status of seabirds
and the pressures affecting
them.
(supporting measure) JVM1 PP8 Implement activities for the international exchange and coordination of Throughout the Activities for regional Improved regional cooperation
information on the assessment of the status and pressures of seabirds and the development of conservation programme exchange of information for and protection of seabirds.
measures. period the protection of seabirds
(supporting measure) JVM1 PP9 Assessment of the effectiveness of the seal protection measures 2027 have
An been carried
assessment of out. Information provided on the
implemented, taking into account trends in the evolution of seal populations as well as the impact of effectiveness has been carried effectiveness of seal
climate change on the marine environment. out. protection measures for policy
development.
6
(supporting measure) JVM1 PP10 Improving the information base on the provision of marine ecosystem 2023-2027 Research has been carried out Improved information base
services, spatial assessment and socio-economic value and the public accessibility of the information to and public information and availability of information
support policy decision-making. systems have been for the development of marine
complemented with data on environment protection and
2. Area of actions to achieve the target (RV): marine
RV2 Prevent the introduction of ecosystem services.from human
new alien species management policies.
activity and minimise the
impact of existing marine invasive alien species as far as possible
Measures to achieve the target Execution deadline Operational result Indicator of the result
Monitoring of ships’ ballast Threats to the marine
(1b) JVM1 EP6 Implement the measures provided for in the ‘Environmental Policy Program 2021-2027’ in water management and ecosystem from the
relation to the prevention of the risk to the marine ecosystem of ship ballast water and deposition: foreign species has been introduction of alien species
implement monitoring of ship ballast water and sediment management (including as part of 2022— implemented, adequate by ships’ ballast waters are
environmental control), including monitoring of alien species in ports and marine waters; 2027 for monitoring ballast water sediment assessed and prevented.
provide adequate ballast water sediment reception facilities in ports (where required/where repair 2027 for port reception facilities have been
of ships and tanks and ships cleaning is done). reception facilities provided in ports.
(2a) JVM1 PP11 Develop a regulatory framework for the management of the bio-fouling of ships and 2023— The bio-fouling of new non-
recreational crafts’ hull and implement measures to manage the bio-fouling of ships and recreational 2025 Regulations and measures native species by vessels and
craft in order to prevent the introduction of new alien species into marine waters (in accordance with have been put in place to recreational boat hulls has
IMO guidelines and the HELCOM Regional Baltic Biofouling Management Roadmap). manage the biological cover of been reduced.
[This measure is to be implemented together with measure JVM5 PP21] ships and recreational craft.
(2a) JVM1 PP12 Continue the implementation of measures to limit the population of the round goby 2025— Measures to limit the Depopulation of the round
(Neogobius melanostomus), including an action plan to combat this invasive alien species. 2027 population of round goby have goby and its impact on the
been implemented. marine ecosystem.
(2a) JVM1 PP13 Implement actions for the exchange of information in the marine region in relation to 2022, regular The ‘early warning system’ of Improved regional cooperation
the development of a common “early warning system” and list of invasive alien species (IAS) for the the marine ISS has been for the management of IAS.
Baltic Sea region. regularly updated, which is
included in the list of marine
(supporting measure) JVM1 PP14 Continue research on trends and impacts on the marine ecosystem of 2022— regions
Researchofhas
importance for out
been carried Improved information base on
alien species. 2027 Latvia.
on the distribution and impact the distribution and impact of
of marine alien species. marine alien species for policy
Marine environmental objective (JVM): JVM3 Eutrophication does not have a negative impact on the development.
marine ecosystem
3. Area of actions to achieve the target (RV): RV3 Reduce the pressure of nutrient pollution on the marine environment and improve
information on significant sources of pollution
Measures to achieve the target Execution deadline Operational result Indicator of the result
(1b) JVM3 EP7 Implement supplementary measures to reduce the introduction of nutrient pollution as Throughout the Supplementary measures The release of nutrient
set out in the RBMPs 2022-2027, ensuring the achievement of nutrient load targets for surface water programme period implemented in the RBMPs pollution into inland and
bodies, including supplementary measures to reduce pollution from agriculture, forestry, centralised 2022-2027. marine waters has decreased.
waste water and decentralised collecting systems in affected ‘risk’ water bodies and to reduce
transboundary pollution.
(1b) JVM3 EP8 Implement measures in line with the requirements of the EU Air Pollutant Emissions Throughout the Measures to reduce emissions Ensuring that Latvia’s overall
Directive (2016/2284), taking into account the need to reduce the atmospheric deposition of nutrients programme period of air pollutants have been air pollutant emission
at sea. implemented. reduction targets for the
period from 2020 to 2030 are
met.
7
2024 A study has been carried out Improved information base for
(supporting measure) JVM3 PP15 To conduct a national calculation of the reduction of nutrient load on on the load of nutrients to the policy development.
coastal waters achieved by measures in the updated RBMPs 2022-2027, achieving nutrient load targets sea, assessing the effect of
in surface water bodies. measures in the RBMPs.
2025 Evaluations of nutrient, Improved information base for
(supporting measure) JVM3 PP16 Conduct an assessment of the pollution load on rivers and the sea hazardous substances and policy development.
with nutrients, hazardous substances and micro-plastics from rainwater sewage and overflows and micro-plastic loads from
develop proposals for appropriate measures to reduce this pollution from wastewater and rainwater rainwater and overflows have
management systems. been carried out and
[This is a joint action for the Action Areas 3, 4 and 5 (on nutrient pollution, pollution of hazardous proposals have been made to
substances and the emissions of litter into the marine environment).] reduce these pressures.
(2a) JVM3 PP17 Provide available information at national level to HELCOM load impact assessments to 2024-2025 Provision of national Improved information base for
assess nutrient loads and impacts from cargo ships sewage, cargo residues and vessel technical waters information for HELCOM policy development and
(grey water). assessments. coordination in the marine region.
(2a) JVM3 PP18 Assess the need for improvements in the Latvian ports in order to comply with best 2024-2025 An evaluation has been Improved information base for
available technologies and practices for the handling and storage of fertilisers in ports to prevent carried out and the necessary policy development.
nutrient pollution. measures to prevent nutrient
pollution have been identified.
Marine environmental target (JVM): JVM5: Levels of pollutant concentrations do not cause adverse effects on the marine
ecosystem
4. Area of actions to achieve the target (RV): RV4 Reduce the pollution load of hazardous substances on the marine environment and
improve information on significant sources of pollution
Measures to achieve the target Execution Operational result Indicator of the result
(1b) JVM5 EP9 Implement the additional measures set out in the RBMPs 2022-2027, which will reduce deadline
Throughout Monitoring of WWB and Information on hazardous
the pollution of hazardous substances from waste water, contaminated sites and currently unclear the WWTP discharges. substances and sources of loading
sources of pollution, as well as improve information on such pollution and its sources. programme Remediation of contaminated has been clarified. Reduction of
period sites. point pollution loads on surface and
groundwater.
(1b) JVM5 EP10 Implement the measures contained in the ‘National Waste Management Plan 2021- Throughout Measures implemented
The amount of waste generated has
2028’ to improve waste management, which will reduce the pollution of hazardous substances from the the (different waste management
decreased, the amount of waste
streams and disposal of such waste. programme measures, research, education
separately collected, recycled and
period and information measures).
landfilled has increased. Reduced
pollution pressure from waste
streams on the environment.
(1b) JVM5 EP11 Implement the measures contained in the Latvian National Implementation Plan on Throughout Measures implemented Separate collection of WEEE waste,
Persistent Organic Pollutants, which will reduce the release of PBDE and PFOS pollution into the the (measures to ensure separate improved information on the
environment and improve information on the sources of pollution of these substances. programme collection of WEEE, studies, sources of substances and content
period education and information of substances in products, improved
measures). understanding of substances and
their impacts among citizens and
businesses.
(1b) JVM5 EP12 Designing new waste incinerators (for waste recovery with energy recovery) to ensure Throughout Investment projects The amount of waste going to
compliance with environmental requirements on emissions of pollutants to air, including the use of best the implemented. landfills has been reduced.
available techniques to prevent mercury emissions to air. programme
period
8
(2a) JVM5 PP19 Implement information and education measures on major pollutants in the marine 2023-2027 Information and education The use of products containing
environment (e.g. PBDE, PFOS, pharmaceuticals) on hazardous substances in products and articles, their measures have been hazardous substances and
impact on the environment and human health, the use of environmentally friendly alternatives and the proper implemented. pollution in the environment
handling of waste containing such substances in order to prevent pollutants from entering sewage water and have decreased.
the environment.
(supporting measure) JVM5 PP20 Study and, if necessary, develop GES limit values for hazardous substances 2023-2026 Studies have been carried out, Improved information base for
in marine sediment to assess their presence, prevalence and change patterns and the effectiveness of the proposals for limit values have policy development.
measures taken to reduce pressures. been drawn up.
(2a) JVM5 PP21 Examination of existing regulations for deepening ports, disposing of discarded soil and 2024-2026 Evaluation and regulatory
activities with polluted soil in order to prevent the release of hazardous pollutants into the marine proposals. Improved information on
environment that pose a risk of non-compliance with GES. pollution loads and necessary
measures to reduce pollution.
(2a) JVM5 PP22 Develop and implement a national framework for ship repair and hull maintenance to prevent 2023-2025 Regulations and measures Reduced release of TBT
TBT pollution from entering the local aquatic environment from such activities. have been implemented for pollution into the marine
[This measure is to be implemented together with Measure JVM1 PP11] ship repair and hull environment.
maintenance to prevent TBT
(2a) JVM5 PP23 Promote the use of TBT-free anti-fouling paints on recreational craft/boats. 2023-2027 pollution. and education
Information Reduced release of TBT
measures have been pollution into the marine
implemented in relation to environment.
anti-fouling paints used by
recreational vessels/boats.
(2a) JVM5 PP24 Improving the information and availability of pollution by hazardous substances from 2023-2027 (Additional) monitoring of
contaminated sites and landfills by improving existing information systems and ensuring the necessary hazardous substances, Improved information to
research and regular monitoring of the sites for significant hazardous substances, which poses a risk of non- additions to information assess the pollution load and
compliance with environmental quality objectives in inland and marine waters. systems. the need for measures.
(supporting measure) JVM5 PP25 Study on the magnitude of the load, the need for additional measures and 2023-2027 Studies have been carried out An improved information base
possible additional measures to prevent the run-off and spread of hazardous substances from accumulated on the magnitude of loads, on pressures and their
pollution and waste disposal in soil and sediment, for hazardous substances that pose a risk of non- proposals for pollution mitigation options for policy
compliance with environmental quality objectives in inland and marine waters. management have been development.
(2b) JVM5 PP26 Promote the substitution of materials and articles containing hazardous substances (such as 2023-2027 drawn up.activities have been
Research The use of articles and
PBDEs, PFOS and substances that degrade) used in industry, energy, maritime transport and infrastructure carried out, guidelines for materials containing hazardous
industries with materials and articles that do not contain these substances (e.g. fire-fighting foams, EEE, material replacement have substances has decreased and
textiles, plastics, building materials, etc.). been developed, information the risk of contamination of
measures have been these substances has been
implemented. reduced.
9
Marine environmental target (JVM): JVM6: Solid waste does not have undesirable effects on the marine ecosystem
5. Area of actions to achieve the target (RV): RV5 Reduce litter inputs to the sea-shore and aquatic environment and improve the
information base and analytical tools to assess pressures and effectiveness of measures
Measures to achieve the target Execution deadline Operational result Indicator of the result
(1b) JVM6 EP13 Implement the measures contained in the ‘National Waste Management Plan 2021- Throughout the Measures implemented The amount of waste generated
2028’ to prevent waste generation, improve separate waste collection and reuse systems, including programme period (different waste management has decreased, the amount of
consumer information and education, in order to reduce waste generation and release into the measures, research, education waste separately collected,
environment. and information measures). recycled and landfilled has
increased. Reduced pollution
pressure from waste streams on
the environment.
(1b) JVM6 EP14 Implement the measures set out in the section ‘Measures to reduce litter from marine, Throughout the Measures to reduce litter have Littering of marine, coastal,
coastal, inland waters, special areas of conservation and other areas’ (18 measures, 6 lines of action) of programme period been implemented. inland waters, special areas of
the ‘National Waste Management Plan 2021-2028’. conservation and other areas
has decreased.
(2a) JVM6 PP27 Assess the need for national regulation to provide an effective incentive for the transfer 2024 Increased amount of passively
of passively fished waste (captured in fishing nets) and lost fishing gear to port reception facilities. Evaluation and regulatory fished waste and lost fishing
proposals. gear delivered in ports.
(2a) JVM6 PP28 Develop and implement a national framework prohibiting the deliberate mass release 2024 The regulatory framework has Balloon waste has decreased on
of single-use inflated balloons. been developed and the coast and in the marine
implemented. environment.
(2a) JVM6 PP29 Develop guidelines for local authorities to define measures to reduce marine litter in 2023 Guidelines for municipalities
municipal planning/normative documents. have been drawn up. Waste management has
improved and the waste load on
the coast has decreased.
(supporting measure) JVM6 PP30 Implementation studies to collect data and develop assessments on 2022 - 2026 Studies, environmental Improved information base for
solid waste and micro-waste in the marine aquatic environment. objectives, status indicators and policy development.
assessments have been carried
(supporting measure) JVM6 PP31 Implement a study to develop an analytical, national policy decision- 2024 - 2025 out.
A study has been carried out, an Improved information base for
making support tool for assessing the effectiveness and socio-economic assessment of policy measures, analytical tool has been policy development.
covering measures to reduce solid waste input loads and to achieve environmental objectives. developed to evaluate the
measures.
10
11
REPORT
Summary of the evaluation of measures and proposals for
the updated programme of measures
Study “Building a knowledge and information base for economic and social analysis
of the use of marine waters and the achievement of marine environmental objectives”
Project “Improving knowledge on the state of the marine environment”, No 17-
F06803-000001
Contract No IL/109/2017 (19.12.2017)
Riga, 2022
The study was conducted by AKTIIVS Ltd.
Registration No 40003697993
Report prepared by Kristīne Pakalniete (
[email protected])
The study is funded by the European Union “European Maritime and Fisheries Fund”
1
Table of Content
Introduction..................................................................................................................................... 3
1. Summary of measures to achieve and maintain good environmental status in the marine
environment .................................................................................................................................... 3
2. Justification of measures ........................................................................................................... 11
D1 Biodiversity .......................................................................................................................... 12
Benthic habitats .................................................................................................................... 12
Seabirds ................................................................................................................................. 14
Seals ....................................................................................................................................... 16
D2 Alien species ........................................................................................................................ 18
D5 Eutrophication (nutrient inputs into the marine environment) .......................................... 20
D8 Hazardous substances in the marine environment ............................................................. 22
D10 Marine litter (beach litter) ................................................................................................. 27
3. Socio-economic assessment of the additional measures ......................................................... 32
3.1. Additional measures included in the assessment .............................................................. 32
3.2. Assessment of the cost of additional measures ................................................................ 33
3.3. Cost-effectiveness assessment of additional measures .................................................... 35
3.4. Assessment of the benefits of implementing additional measures and achieving GES .... 38
Abbreviations used
MPA Marine protected areas
BSAP (HELCOM) Baltic Sea Action Plan
WEEE Waste of electrical and electronic equipment
EEA Exclusive Economic Zone
IAS Invasive alien species
SAC Specially protected nature territories (Natura 2000)
MSFD Marine Strategy Framework Directive (2008/56/EC)
GES Good environmental status of the marine environment
WWTP Wastewater treatment plants
NIC Nutrient input ceilings
PBDE Polybrominated diphenyl ethers
PFOS Perfluorooctane sulfonic acids
SAP Species conservation plan
TBT Tributyltin
RBMPS River Basin Management Plan
WFD Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC)
MEPRD Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development
2
Introduction
In line with the requirements of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD, 2008/56/EC), Member
States should identify the measures to be taken to achieve or maintain good environmental status (GES)
of the marine environment in their marine waters by including them in the programme of measures
(Article 13 of the MSFD). The programme of measures should include measures set out in Community
legislation and international agreements (Article 13.2) and, if necessary, additional (new) measures
(Article 13.3).
In order to assess the need for additional measures, an assessment of the risk of not achieving the
objectives of the marine environment and GES was carried out. The ‘risk assessment’ demonstrates
whether there is a risk of non-achievement of marine environmental objectives and GES by 2027, taking
into account the expected development of marine uses and the effect of existing policy measures with an
impact on the marine environment. This has been done for the Descriptors where the current state has
been assessed as non-compliant with GES1. Accordingly, such an assessment has been prepared for D1
‘biodiversity’ for benthic habitats, seabirds and seals, D2 ‘non-indigenous species’, D5 ‘eutrophication’,
D8 ‘hazardous substances in the marine environment’ and D10 ‘marine litter’ (for beach litter).
Additional measures have been subject to a socio-economic assessment in line with the requirements of
the Directive. This is in line with the recommendations in the EU guidelines2 for such an assessment. The
assessment included the technical feasibility, costs, cost-effectiveness of the additional measures and
benefits of the achieved improvements in the quality of the marine environment, achieving GES.
The study was implemented under the project ‘Improving knowledge on the state of the marine
environment’ (project No 17-F06803-000001) with funding from the European Union’s European
Maritime and Fisheries Fund. The study was carried out by AKTiiVS Ltd. on the basis of a contract with the
Latvian Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development (contract No IL/109/2017 and
Agreement No IL/120/2021). The terms of reference of the study included preparing evaluations of
measures and proposals for the updated programme of measures. This report contains a summary of the
evaluation of the measures and of the proposals.
Chapter 1 of the report summarises the proposals for measures and Chapter 2 summarises the
justification for the measures. Section 3 summarises the main results of the socio-economic assessment
of the additional measures.
1. Summary of measures to achieve and maintain good environmental
status in the marine environment
The measures are divided into ‘existing (basic)’ and ‘additional’ (new) measures (see description of the
groups of measures below). It would be advisable to include in the national programme of measures
significant 1b measures, in particular where their legal status allows for possible uncertainty in their
implementation, and additional measures (2a and 2b) should be included where necessary.
1
In line with the updated assessment of the state of the marine environment (LHEI (2018) Marine State Assessment
2018, available at https://drive.google.com/file/d/17Rkcrg5qEnVuNxFEzLiR88VQqkKUnKyx/view) and the results of
research from this project.
2
European Commission (2020) Program of measures and Exceptions under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive
– Recommendations for implementation and reporting for the updates in the 2nd cycle. DG Environment, Brussels.
(MSFD Guidance Document 10).
3
Division of measures for the MSFD programme of measures
In line with the MSFD Common Implementation Strategy Guidelines European Commission (2020) Programmes
of measures and Exceptions under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive – Recommendations for
implementation and reporting for the updates in the 2nd cycle. DG Environment, Brussels. (MSFD Guidance
Document 10).
Existing (basic) measures:
Measures relevant to the achievement and maintenance of GES, adopted in the context of other policies and
already in place (1a);
Measures relevant to the achievement and maintenance of GES which have been adopted in the context of
other policies but have not yet been implemented or are not fully implemented(1b).
Additional measures:
additional measures to achieve and maintain GES that build on, but go beyond, existing EU legislation and
international treaties implementation processes (2a);
additional measures to achieve and maintain GES that are not linked to existing EU legislation and
international treaties (2b).
Research activities are not classified as ‘measures’ according to EU guidelines. Such additional measures
could be identified in the programme of measures as “supporting measures”. Actions to implement the
requirements of other articles of the MSFD (including, for monitoring of state) cannot be regarded as
‘measures’. However, it would be advisable to mention such measures in the programme of measures if
they do not have a strict regulatory and financial basis, which may create uncertainty for their
implementation.
If the measure required to achieve GES is linked to a national strategic planning document (e.g. the
Environmental Policy Program for 2021-2027, the Priority Action Programme for the Natura 2000 network
in Latvia (2021-2027)), it is classified as a basic measure (1b) if it is directly linked to the implementation
of the requirements of EU regulations (EU regulations and directives) or if its implementation has already
started and/or its funding is clearly defined. Otherwise, such a measure is classified as an additional
measure.
If the required measure relates to the action of the existing HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP), it is
classified as a basic measure (1b), if such or similar measure has already been adopted in the context of
other policies at national level. Otherwise, such a measure is classified as an additional measure (2a).
Table 1.1 summarises the measures needed for 2022-2027 to achieve marine environmental objectives
and GES.
4
Table 1.1. Summary of measures needed for 2022-2027 to achieve marine environmental objectives and to achieve and maintain GES.
Marine environmental objective (JVM) JVM1 Anthropogenic activities have not adversely affected marine habitats and species
1.Area of actions to achieve the objective (RV): RV1 Ensure effective protection of marine biodiversity and the achievement of
conservation objectives and improve the information base on the status, values and
effectiveness of conservation measures for biodiversity
Measures to achieve the objective Execution deadline Operational result Indicator of the result
(1b) JVM1 EP1 Implement the measures provided for in the ‘Priority Action Programme for the Natura Throughout the Monitoring, research and The protection and status of
2000 network in Latvia (2021-2027)’ in relation to the protection of marine biodiversity, including: programme period protection measures for the marine biodiversity has
define new MPAs for the protection of benthic habitats in the waters of the EEZ and develop a conservation of marine improved.
management plan for MPAs; biodiversity have been
ensure the monitoring of marine habitats and the regular monitoring of marine biodiversity implemented (including the
therein identification of new MPAs
number of marine Natura 2000 sites; and the development of MPAs
carry out an assessment of the effectiveness of the marine Natura 2000 network; MPAs).
research into important feeding, breeding and migration sites and habitats for seabirds.
(1b) JVM1 EP2 Implement the measures provided for in the ‘Priority Action Programme for the Natura Throughout the Monitoring and research to Improved information base on
2000 network in Latvia (2021-2027)’ in relation to pressures on marine biodiversity, including: programme period assess pressures affecting pressures and measures to
carry out a study on the impact of invasive alien species on ecosystems, habitats, natural marine biodiversity have been protect marine biodiversity.
species, and on the best containment techniques for IAS not included in the list of IAS of EU carried out and measures The protection of marine
relevance; designed and implemented to biodiversity has improved.
monitor invasive alien species and develop and implement an action plan for marine invasive mitigate these pressures have
alien species containment; been developed and
monitor bycatch of seals and birds and develop measures to reduce birds and seals by-catches implemented.
in coastal fisheries;
assess the impact of climate change on species and habitats and develop adaptation
measures;
carry out an assessment of the impact of wind farms on migratory birds;
implement actions to deal with pollution incidents at sea;
implement measures related to restoration and protection of coastal habitats, anthropogenic
(1b) JVM1pressures reduction
EP3 Execution fromproject
of a pilot major public
to limitevents
accessand
forthe development
holidaymakers toof tourism
three infrastructure
coastal SACs in 2022, every year A pilot project has been The protection and condition
importantalong the coast.
locations and for a period (from 1 April to 1 August in the ‘Ovies’ (Irbes estuary) and Slicier carried out to protect of endangered coastal nesting
national park (Cikana estuary) and from 1 May to 1 August in the Natural Park ‘At Sea’ (Guay of Goija)). vulnerable seabirds nesting birds has improved.
sites (3 sites).
(1b) JVM1 EP4 Continue regular monitoring of the condition of wintering and nesting birds in the Throughout the plan Monitoring of the condition of Provision of information on
framework of the National Monitoring Programme. period seabirds has been carried out. the status of seabirds for
policy development.
5
Throughout the Measures have been taken to The protection and status of
(1b) JVM1 EP5 Implementation of the measures contained in the ringed seal ‘Phoca hispida’, grey seal SAP period improve and protect the status the Baltic Sea seal populations
(Halichoerus grypus) and harbour seal (Pusa vitulina) species protection plan (SAP) 2021-2031, including: of seal populations in the have improved.
implement effective measures to reduce by-catches of seals in coastal fisheries, including a technical Baltic Sea.
solution the development of safe seal fishing gear and methods of repelling seals and measures to
inform and educate fishermen;
implement a set of measures for the protection and management of juvenile seals;
research and data collection to assess the status of seal populations and the pressures affecting them,
by implementing the inventory of seals killed in fishing gears, the counting of seals in the Gulf of Riga
and the monitoring of the grey seal foraging condition in Latvian waters.
(2a) JVM1 PP1 Develop and implement a national restoration plan for marine habitats, including objectives 2025-2027 Development and Improved status of marine
and measures for the restoration of marine habitats, and proposals for strict protection areas within MPAs, implementation of a recovery habitats.
which will at the same time serve as scientific reference areas. plan for marine habitats.
(2a) JVM1 PP2 Develop, for the MPA management plan, quantitative benthic habitat conservation 2024-2025 MPAs set quantitative Improved protection and
objectives for each MPA and the management measures necessary to achieve them to prevent conservation objectives for status of benthic marine
anthropogenic pressures and to effectively protect native species. benthic habitats and effective habitats.
conservation measures.
(2a) JVM1 PP3 Develop a national methodology for assessing the efficiency of the MPA network. National methodology A methodology for assessing
2023-2024 developed. the efficiency of the MPA
(2a) JVM1 PP4 Limitation of recreational activities for breeding at critical locations and during the period 2024-2027 A measure has been network
The statushas
ofbeen provided.
waterbirds
(start of May – end of July), control of compliance with restrictions and monitoring of the effectiveness of implemented to protect breeding at risk on the coast
the measure breeding sites of waterbirds has improved.
nesting at risk on the coasts at
(2a) JVM1 PP5 Develop and implement a Species Conservation Plan (SAP) for coastal nesting bird species with 2025 for the risk.
Development and
non-GES status. development of implementation of the SAP. Protection and improvement
the SAP, 2025- of species of birds reared on
2027 for the the coast.
implementation
(2a) JVM1 PP6 Prepare the necessary information and proposals for changes to the renewed spatial plan for of the SAP
2026-2027 Proposals for a renewed Ensuring the integration of the
Latvian marine waters and the thematic plan for coastal public infrastructure in relation to benthic habitats maritime spatial and coastal protection of the marine
and seabirds conservation areas, objectives and measures. thematic plan have been environment into marine and
prepared. coastal management policies.
(supporting measure) JVM1 PP7 Research monitoring to provide information in addition to indicators for 2025-2027 Research monitoring has been Improved information base for
assessing the status and pressures of seabirds in line with JSD requirements and HELCOM indicators. carried out. assessing the status of seabirds
and the pressures affecting
them.
(supporting measure) JVM1 PP8 Implement activities for the international exchange and coordination of Throughout the Activities for regional Improved regional cooperation
information on the assessment of the status and pressures of seabirds and the development of conservation plan period exchange of information for and protection of seabirds.
measures. the protection of seabirds
(supporting measure) JVM1 PP9 Assessment of the effectiveness of the seal protection measures 2027 have
An been carried
assessment of out. Information provided on the
implemented, taking into account trends in the evolution of seal populations as well as the impact of effectiveness has been carried effectiveness of seal
climate change on the marine environment. out. protection measures for policy
development.
6
(supporting measure) JVM1 PP10 Improving the information base on the provision of marine ecosystem 2023-2027 Research has been carried out Improved information base
services, spatial assessment and socio-economic value and the public accessibility of the information to and public information and availability of information
support policy decision-making. systems have been for the development of marine
complemented with data on environment protection and
2. Area of actions to achieve the objective (RV): marine
RV2 Prevent the introduction of ecosystem services.from human
new alien species management policies.
activity and minimise the
impact of existing marine invasive alien species as far as possible
Measures to achieve the objective Execution deadline Operational result Indicator of the result
Monitoring of ships’ ballast Threats to the marine
(1b) JVM1 EP6 Implement the measures provided for in the ‘Environmental Policy Program 2021-2027’ in water management and ecosystem from the
relation to the prevention of the risk to the marine ecosystem of ship ballast water and deposition: foreign species has been introduction of alien species
implement monitoring of ship ballast water and sediment management (including as part of 2022— implemented, adequate by ships’ ballast waters are
environmental control), including monitoring of alien species in ports and marine waters; 2027 for monitoring ballast water sediment assessed and prevented.
provide adequate ballast water sediment reception facilities in ports (where required/where repair 2027 for port reception facilities have been
of ships and tanks and ships cleaning is done). reception facilities provided in ports.
(2a) JVM1 PP11 Develop a regulatory framework for the management of the bio-fouling of ships and 2023— The bio-fouling of new non-
recreational crafts’ hull and implement measures to manage the bio-fouling of ships and recreational 2025 Regulations and measures native species by vessels and
craft in order to prevent the introduction of new alien species into marine waters (in accordance with have been put in place to recreational boat hulls has
IMO guidelines and the HELCOM Regional Baltic Biofouling Management Roadmap). manage the biological cover of been reduced.
[This measure is to be implemented together with measure JVM5 PP21] ships and recreational craft.
(2a) JVM1 PP12 Continue the implementation of measures to limit the population of the round goby 2025— Measures to limit the Depopulation of the round
(Neogobius melanostomus), including an action plan to combat this invasive alien species. 2027 population of round goby have goby and its impact on the
been implemented. marine ecosystem.
(2a) JVM1 PP13 Implement actions for the exchange of information in the marine region in relation to 2022, regular The ‘early warning system’ of Improved regional cooperation
the development of a common “early warning system” and list of invasive alien species (IAS) for the the marine ISS has been for the management of IAS.
Baltic Sea region. regularly updated, which is
included in the list of marine
(supporting measure) JVM1 PP14 Continue research on trends and impacts on the marine ecosystem of 2022— regions
Researchofhas
importance for out
been carried Improved information base on
alien species. 2027 Latvia.
on the distribution and impact the distribution and impact of
of marine alien species. marine alien species for policy
Marine environmental objective (JVM): JVM3 Eutrophication does not have a negative impact on the development.
marine ecosystem
3. Area of actions to achieve the objective (RV): RV3 Reduce the pressure of nutrient pollution on the marine environment and improve
information on significant sources of pollution
Measures to achieve the objective Execution deadline Operational result Indicator of the result
(1b) JVM3 EP7 Implement supplementary measures to reduce the introduction of nutrient pollution as Throughout the plan Supplementary measures The release of nutrient
set out in the RBMPs 2022-2027, ensuring the achievement of nutrient load targets for surface water period implemented in the RBMPs pollution into inland and
bodies, including supplementary measures to reduce pollution from agriculture, forestry, centralised 2022-2027. marine waters has decreased.
waste water and decentralised collecting systems in affected ‘risk’ water bodies and to reduce
transboundary pollution.
(1b) JVM3 EP8 Implement measures in line with the requirements of the EU Air Pollutant Emissions Throughout the plan Measures to reduce emissions Ensuring that Latvia’s overall
Directive (2016/2284), taking into account the need to reduce the atmospheric deposition of nutrients period of air pollutants have been air pollutant emission
at sea. implemented. reduction targets for the
period from 2020 to 2030 are
met.
7
2024 A study has been carried out Improved information base for
(supporting measure) JVM3 PP15 To conduct a national calculation of the reduction of nutrient load on on the load of nutrients to the policy development.
coastal waters achieved by measures in the updated RBMPs 2022-2027, achieving nutrient load targets sea, assessing the effect of
in surface water bodies. measures in the RBMPs.
2025 Evaluations of nutrient, Improved information base for
(supporting measure) JVM3 PP16 Conduct an assessment of the pollution load on rivers and the sea hazardous substances and policy development.
with nutrients, hazardous substances and micro-plastics from rainwater sewage and overflows and micro-plastic loads from
develop proposals for appropriate measures to reduce this pollution from wastewater and rainwater rainwater and overflows have
management systems. been carried out and
[This is a joint action for the Action Areas 3, 4 and 5 (on nutrient pollution, pollution of hazardous proposals have been made to
substances and the emissions of litter into the marine environment).] reduce these pressures.
(2a) JVM3 PP17 Provide available information at national level to HELCOM load impact assessments to 2024-2025 Provision of national Improved information base for
assess nutrient loads and impacts from cargo ships sewage, cargo residues and vessel technical waters information for HELCOM policy development and
(grey water). assessments. coordination in the marine region.
(2a) JVM3 PP18 Assess the need for improvements in the Latvian ports in order to comply with best 2024-2025 An evaluation has been Improved information base for
available technologies and practices for the handling and storage of fertilisers in ports to prevent carried out and the necessary policy development.
nutrient pollution. measures to prevent nutrient
pollution have been identified.
Marine environmental objective (JVM): JVM5: Levels of pollutant concentrations do not cause adverse effects on the marine
ecosystem
4. Area of actions to achieve the objective (RV): RV4 Reduce the pollution load of hazardous substances on the marine environment and
improve information on significant sources of pollution
Measures to achieve the objective Execution Operational result Indicator of the result
(1b) JVM5 EP9 Implement the additional measures set out in the RBMPs 2022-2027, which will reduce deadline
Throughout Monitoring of WWB and Information on hazardous
the pollution of hazardous substances from waste water, contaminated sites and currently unclear the plan period WWTP discharges. substances and sources of loading
sources of pollution, as well as improve information on such pollution and its sources. Remediation of contaminated has been clarified. Reduction of
sites. point pollution loads on surface and
groundwater.
(1b) JVM5 EP10 Implement the measures contained in the ‘National Waste Management Plan 2021- Throughout Measures implemented
The amount of waste generated has
2028’ to improve waste management, which will reduce the pollution of hazardous substances from the the plan period (different waste management
decreased, the amount of waste
streams and disposal of such waste. measures, research, education
separately collected, recycled and
and information measures).
landfilled has increased. Reduced
pollution pressure from waste
streams on the environment.
(1b) JVM5 EP11 Implement the measures contained in the Latvian National Implementation Plan on Throughout Measures implemented Separate collection of WEEE waste,
Persistent Organic Pollutants, which will reduce the release of PBDE and PFOS pollution into the the plan period (measures to ensure separate improved information on the
environment and improve information on the sources of pollution of these substances. collection of WEEE, studies, sources of substances and content
education and information of substances in products, improved
measures). understanding of substances and
their impacts among citizens and
businesses.
(1b) JVM5 EP12 Designing new waste incinerators (for waste recovery with energy recovery) to ensure Throughout Investment projects The amount of waste going to
compliance with environmental requirements on emissions of pollutants to air, including the use of best the plan period implemented. landfills has been reduced.
available techniques to prevent mercury emissions to air.
8
(2a) JVM5 PP19 Implement information and education measures on major pollutants in the marine 2023-2027 Information and education The use of products containing
environment (e.g. PBDE, PFOS, pharmaceuticals) on hazardous substances in products and articles, their measures have been hazardous substances and
impact on the environment and human health, the use of environmentally friendly alternatives and the proper implemented. pollution in the environment
handling of waste containing such substances in order to prevent pollutants from entering sewage water and have decreased.
the environment.
(supporting measure) JVM5 PP20 Study and, if necessary, develop GES limit values for hazardous substances 2023-2026 Studies have been carried out, Improved information base for
in marine sediment to assess their presence, prevalence and change patterns and the effectiveness of the proposals for limit values have policy development.
measures taken to reduce pressures. been drawn up.
(2a) JVM5 PP21 Examination of existing regulations for deepening ports, disposing of discarded soil and 2024-2026 Evaluation and regulatory
activities with polluted soil in order to prevent the release of hazardous pollutants into the marine proposals. Improved information on
environment that pose a risk of non-compliance with GES. pollution loads and necessary
measures to reduce pollution.
(2a) JVM5 PP22 Develop and implement a national framework for ship repair and hull maintenance to prevent 2023-2025 Regulations and measures Reduced release of TBT
TBT pollution from entering the local aquatic environment from such activities. have been implemented for pollution into the marine
[This measure is to be implemented together with Measure JVM1 PP11] ship repair and hull environment.
maintenance to prevent TBT
(2a) JVM5 PP23 Promote the use of TBT-free anti-surveillance paints on recreational craft/boats. 2023-2027 pollution. and education
Information Reduced release of TBT
measures have been pollution into the marine
implemented in relation to environment.
anti-surveillance paints used
by recreational vessels/boats.
(2a) JVM5 PP24 Improving the information and availability of pollution by hazardous substances from 2023-2027 (Additional) monitoring of
contaminated sites and landfills by improving existing information systems and ensuring the necessary hazardous substances, Improved information to
research and regular monitoring of the sites for significant hazardous substances, which poses a risk of non- additions to information assess the pollution load and
compliance with environmental quality objectives in inland and marine waters. systems. the need for measures.
(supporting measure) JVM5 PP25 Study on the magnitude of the load, the need for additional measures and 2023-2027 Studies have been carried out An improved information base
possible additional measures to prevent the run-off and spread of hazardous substances from accumulated on the magnitude of loads, on pressures and their
pollution and waste disposal in soil and sediment, for hazardous substances that pose a risk of non- proposals for pollution mitigation options for policy
compliance with environmental quality objectives in inland and marine waters. management have been development.
(2b) JVM5 PP26 Promote the substitution of materials and articles containing hazardous substances (such as 2023-2027 drawn up.activities have been
Research The use of articles and
PBDEs, PFOS and substances that degrade) used in industry, energy, maritime transport and infrastructure carried out, guidelines for materials containing hazardous
industries with materials and articles that do not contain these substances (e.g. fire-fighting foams, EEE, material replacement have substances has decreased and
textiles, plastics, building materials, etc.). been developed, information the risk of contamination of
measures have been these substances has been
implemented. reduced.
9
Marine environmental objective (JVM): JVM6: Solid waste does not have undesirable effects on the marine ecosystem
5. Area of actions to achieve the objective (RV): RV5 Reduce litter inputs to the sea-shore and aquatic environment and improve the
information base and analytical tools to assess pressures and effectiveness of measures
Measures to achieve the objective Execution deadline Operational result Indicator of the result
(1b) JVM6 EP13 Implement the measures contained in the ‘National Waste Management Plan 2021- Throughout the plan Measures implemented The amount of waste generated
2028’ to prevent waste generation, improve separate waste collection and reuse systems, including period (different waste management has decreased, the amount of
consumer information and education, in order to reduce waste generation and release into the measures, research, education waste separately collected,
environment. and information measures). recycled and landfilled has
increased. Reduced pollution
pressure from waste streams on
the environment.
(1b) JVM6 EP14 Implement the measures set out in the section ‘Measures to reduce litter from marine, Throughout the plan Measures to reduce litter have Littering of marine, coastal,
coastal, inland waters, special areas of conservation and other areas’ (18 measures, 6 lines of action) of period been implemented. inland waters, special areas of
the ‘National Waste Management Plan 2021-2028’. conservation and other areas
has decreased.
(2a) JVM6 PP27 Assess the need for national regulation to provide an effective incentive for the transfer 2024 Increased amount of passively
of passively fished waste (captured in fishing nets) and lost fishing gear to port reception facilities. Evaluation and regulatory fished waste and lost fishing
proposals. gear delivered in ports.
(2a) JVM6 PP28 Develop and implement a national framework prohibiting the deliberate mass release 2024 The regulatory framework has Balloon waste has decreased on
of single-use inflated balloons. been developed and the coast and in the marine
implemented. environment.
(2a) JVM6 PP29 Develop guidelines for local authorities to define measures to reduce marine litter in 2023 Guidelines for municipalities
municipal planning/normative documents. have been drawn up. Waste management has
improved and the waste load on
the coast has decreased.
(supporting measure) JVM6 PP30 Implementation studies to collect data and develop assessments on 2022 - 2026 Studies, environmental Improved information base for
solid waste and micro-waste in the marine aquatic environment. objectives, status indicators and policy development.
assessments have been carried
(supporting measure) JVM6 PP31 Implement a study to develop an analytical, national policy decision- 2024 - 2025 out.
A study has been carried out, an Improved information base for
making support tool for assessing the effectiveness and socio-economic assessment of policy measures, analytical tool has been policy development.
covering measures to reduce solid waste input loads and to achieve environmental objectives. developed to evaluate the
measures.
10
2. Justification of measures
For the Descriptors, for which the current state has been assessed as non-compliant with GES3, an
assessment of the risk of non-achievement of marine environmental objectives and GES by 2027 was
conducted. If such a risk exists, it is necessary to envisage and implement additional measures to achieve
environmental objectives and GES. The ‘risk assessment’ is based on a ‘baseline scenario’, which includes
an assessment of expected changes in the pressures, taking into account the expected development of
marine activities and the effects of existing policy measures affecting pressures. The ‘baseline scenario’
reflects the situation by 2030. “Risk assessment” has been carried out for D1 “biodiversity” for benthic
habitats, seabirds and seals, D2 “alien species”, D5 “eutrophication” for pressure of nutrient input, D8
“hazardous substances in the marine environment” and D10 “marine litter” concerning the beach litter.
The ‘risk assessment’ provided information on significant sources of load, the effectiveness of existing
policies to reduce load, expected reduction of load and distance to the environmental objective, which
allowed to identify policy gaps where additional measures are needed.
Based on the results of the ‘risk assessment’, the necessary additional measures were developed for the
identified policy gaps. HELCOM’s renewed ‘Baltic Sea Action Plan’ was taken into account in the design of
the measures.4
In line with the requirements of the MSFD, the additional measures were subject to a socio-economic
assessment. This is in line with the recommendations in the EU guidelines5 for such an assessment. The
assessment included technical feasibility, costs and cost-effectiveness of the additional measures and
benefits of the achieved improvements in the quality of the marine environment, achieving GES.
The proposals for the Programme of Measures include, as individual measures, significant planned
measures of existing policies (corresponding to group 1b) and additional measures where needed (2a, 2b,
supporting measures). The following is a summary of each Descriptor justifying the need for the measures
and describes the measures included in the proposals for the programme of measures. A summary of the
socio-economic assessment of the additional measures is provided in Chapter 3 of this report.
3
According to the updated assessment of the status of the marine environment (LHEI (2018) Marine State
Assessment 2018, available at https://drive.google.com/file/d/17Rkcrg5qEnVuNxFEzLiR88VQqkKUnKyx/view) and
research results from the project “Improving knowledge on the state of the marine environment” (No. 17-F06803-
000001).
4
Approved in 2021, information available at https://helcom.fi/baltic-sea-action-plan/.
5
European Commission (2020) Programmes of measures and Exceptions under the Marine Strategy Framework
Directive – Recommendations for implementation and reporting for the updates in the 2nd cycle. DG Environment,
Brussels. (MSFD Guidance Document 10).
11
D1 Biodiversity
Benthic habitats6
Assessment of the state of the marine environment
Marine environmental objective: JVM1 Anthropogenic activities have not adversely affected marine
habitats and species.
Habitat type Compliance of existing status with good environmental status (GES) Situation in the
‘baseline scenario’
(2030)
Soft bottom Non- Some
habitats HELCOM indicator ‘Bentic Quality Index’ – the status does not compliant anthropogenic
meet the GES limit value in most Latvian marine waters. GES pressures are
Solid bottom expected to
There are no common state indicators. Data for indicators of Non- decrease.
habitats pressures on habitats – the existing levels of pressures are not compliant
adequate to ensure good habitat status. GES The status
compliance with
Latvia’s report on the conservation status of habitats and GES has not been
species in Latvia assessed the overall conservation status as assessed.
poor in 2013-2018.
Pressures causing negative effects
Nutrient inputs and eutrophication effects, distribution and impact of existing alien species, water turbidity and
browning, changes in hydrological conditions, fish catches and other human-induced disturbances in food chains,
physical pressures (habitat damage).
Policy gaps where additional measures are needed
Improvement of the effectiveness of conservation of benthic habitats (methodology for assessing the effectiveness
of the network of protected marine areas (MPAs), quantitative conservation objectives, identification of effective
conservation measures, integration of habitat conservation into marine management policy) and improvement of
status (biotope restoration plan).
Measures for the updated programme of measures to achieve good GES
Basic measures – (1b) JVM1 EP2 Implement the actions provided for in the ‘Priority Action Programme for the
Measures needed to Natura 2000 network in Latvia (2021-2027)’ in relation to the protection of benthic habitats
achieve GES in other and the improvement of information on the status of benthic habitats, pressures and
policies up to 2027 (1b) impacts affecting them, in particular:
• define new MPAs to protect benthic habitats in EEA waters and develop MPAs
the management plan;
• ensure monitoring of marine habitats and regular monitoring of marine biodiversity
monitoring, including in marine Natura 2000 sites;
• carry out an assessment of the effectiveness of the marine Natura 2000 network;
• carry out a study on the impact of invasive alien species on ecosystems, habitats;
natural species and the best containment techniques for IAS not included in the IAS list of
EU importance;
• monitor invasive alien species and develop and implement an action plan at sea
to contain invasive foreign species.
6
A full evaluation is provided in AKTiiVS (2022) Thematic Report: Assessment of the risk of not achieving good
environmental status in the marine environment and proposals for a updated programme of marine measures for
D1 for marine benthic habitats. Report on the project ‘Improving knowledge on the state of the marine environment’,
financed by the EU’s European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (No 17-00-F06803-000001).
12
Related existing policies: Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of
natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora; the Law on Special Areas of Conservation; EU
Biodiversity Strategy 2030; The Environmental Policy Guidelines 2021-2027; ‘Priority Action
Programme for the Natura 2000 network in Latvia (2021-2027)’; HELCOM BJAP (2021) Actions
B1, B3, B4.
There are no such measures.
Additional measures –
Existing or additional
measures from the 1st
programme of measures
(2016-2020) (2a, 2b)
Additional measures – (2a) JVM1 PP1 Develop and implement a national restoration plan for marine habitats,
new measures (2a, 2b, including objectives and measures for the restoration of marine habitats, and proposals for
supporting measures) strict protection areas within MPAs, which will at the same time serve as scientific reference
areas. When setting habitats and sites for restoration and strict protection and restoration
objectives, it is necessary to assess and take into account the ecosystem services they provide
and the socio-economic impacts of the designation of such potential sites.
The recovery plan should cover both hard and soft substrate habitats. Reducing the inputs of
biogenic and invasive foreign species is a prerequisite for improving the condition of these
habitats. Strict protection areas would be designated as part of the implementation of the
measure. Such areas within MPAs should also be designated for soft-soil habitats, prohibiting
any human activity (including bottom trawl fishing) in order to prevent any impact on these
habitats by allowing them to regenerate.
Links with other policies: The EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 (including the planned EC
proposal for legally binding EU nature restoration targets); The Environmental Policy
Guidelines 2021-2027; HELCOM BJRP (2021) Actions B1, B26, B27, HT16, HT17.
(2a) JVM1 PP2 Develop, for the MPA management plan, quantitative benthic habitat
conservation objectives for each MPA and the management measures necessary to achieve
them to address anthropogenic pressures (including the management of significant invasive
alien marine species) and to effectively protect native species in order to ensure effective
protection of benthic habitats and the ecosystem services they provide.
Links with other policies: Biodiversity Strategy 2030; ‘Priority Action Programme for the
Natura 2000 network in Latvia (2021-2027)’; The Environmental Policy Guidelines 2021-2027;
HELCOM BJAP (2021) Action B1, B3.
(2a) JVM1 PP3 Develop a national methodology for assessing the effectiveness of the MPA
network, covering both habitat protection and MPA management effectiveness aspects.
Links with other policies: EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030; The Environmental Policy Guidelines
2021-2027; ‘Priority Action Programme for the Natura 2000 network in Latvia (2021-2027)’;
HELCOM BJAP (2021) Action B3.
(2a) JVM1 PP6 Prepare the necessary information and proposals for changes to the updated
Maritime Spatial Plan for Latvian marine waters in relation to benthic habitat conservation
areas, objectives and measures.
Links with other policies: ‘Maritime plan 2030’7; HELCOM BJRP (2021) Action HT13, HT14.
7
Cabinet Order No 232 of 21 May 2019 on JWRAS planning 2030. Maritime planning for the internal maritime waters,
territorial sea and exclusive economic zone waters of the Republic of Latvia’, available at
https://www.varam.gov.lv/lv/juras-telpiskais-planojums.
13
(supporting measure) JVM1 PP10 Improving the information base on the provision of
marine ecosystem services, spatial assessment and socio-economic value and public
accessibility of this information to support policy decision-making.
Links with other policies: Biodiversity Strategy 2030; The Environmental Policy Guidelines
2021-2027; ‘Priority Action Programme for the Natura 2000 network in Latvia (2021-
2027)’; HELCOM BSAP (2021) Action B25, HT16, HT17.
Seabirds8
Assessment of the state of the marine environment
Marine environmental objective: JVM1 Anthropogenic activities have not adversely affected marine
habitats and species.
Species Compliance of existing status with good environmental status (GES) Situation in the ‘baseline
group scenario’ (2030)
Wintering Compliant Further reductions in
birds HELCOM indicator ‘Number of birds in the wintering with GES anthropogenic pressures are
season’ (the condition is good if 75 % of the species fall
expected. No reasons for non-
below 30 % compared to the 1991-2000 period, or
compliance with GES have
20 % for species with only one egg).
been identified.
Breeding birds HELCOM indicator ‘Number of birds during the rearing Non- A minor decrease is expected
season’ (the status is considered to be good if 75 % of compliant in significant anthropogenic
the species fall below 30 % compared to the period GES pressures.
1991-2000, or 20 % for species with only one egg). The status compliance with
GES has not been assessed.
Likely non-compliance with
GES.
Pressures causing negative effects
Nesting birds: Disturbance of the species due to human presence on the coast of tourism and recreation, impact of
eutrophication, pressures outside the Baltic Sea area, impact of alien species.
Wintering birds: by-catch in fishing gear, fish catches (including overfishing), nutrient inputs and eutrophication
effects, impact of alien species, pollution of hazardous substances, pollution of hydrocarbons, pressures outside the
Baltic Sea region, disturbance of the species – barriers and collisions, introduction of litter to the coast and marine
environment.
Policy gaps where additional measures are needed
Improvement of coastal nesting seabird populations (especially for small and marine larvae, river and sand bars),
studies to assess status and pressures, regional cooperation for the protection of seabirds.
Measures for the updated programme of measures to achieve and maintain good GES
Basic measures – Measures (1b) JVM1 EP1 Implement the measures provided for in the ‘Priority Action Programme for
needed to achieve GES in the Natura 2000 network in Latvia (2021-2027)’ in relation to the protection of marine
other policies biodiversity, including:
• identify new MPAs in the waters of the EEZ and develop a management plan for MPAs;
• research on the importance of feeding, breeding and migration for seabirds
sites and habitats.
8
A full evaluation is provided in AKTiiVS (2022) Thematic Report: Assessment of the risk of not achieving good
environmental status in the marine environment and proposals for the updated programme of marine measures for
D1 for seabirds. Report on the project ‘Improving knowledge on the state of the marine environment’, financed by
the EU’s European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (No 17-00-F06803-000001).
14
during the period to (1b) JVM1 EP2 Implement the measures provided for in the ‘Priority Action Programme
2027 (1b) for the Natura 2000 network in Latvia (2021-2027)’ in relation to pressures on marine
biodiversity, including:
• monitoring of by-catches; monitor invasive foreign species; and
the establishment of a monitoring system, research on the impact of these species
and the development of effective management measures; assess the impact of
climate change on species and habitats and develop adaptation measures; carry
out an assessment of the impact of wind farms on migratory birds;
• develop and implement an action plan for the management of invasive alien
species (including:
for round goby); develop measures to reduce by-catches of birds and seals in
coastal fisheries; implement actions to deal with pollution incidents at sea;
• implement measures related to the restoration of coastal habitats; and
protection, reduction of anthropogenic pressure from major public events
and development of tourism infrastructure along the coast.
Related existing policies: Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation
of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora; Directive 2009/147/EC of the European
Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds;
national regulation of SACs; ‘Priority Action Programme for the Natura 2000 network in
Latvia (2021-2027)’; HELCOM BSAP (2021) for action in the biodiversity segment, in
particular B1, B4, B6, B11, B14, B25, B29.
(1b) JVM1 EP3 Implementing a pilot project to limit access for recreational activities to
three coastal SACs in important locations and for a period (from 1 April to 1 August in the
‘Ovīši’ (Irbes estuary) and Slīteres national park (Ķikana estuary) and from 1 May to 1
August in the Natural Park ‘Piejūra’ (Gauja estuary)).
Related existing policies: The individual conservation and use regulations and nature
conservation plans of the SACs concerned.
(1b) JVM1 EP4 Continue regular monitoring of the condition of wintering and nesting birds
in the framework of the National Monitoring Programme.
Related existing policies: Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the
Council of 17 June 2008 establishing a framework for community action in the field of
marine environmental policy (Marine Strategy Framework Directive) (Article 11); Directive
2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the
conservation of wild birds.
There are no such measures.
Additional measures –
Existing or additional
measures from the 1st
programme of measures
(2016-2020) (2a, 2b)
Additional measures – new (2a) JVM1 PP4 Setting restrictions on recreational activities at critical locations and during
measures (2a, 2b, the period (start of May – end of July) for the protection of breeding birds including, by
supporting measures) demarcating areas to prevent human access, requiring dogs to be accompanied,
signposting information, monitoring compliance with restrictions in places and monitoring
the effectiveness of the measure.
The location of the implementation (restriction) of the measure is intended to be defined
in the preparatory phase for the implementation of the measure. In defining these areas,
it is necessary to find a solution to reconcile nature conservation and tourism interests
and to ensure the timely involvement of coastal authorities in coordination with the
planning of the development of coastal public infrastructure.
Links with other policies: Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the
Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds; Law on the Protection of
Species and Habitat (16.03.2000); national regulation of SACs.
15
(2a) JVM1 PP5 Develop and implement a Species Conservation Plan (SAP) for coastal
nesting bird species with non-GES status.
The SAP could include safeguards as JVM1 PP4. The SAP would also provide information
for the coordination and integration of conservation measures in other policy areas (e.g.
coastal infrastructure and development planning, implementation of new coastal
infrastructure projects).
Links with other policies: Law on the Protection of Species and Habitat (16.03.2000).
(2a) JVM1 PP6 Prepare the necessary information and proposals for changes to the
thematic planning of coastal public infrastructure and maritime spatial planning in relation
to areas, objectives and measures for the protection of seabirds.
Links with other policies: National thematic planning for the development of coastal public
infrastructure9; ‘Maritime plan 2030’; HELCOM BJRP (2021) Action HT13, HT14.
(supporting measure) JVM1 PP7 Research monitoring to provide information for
additional indicators for assessing the status and pressures of seabirds in line with MSFD
requirements and HELCOM indicators (due to oil pollution deaths, age structure of bird
species).
Links with other policies: HELCOM BJRP (2021) Actions B33, B35, S38.
(supporting measure) JVM1 PP8 Implement activities for the international exchange and
coordination of information on the assessment of the status and pressures of seabirds and
the development of conservation measures.
Links with other policies: —
Seals10
Assessment of the state of the marine environment
Marine environmental objective: JVM1 Anthropogenic activities have not adversely affected marine
habitats and species.
Compliance of existing status with good environmental status (GES) Situation in the
Species/species
‘baseline scenario’
group
(2030)
Grey seal The indicators for number and trend are in line with the Overall Anthropogenic
(assessed for the GES threshold. assessment – pressures are
Baltic Sea as a Non-GES expected to decrease.
Indicators for feeding and reproductive status are not in
whole) Compliance with GES
line with the GES limit.
has not been assessed
Ringed seal Overall (insufficient
(assessed for the The indicator for number and trend is in line with the GES assessment – information on
Baltic Sea as a limit, although the population growth rate is negative Non-GES
(reduced). pressures and other
whole) factors).
The prevalence indicator does not meet the GES threshold.
Pressures causing negative effects
Climate change (decrease in ice, changes in hydrological conditions, rising sea levels).
9
Cabinet Order No 692 of 17.11.2016 on the long-term national thematic plan for the development of public
infrastructure on the Baltic Sea coast.
10
A full evaluation is provided in AKTiiVS (2022) Thematic Report: Assessment of the risk of not achieving good
environmental status in the marine environment and proposals for the updated programme of measures for D1 for
seals. Report of the project ‘Improving knowledge on the state of the marine environment’, financed by the EU’s
European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (No 17-00-F06803-000001).
16
Anthropogenic pressures with an impact on the seal population and the condition of their habitats – by-catch of seals
in fishing gear, overfishing, deliberate killing of seals, disturbance of species from human presence, contamination of
the marine environment by hazardous substances, effects of eutrophication, impulsive underwater noise.
Policy gaps where additional measures are needed
The effectiveness of the measures implemented, taking into account pressures and the impact of climate change.
Measures for the updated programme of measures to achieve good GES
Basic measures – (1b) JVM1 Implementation of the measures contained in the grey seal ‘Phoca hispida’,
Measures needed to ringed seal (Halichoerus grypus) and harbour seal (Pusa vitulina) species protection plan
achieve GES in other (SAP) 2021-2031, including:
policies up to 2027 (1b)
• implement effective measures to reduce by-catches of seals in coastal fisheries;
including the development of technical solutions and the introduction of safe
methods for the deterrence of seals and seals and measures to inform and educate
fishermen;
• implement a set of measures for the protection and management of juvenile seals;
• research and data collection on the status of seal populations and their impact
to assess the pressures by implementing the inventory of seals that have died in
fishing gears, the inventory of seals in the Gulf of Riga and the monitoring of the
foraging state of the grey seal in Latvian waters.
Related existing policies: National seal SAP (2021-2031); Regulation (EU) 2019/1241 of the
European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on the conservation of fishery
resources and the protection of marine ecosystems through technical measures; Priority
Action Programme for the Natura 2000 network in Latvia (2021-2027); HELCOM BJAP
(2021) Actions B19 and B20.
Additional measures – There are no such measures.
Existing or additional
measures from the 1st
programme of
measures (2016-2020)
(2a, 2b)
(supporting measure) JVM1 PP9 Assessment of the effectiveness of the seal protection
Additional measures – measures implemented, taking into account trends in the evolution of seal populations as
new measures (2a, 2b, well as the impact of climate change on the marine environment.
supporting measures)
Links with other policies: National conservation plan for seal species (2021-2031).
17
D2 Alien species 11
Assessment of the state of the marine environment
Marine environmental objective: JVM1 Anthropogenic activities have not adversely affected marine
habitats and species.
Load Compliance of existing status with good environmental status (GES) Situation in the ‘baseline
scenario’ (2030)
Arrival of new non- HELCOM baseline indicator on new alien species arrival Non-compliant Non-compliance with GES
native species trends; the limit value shall be zero. GES is expected.
Adverse effects of The condition indicator and the GES threshold are not Impact not in Expected improvement in
existing non-native defined. line with GES status, compliance with
species level GES has not been
Non-native species (especially round goby) cause significant
assessed.
pressures on marine benthic habitats, fish and bird species.
Activities causing pressure, major impacts
New alien species introduction: Ballast waters of ships, bio-fouling of vessels and recreational craft. ‘Activities and
sources outside the Baltic Sea’, ‘Aquaculture including infrastructure’ and ‘Transport – shipping infrastructure
(channels)’ are also important sources of pressure for new foreign species in the Baltic Sea in general.
Adverse effects of existing non-native species: impact of round goby (Neogobius melanostomus), etc.
Policy gaps where additional measures are needed
Prevention of the arrival of new alien species by ships and recreational crafts, regional exchange of information for
the development of an “early warning system” and list of invasive alien species, research on the distribution and
impact of marine alien species, and further restricting the population of the most important alien species (round
goby).
Measures for the renewed programme of measures to achieve good GES
Basic measures – Measures (1b) JVM1 EP6 Implement the measures provided for in the ‘Environmental Policy Program 2021-
needed to achieve GES in 2027’ related to the prevention of hazards to the marine ecosystem of ship ballast water and
other policies up to 2027 deposition, including:
(1b)
• implement monitoring of ship ballast water and sediment management (including
environmental
as part of controls), including monitoring of non-native species in ports and marine waters
(executive deadline 2021-2027);
• provide adequate ballast water sediment reception facilities in ports (where:
necessary/where ship repairs, repairs and cleaning take place (executive date 2027).
Related existing policies: The International Convention on the Control and Management of Ships’
Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004; Act on the International Convention on the Control and
Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 (adopted on 20/06/2018);
Environmental Policy Guidelines 2021-2027.
(1b) JVM1 EP2 Implement the measures provided for in the ‘Priority Action Programme for the
Natura 2000 network in Latvia (2021-2027)’ in connection with research and the drawing up of an
action plan for invasive alien species (ISS), including:
• carry out a study on the impact of IAS on the ecosystem, habitats, natural species, and
on the best containment techniques for IAS not included in the list of IAS of EU relevance;
11
A full evaluation is provided in AKTiiVS (2022) Thematic Report: Assessment of the risk of not achieving good
environmental status in the marine environment and proposals for the updated programme of measures for D2
‘alien species’. Report on the project ‘Improving knowledge on the state of the marine environment’, financed by
the EU’s European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (No 17-00-F06803-000001).
18
• develop and implement an action plan to limit marine IAS in relation to the round
gobies and Chinese glove crabs.
Related existing policies: Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014 of the European Parliament and
of the Council of 22 October 2014 on the prevention and management of the introduction
and spread of invasive alien species; ‘Priority Action Programme for the Natura 2000
network in Latvia (2021-2027)’; Environmental Policy Guidelines 2021-2027.
Additional measures – (supporting measure) JVM1 PP14 Continue research on trends and impacts on the marine
Existing or additional ecosystem of non-marine species.
measures from the 1st Links with other policies: Marine Strategy Framework Directive (2008/56/EC); The
programme of Environmental Policy Guidelines 2021-2027; Priority Action Programme for the Natura
measures (2016-2020) 2000 network in Latvia (2021-2027).
(2a, 2b)
Additional measures –
new measures (2a, 2b, (2a) JVM1 PP11 Develop a regulatory framework for the management of the bio-fouling of
supporting measures) ships and recreational craft and implement measures to manage the bio-fouling of ships
and recreational craft in order to prevent the introduction of new alien species into
marine waters (in accordance with IMO guidelines and the HELCOM Regional Baltic
Biofouling Management Roadmap), including:
• develop a national framework based on a coordinated framework for the Baltic Sea
region for in-water cleaning of vessels and boat hulls and ensuring the collection
and disposal of biomaterial;
• implement information measures on regulatory requirements; and
the measures to be taken, as well as training for inspection and cleaning of vessels;
national ship-owners and operators to take measures for bio-fouling management
in accordance with the national guidelines and regulations;
• owners and operators of national recreational craft to take appropriate measures
or the establishment and maintenance of an effective anti-fouling system in
accordance with the national guidelines and regulations;
• operators of ship maintenance and repair infrastructures to take measures in
accordance with the requirements of national regulations;
• implement controls at ship/boat cleaning and maintenance sites for compliance
with national regulatory requirements.
[This measure is to be implemented in conjunction with measure JVM5 PP21.]
Links with other policies: IMO guidelines (Resolution MEPC.207(62), July 2011); HELCOM
BJAP (2021) Actions S8 and S10 (including: HELCOM Regional Baltic Biofouling
Management Roadmap.
(2a) JVM1 PP12 Continue the implementation of measures to limit the population of the
round goby (Neogobius melanostomus), including an action plan to combat this invasive
alien species (IAS).
The action plan will be developed under the framework measure (1b) JVM1 under EP2.
The aim of this measure is to ensure the implementation of the Action Plan. The measure
would also include including round dog on the list of IAS of national importance under EU
Regulation 1143/2014 (Article 12) and extending the requirements of the Regulation to
this ISS (action plan, management measures, monitoring system).
Links with other policies: Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014 of the European Parliament and
of the Council of 22 October 2014 on the prevention and management of the introduction
and spread of invasive alien species; The Environmental Policy Guidelines 2021-2027;
Priority Action Programme for the Natura 2000 network in Latvia (2021-2027).
(2a) JVM1 PP13 Implement actions for the exchange of information in the marine region
in relation to the development of a common “early warning system” and list of invasive
alien species (ISS) for the Baltic Sea region.
19
The measure consists of supplementing the information in the ISS “early warning system”
for the Baltic Sea region, a dedicated module in the AquaNIS database12. The Baltic Sea
countries have agreed on this as a common framework and no specific national systems
are planned. Data on detections of new foreign species are derived from the
environmental monitoring of non-native species in the framework of the national
monitoring programme ((1b) JVM1 EP6). The measure also provides for participation in
marine activities for the development of a common list of IAS for the Baltic Sea Region, as
well as in other marine information exchange activities related to the topic of alien
species.
Links with other policies: Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014 of the European Parliament and
of the Council of 22 October 2014 on the prevention and management of the introduction
and spread of invasive alien species; The Environmental Policy Guidelines 2021-2027;
HELCOM BJRP (2021) S7.
D5 Eutrophication (nutrient inputs into the marine environment)13
Assessment of the state of the marine environment
Marine environmental objective: JVM3 Eutrophication does not have a negative impact on the marine
ecosystem.
Load Compliance of existing status with good environmental status (GES) Situation in the ‘baseline
scenario’ (2030)
Nutrient input and National ‘Marine Environmental Status Assessment’ (2018) Non- Reduction of load close
eutrophication – eutrophication status is not in line with GES in both compliant to the load target but
effects Latvian marine water basins (Central Baltic Basin and Gulf GES uncertainty in the
of Riga). The nutient input load exceeds the HELCOM load adequacy of the
target level for Latvia. reduction.
Pressure sources and activities causing the pressure
The input of nutrients into a river from cross-border pollution from upstream countries, natural background run-
offs, agricultural, forestry, centralised and individual sewerage systems, etc. on land; atmospheric deposition of
nitrogen to the sea; sources of load at sea (from maritime transport and ports).
Policy gaps where additional measures are needed
Assessment of the adequacy of the reduction of pressure on sea basins to meet the load targets, taking into
account the effect of the implementation of the measures set out in the RBMPs 2022-2027, achieving the nutrient
load targets in surface water bodies. Information on the amount of load and effective load reduction measures
from rainwater and maritime transport and ports.
Full implementation of the additional measures set out in the RBMPs 2022-2027 is necessary to ensure the
achievement of the sea basin pressure targets.
12
AquaNIS (2015) Information system on aquatic non-indigenous and cryptogenic species, available at
http://www.corpi.ku.lt/databases/index.php/aquanis.
13
A full evaluation is provided in AKTiiVS (2022) Thematic Report: Assessment of the risk of not achieving good
environmental status in the marine environment and proposals for the updated programme of marine measures for
the D5 “nutrient inputs into the marine environment”. Report on the project ‘Improving knowledge on the state of
the marine environment’, financed by the EU’s European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (No 17-00-F06803-000001).
20
Measures for the updated programme of measures to achieve good GES
Basic measures – Measures
needed to achieve GES in (1b) JVM3 EP7 Implementing supplementary measures to reduce the input of nutrient pollution
other policies up to 2027 as set out in the RBMPs 2022-2027, ensuring the achievement of nutrient load targets in surface
(1b) water bodies, including:
• Supplementary measures to reduce pollution from agriculture
in the affected ‘risk’ water bodies, including the establishment of permanent crops on
arable land, the introduction of conservation (minimum) soil treatment, the reduction of
the use of nitrogen fertilisers (by 20 % of the norm), the establishment of a sedimentation
pond (basin), the establishment of controlled drainage, the installation of artificial
wetland (surface or underground), the conversion to organic farming, the establishment
of a buffer strip along water courses (blue ditches) of 6 metres.
• Supplementary measures to reduce pollution from forestry
in the affected ‘risk’ water bodies, including the installation of a 15 m width of a forest
coastal protection zone (buffer zone), the establishment of a peak flow control dam, the
installation of a surface filtration area, the installation of a sedimentation pond (basin).
• Supplementary measures to reduce point pollution from waste water
in the affected “risk” water bodies, through the construction of new WWTPs and the
improvement of the functioning of the existing WWTP, enhanced control of the
effectiveness of the WWTP and the preparation of proposals to improve the functioning
of the WWTP, where the need for improvement of the WWTP performance has been
identified by reviewing discharges permitted in polluting activity permits, etc.
• Supplementary measures for pollution caused by decentralised collecting systems
reduction, including control of decentralised sewerage systems and appropriate
management, reduction of distributed biogenic loads in tourist accommodation,
campsites and recreation areas.
• Supplementary measures to reduce transboundary pollution, including cooperation
with the authorities of Lithuania, Belarus, Russia and Estonia responsible for drawing up
and implementing the RBMPs, with a view to preparing international management plans
for shared river basins; continue trans-national cooperation on reducing transboundary
pollution and improving water quality, coordinating a joint monitoring programme and
joint ecological quality assessment.
Related existing policies: Additional measures in the updated RBMPs (2022-2027) stemming from
the WFD (2000/60/EC); HELCOM BJAP (2021) Action E3, E4 etc. Action in the eutrophication
segment to reduce the burden of biogen inputs from land-based sources; The EU CAP (2021-
2027); EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030; A European Farm to Fork Strategy.
(1b) JVM3 EP8 Implement measures in line with the requirements of the EU Air Pollutant
Emissions Directive (2016/2284), taking into account the need to reduce the atmospheric
deposition of biogenics at sea.
Related existing policies: Directive (EU) 2016/2284 of the European Parliament and of the Council
of 14 December 2016 on the reduction of national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants,
amending Directive 2003/35/EC and repealing Directive 2001/81/EC; Cabinet Order No 167
(16.04.2020) on the Air Pollution Reduction Action Plan 2020-2030; HELCOM BJAP (2021) Action
E21.
Additional measures – (Supporting measure) JVM3 PP14 To conduct a national calculation of the reduced nutrient load
Existing or additional to coastal waters, achieved through measures in the updated RBMPs (2022-2027) to achieve
measures from the 1st nutrient load targets in surface water bodies.
programme of measures
The calculation will clarify whether the measures set out in the RBMPs are sufficient to meet the
(2016-2020) (2a, 2b)
HELCOM biogenic load targets for Latvia for sea basins. The measure includes the development
of a national methodology for calculating the biogenic load on coastal waters, taking into
account the effect of measures in the RBMPs, the calculation of load scenarios and an
assessment of the compliance of these scenarios with the HELCOM load targets set for Latvia.
21
Links with other policies: Water Structure Directive (2000/60/EC); The Environmental Policy
Guidelines 2021-2027; HELCOM BJAP (2021) E1 and E3.
Additional measures – (Supporting measure) JVM3 PP15 Conduct an assessment of the pollution load to rivers and the sea
new measures (2a, 2b, with nutrients, hazardous substances and micro-plastics from rainwater sewers and overflows and
supporting measures) draw up proposals for appropriate measures to reduce this pollution from wastewater and
rainwater management systems.
[This is a joint action for action lines 3, 4 and 5 (on biogenic pollution, pollution of hazardous
substances and the introduction of waste into the marine environment).]
Links with other policies: The Environmental Policy Guidelines 2021-2027; HELCOM
Recommendation 23/5-Rev.1 (adopted 06.03.2002, amended 04.06.2021) ‘Reduction of Discharges
from urban areas by the proper management of sorm water systems’;
HELCOM Recommendation 42-43 of 20.10.2021 – Revised Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter.
(2a) JVM3 PP17 Provide available information at national level to HELCOM load impact assessments
to assess nutrient loads and impacts from cargo ships sewage, cargo residues and vessel technical
waters (grey water).
Links with other policies: HELCOM BJRP (2021) Actions S14, S15, S17.
(2a) JVM3 PP18 Assess the need for improvements in Latvian ports in order to comply with best
available technologies and practices for the handling and storage of fertilisers in ports to prevent
nutreint pollution (covering both fertiliser transhipment facilities and practices for their operation).
Links with other policies: HELCOM BJAP (2021) Action S21.
D8 Hazardous substances in the marine environment14
Assessment of the state of the marine environment
Marine environmental objective: JVM5 Contaminant concentrations do not cause undesirable effects on
the marine ecosystem.
Environmen Compliance of existing status with good environmental status (GES) Situation in the ‘baseline
tal matrix scenario’ (2030)
Biota (Fish) For an environmental matrix for which an Mercury, Polybrominated A reduction in the input
ecological quality standard (EQS) has been Diphenyl ethers (PBDE) load (around 40 % for
established, the concentration of the not compliant with GES mercury, around 15-30 %
substance is assessed for compliance with PBDE) is expected, but is
the EQS limit value. unlikely to be sufficient to
meet GES.
Water For an environmental matrix for which an No non-compliance with Not assessed
ecological quality standard (EQS) has been EQS are detected
established, the concentration of the
substance is assessed for compliance with
the EQS limit value.
Sediments The environmental matrix for which the The threat to the marine Expected reduction of the
EQS has not been established is subject to environment is posed by input load of around 30-
an additional assessment. organostannic tin 40 % of PFOS, unaltered
Elevated sediment concentrations (above compounds, in particular TBT load, or
methods detection) tributyl tin (TBT), and
14
A full evaluation is provided in AKTiiVS (2022) Thematic Report: Assessment of the risk of not achieving good
environmental status in the marine environment and proposals for the updated programme of marine measures for
D8 “hazardous substances in the marine environment”. Report on the project ‘Improving knowledge on the state of
the marine environment’, financed by the EU’s European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (No 17-00-F06803-000001).
22
boundaries). An additional assessment of perfluorooctane sulfonic increase. The situation
the level and impact of exceedances has acids (PFOS) poses a threat to the
been carried out. marine environment.
Load sources and activities causing load
Mercury: cross-border transfer of pollution from other countries; historical pollution (including contaminated
sites); emissions to air from energy production using fossil energy sources, in particular coal;
discharge of pollution from landfills and emissions to air from the incineration of waste; cleaning of fairways and
harbours and sea-beds causing sediment contamination to water (resuspension); discharges of pollution from
settlements with rainwater; pollution from centralised sewage, etc.
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE): cross-border transfer of pollution from other countries; centralised waste
water systems; discharge of pollution from waste dumps; transport – shipping infrastructure (including ports,
shipbuilding); other/not detectable (use of products containing PBDEs on the market until 2010); run-off from
settlements, including rainwater run-off, etc.
Perfluorooctane sulfonic acids (PFOS): solid waste (landfills/disposals, solid waste streams); centralised waste
water systems; other/not detectable (use of products containing PFOS on the market until 2009); cross-border
transfer of pollution from other countries; run-off from settlements, including rainwater run-off; transport –
shipping infrastructure (including ports, shipbuilding), etc.
Tributyllva (TBT): solid waste (landfills/disposals); morphological alterations to the seabed (port cleaning works
and removal of the seabed in the sea) leading to the re-mixing of contamination from sediment accumulation
areas; others/not detectable (historical accumulation of pollution (polluted sites, accumulation of pollution in soil,
inland waters, marine environment)); transport – shipping infrastructure, including ports, shipbuilding (pollution
from maintenance/repair of ships); cross-border pollution from other countries, etc.
The concentration levels of these hazardous substances in the marine environment are also influenced by other
pressures (different effects for different substances) – changes in hydrological conditions (related to oxygen and
salinity levels); litter entering the coast and the marine environment; damage to marine habitats (e.g. siltation);
loss/destruction of rivers, lakes or terrestrial habitats, etc.
Policy gaps where additional measures are needed
Given the high persistence of PFOS and PBDE in the environment and the potential for bioaccumulation, it is
necessary to minimise additional releases of these substances into the marine environment. In view of the
significant negative impact of TBT pollution on the marine environment, the lack of measures under existing
policies for further reduction of pressures and possible increases in pressures, it is necessary to provide for
additional measures to limit the TBT load in order to ensure GES.
For all substances assessed, there is insufficient information on the contribution to load from potentially significant
load sources, which are currently not sufficiently covered by existing policy measures, including (depending on the
pollutant) accumulation/historical pollution in sediments (including contaminated sites, landfills), waste
management, cleaning of fairways and harbours and activities with contaminated soil, use of materials and articles
containing hazardous substances in various sectors, rainwater sewage and overflows. Prior to the imposition of
burden reduction measures on sectors, additional measures shall include the improvement of the information
base, the carrying out of assessments of pressures and possible measures.
Information and education measures for citizens in relation to significant pollutants in the marine environment.
Research into the presence, distribution and trend of hazardous substances in marine sediment, and the
effectiveness of the measures taken to reduce pressures.
Measures for the updated programme of measures to achieve good GES
(1b) JVM5 EP9 Implement the supplementary measures set out in the RBMPs 2022-2027, which
Basic measures – Measures will reduce the pollution of hazardous substances from waste water, contaminated sites and
needed to achieve GES currently unclear sources of pollution, as well as improve information on such pollution and its
sources, including:
23
as part of the policies for the • screening of priority and hazardous substances in waste water discharges and review
period to permits for polluting activities, including wider monitoring of priority and hazardous
2027 (1b) substances, both upstream and downstream of waste water discharges, based on
screening results;
• carry out mercury concentration in water bodies with mercury concentrations
monitoring of surface water bodies, analysis of data to identify the source of
pollution and implementation of measures to reduce pollution;
• determine the sources of generation of PFOS in water bodies with PFOS
concentrations:
monitor PFOS in surface water and waste water discharges with a view to identifying
sources of substance in waste water discharges;
• monitor trends in mercury and PBDE water bodies
exceedances in fish;
• identify sources of TBT generation: Perform TBT monitoring in surface water with
exceedances in 2015-2019 (V003SP Liepājas Trade Canal), monitoring of the discharge
of waste water from SIA “Liepājas Shipbuilding Plant” and revision of the polluting
activity permit for TBT emissions into the environment;
• measures to rehabilitate contaminated sites in 15 contaminated sites (currently
financed by:
clear only for 4 places).
Related existing policies: WFD RBMPs 2022-2027; HELCOM BJRP (2021) Action HL9, HL28.
(1b) JVM5 EP10 Implement the measures contained in the ‘National Waste Management
Plan 2021-2028’ to improve waste management, which will reduce the pollution of
hazardous substances from the following waste streams and disposal, including:
• by 2035, reduce the amount of municipal waste landfilled to
10 % of the amount of municipal waste generated;
• by 2025, set up a separate waste collection system for:
textiles and household hazardous waste (including WEEE);
• ensure the collection of domestic hazardous waste by all
separate waste collection sites (covering household chemistry, contaminated
packaging, medication, etc.);
• promote the collection and preparation of WEEE for recycling (purchase
containers for the collection of WEEE);
• implement investment projects for EEE preparation for recycling/recovery
and the improvement of the technological processes of recycling;
• inform citizens and raise awareness about the dangers and opportunities of WEEE
waste
make them available free of charge;
• consumer information and education measures on sustainable product choices;
use, proper reuse or repair of goods, waste management of goods, including
separate collection of waste, eco-labelling and reduced use of hazardous substances
and proper storage;
• measures to reduce pollution pressure from waste management
on the environment (measures for the recultivation and conservation of existing
waste reservoirs in 6 landfills, environmental protection measures related to the
expansion of landfill infrastructure).
Related existing policies: Directive (EU) 2018/850 of the European Parliament and of the
Council of 30 May 2018 amending Directive 1999/31/EC on the landfill of waste; Directive
(EU) 2018/851 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 amending
Directive 2008/98 on waste; Directive 2012/19/EU of the European Parliament and of the
Council of 4 July 2012 on waste electrical and electronic equipment
24
(WEEE); National Waste Management Plan 2021-2028; HELCOM BJRP (2021) Actions HL5,
HL7, HL20, HL26.
(1b) JVM5 EP11 Implement the measures contained in the ‘Latvian National
Implementation Plan on Persistent Organic Pollutants’, which will reduce the release of
PBDE and PFOS pollution into the environment and improve information on the sources of
pollution of these substances, including:
• consistent provision of WEEE in the context of waste management plans
separate collection of waste and possible dismantling of parts containing PBDEs;
• Identification of PBDE sources through a focused study on their presence in
different
in places (e.g. households, offices) as well as in relation to the origin and use of
ICT and EEE products;
• systematic and planned collection of product information
existing PFOS, both from producers, distributors and possibly importers, as well
as from industry associations, e.g. through surveys;
• educating citizens and businesses about the occurrence of PFOS and their
impact; and
undesirable effects as well as possible alternatives to reduce their use.
Related existing policies: The 2001 Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic
Pollutants; Latvia’s national implementation plan on persistent organic pollutants
(Environmental Policy Guidelines 2021-2027, Annex 2); HELCOM BJRP (2021) Action HL5,
HL7.
(1b) JVM5 EP12 Designing new waste incinerators (for waste recovery with energy
recovery) to ensure compliance with environmental requirements on emissions of
pollutants to air, including the use of best available techniques to prevent mercury
emissions to air.
Related existing policies: Protocol of 1998 to the Geneva Convention on Long-Range
Transboundary Air Pollution on Heavy Metals (adopted by Law of 14.04.2005); Directive
2008/1/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning integrated pollution
prevention and control; National Waste Management Plan 2021-2028; HELCOM BJAP
(2021) Action HL17.
Additional measures – There are no such measures.
Existing or additional
measures from the 1st
programme of
measures (2016-2020)
(2a, 2b)
Additional measures –
(Supporting measure) JVM3 PP15 Assessment of the pollution load to rivers and the sea
new measures (2a, 2b,
with nutrients, hazardous substances and micro-plastics from rainwater sewers and
supporting measures)
overflows and draw up proposals for appropriate measures to reduce this pollution from
wastewater and rainwater management systems.
[This is a joint action for action lines 3, 4 and 5 (on biogenic pollution, pollution of
hazardous substances and the introduction of waste into the marine environment).]
Links with other policies: The Environmental Policy Guidelines 2021-2027; HELCOM
Recommendation 23/5-Rev.1 (adopted 06.03.2002, amended 04.06.2021) ‘Reduction of
Discharges from urban areas by the proper management of sorm water systems’;
HELCOM Recommendation 42-43 of 20.10.2021 – Revised Regional Action Plan on Marine
Litter.
(2a) JVM5 PP18 Implement information and education measures on major pollutants in
the marine environment (e.g. PBDE, PFOS, pharmaceuticals) on hazardous substances in
products and articles, their impact on the environment and human health, the use of
environmentally friendly alternatives and the proper handling of such substances
25
containing waste in order to prevent pollutants from entering sewerage water and the
environment.
The implementation of this measure should be coordinated with similar information and
education measures provided for in the ‘National Waste Management Plan 2021-2028’
and the ‘Latvian National Implementation Plan on Persistent Organic Pollutants’.
Links with other policies: National Waste Management Plan 2021-2028; Latvia’s national
implementation plan on persistent organic pollutants (Environmental Policy Guidelines
2021-2027, Annex 2); HELCOM BJRP (2021) Actions HL7, HL20, HL25, HL26, HL27.
(Supporting measure) JVM5 PP19 Investigate and, if necessary, develop GES limit values
for hazardous substances in marine sediment, in particular for substances already
detected in marine sediments (e.g. mercury, TBT, PFOS) to assess their presence, trend in
prevalence and change and effectiveness of pressure reduction measures implemented.
The implementation of the measure requires the monitoring of marine sediment and the
assessment of the biological effects of pollutants.
Links with other policies: Commission Decision (EU) 2017/848 of 17 May 2017 laying down
criteria and methodological standards on good environmental status of marine waters and
specifications and standardised methods for monitoring and assessment and repealing
Decision 2010/477/EU; HELCOM BJAP (2021) Action HL13.
(2a) JVM5 PP20 Examination of the existing regulation for deepening ports, the disposal of
dredged material and activities with contaminated soil to prevent the release of
hazardous pollutants that pose a risk of non-compliance with GES into the marine
environment.
The assessment should be based on the collection of information on port sediment
monitoring practices and results. The assessment should cover the pollutants to be
included in the monitoring, their acceptable limit values (in particular for mercury and
TBT), the procedures for permitting and monitoring activities, the techniques for
deepening ports to prevent the release of pollution into the aquatic environment, the
solutions for operations with contaminated soil (cleaning, siting), the assessment of the
economic impact of potential regulatory changes.
Links with other policies: Cabinet Regulation No 475 of 13 June 2006 on the procedure for
cleaning and deepening ground water bodies and harbours; HELCOM Recommendation
36/2 (revised 04/03/2020) Management of dredged material and HELCOM Guidelines for
Management of dredged Material at Sea (2020); HELCOM BJAP (2021) Action HL18.
(2a) JVM5 PP21 Develop and implement a national regulation for ship repair and hull
maintenance to prevent TBT pollution from entering the local aquatic environment from
such activities. Develop a framework to define the sites and techniques allowed for such
activities; implement measures to inform ship owners/operators and port and berth
operators about regulatory requirements and actions to be taken; national ship
owners/operators and ship maintenance infrastructure operators to carry out
maintenance and repair of ships in line with regulatory requirements to prevent TBT
pollution from entering the local aquatic environment.
[This measure is to be implemented in conjunction with measure JVM1 PP11]
Links with other policies: HELCOM BJRP (2021) Action HL2, HL30.
(2a) JVM5 PP22 Promoting the use of TBT-free anti-fouling paints on recreational
craft/boats. Implement the information collection/monitoring on the anti-fouling paints
used by recreational craft/boats and implement information and education measures for
owners/operators of pleasure boats to promote the use of TBT-free anti-fouling paints.
26
Links with other policies: Regulation 1907/2006/EC (REACH); Cabinet Regulation of 19
January 2010 on the use of anti-fouling systems on ships; HELCOM BJAP (2021) Action
HL30.
(2a) JVM5 PP23 Improving the information and its accessibility on pollution by hazardous
substances from contaminated sites and landfills by improving existing information
systems and ensuring the necessary research and regular monitoring at sites of significant
hazardous substances that pose a risk of non-compliance with environmental quality
objectives in inland and marine waters (in particular mercury, PBDE, PFOS, TBT).
Links with other policies: WFD RBMPs 2022-2027; national legislation in the areas of
contaminated sites and waste management (Cabinet Regulation No 1032 (27.12.2011)
‘Regulations for the establishment of landfills, the management, closure and reclamation
of landfills and landfills’, Cabinet Regulation No 483 of 20.11.2001 ‘Procedures for the
identification and registration of contaminated and potentially polluted sites’).
(complementary measure) JVM5 PP24 Study on the magnitude of the load, the need for
additional measures and possible additional measures to prevent the run-off and spread
of hazardous substances from accumulated pollution and waste disposal in soil and
sediment, for hazardous substances that pose a risk of non-compliance with
environmental quality objectives in inland and marine waters (in particular mercury,
PBDE, PFOS, TBT).
Links with other policies: WFD RBMPs 2022-2027; national legislation in the areas of
contaminated sites and waste management (Cabinet Regulation No 1032 (27.12.2011)
‘Regulations for the establishment of landfills, the management, closure and reclamation
of landfills and landfills’, Cabinet Regulation No 483 of 20.11.2001 ‘Procedures for the
identification and registration of contaminated and potentially polluted sites’).
(2b) JVM5 PP25 Promote the substitution of materials and articles containing hazardous
substances (such as PBDEs, PFOS and substances that degrade) used in industry, energy,
maritime transport and infrastructure industries with materials and articles that do not
contain these substances (e.g. fire-fighting foams, EEE, textiles, plastics, building materials,
etc.).
The measure includes research activities to develop recommendations for the substitution
of materials/products in specific sectors; information measures (including
material/product supply chains); measures taken by industries to replace materials.
An example of substitution of such substances could be the non-use on board ships of fire-
extinguishing products containing PFOS in support of15 amendments to the SOLAS
Convention and promoting such practices also on ships below 500 GT GT.
Links with other policies: HELCOM BJAP (2021) Action HL29.
D10 Marine litter (beach litter)16
Assessment of the state of the marine environment
Marine environmental objective: JVM6 No undesirable effects on the marine ecosystem are caused by
solid waste.
151974 International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea.
16
A full evaluation is provided in AKTiiVS (2022) Thematic Report: Assessment of the risk of not achieving good
environmental status in the marine environment and proposals for the updated programme of measures for D10
“marine litter”. Report on the project ‘Improving knowledge on the state of the marine environment’, financed by
the EU’s European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (No 17-00-F06803-000001).
27
Position components Compliance of existing status with good environmental status Situation in the
(GES) ‘baseline scenario’
(2030)
Beach litter A common quantitative threshold for GES for EU Non-
countries of 20 waste units in 100 beach meters. compliant Reduction of load
GES close to the load
Based on monitoring data from the Man-Your
target but
campaign period 2013-2018, an average reduction
uncertainty in the
of 90 % is needed in order to be fit for purpose.
adequacy of the
reduction.
Litter in the marine There are no indicators and thresholds for assessing Not Not assessed
environment, including the status, and insufficient information on the assessed
microplastics pollution, pressures and their impacts.
impact of waste on species
Load sources and activities causing load
Coastal waste: Tourism and coastal recreation, inland sources through rivers, shipping, fisheries.
Policy gaps where additional measures are needed
In order to ensure that the load target is met, it is important to implement the planned measures within the
framework of existing policies, including those in the section17 ‘Measures to reduce litter from marine, coastal, inland
waters, special areas of conservation and other areas’ of the National Waste Management Plan 2021-2028.
The need for additional load reduction measures only for certain policy instruments, including to increase the
potential efficiency in the delivery of passively fished waste and measures taken at municipal level, or for specific
important waste fractions (ballon residue waste).
Information on the extent of loads and effective measures to reduce loads from rainwater sewers and overflows.
Improving the information base for waste assessments in the marine environment. Analytical tool for assessing
measures in support of policy decision-making.
Measures for the updated programme of measures to achieve good GES
Basic measures – (1b) JVM6 EP13 Implementing the measures contained in the ‘National Waste Management
Measures needed to Plan 2021-2028’ to prevent waste generation, improve separate waste collection and reuse
achieve GES in other systems, including consumer information and education, in order to reduce waste generation
policies up to 2027 (1b) and release into the environment.
Related existing policies: The national waste management plan for 2021-2028; Directive (EU)
2018/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 amending Directive
94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste; Directive (EU) 2015/720 of the European
Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2015 amending Directive 94/62/EC as regards
reducing the consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags; Directive (EU) 2019/904 of the
European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on the reduction of the impact of
certain plastic products on the environment; Directive (EU) 2019/883 of the European
Parliament and of the Council of 17 April 2019 on port reception facilities for the delivery of
waste from ships, amending Directive 2010/65/EU and repealing Directive 2000/59/EC;
Environmental Policy Guidelines 2021-2027.
(1b) JVM6 EP14 Implementing the measures set out in the ‘National Waste Management Plan
2021-2028’ part of the ‘Waste Prevention Programme’
17
Cabinet Order No 45 of 22 January 2021 on the National Waste Management Plan 2021-2028.
28
“Measures to reduce litter from the sea, coastal, inland waters, special areas of conservation
and other areas” (18 measures, 6 lines of action), including:
• Take measures to motivate companies to produce products that are sufficient
durable for reuse and recycling and use of less harmful raw materials, focusing on
products that are more common on the sea and in coastal litter.
• Promote littering measures in special areas of conservation, including:
the Campaign “Being what you bring, bring it behind”.
• Carry out a study to identify the use/impact of microplastics in Latvia; and
improve the regulatory framework to reduce the impact on the marine environment.
• Encourage voluntary agreements with retail to reduce
consumption of plastic bags.
• Establish and implement a deposit system for beverages and, where possible, promote
refilling systems.
• Provide a special bin for tobacco products
placement in public places where smoking is permitted, such as beaches and outdoor
restaurants, bars, public buildings (domestic and coastal, beaches, ferries).
• Create a platform for good coastal clean-up practices, including on the municipality
and the cleaning up of beach and river banks by residents, as well as the treatment of
marine waters, including in ports, marinas and inland waters, in cooperation with relevant
industries and institutions, including the development of best technologies and
techniques for decontamination from sea and coastal litter.
• Promote measures to reduce marine litter occurring on land;
providing sanitary infrastructure on the coastline and inland nature tourism facilities.
• Provide waste from ships sorted on-board (within the meaning of Directive (EU)
2019/883)
split reception at port reception facilities.
• Promote the collection of waste from recreational craft in marinas (e.g. as appropriate)
eco-certificate ‘Blue Flag’ for requirements waste for
adoption and
for the management of marinas).
• Improve EU regulations 1224/200918 implementation of reporting on:
lost nets and recovery of lost gear.
• Carry out a study on fisheries, aquaculture and shipping activities
the amounts of plastic waste generated and the economic instruments for promoting the
reuse and recycling of such waste.
• Facilitate the removal of lost fishing nets.
• Promote educational measures on marine litter in synergy with others
measures in the field of sustainable development and in cooperation with society
(including waste prevention and the promotion of sustainable consumption and
production).
• Promote training programmes including, inter alia, the recreational sector (examples:
diving and sailing schools), which develop awareness, understanding and respect for the
marine environment.
18
Council Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009 of 20 November 2009 establishing a Community control system for ensuring
compliance with the rules of the common fisheries policy and amending Regulations (EC) No 847/96, (EC) No
2371/2002, (EC) No 811/2004, (EC) No 768/2005, (EC) No 2115/2005, (EC) No 2166/2005, (EC) No 388/2006, (EC)
No 509/2007, (EC) No 676/2007, (EC) No 1098/2007, (EC) No 1300/2008 and (EC) No 1342/2008 and repealing
Regulations (EEC) No 2847/93, (EC) No 1627/94 and (EC) No 1966/2006.
29
• Support participation in international, EU, Baltic Sea regional and
national processes and initiatives to prevent and mitigate marine litter.
• Continue and further develop the “My Sea” campaign of the “Environmental
Education Fund”
beach waste monitoring, status assessment and promotion of public
participation.
• Promote public awareness, including through information campaigns
children, young people and consumers on the generation and prevention of
marine litter (e.g. collection of food and beverage packaging or plastic bags after
use), taking into account existing information materials and using graphics,
including in beach areas.
Related existing policies: The national waste management plan for 2021-2028; The
Environmental Policy Guidelines 2021-2027; HELCOM BJAP (2021) Action HL31; HELCOM
Recommendation 42-43 of 20.10.2021 – Revised Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter.
Additional measures – (supporting measure) JVM6 PP29 Implementing studies to obtain data and develop
Existing or additional assessments on solid waste and micro-litter in the marine aquatic environment. The
measures from the 1st measure aims at:
programme of measures
(2016-2020) (2a, 2b) • carry out studies to obtain data to characterise and quantify loads and loads
impacts;
• develop status indicators and environmental targets, including ensuring their
coherence in the Baltic Sea region;
• prepare an assessment of the state of the marine environment for solid waste
and micro-waste in the marine aquatic environment.
Links with other policies: The Environmental Policy Guidelines 2021-2027;
HELCOM BJRP (2021) Actions HL31 and HL32.
Additional measures – (Supporting measure) JVM3 PP15 An assessment of the pollution load to rivers and the
new measures (2a, 2b, sea with nutrients, hazardous substances and micro-plastics from rainwater sewers and
supporting measures) overflows and draw up proposals for appropriate measures to reduce this pollution from
wastewater and rainwater management systems.
[This is a joint action for action lines 3, 4 and 5 (on biogenic pollution, pollution of
hazardous substances and the introduction of waste into the marine environment).]
Links with other policies: The Environmental Policy Guidelines 2021-2027; HELCOM
Recommendation 23/5-Rev.1 (adopted 06.03.2002, amended 04.06.2021) ‘Reduction of
Discharges from urban areas by the proper management of sorm water systems’;
HELCOM Recommendation 42-43 of 20.10.2021 – Revised Regional Action Plan on
Marine Litter.
(2a) JVM6 PP26 Assess the need for national regulation to provide an effective incentive
for the transfer of passively fished waste (captured in fishing nets) and lost fishing gear
to port reception facilities.
Links with other policies: Directive (EU) 2019/883 of the European Parliament and of the
Council of 17 April 2019 on port reception facilities for the delivery of waste from ships,
amending Directive 2010/65/EU and repealing Directive 2000/59/EC; Environmental
Policy Guidelines 2021-2027.
(2a) JVM6 PP27 Develop and implement a national regulation prohibiting the deliberate
mass release of single-use inflated balloons. The measure covers ‘mass’ deliberate
releases (the regulation could set a threshold for the number of balloons considered to
be ‘mass’).
Links with other policies: HELCOM Recommendation 42-43 of 20.10.2021 – Revised
Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter.
30
(2a) JVM6 PP28 Develop guidelines for local authorities to define measures to reduce
marine litter in municipal planning/normative documents.
The measure provides for the development of guidelines and support for municipalities
to develop and incorporate in municipal planning/legislative documents measures to
reduce marine litter that can be implemented at municipal level (all coastal
municipalities as well as municipalities that can become a major source of load through
river inputs). The guidelines would include recommendations for measures to be
implemented to reduce marine litter and guidelines for the development of relevant
planning/legislative documents. Regulatory/planning solutions may include the
establishment of measures through binding municipal regulations, special municipal or
regional waste management plans, local action plans/programmes to improve the
situation of marine litter. The most appropriate solution would be developed as part of
the preparation of the guidelines.
With regard to measures to reduce marine litter, the following measures/types of
measures should be taken into account as a priority in the guidelines:
• administrative measures implemented by municipalities for tobacco refuse
reduction (e.g. increase penalties for smoking in unauthorised bathing areas
and public areas on beaches and increase control of compliance with the
smoking ban; stricter regulation of smoking in the rest of the beach and
coastal area);
• local beverage cups deposit-system public entertainment and festive
celebrations
events in and around the beach and in coastal catering facilities;
• environmentally friendly – reuse or biodegradable material
the use of (excluding bio-plastics) dishes and cutlery in an event catering
organisation for public entertainment and festive events on and near the
beach;
• single-use or short-consumption plastic containers, cutlery
and restrictions on the movement of consumer goods at points of sale in the
beach and adjacent coastal zone;
• prohibition of commercial gift/distribution free of charge of inflatable air
balloons for public and commercial events on beaches and coasts;
• promotion of good environmental practices and complex preventive measures
coastal areas in the public and private sectors (beach management, hospitality
and catering), etc.
Links with other policies: The Environmental Policy Guidelines 2021-2027; HELCOM
Recommendation 42-43 of 20.10.2021 – Revised Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter.
(Supporting measure) JVM6 PP30 Implement a study to develop an analytical, national
policy decision-making support tool for assessing the effectiveness and socio-economic
impacts of policy measures, covering measures to reduce litter input loads and to
achieve environmental objectives.
The purpose of such an analytical tool would be to assess the effects of existing and
planned measures, the need for additional measures, and to assist in the planning of
measures in the next programming cycle (post 2027), including the coordination of the
development of measures in the different policy areas that have an impact on this
pressure.
Links with other policies: The Maritime Strategy Directive (2008/56/EC); The
Environmental Policy Guidelines 2021-2027; HELCOM BJAP (2021) Action HL31.
31
3. Socio-economic assessment of the additional measures
Based on the results of the ‘risk assessment’, possible additional measures were developed, taking into
account identified policy gaps that need to be addressed by additional measures. The evaluation of these
measures included the technical feasibility, costs, cost-effectiveness and benefits of the achieved
improvements in the quality of the marine environment, achieving GES. The results of these evaluations
are summarised below. Detailed results of the assessments are available in the thematic reports on the
Descriptors.19
Based on the results of the evaluations, some measures were not included in the proposals for additional
measures. These relate to measures to reduce nutrient pollution in sea sediment and to reduce nutrient
pollution in the sea by algae and mussel farming. The assessment concluded that measures at sea to
reduce contamination of nutrients accumulated in sediment have significant uncertainties in the
effectiveness of such measures and a high risk of negative impacts on the ecosystem. With regard to
mussel farming (also algae production), it has been concluded that it generates a number of
environmental and socio-economic benefits, but such a measure cannot be seen as a technically feasible
and cost-effective solution in the context of achieving the objectives of the nutrient load on the sea.
3.1. Additional measures included in the assessment
The table below summarises the additional measures that were included in the socio-economic
assessment and their relationship with the marine objectives and the Descriptors of the MSFD. The table
below lists the corresponding Descriptors for which these measures are needed (as a “target Descriptor”)
as well as other Descriptors on which the measures will have a positive impact. Only the effect on the
target Descriptors is assessed in the cost-effectiveness of the measures. The assessment included a total
of 31 additional measures covering all qualitative descriptors, where non-compliance with GES and the
need for additional measures was assessed. All these measures are technically feasible.
Table 3.1. Additional measures included in the socio-economic assessment and their impact (effect) on Descriptors.
Marine environmental objectives Additional measures (codes) Target Positive impact on
Descriptor other Descriptors
JVM1 Anthropogenic activities RV1 (biodiversity): JVM1 PP1, JVM1 PP2, D1 D3, D4, D5, D6, D8
have not adversely affected JVM1 PP3, JVM1 PP4, JVM1 PP5, JVM PP6,
marine habitats and species JVM1 PP7, JVM1 PP8, JVM1 PP9, JVM1
PP10
RV2 (alien species): JVM1 PP11, JVM1 D2 D1, D3, D4, D6
PP12, JVM1 PP13, JVM1 PP14
JVM3 Eutrophication does not RV3: JVM3 PP15, JVM3 PP16, JVM3 PP17, D5 D1, D3, D4, D6, D8
have a negative impact on the JVM3 PP18
marine ecosystem
JVM5 Contaminant concentration RV4: JVM3 PP16, JVM5 PP19, JVM5 PP20, D8 D1, D3, D4, D9
levels do not cause adverse JVM5 PP21, JVM5 PP22, JVM5 PP23, JVM5
effects on the marine ecosystem PP24, JVM5 PP25, JVM5 PP26
19
The thematic reports of the project ‘Improving knowledge on the state of the marine environment’ (No 17-F06803-
000001) for qualitative descriptors D1, D2, D5, D8 and D10 on the results of the “risk assessment” and the proposals
for the updated programme of measures.
32
Marine environmental objectives Additional measures (codes) Target Positive impact on
Descriptor other Descriptors
JVM6 No undesirable effects on RV5: JVM3 PP16, JVM6 PP27, JVM6 PP28, D10 D1, D4, D8, D9
the marine ecosystem JVM6 PP29, JVM6 PP30, JVM6 PP31
3.2. Assessment of the cost of additional measures
Quantitative assessments of the direct financial costs of measures have been developed on the basis of
literature and examples from practice, expert evaluation and assumptions. For some measures, these
assessments include an interval, taking into account the uncertainty. The costs are calculated as the total
costs for the planning period (6 years) and as average annual costs. Part of the measures could lead to
indirect costs for sectors (loss of income, increase in regular operating costs). Such costs are indicated in
a descriptive way but are not quantified as possible measures are not known to the industries at present.
Table 3.2 provides a summary of the evaluation of the costs of the measures (detailed information on the
cost estimates is provided in the thematic reports of the descriptors). The total direct financial cost of the
measures is estimated to be between EUR 2.473 million and EUR 2.533 million for the programming
period, or EUR 0.412-0.422 million on average annually. Some of the measures are likely to lead to
additional costs for sectors, which cannot be assessed at this stage, as possible measures that could be
imposed are not known (would be evaluated and specified as part of implementing the measures).
Most of the estimated costs relate to additional measures addressing hazardous substances (39 % of the
total costs) and marine biodiversity (31 % of the total costs). For non-native species, estimated costs
represent 15 %, litter 10 % and nutrient pollution 5 % of the total estimated costs. Almost 60 % of the
estimated costs come from measures that do not have a direct effect on the reduction of pressures
(studies and part of administrative measures).
Table 3.2. Assessment of the cost of additional measures for the planning cycle.
Additional measures D Direct financial costs of Other costs (loss of income, increase in regular
measures for the planning operating costs) and negative effects. Comments
cycle (EUR) related to the assessment, including uncertainty.
from to
JVM1 PP1 National plan for the restoration of D1 150 000 (?) The measure is likely to lead in the short term to
marine habitats income foregone and/or an increase in recurrent
operating costs for fisheries (not quantified).
JVM1 PP2 Develop quantitative objectives and D1 30 000 50 000 —
effective measures for MPAs
JVM1 PP3 National methodology for assessing the D1 10 000 —
efficiency of the MPA network
JVM1 PP4 Establish restrictions on recreational D1 110 000 120 000 (X) Indirect costs (negative effects) for holidaymakers
activities for protecting breeding birds at critical and coastal tourists from restrictions on recreational
locations and time period for the protection of activities (not quantified).
breeding birds
JVM1 PP5 Develop and implement a species D1 40 000 Only the costs of developing the SAP have been
protection plan (SAP) for coastal breeding bird assessed. The costs of implementing the measures set
species out in the SAP cannot be quantified as the measures
JVM1 PP6 Information for the renewed national D1 10 000 20 000 are not yet known.
—
maritime spatial plan (benthic habitats)
JVM1 PP6 Information for the updated coastal D1 10 000 —
infrastructure thematic plan and maritime spatial
plan (marine birds)
JVM1 PP7 Research monitoring to provide D1 50 000 —
information for additional HELCOM indicators
(seabirds)
33
Additional measures D Direct financial costs of Other costs (loss of income, increase in regular
measures for the planning operating costs) and negative effects. Comments
cycle (EUR) related to the assessment, including uncertainty.
from until
JVM1 PP8 International information exchange D1 18 000 —
and coordination (seabirds)
JVM1 PP9 Assessment of the effectiveness of D1 50 000 —
measures for the protection of seals
JVM1 PP10 Improving the information base on D1 300 000 —
marine ecosystem services and public access to
information for policy development
JVM1 PP11 Regulatory framework and measures D2 235 000 There is a very high degree of uncertainty in the
for the management of the bio-fouling of ships assessment of costs. Part of the costs are attributable
and recreational craft to measure JVM5 PP22.
JVM1 PP12 Measures to restrict the round goby D2 10 000 Only the administrative costs of the measure have
population been calculated. It is assumed that the costs of
restriction measures are offset by sales revenues.
JVM1 PP13 Information exchange in the marine D2 20 000 —
region (for alien species)
JVM1 PP14 Further research on trends and D2 200 000 —
impacts of marine alien species
JVM3 PP15 National calculation for reduction of D5 20 000 —
nutrient load on coastal waters from measures in
the RBMPs (2022-2027)
JVM3 PP16 Assessments and development of D5, 200 000 —
measures for pressures on rivers and seas with D8,
nutrients, hazardous substances and micro- D10
plastics from rainwater sewage and overflows
(total for all types of contaminants)
D5 0 Only the cost of providing information has been
JVM3 PP17 Provision of national information for assessed (practically no costs). Additional measures
HELCOM load impact assessments for nutrient for shipping that could be identified in the future on
loads and impacts from cargo ship sewage, cargo the basis of HELCOM impact assessments have not
residues and vessel technical waters been evaluated (unknown).
JVM3 PP18 Assessment of the need for D5 50 000 Only the cost of the evaluation has been assessed.
improvements in Latvian ports with regard to the Additional measures for ports likely to be adopted in
handling and storage of fertilisers the future on the basis of an evaluation have not been
assessed (unknown).
JVM5 PP19 Implement information and education D8 200 000 —
activities for citizens
JVM5 PP20 Study and, if necessary, development D8 200 000 —
of GES limit values for hazardous substances in
marine sediment
JVM5 PP21 Evaluation of the existing regulation D8 50 000 70 000 (X) Additional costs for ports in case of regulatory
for deepening ports, disposal of sediments and changes (not assessed as additional actions, if
activities with contaminated soil necessary, would be determined after the evaluation).
JVM5 PP22 Develop and implement a national D8 — — The cost of the measure has been assessed together
framework for ship repair and hull maintenance with measure JVM1 PP11.
for TBT pollution prevention
D8 50 000 (?) It is possible that owners of pleasure boats/boats
JVM5 PP23 Promoting the use of TBT-free anti- may incur additional recurring operating costs from
fouling paints on recreational craft/boats the use of TBT-free paints.
JVM5 PP24 Improving information and its D8 not assessed Costs for the improvement of information systems and
accessibility on pollution by hazardous substances in addition to monitoring. Most of these costs are
from contaminated sites and landfills attributable to the costs of other policies (protection
of inland waters, management of contaminated sites
and waste).
34
Additional measures D Direct financial costs of Other costs (loss of income, increase in recurrent
measures for the operating costs) and negative effects. Comments
programming cycle (EUR) related to the assessment, including uncertainty.
from until
JVM5 PP25 Study on pressures and possible D8 200 000 —
additional measures to prevent run-off and
spread of hazardous substances from soil and
sediment contamination and waste disposal
JVM5 PP26 Promotion of substitution of materials D8 100 000 (X) Costs for measures in the sectors to replace
and products containing hazardous substances materials (not assessed as recommendations for
used in industry, energy, maritime transport and substitution options will be developed as part of the
infrastructure measure).
JVM6 PP27 Assess the need for national D10 10 000 —
regulation to provide an effective incentive to
deliver passively fished waste in ports
JVM6 PP28 Develop and implement a national D10 10 000 (?) There might be a potential loss of revenue for
regulation for the prohibition of deliberate mass traders of such balloons from a reduction in
release of balloons into the air consumption (not quantified).
JVM6 PP29 Develop guidelines for local D10 10 000 Only the costs of developing guidelines are assessed
authorities to define measures in municipal (the same also for assessment of effect of the
planning/normative documents measure).
JVM6 PP30 Implement research studies on solid D10 100 000 —
waste and micro-litter in the marine aquatic
environment
JVM6 PP31 Implement a study to develop an D10 30 000 —
analytical policy decision support tool for the
evaluation of measures
TOTAL: 2 473 000 2 533 000
3.3. Cost-effectiveness assessment of additional measures
The purpose of the cost-effectiveness analysis is to identify measures to achieve the required pressure
reduction at the least possible cost. The lower the cost of the measure in relation to the effect achieved,
the higher the cost-effectiveness of the measure.
In order to take a common approach to measures for the different descriptors and taking into account
the limitations of the available information (both environmental and socio-economic information), a semi-
quantitative assessment approach has been used to assess the cost-effectiveness of the measures. This
approach has been used for the previous cycle’s MSFD programmes of measures in Latvia20 and other
countries21, as well as the evaluation of supplementary measures for the River Basin Management Plans
for 2022-2027. The assessment is based on categories where each category is characterised by a
quantitative interval.
The assessment of the effectiveness of the measures consists of (i) the reduction of load from the pressure
source provided by the measure (estimated as percent reduction of the current pressure), (ii) the relative
contribution of the pressure source to the total load, and (iii) the spatial significance of the load (how
large part of the Latvian marine waters are affected by the pressure). Four categories with quantitative
percentage intervals are used for each of these elements. The overall effectiveness score is calculated
from these elements, using 5 categories, where the overall effectiveness can range from ‘very low’ (1 ball)
to ‘very high’ (5 balls). Detailed information on the effectiveness assessments (including the quantitative
estimates) is available in the thematic reports for the individual descriptors.
20
AKTiiVS, LHEI (2016), Socio-economic assessment of additional measures to achieve good environmental status of
the marine environment, report of a project funded by the LVAF.
21
See, for example, ARCADIS (2014) “Background document summarising experiences with respect to economic
analysis to support Member States with the development of the Programme of measures for the MSFD”. Report of a
Project financed by the EC DG Environment.
35
The quantitative cost estimates developed were aligned with the following cost categories:
1 – ‘very high’ costs if the total cost of the measure is above EUR 1 000 000;
2 – “high” costs if the total cost of the action is EUR 500 000 – EUR 1 000 000;
3 – ‘average’ costs if the total cost of the action is EUR 200 000 – EUR 500 000;
4 – ‘low’ costs if the total cost of the action is EUR 50 000 – EUR 200 000;
5 – ‘very low’ costs if the total cost of the action is up to EUR 50 000.
The cost categories’ intervals were established on the basis of an expert judgement, also taking into
account previous assessments in Latvia (the socio-economic analysis of the measures for the programme
of measures of the previous cycle and the River Basin Management Plans for 2022-2027). When
determining the category corresponding to the cost of each measure, the uncertainty in the estimation
of the quantitative costs (including the interval) and, where possible, the possible extent of indirect costs
was taken into account.
Using the resulting effectiveness and cost assessments, a cost-effectiveness category is defined for each
measure in line with the approach in Table 3.3.
Table 3.3. An assessment of the cost-effectiveness of the measures on the basis of effectiveness and cost
assessments with categories.
1 – very low, 2 – low, 3 – moderate, 4 – high, 5 – very high cost-efficiency.
Effectiveness categories
Cost categories 5 (very high) 4 (high) 3 (moderate) 2 (low) 1 (very low)
1 (very high) 3 3 2 1 1
2 (high) 3 3 3 2 1
3 (moderate) 4 4 3 2 2
4 (low) 5 4 3 3 3
5 (very low) 5 5 4 3 3
Table 3.4 summarises the assessment of the cost-effectiveness of the additional measures. For measures
that do not have a direct effect on pressure reduction, cost-effectiveness is not assessed (only the costs).
The measures with the highest cost-effectiveness relate to the protection of coastal breeding birds, the
development of a restoration plan for marine benthic habitats, the limitation of the round goby
population and the development of guidelines for municipalities to define measures for marine litter
reduction in municipal planning/normative documents, as these measures have relatively high
effectiveness and low costs. The measures with the lowest cost-effectiveness relate to reducing the
pollution of hazardous substances (medium to low cost-effectiveness) due to their relatively low
effectiveness. This situation is generally typical of individual measures aimed at reducing different types
of pollutants, as the most cost-effective measures are already in place or are being implemented within
existing policies and it is increasingly difficult to achieve further load reduction.
Also for other marine environmental problems, some measures have also been assessed with relatively
low effectiveness, in particular measures related to the development of quantitative objectives and
measures for the management of MPAs and the preparation of information for changes to the updated
Maritime Spatial Plan (MSP). Only the additional effect of the introduction of these additional measures
(according to their content) is assessed for these measures. The effects of the establishment of a MSP or
new MPAs in general are not assessed, but only the additional effects resulting from the development
and incorporation of additional information into the updated MSP and MPA management plan, ensuring
more effective protection of marine benthic habitats. A similar reason for the low effectiveness
assessment (only the additional effect is assessed according to the content of the measure) is the D10
measures (PP27 and PP29). The low effectiveness of the measure on national regulation for the
prohibition of deliberate mass balloon releases is explained by the low share of the type of litter affected
by the measure (balloon waste) in the total amount of beach litter. However, this effectiveness
36
assessment does not reflect the high negative environmental impact of this type of litter. At the same
time, all these measures also have very low costs, so the estimated cost-effectiveness is average.
Table 3.4. Level of cost-effectiveness of the additional measures.
Additional measures D Effectiveness Costs Cost-effectiveness
JVM1 PP1 National plan for the restoration of marine habitats D1 moderate very high moderate moderate high
JVM1 PP2 Develop quantitative objectives and effective measures D1 very low very low moderate
for MPAs
JVM1 PP3 National methodology for assessing the efficiency of D1 No effect very low (no effect)
the MPA network
JVM1 PP4 Establish restrictions on recreational activities for D1 very high low very high
protecting breeding birds at critical locations and time period for
the protection of breeding birds
JVM1 PP5 Develop and implement a species protection plan (SAP) D1 very high low very high
for coastal breeding bird species
JVM1 PP6 Information for the renewed national maritime spatial D1 very low very low moderate
plan (benthic habitats)
JVM1 PP6 Information for the updated coastal infrastructure D1 high very low very high
thematic plan and maritime spatial plan (marine birds)
JVM1 PP7 Research monitoring to provide information for D1 No effect very low (no effect)
additional HELCOM indicators (seabirds)
JVM1 PP8 International information exchange and coordination D1 No effect very low (no effect)
(seabirds)
JVM1 PP9 Assessment of the effectiveness of measures for the D1 No effect very low (no effect)
protection of seals
JVM1 PP10 Improving the information base on marine ecosystem D1 No effect moderate (no effect)
services and public access to information for policy development
JVM1 PP11 Regulatory framework and measures for the D2 moderate low moderate moderate
management of the bio-fouling of ships and recreational craft
JVM1 PP12 Measures to restrict the round goby population D2 moderate very high very low high very high
JVM1 PP13 Information exchange in the marine region (for alien D2 No effect very low (no effect)
species)
JVM1 PP14 Further research on trends and impacts of marine D2 No effect low (no effect)
alien species
JVM3 PP15 National calculation for reduction of nutrient load on D5 No effect very low (no effect)
coastal waters from measures in the RBMPs (2022-2027)
JVM3 PP16 Assessments and development of measures for D5, No effect low (no effect)
pressures on rivers and seas with nutrients, hazardous substances D8,
and micro-plastics from rainwater sewage and overflows (total for D10
all types of contaminants)
JVM3 PP17 Provision of national information for HELCOM load D5 No effect very low (no effect)
impact assessments for nutrient loads and impacts from cargo
ship sewage, cargo residues and vessel technical waters
JVM3 PP18 Assessment of the need for improvements in Latvian D5 No effect very low (no effect)
ports with regard to the handling and storage of fertilisers
37
Additional measures D Effectiveness Costs
Cost-efficiency
JVM5 PP19 Implement information and education activities for D8 low moderate low moderate
citizens
JVM5 PP20 Study and, if necessary, development of GES limit D8 No effect low (no effect)
values for hazardous substances in marine sediment
JVM5 PP21 Evaluation of the existing regulation for deepening D8 low moderate low moderate
ports, disposal of sediments and activities with contaminated soil
JVM5 PP22 Develop and implement a national framework for ship D8 low low moderate moderate low
repair and hull maintenance for TBT pollution prevention
JVM5 PP23 Promoting the use of TBT-free anti-fouling paints on D8 low low moderate
recreational craft/boats
JVM5 PP24 Improving information and its accessibility on D8 No effect not assessed No effect
pollution by hazardous substances from contaminated sites and
landfills
JVM5 PP25 Study on pressures and possible additional measures D8 No effect moderate No effect
to prevent run-off and spread of hazardous substances from soil
and sediment contamination and waste disposal
JVM5 PP26 Promotion of substitution of materials and products D8 low low moderate moderate low
containing hazardous substances used in industry, energy,
maritime transport and infrastructure
JVM6 PP27 Assess the need for national regulation to provide an D10 low very low moderate
effective incentive to deliver passively fished waste in ports
JVM6 PP28 Develop and implement a national regulation for the D10 low very low moderate
prohibition of deliberate mass release of balloons into the air
JVM6 PP29 Develop guidelines for local authorities to define D10 moderate very low high
measures in municipal planning/normative documents
JVM6 PP30 Implement research studies on solid waste and micro- D10 No effect low No effect
litter in the marine aquatic environment
D10 No effect very low No effect
JVM6 PP31 Implement a study to develop an analytical policy
decision support tool for the evaluation of measures
3.4. Assessment of the benefits of implementing additional measures and achieving GES
The most significant benefits of implementing measures relate to the improvement of the state of the
marine environment and the “ecosystem services” provided by the marine ecosystem. Since such benefits
for human well-being are not a market product, their monetary valuation requires special economic
valuation studies. In order to assess the benefits of implementing measures and achieving GES, a valuation
study was conducted under the project “Improving knowledge on the state of the marine environment”
(No 17-00-F06803-000001). Similar studies have been carried out in other Baltic Sea countries (Finland,
Sweden and Germany) assessing the benefits of achieving GES in monetary terms. A national study carried
out in 2021 assessed the benefits of achieving GES in Latvian marine waters, covering all marine
environment themes in the Latvian marine waters, where, according to the results of the ‘risk
assessment’, non-compliance with GES is expected, including the nutrient input and eutrophication,
hazardous substances, the introduction and negative impact of alien species, marine litter and the state
of marine biodiversity. The data were collected from a national survey of Latvian citizens from a sample
that is representative of Latvia’s population in terms of size and structure. The results therefore show the
value assigned by the Latvian society to achieving GES in relation to the topics covered.
38
This assessment shows the benefits of introducing additional measures, but also partly covers the benefits
of introducing planned measures of existing policies. Achieving GES will depend on the implementation
of planned measures within existing policies related to the protection of biodiversity (including the
establishment of new MPAs and the development of a nature management plan), the reduction of
nutrient inputs (supplementary measures in the River Basin Management Plans 2022-2027), the reduction
of pollution of hazardous substances (in particular measures in the National Waste Management Plan
2021-2028) and the reduction of marine litter (measures of the National Waste Management Plan 2021-
2028 to reduce water litter22). When comparing the benefits with the costs, the costs should additionally
take into account part of the costs of these measures (the share of the costs attributable to the sea has
not been assessed).
Based on the results of the study, the total national welfare benefits for citizens of all assessed marine
environmental problems are estimated at EUR 16.2 million per year (EUR 13.4-19.1 million at a 95 %
confidence interval). Additional data from the survey on the importance of individual marine
environmental problems indicate that all the assessed environmental problems receive similar share of
the total benefits, bringing benefits of around EUR 2-3 million per year from measures related to each
marine environmental problem. The welfare benefits of achieving GES in terms of hazardous pollutants
and marine litter are slightly higher than the benefits associated with the other marine environmental
problems assessed. Previous environmental economic evaluation studies in Latvia also show similar
benefits.
The estimated costs of additional measures amount to approximately EUR 0.4 million per year on average.
Even if adding to these costs also the non-quantified costs of additional measures and the costs of the
planned measures of existing policies (share of the costs attributable to the sea), the estimated benefits
exceed the costs. It is only to be noted that the costs will arise in the coming years, while the benefits in
the future, when there are improvements in the marine environment following the full implementation
of the measures, will be observed.
22
Measures included in the ‘Waste prevention programme’ part ‘Measures to reduce litter from marine, coastal,
inland waters, special areas of conservation and other areas’.
39
Plāna "Pasākumu programma laba jūras vides stāvokļa panākšanai 2022.-2027.gadā"
Stratēģiskais ietekmes uz vidi novērtējums
Vides pārskata projekts
Plan "Programme of Measures to achieve good
environmental status in the marine environment
in 2022 - 2027"
Strategic environmental assessment
Environmental Report
Summary
Commissioned by:
Vides aizsardzības un reģionālās attīstības ministrija
Reģ. Nr. 90000028508
Adrese: Peldu iela 25
Rīga, LV 1494
Contractor:
SIA “Firma L4”
Environmental expert Inga Gavena
Rīga, October 2022
Introduction
Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008 establishing a
framework for Community action in the field of marine environmental policy, the Marine Strategy
Framework Directive (hereinafter "the Directive") sets out the responsibility of the Member States
of the European Union to achieve good environmental status by 2020 in the marine waters under
their jurisdiction. The requirements of the Directive have been transposed by the Law on Marine
Environmental Protection and Management (hereinafter - the Law) and the Cabinet of Ministers
Regulation No 1071 of 23 November 2010 "Requirements for the assessment of the state of the
marine environment, determination of good environmental status and development of marine
environmental targets".
Under the Directive (MSFD, 2008/56/EC), Member States are required to identify the measures to
be taken to achieve or maintain good environmental status (GES) in their marine waters in a
programme of measures (Article 13 of the MSFD). The programme of measures must include the
measures required by Community legislation and international agreements (Article 13.2) and, where
necessary, additional measures (Article 13.3) to achieve the GES.
In accordance with the requirements of the Directive and the Law, Latvia is required to develop and
implement a marine strategy, which is a comprehensive, sequenced and systematic set of measures
to achieve and maintain good marine environmental status and prevent deterioration of the marine
environment in marine waters under Latvian jurisdiction. The Marine Strategy shall include:
1) Initial assessment of the state of the marine environment (hereafter "marine assessment"),
definition of good environmental status of marine waters, setting of environmental quality objectives
and indicators (2012; 2018);
2) development of a marine monitoring programme (2014; 2020);
3) development and implementation of a programme of measures (2015, 2021).
The existing programme of measures has been developed for the period 2017-2020. The updated
Programme of Measures should cover the second implementation cycle (2022-2027).
In accordance with Article 15, paragraph 3 of the Law the Ministry of Environmental Protection and
Regional Development (hereinafter - Ministry) has elaborated the updated plan "Programme of
Measures for Achieving Good Environmental Status of the Marine Environment in 2022-2027"
(hereinafter - Programme). In accordance with Article 15(3) of the Law, the Ministry shall review
the Programme at least every six years and, if necessary, update it. Pursuant to Article 12 of the Law,
the first Programme (2016-2020, valid up to and including 2021) was developed by the Ministry and
approved by the Cabinet of Ministers in 2016.
The aim of the Programme is to identify the necessary measures to achieve and maintain the strategic
objective of good status of the marine environment in marine waters under Latvian jurisdiction, in
accordance with the requirements of the Directive and the Law. Its expected result is that the
implementation of the measures set out in the Programme will lead to the achievement of the marine
environmental objectives set on the basis of the marine assessment and to the maintenance or
achievement of GES in marine waters under the jurisdiction of Latvia, as defined in the Directive
and the Environmental Policy Strategy for 2022-2027 (hereinafter – EPS 2027).
The Strategic Environmental Assessment of the planning document was carried out by SIA Firma
L4 and environmental expert Inga Gavena (MSc. Environmental Science and Geology) and the
Environmental Report was prepared in accordance with the contract with the Ministry.
Main objectives and content of the planning document
The purpose of the Programme is to identify the necessary measures to achieve and maintain the
strategic objective of good status of the marine environment in marine waters under Latvian
jurisdiction in accordance with the requirements of the Directive and the Law and the subordinate
Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No 1071 of 23 November 2010 "Requirements for the assessment
of marine environmental status, determination of good marine environmental status and development
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of marine environmental objectives".
The Programme is a set of measures to achieve a strategic objective and the expected result of its
implementation is the achievement of the marine environmental objectives set on the basis of the
Marine Assessment and the maintenance of the existing or the achievement of good environmental
status in marine waters under the jurisdiction of Latvia, as defined in the Directive and the EPS 2027.
The programme of measures includes:
A brief description of the current state of marine environmental policy, highlighting the main
planning documents and the messages they contain.
A brief description of the current state of the marine environment, identifying the main problems.
A set of 7 objectives has been identified for achieving GES in the marine environment in Latvia. The
targets are set to maximise the effectiveness of planning and implementing the measures needed to
achieve good environmental status, taking into account the main pressures affecting the state of the
marine environment. The marine targets set in Latvia, the corresponding qualitative descriptors (D)
and the result to be achieved. The following targets have been identified:
Table Error! No text of specified style in document.. Marine environment targets (JVM),
expected status on reaching the JVM
Qualitative descriptors for Expected status on reaching the JVM
Marine environment targets Determining Good Marine
Environmental Status („D”)
D1 Biological diversity The impact of anthropogenic activities on
JVM1: Anthropogenic
marine habitats and species is at a level
activities have not adversely D2 Non-indigenous species
that does not have a negative and lasting
affected marine habitats and D4 Food webs effect on them.
species D6 Seabed integrity
Exploitation of marine resources is
JVM2: Use of marine limited to the level at which marine
D3 Commercially exploited
resources is sustainable and ecosystem degradation occurs. This
species
does not degrade ecosystems includes direct and indirect impacts of
resource use.
As eutrophication reaches critical levels,
JVM3: Eutrophication does its negative effects on the marine
not have a negative impact D5 Eutrophication environment become apparent.
on the marine ecosystem Eutrophication is acceptable at a level
that does not cause such negative effects.
JVM4: Hydromorphological No activities in the sea that alter the
condition characteristic of D7 Hydrographical conditions hydromorphological state of the sea.
the sea
D8 Concentrations of Reduction of pollutant loads to levels that
JVM5: Levels of pollutant contaminants and compounds do not lead to concentrations of pollutants
concentrations do not cause in marine environment, incl.
t.sk. oil pollution
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adverse effects on the marine D9 Contaminants and in the sea at which adverse effects on
ecosystem compounds in organisms for marine organisms can be observed.
human consumption
JVM6: Solid waste does not The distribution and concentrations of
have undesirable effects on D10 Marine litter solid waste at which adverse effects on
the marine ecosystem marine organisms occur are prevented.
JVM7: Energy introduced Noise or other forms of energy
into the sea, including discharged into the marine environment
D11 Energy introduced into
underwater noise level, does do not reach levels at which adverse
the sea (underwater noise)
not adversely affect the effects on the marine ecosystem can be
marine environment observed.
The Programme is developed based on:
1) an assessment of the effectiveness of the implementation of existing and planned sectoral policy
measures having an impact on the marine environment, identifying gaps in the implementation of
these measures and assessing their expected effect (expected changes in the state of the marine
environment from the implementation of these measures;
2) an assessment of the risk of not achieving the GES (called a "risk assessment"), which takes into
account expected trends in marine use up to 2027 and the effect of the implementation of existing
and planned sectoral policies, which will indicate the need for additional measures. It concludes that
of all the attributes analysed, the highest risk of not achieving the GES exists for: D1 "Biodiversity",
D2 "Alien species", D5 "Eutrophication", D8 "Pollutants" and D10 "Marine litter";
3) identification, evaluation and selection of possible additional measures, taking into account certain
evaluation methods and selection criteria (technical feasibility, cost-effectiveness, socio-economic
impacts). The assessment of the state of the marine environment in 2018 concludes that the state of
the marine environment is good for the qualitative descriptors D6 "Seabed integrity", D7
"Hydrographic conditions" and D9 "Contaminants in food fish and other seafood". No additional
measures are therefore required for these Ds.
For some qualitative descriptors or their individual components, it was not possible to assess the state
of the environment and compliance with the LSMS due to lack of knowledge capacity, suitable
indicators and data. Achievement of the LSGs is therefore difficult to predict. This can be applied to
D1 "Biodiversity" (pelagic habitats), D4 "Food webs," D10 (marine litter) and D11 "Underwater
noise". These Ds require data collection under the marine monitoring programme and further
research to improve knowledge. The assessment of the risk of not achieving good environmental
status has shown that the current status is largely inconsistent with good environmental status, and
that implementation of existing and planned measures alone will not lead to significant
improvements. Therefore, for the qualitative descriptors identified as most at risk of failing to achieve
the GES - D1 "Biodiversity", D2 "Alien species", D5 "Eutrophication" and D10 "Marine litter" -
additional measures are identified as necessary;
4) an assessment of the need for exemptions, taking into account the types of exemptions permitted
under the Directive and the Law, preparing appropriate justifications and setting out the measures
that would be necessary in relation to the exemptions applied. It was concluded that there were no
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grounds for exemptions due to disproportionate costs.
5) coordination and harmonisation of the programme at Baltic Sea Region level. The international
and regional coordination of the Programme was ensured through information exchange and
coordination at EU and Baltic Sea Region level (within HELCOM), as well as through bilateral and
multilateral consultations with other countries, in particular those with which Latvia shares a
maritime border;
6) an assessment of the transboundary impacts of the Programme, assessing the risk of transboundary
pollution and threats from the measures included in the Programme, in order to ensure that the
Programme has a beneficial impact on the waters of the Baltic Sea region outside the jurisdiction of
Latvia. The Programme contains pollution reduction measures as well as research and education
measures that can only improve the environmental status. The conclusions of the Strategic
Environmental Assessment (SEA) of EPS2027 are largely applicable to the Programme. The
positive impacts of the Marine Strategy, including the Programme, have been identified in the SEA
process of the EPS2027 in the action lines of the EPS2027 such as "Maintaining and improving the
ecological quality of surface waters" and "Restoring the marine ecosystem through sustainable use
of marine resources and implementation of the Marine Strategy". The Programme is expected to have
a positive impact on the quality of the marine environment beyond Latvia's maritime boundaries, as
the aim of the measures is to ensure an improvement in the environmental status of marine waters by
reducing pollution and to improve the knowledge base on the state of the marine ecosystem and its
influencing factors. At the same time, transboundary impacts on the state of Latvia's marine waters
can also be expected to be beneficial if the environmental improvement measures envisaged in the
Programme for neighbouring countries, such as Lithuania, are implemented.
The updated Programme takes into account the EU and Baltic Sea Region planning documents and
the requirements and recommendations contained therein, as well as Latvian national level planning
documents, including specifying the targets to be achieved and planning measures to achieve them.
Strategic Environmental Assessment procedure and institutions involved
Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment (hereinafter referred to as SEA) shall be carried out in
accordance with the requirements of the Law "On Environmental Impact Assessment", as well as the
Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No 157 of 23 March 2004 "Procedure for Strategic Environmental
Impact Assessment". The above-mentioned normative acts incorporate the guidelines of Directive
2001/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 June 2001 on the assessment of the
effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment.
The purpose of SEA, or environmental impact assessment, is to assess the potential environmental
effects of the implementation of planning documents, to involve the public in the consultation and
decision-making process, and to develop proposals to avoid or reduce potential negative effects. The
SEA is carried out during the preparation of the planning document, before it is submitted for
adoption. The EIA process does not usually involve additional field studies, but rather the use and
analysis of all existing and available data, monitoring observations and research results, including
results of studies and environmental monitoring organised and carried out by the municipality, the
Regional Environmental Boards of the State Environmental Service, the Latvian Environment,
Geology and Meteorology Agency.
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The State Environmental Bureau has indicated that the likelihood and significance of transboundary
impacts should be assessed during the preparation of the planning document and the environmental
report. The likelihood of transboundary impacts depends directly on the activities planned in the
territorial waters of the Baltic Sea of the Republic of Latvia and, if activities with transboundary
impacts are planned during its preparation, their significance should be assessed, including taking
into account the views of potentially affected countries within the meaning of the Directive and the
Espoo Protocol. The views of neighbouring countries, including the procedure for informing
neighbouring countries, including those in the Baltic Sea region, in the event of a transboundary
impact is set out in Articles 5-10 of the Directive, Articles 10-12 of the Espoo Protocol and Part VI
of Regulation No 157.
The Bureau informs that compensatory measures (if any) are to be determined in case, according to
the environmental report submitted by the developer to the Bureau, the implementation of the
planning document will have a significant negative impact on a specially protected nature (Natura
2000) site of European importance or priority species or habitats of the European Union occurring in
a Natura 2000 site, but the planning document is the only solution to satisfy the important public
interests (also social or economic interests). The Strategic Assessment of the Programme should,
inter alia, identify and assess the impact of the planning document on Natura 2000 sites and priority
species and habitats of the European Union found in Natura 2000 sites.
The Bureau considers that the planning document requires a public consultation meeting.
Public participation
The requirements for public information and involvement in the strategic environmental impact
assessment process for the implementation of the planning document are set out in the Law on
Environmental Impact Assessment (as amended until 16 December 2010), as well as in Cabinet
Regulation No 157 of 23 March 2004 "Procedure for Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment".
Public information is provided by both the developer of the planning document and the State
Environmental Bureau.
In preparing the planning document, the developer shall take into account the environmental report,
the opinions submitted and the results of the public consultation before adopting the planning
document and shall, within 14 days of the adoption of the planning document, prepare and post on
its website an information report on the adopted planning document.
The public may submit written proposals and comments on the draft planning document and the draft
environmental report to the developer for at least 30 days from the date of publication of the notice
on the possibility to get acquainted with the draft planning document and the draft environmental
report.
Within three working days of delivering its opinion on the Environmental Report, the Bureau shall
post it on the Bureau`s website.
The State Environmental Bureau has determined that the Programme of Measures and the draft
Environmental Report shall be sent to the following institutions of the Republic of Latvia:
- Ministry of Health;
- Ministry of Agriculture;
- Ministry of Transport;
- Ministry of Economy;
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
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- Ministry of Defence;
- Ministry of the Interior;
- State Fire and Rescue Service;
- Latvian Association of Local Authorities;
- Kurzeme planning region;
- Rīga planning region;
- Vidzeme planning region;
- State Environmental Service;
- Nature Conservation Agency;
- Environmental Advisory Council.
The procedure for notification in the case of transboundary impacts is set out in Part VI of the Cabinet
Regulations and is to be assessed in the environmental report if the planning document foresees
significant transboundary impacts. This issue should be clarified during the preparation and
assessment of the planning document, taking into account that the likelihood of transboundary
impacts is directly dependent on the planned activities/actions and, if activities with transboundary
impacts are planned during its preparation, their significance should be ascertained
Description of the existing state of the environment and possible scenario if the planning
document were not implemented
The existing and additional measures provided for in the Programme of Measures shall apply to the
territory of Latvia and the areas of the internal maritime waters, territorial sea and exclusive economic
zone of the Republic of Latvia (hereinafter referred to as the Latvian maritime space). These
measures and their implementation have a spatial impact both on the entire Baltic Sea basin and on
the national area of interest "Baltic Sea coast" as defined in Latvia's long-term strategy "Latvia 2030",
where economic development must be balanced with environmental protection requirements.
The focus is on the territorial waters of the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga and the exclusive
economic zone (EEZ). However, the sea and land are closely interlinked and measures on land,
including river basin district management, are needed to achieve good status of the marine
environment.
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Figure 1. Latvian maritime territory
Description of the existing state of the environment, natural resources and anthropogenic
pressures
The results of the following studies and other publicly available information sources have been used
to characterise the current state of the marine environment.
The Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology carried out the assessment of the state of the marine
environment in 2018, including as part of the project “Improving knowledge on the state of the
marine environment” (project No 17-F06803-000001) funded by the EU European Maritime and
Fisheries Fund (hereinfater – EMFF project). The socioeconomic assessment was carried out by
AKTiiVS Ltd. in the frame of the study “Building a knowledge and information base for economic
and social analysis of the use of marine waters and the achievement of marine environmental
objectives” part of the EMFF project.
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The Baltic Sea is geologically young - one of the youngest seas on the Earth. The sea has gone
through several evolutionary phases in its development. Periodically isolated from the ocean, it has
been both a freshwater basin and a typical saltwater inland sea.
Since the end of the last ice age, the Baltic Sea basin has undergone several major changes. The crust
of the Earth, freed from the ice mass, rose upwards in what is now the Baltic Sea, which at times
became separated from the rest of the world's oceans and became a lake.
The marine area consists of the seashore (which includes the beach with foreshore or spit), the coastal
foreshore and the seabed..
Seabed sediments and associated modern geological processes, including sediment dynamics, wave
and current action on sediments, are a major factor affecting the state of the marine environment and
benthic habitats in particular.
The publicly available state of the marine environment studies do not include data on seabed geology,
sediment genesis and dynamics, including sedimentation, slope scouring and sediment transport. All
these factors have a major impact on the state of the marine environment and marine habitats.
Long-term, regular monitoring of modern marine geological processes allows us to understand trends
in coastal and submarine slope development, control coastal erosion processes in high-risk areas, and
identify new high-risk areas in a timely manner. The monitoring of coastal risk areas was included
in the Environmental Monitoring Programme for 2015-2020 under the section "Land monitoring
programme". However, observations of coastal processes were discontinued in 2008 due to lack of
financial resources. It is also desirable to start monitoring coastal sediment fluxes and using computer
modelling for data processing and forecasting, including in the assessment of the state of the marine
environment.
For example, seabed substrate is one of the building blocks of the marine ecosystem, but the
information used in the assessment: soft (various grains of sand, mud) soils and hard (coarse gravel,
pebbles, boulders) soils is very incomplete. There is a significant difference between Quaternary
moraine boulders and pebbles, which can move with waves and currents, and bedrock (dolomite,
sandstone) submarine exposures.
The contour of the seashore is formed by a series of curves of varying lengths and gentle ridges or
promontories. The configuration of the modern seafront is largely inherited from the outer edge of
the accumulations of the Litorina Sea coast. Less frequently, the modern shore is adjacent to the
elevated plains of the Baltic Ice Lake or the Litorina Sea (the former coastal submarine slopes of
these basins.
The modern shoreline configuration is the result of long-term marine geological activity.
The marine waters under the jurisdiction of the Republic of Latvia can be divided into two parts - the
Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga, each of which has different characteristics. In the Baltic Sea part,
the depth ranges from 0 m to 259 m (Figure 6.1). The depth zone between 20 m and 50 m covers the
largest area (40%). The next largest depth zones (22% of the area) are two in terms of area: 50 m to
100 m and 100 m to 200 m. A very small area (3%) is deeper than 200 m, while 13% of the total area
is shallower than 20 m.
The situation is different in the Gulf of Riga, where 18% of the area is shallower than 20 m. The 20-
50 m depth zone covers the largest area, as in the Latvian marine waters as a whole, while in the bay
it covers 80%. Only 2% of the bay is deeper than 50m.
The Baltic Sea has relatively low salinity due to poor water exchange with the much saltier North
Sea and large freshwater inflows from rivers, which lead to strong salinity gradients in the Baltic Sea
basins.
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The Gulf of Riga, on the other hand, has a pronounced horizontal salinity gradient, with the lowest
salinity in the southernmost part of the Gulf at the mouth of the third largest river flowing into the
Baltic Sea (the Daugava), and the highest in the northern part of the Gulf of Riga, which receives
more saline water masses flowing in from the Baltic Sea.
The location in the moderate climate zone of the Latvian maritime area means that it has a mild and
humid climate and a distinct four-season change. The skies are often overcast, on average 160-180
days per year. Average annual rainfall varies from 574 to 691 mm.
Air temperature - The coldest months of the year are January and February, with average monthly
temperatures ranging from 0 to -2 °C offshore and from +1 to -5 °C on the coast.
The Baltic Sea is characterised by frequent changes in air masses. Atmospheric fronts are often
accompanied by strong winds, so storms peak in autumn, blizzards peak in February, and July has
the highest rainfall and the most days with thunderstorms.
Wind: Westerly, south-westerly and southerly winds prevail in the open sea throughout the year.
North and east winds also sometimes blow. On the coast, south-westerly winds (15-35% of the time),
westerly winds (15-30%) and southerly winds (15-30%) prevail.
Ice regime: ice covers on average 45% of the Baltic Sea during its peak period (February-March).
The Gulf of Bothnia, the Gulf of Finland, the Gulf of Riga and the Veinameri between the Estonian
islands usually freeze over.
By the end of the 21st century, the Baltic Sea's Kurzeme coast and the Gulf of Riga are projected to
be virtually ice-free. In Latvian conditions, a cyclical alternation of storms and interstorm calms is
to be expected. While future projections of average wind strength and "storminess" cannot yet be
interpreted unambiguously, most estimates suggest that average wind speeds may increase by 18%
in winter, Latvia's typical storm season. In the future, winter and spring storms are predicted to be 5-
20% more frequent, and wind-driven flooding is expected to affect Latvia's coastline much more
than global mean sea level rise.
Biodiversity
Both geographical and ecological barriers cause the Baltic Sea to become uninhabited. The Baltic
Sea is connected to the North Sea by the Kattegat, where the three so-called Danish straits converge:
the Öresund, the Great Belt and the Little Belt. Water exchange between the two seas is very limited,
so there are large differences in salinity between different areas of the Baltic Sea. Salt water is quite
unusual for our planet and therefore relatively few plant and animal species have adapted to life in
it..
However, it should be recognised that in the narrow coastal zone of the Baltic Sea, species diversity
can also be quite high, as both freshwater and marine species can coexist here.
Biodiversity is one of the quality attributes of good marine environmental status. As biodiversity is
defined in different ways, the 1992 Rio Convention on Biological Diversity specifies it as the
diversity of forms of living organisms in all naturally occurring environments and ecological
complexes. Biodiversity comprises three levels:
1) genetic diversity, which is the diversity within a species - subspecies, populations, etc;
2) species diversity;
3) ecosystem diversity Ecosystem diversity is determined by the different types of habitats in an area.
Currently, there is no information on genetic diversity in Latvian marine waters, so the diversity of
species and ecosystems (habitats) is considered.
The marine ecosystem consists of two main subsystems, pelagic and benthic, which interact with
each other. The main factors/elements that structure the marine ecosystem are the abiotic
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environment - seabed substrate, depth, light intensity at different depth layers, salinity, water
temperature - and the biotic environment or biota - plankton, benthos, fish, birds and marine mammal
populations.
BENTHIC HABITATS. In the waters of the Gulf of Riga and the Baltic Sea, the substrate of benthic
habitats varies widely in structure - sandy, muddy, rocky, pebbly, with mixed sediment composition
or covered with gravel, shells, dolomite, sandstone.
The most significant pressures on benthic habitats are defined as:
nutrient inputs and eutrophicationesošo svešo sugu izplatība un negatīvā ietekme;
water turbidity and browning;
changes in hydrological conditions.
Common indicators for assessing status in the Baltic Sea region have only been developed for soft
bottom habitats, for which the Benthic Quality Index (BQI) is used4. In most Latvian marine waters,
the value of this indicator does not meet the LSQS threshold (LHEI, 2018). For hard-bottom habitats,
there are no common indicators for assessing their condition in the marine region. Data for indicators
describing pressures on habitats suggest that the current level of pressures is inadequate to ensure
good habitat condition. Latvia's report to the European Commission on the conservation status of
habitats and species in Latvia in 2013-2018 (DAP, 2019) assesses the overall conservation status of
hard-bottom habitats (1170 Rock shoals in the sea) as poor under Article 17 of European Council
Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and
flora. Compared to the Latvian report for the previous period (2007-2013), new data on the
distribution range of the habitat have been obtained during the last assessment period, and the
assessment of the habitat's range and occupied area has improved, but the assessment of habitat
quality has not improved and the overall assessment of the habitat in Latvian waters is poor.
SEABIRDS Birds can be found all year round in the territorial and economic waters of the Latvian
Baltic Sea. Wintering and breeding birds have been selected to assess the size and changes in the
populations of birds present.
Around 40 species of waterbirds are regularly found in Latvian waters in winter. The number of
waterbirds wintering at sea in Latvia is recorded by two biodiversity monitoring surveys - the coastal
and inland wintering waterbird monitoring survey and the wintering waterbird aerial survey.
Good ecological status for the indicator "Number of waterbirds in the breeding season" was found in
the Belts Sea area and the Gulf of Bothnia, and for the indicator "Number of waterbirds in the
wintering season" - in most of the region.
When assessing species groups by feeding specialisation in the Baltic Sea region, good ecological
status for both indicators was found for birds feeding on the water surface and pelagic. A negative
assessment was found for wading birds in the breeding season, and for benthic-feeding birds and
herbivores in the wintering season.
Migratory birds are wintering or breeding species in all Latvian waters.
Coastal nesting birds: during the breeding season, around 10 species of birds nest directly on the
coast, while another 10 species, mostly colonial nesters, fly in to feed from inland breeding sites. Of
the 8 species that breed fairly regularly and are mostly coastal-associated, only three show a stable
or increasing trend. Species that both nest and forage in close proximity to the sea are severely or
critically endangered, so that the overall state of the marine environment for nesting species cannot
be considered good.
MAMMALS: Four species of marine mammals occur in the Baltic Sea: the grey seal (Halichoerus
gripos), the humpback seal (Phoca hispida), the spotted seal (Phoca vitulina) and the harbour
porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) (HELCOM 2017). Each of these species has a distinct home range.
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The grey seal is the most common seal along the Latvian coast and the humpback seal is less
common. The spotted seal, on the other hand, inhabits mostly the western part of the Baltic Sea and
has been sighted only a few times on the Latvian coast (MARMONI inf.mater. The harbour porpoise,
the only whale species that breeds in the Baltic Sea, occurs quite regularly off the coasts of Denmark,
Sweden and Germany, but much less frequently in other regions (HELCOM 2017; MARMONI
inf.mater.). In 2016, within the SAMBAH project, a comprehensive occurrence survey of harbour
porpoises was carried out using acoustic sondes, during which only a few calls were recorded in the
Latvian territorial waters bordering Lithuania (SAMBAH 2016). All of these mammalian predators
play an important role in regulating food chains, but at the same time they are very sensitive to
various negative environmental changes in the Baltic Sea (pollution, noise, climate change, etc.).
This makes marine mammals important indicators of ecosystem health.
GREY SEAL (HALICHOERUS GRYPUS) Grey seals, their population numbers, trend and
distribution are assessed as good. However, the overall status of the species based on the integrated
assessment does not indicate a good ecological status, as the fattening and reproductive status of grey
seals does not meet the good status criterion. The poor ecological status of the grey seal can be
attributed to disturbances caused by anthropogenic impacts, as well as natural factors, such as the
species' population having reached a level at which the existing food base is insufficient to support a
healthy population. However, the existing knowledge and data are insufficient to draw a scientific
conclusion on the factors influencing the status of grey seal populations.
RINGED SEAL (PHOCA HISPIDA) The ecological status of the ringed seal in the Baltic Sea is
assessed as poor. In areas where it is distributed, mainly in the Gulf of Bothnia, but also in sub-basins
such as the Archipelago, the Gulf of Finland, the Gulf of Riga and Estonian coastal waters, the
distribution of ringed seals is more restricted compared to the reference condition/historical data
Pogainā roņa ekoloģiskais stāvoklis Baltijas jūrā vērtējams kā slikts.
FISH: Many species of fish are consumed by humans, but fish are also an important food source for
marine mammals and seabirds. They feed on benthic organisms, zooplankton and smaller fish, thus
linking different food chains, and they play an important ecological role by connecting different
marine areas during migration.
About 230 species of fish have been recorded in the Baltic Sea. The overall assessment of fish
biodiversity, which also takes into account the status of commercially important species, shows that
only the Gulf of Bothnia and about half of the 21 coastal assessment units surveyed are in good
ecological status in the Baltic Sea. In the remaining areas, the status of fish populations is poor.
Marine Protected Areas
The Marine Protected Area is designed to conserve benthic or seabed habitats and species, as well as
important feeding and wintering grounds for migratory bird species.
The following marine protected areas have been designated in the maritime territory of Latvia:
Ainaži-Salacgrīva: Protection category: marine protected area, Natura 2000 site, part of the North
Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve.
Akmensrags: Protection category: marine protected area, Natura 2000 site. Administrative
division:The territory is located in the south-west of the Baltic Sea of the Republic of Latvia
Irbes šaurums: Protection category: marine protected area, Natura 2000 site.
Nida-Pērkone; Protection category: marine protected area, Natura 2000 site.
West coast of the Gulf of Riga: Protection category: marine protected area, Natura 2000 site.
Selga uz rietumiem no Tūjas (marine territory West of Tūja): Protection category: marine
protected area, Natura 2000 site.
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Vitrupe-Tūja: Protection category: marine protected area, Natura 2000 site, part of the North
Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve.
The marine environment is closely linked to, and often dependent on, the coastal area. The coastline
- the interface between the Baltic Sea and the land - is a unique natural complex of sea, beach, dunes,
forests, steep banks, river estuaries, lagoon lakes and rand meadows, which together with economic
activities and cultural heritage sites form a coherent coastal natural and cultural heritage. Biodiversity
is one of the key assets underpinning sustainable coastal development. Achieving good
environmental status in the marine environment is therefore not possible without appropriate coastal
management.
Anthropogenic impacts
The Baltic Sea ecosystem is highly vulnerable, due to natural conditions and pressures from the
activities of the 85 million people living and working in its catchment area. Water exchange between
the Baltic and the North Sea has been declining in recent decades, which may be linked to large-scale
changes in climatic conditions. Some 90% of the Baltic Sea's ecosystems, species and habitats are
threatened in various ways by human economic activities. A new problem has emerged - the
emergence of invasive species. Currently, around 100 alien species have been found in the Baltic
Sea, of which only 2 are found in Latvian coastal waters and more than 20 in the Gulf of Riga.
Climate change is also contributing to this, with warmer seawater and lower salinity.
The most significant anthropogenic impacts or pressures in the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga have
been defined as:
eutrophication (nutrient enrichment of an ecosystem);
input of pollutants;
Non-indeginous species;
waste;
pollutants.
Non-indeginous species (D2): The introduction of new alien species into the Baltic Sea dates back
to the 1900s. However, a particularly rapid trend in the introduction of alien species has been
documented in recent decades and, unfortunately, there has been no decline in the 1990s or 2000s.
Currently, approximately 140 species are considered to be alien to the Baltic Sea.
The most important pathways for alien species in the Baltic Sea have now been identified:
aquaculture (supplementing fish stocks or their feed with specific species);
vessel traffic, where alien species are transported in the ballast water of ships or by attachment to
the hull of ships in the form of fouling.
COMMERCIALLY EXPLOITED FISH (D3) Fisheries in the Baltic Sea target both marine and
freshwater species, but marine species are the most important for commercial fisheries. Depending
on market demand, the fish caught are used for human consumption or for industrial purposes, further
processed into fish oil, flour or animal feed. Of the demersal fish stocks examined, only one, plaice
(Pleuronectes platessa), is in good condition.
The pelagic stocks of sprat (Sprattus sprattus) in the Baltic Sea and herring (Clupea harengus) in the
Gulf of Riga, as well as the spring-spawning herring population in the Western Baltic and Kattegat,
are in poor condition during the reporting period. Overall, in 2017 the herring stock in the Gulf of
Riga was in good environmental status. In contrast, the Gulf of Bothnia and Central Baltic herring
stocks are in good condition with an increasing trend in spawning stock biomass.
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EUTROPHICATION (D5) Eutrophication, the enrichment of an ecosystem in nutrients, has been
occurring since at least the early 20th century, with nitrogen and phosphorus loads peaking around
1980. In the following years, a decline in loads was observed, mainly due to a reduction in point
source loads, as river loads declined by only less than 10%.
Overall, both nitrogen and phosphorus loads show a slight decreasing trend in the Latvian marine
area. As mentioned above, river discharges during the assessment period were on average
significantly lower than in the previous period. It is therefore quite likely that the observed decrease
in loads could be at least partly due to a reduction in river discharge.
Overall, the environmental status of the area does not meet the criteria for good environmental status
for total phosphorus during the reporting period. There is an indication that the situation is slightly
improving in the open part of the Baltic Sea, but deteriorating in the Gulf of Riga.
HYDROGRAPHIC CHANGES TO THE SEABED AND VERTICAL WATER COLUMN
(DUE TO HYDRAULIC STRUCTURES) AND D7C2 BENTHIC HABITAT TYPES OR
OTHER HABITAT TYPES Coastal hydraulic structures (harbour jetties) extend into the sea to a
depth of 8 m and therefore have the potential to affect coastal habitat areas from the shoreline to the
10 m shelf. The total area of these coastal habitats is approximately 124 535 ha or 1245 km2. Offshore
hydraulic structures cover approximately 34 ha or 0.03% of the total area of coastal habitats.
Therefore, it can be argued that the impact of hydraulic structures on coastal habitats is negligible.
In addition, the hydraulic structures (jetties) have no discernible effect on either salinity or current
regime, i.e. no permanent changes in hydrographical conditions are detectable.
The most important is the impact of hydraulic structures, especially jetties, on longshore sediment
flow.
POLLUTANTS (D8): Man-made and naturally occurring chemical compounds and heavy metals
enter the sea from point and diffuse sources, directly or indirectly, through atmospheric transport and
rivers. Once in the marine environment, these pollutants can have undesirable effects on the
ecosystem as a whole or on individual organisms. Many of these pollutants, once they enter the food
chain, can be observed at higher concentrations at each successive higher step in the chain than at
the lowest, posing a significant risk to species at the top of the food chain.
While thousands of chemicals are released into the environment, a much smaller number of
compounds can cause significant harm through chronic pollution. These compounds and elements of
concern to the European Union's aquatic environment have been identified and, for most of them,
threshold values for good environmental status have also been set.
The ecological quality of the marine environment is threatened not only by long-term chronic
pollution, but also by acute pollution incidents, which are usually the result of relatively large
accidents.
Human activities release a number of heavy metals into the aquatic environment, the most toxic of
which are mercury, cadmium and lead.
Over the period considered, mercury concentrations in fish tissue show relatively large variations in
annual mean concentrations, making it difficult to identify a trend. Inter-annual differences in
concentrations are due to both different environmental factors (e.g. differences in the food base
between years) and age variability of the sampled individuals (basically 2-4 years).
Most observations show that concentrations of heavy metals in water and fish tissue are above the
limit values.
Organic pollutants and their groups: Of the compounds or groups of compounds considered,
quantifiable concentrations were observed for organic tin compounds, including tributyltin (TBT)
compounds, polyaromatic hydrocarbons and perfluorinated compounds (PFOS and PFOA). This
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pollution must be taken into account when assessing the quality of benthic habitats and the viability
of the organisms that live there (acute and chronic effects).
POLLUTANTS IN SEAFOOD (D9): The results were divided into two groups according to where
the fish were caught - in the Baltic Sea and in the Gulf of Riga. The concentrations of all the
compounds or groups of compounds measured in the muscle meat of fish were below the limit value
set in Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006, except for one measurement of Cd in herring from the Gulf of
Riga, although in the other cases the concentration of Cd in the muscle meat of herring was below
the limit of detection (LOD) of 0,005 mg/kg wet weight.
MARINE LITTER (D10): The assessment is based on observations made during the "My Sea"
campaign. The surveys have been carried out annually since 2012, a total of 6 times. Assessment:
The average number of items of litter over the 6-year period on the surveyed Latvian coast ranges
from 35 to 597 items per 100 metres.
Looking at the data from 2012-2017, 13 of the coastal stretches surveyed were found to be in good
environmental condition. On the Baltic Sea coast, 22% of the beaches surveyed were in good
environmental condition, and on the Gulf of Riga coast - 35%. Compared to the period 2012-2014,
the situation on the beaches along the Baltic Sea coast has significantly deteriorated - by 2014, 46%
of the beaches surveyed were in good environmental condition. While during this period good
environmental conditions were observed at the beaches of Bernāti, Užava, Ovīši and the Lithuanian
border beaches, the environmental conditions at these beaches are now considered to be poor. The
situation has improved only at Mērsrags beach, where the amount of litter has decreased in recent
years and good environmental status was achieved in 2017.
UNDERWATER NOISE (D11): Identifying the impacts of underwater noise from anthropogenic
activities (including shipping) on the underwater environment is a relatively new activity in Europe
and worldwide. Persistent anthropogenic noise is mostly related to ship traffic and the noise it
generates. Existing information and research in Latvian territorial waters is insufficient (or non-
existent) to judge, firstly, the exact level of noise emitted by ships and, secondly, the potential impact
of each type of ship on living organisms. Existing assessments can only provide superficial
information on vessel noise emissions based on vessel traffic data.
Although there are no publicly available data on the number of incoming ships in Latvian ports, given
the significant drop in port turnover, it can be predicted that in 2022 the number of ships and
consequently the time of noise disturbance in the Latvian maritime territory will have decreased.
Alternative energy sources
Energy resources are an important factor in the development of any territory. Latvia has limited fossil
energy resources, while at the same time there is a relatively wide range of alternative energy sources
to choose from and use.
Alternative energy sources are a set of promising energy sources (bioenergy, wind, solar, tidal, wave,
geothermal, space energy, etc.) which are not yet as widely used as traditional resources (fossil fuels)
and whose use entails significantly lower environmental risks.
Alternative energy sources can also be developed in Latvia's maritime territory: solar energy, wind
energy and geothermal/petrothermal and wave energy.
Economic activity in the coastal area
Economic activities in the coastal area are very diversified and include most of the economic
activities developed in Latvia. At the same time, the proximity of the sea determines and facilitates
the development of specific areas of economic activity, but also implies certain constraints.
Economic activities along the coast also have an impact on the state of the marine environment.
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Currently, restrictions on economic activities in the coastal dune protection zone and the restricted
economic activity zone are laid down by the Law on Protection Zones, but the protection zones
themselves are delineated in municipal spatial plans.
Ports and transport services: three large ports - Ventspils, Riga and Liepaja - and seven small ports
- Engure, Lielupe, Mērsrags, Pāvilosta, Roja, Salacgrīva and Kuiviži, Skulte - account for 98% of
cargo handled in 2013.
All three major Latvian ports are strong export ports - the volume of cargo shipped (mainly transit
cargo from Russia, Belarus and other CIS countries) is many times higher than the volume of cargo
received. The development of ancillary services related to transit cargo creates new added value and
new jobs. Small ports and their development are very important for the development of the
surrounding area, providing both jobs and the development of new businesses and services.
Tourism and recreation: the Baltic Sea coast is one of the most important tourism and recreation
destinations in Latvia. The number of visitors to the coast varies from a few hundred in the most
remote and inaccessible parts of the coast to ~4 million in the city of Jurmala. The upper limit of the
number of visits may be exaggerated, but many places are not assessed and the number of visits is
not recorded at all. However, the coast as a destination can already be estimated to concentrate a
significant share of Latvia's annual tourism flows. At the same time, the coastal tourism offer is
fragmented, lacking a unified approach to segmenting the main interests of travellers and developing
a unified coastal tourism product.
As one of the magnets for coastal destinations, the sea is widely promoted in export markets and in
domestic tourism or leisure offers. Adequate infrastructure is crucial to mitigate the negative impacts
of visitor pressure on both the environment and the local community. Advertising a resource with
no, partial or insufficient facilities degrades the environment, which is the main attraction of
destinations. In the long term, the attractiveness may diminish. By investing in infrastructure and
related support services, the negative impact of pressure can not only be mitigated, but also the
opportunity to increase visitor satisfaction and loyalty.
Tourism development contributes to the development of many related sectors, starting with coastal
fishing and traditional fish processing, carried out by both individual entrepreneurs and larger
companies. Trade and catering services are important economic activities.
Economic activities along the coast also have an impact on the marine environment, with significant
impacts on the beach, the collection, treatment and discharge of wastewater into the environment,
both domestic and ship ballast water and sewage. According to the national statistical report
"2Water", there are 74 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) operating on the coast, including 35
municipal WWTPs, 27 industrial WWTPs and 11 individual WWTPs.) In all coastal towns and major
villages, domestic (municipal) wastewater is collected and treated in wastewater treatment plants.
There are 103 discharges from the coastal area into the environment, including 13 discharges into
the sea or bay, including from Liepaja, Ventspils, Riga (biological treatment plant "Daugavgrīva"
with the largest discharge of wastewater on the coast) and Mērsrags NAI, the rest are discharges into
inland waters, 31 are stormwater discharges, the rest are discharges of domestic or industrial
wastewater.
Possible consequences of not implementing the planning document
The Plan "Programme of measures to achieve good environmental status in the marine environment
in 2022-2027" has been developed in accordance with the requirements of the Directive 2008/56/EC
of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008 establishing a framework for
Community action in the field of marine environmental policy, or the Marine Strategy Framework
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Directive (hereinafter referred to as the Directive) The Directive sets out the responsibilities of the
Member States of the European Union to achieve good environmental status by 2020 in the marine
waters under their jurisdiction. The requirements of the Directive have been transposed by the Law
on Marine Environmental Protection and Management (hereinafter - the Law) and the Cabinet of
Ministers Regulation No 1071 of 23 November 2010 on "Requirements for the assessment of the
state of the marine environment, the determination of good environmental status and the development
of marine environmental targets.”
A marine strategy must be developed and implemented in accordance with the requirements of the
Directive and the Law, as a comprehensive, sequenced and systematic set of measures to achieve and
maintain good status of the marine environment, to prevent deterioration in the status of the marine
environment under the jurisdiction of Latvia. The Marine Strategy includes:
1) initial assessment of the state of the marine environment (hereinafter referred to as 'marine
assessment'), definition of good environmental status of marine waters, setting of environmental
quality targets and indicators (2012.g.; 2018.g.);
2) development of marine monitoring programme (2014.g.; 2020.g.);
3) development of Programme of Measures (2015.g., 2021.g.) and its implementation.
Objective of the planning document: to achieve and maintain good environmental status of the
marine environment in marine waters under Latvian jurisdiction, in accordance with the requirements
of the Directive and the Law. Its expected result: the implementation of the measures foreseen in the
Programme will lead to the achievement of the marine environmental objectives based on the marine
assessment and to the maintenance or achievement of good environmental status in marine waters
under the jurisdiction of Latvia, as defined in the Directive and in the Environmental Policy Strategy
2022-2027.
If the planning document is not approved and implemented, the requirements of international and
national instruments will not be met. Failure to implement the planning document and the measures
it sets out risks not only failing to improve the environmental status of Latvia's marine space, but
also worsening it, with significant adverse consequences for the sustainable use of marine resources.
A deterioration of the marine environment in Latvia will lead to a deterioration of the overall
environmental status of the Baltic Sea.
Failure to develop, approve and implement the planning document also jeopardises the attraction of
investment to implement measures, carry out studies and develop appropriate infrastructure in future
planning periods.
Areas likely to be significantly affected by the implementation of the planning document and
environmental aspects related to the planning document
The implementation of the Programme will have a direct impact on the marine areas of Latvia and
as the Baltic Sea is a closely interconnected ecosystem, measures such as sustainable use of marine
resources, reducing the pollution load of hazardous substances to the marine environment, reducing
eutrophication or nutrient inputs to the sea, reducing waste inputs to the coastal and aquatic
environment will in practice have a positive impact on the entire Baltic Sea ecosystem to a greater
or lesser extent. At the same time, the implementation of these measures will also benefit the Latvian
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territory as a whole by improving the quality of surface and underground waters, improving the
Latvian environment by taking measures to remediate contaminated sites, improving the waste water
treatment system and the waste management system.
The implementation of the Programme will thus have a significant positive impact on the Baltic Sea
ecosystem and state of environment of Latvia.
The most important environmental aspects to which the planning document pays particular attention
are:
Biodiversity;
Eutrophication;
Non-indeginous species;
Concentrations of pollutants in the marine environment;
Marine litter.
Biodiversity conservation focuses on:
For benthic habitats, in particular for benthic habitat types whose current environmental status
is generally considered to be below good marine environmental status (GMS) - (1) hard
bottom (substrate) habitats with macroalgal cover, (2) hard bottom (substrate) habitats with
macrozoobenthos cover and (3) soft bottom (substrate) habitats with infaunal organisms.
Both types of hard-bottom habitats belong to habitats of EU importance for conservation
(1170 Rock shoals in the sea). The soft-bottom habitat type includes both habitats with sandy
bottoms (belonging to the EU protected habitats 1110 Sandbanks at sea) and habitats with
mud. The programme of measures defines the main pressures and includes measures to
mitigate negative impacts and achieve good ecological status.
For seabirds, the focus is on coastal nesting waterbirds as well as wintering waterbird
populations. The Action Programme identifies the main sources of anthropogenic pressures
and the risks of not achieving good status for these bird populations. Therefore, alternative
additional measures to achieve good status for coastal nesting waterbirds are being
developed based on an assessment of the current situation and projections.
Seals. In this area, the current status is assessed as inadequate for the populations of grey seal
and hooded seal (assessment for the Baltic Sea as a whole). The Programme concludes that
the available information does not allow clear conclusions to be drawn as to whether the
existing policy measures are likely to be sufficient or whether there is a risk of not achieving
the LSVS in 2027. Although a reduction in pressures directly affecting the status of seal
populations is expected, the lack of information on the impacts of indirect pressures, as well
as the impacts of other external environmental factors (in particular climate change), does
not allow a clear assessment to be made.
In relation to the introduction of alien species into the Baltic Sea and the territory of the Latvian
Sea, it was found that part of the load cannot be influenced either at the national or at the Baltic Sea
region level - a significant part of the total load comes from the load source "Activities and sources
outside the Baltic Sea region" and activities/load sources such as "Aquaculture, including
infrastructure" and "Transport - shipping infrastructure (canals)", which are not specific to the
Latvian Sea waters. However, a large part of the load comes from the load sources "Transport -
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ballast water" and "Transport - biofouling of ships' hulls". The assessment of the risks and the existing
regulatory framework and measures contained in other planning documents has shown that additional
alternative measures to reduce the pressures from hull biofouling should be developed in the
framework of the Programme of Measures.
With regard to eutrophication, or the stress caused by nutrient inputs to the marine environment,
the Programme of Measures found that: the eutrophication status does not comply with the GES in
both Latvian marine water-bodies. In order for Latvia to meet its nutrient loading targets (NIC), it is
necessary to reduce Latvia's anthropogenic load by 15% for nitrogen and 25% for phosphorus from
2017 load levels (summing Latvia's NIC and the loads for both sea basins, as allowed by the
HELCOM approved Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP)). The Programme identifies that measures are
particularly needed to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus loads on the Central Baltic Sea basin. Given
that most nutrients are transported to the sea by rivers, full implementation of the additional measures
identified in the RBMP (2022-2027) and achievement of the environmental targets for nutrients in
rivers are prerequisites for achieving the marine nutrient load targets for Latvia. In the previous
RBMP cycle, implementation was incomplete. It would be necessary to ensure that the additional
measures are implemented in practice in the next cycle.
The assessment of the loading factor for hazardous substances in the marine environment has
shown non-compliance with the GES limit values for two pollutants, mercury and polybrominated
diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Based on concentrations in marine sediments, two further pollutants have
been assessed as being at potential risk of non-compliance with the GES: perfluorooctanesulfonic
acids (PFOS) and organotin compounds (in particular tributyltin (TBT)). The main sources of
pollution are defined as waste, sewage inputs, historically contaminated sites, landfills, cleaning and
handling of contaminated soils in shipping lanes and harbour areas, cleaning and repair of ships and
recreational boats, etc.
However, there is currently insufficient data and information on the loads, their generation and
distribution in the marine environment. The information is insufficient to assess whether the expected
load reductions are likely to be sufficient to achieve the GES. Consequently, in parallel with measures
in waste management, wastewater treatment and other areas, scientific research and monitoring are
essential to obtain reliable data for detailed assessment and selection of the most effective measures.
The assessment of the current status and requirements for the quality characteristic solid waste input
in relation to coastal litter shows that Latvia needs to achieve a reduction in coastal litter of around
90% (from the 2013-2018 average) in order to meet the EU's GES threshold value for coastal litter.
The assessment carried out under the Action Programme covers only one D10 component - coastal
solid waste. The measures planned in this and other planning documents will mainly reduce the waste
load associated with solid waste at the coast, but they are also relevant to some extent to other
components of this aspect: the contribution of waste to the marine environment (GES criterion C1),
pollution by microscopic plastic particles (GES criterion C2) and the impact of waste on species
(criteria C3 and C4). However, for these other components the available information is insufficient
to make an assessment. Therefore, issues to be addressed to improve the information base were
identified in order to develop the necessary assessments in the future.
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International and national environmental objectives
International and national environmental objectives, which are contained in the environmental policy
documents of the European Union, in the concluded intergovernmental conventions and directives
of the European Union and set out in the national policy documents, shall be taken into account in
this EIA, as well as in the preparation of the Planning Document and during its implementation
period. The implementation of specific projects should ensure progress towards the achievement of
environmental objectives.
The measures and additional measures developed under the Programme and their implementation
are an important contribution to achieving the objectives of the HELCOM BSAP both in the Latvian
maritime area and in the Baltic Sea as a whole, because in the marine environment administrative
areas are relative and improving the state of the marine environment in one area has a positive impact
on the entire marine ecosystem.
Assessment of the expected environmental impacts of implementing the planning document
This chapter provides an assessment of the likely significant effects on the environment of
implementing the planning document. It assesses the content of the strategic framework of the
Programme of Measures and the foreseeable environmental impacts of the options compared to the
existing situation.
The impact assessment has been prepared by assessing the overall impacts of the Programme of
Measures, the impacts of the implementation of the development options - the sites to be developed,
and also the cross-border impacts.
The impact assessment has been prepared with direct, indirect, short-term, long-term, positive,
negative and cumulative impacts. Direct impacts in this assessment are those which have a direct and
immediate effect on the environment, indirect impacts are those which, through interaction with the
environment, indirectly cause changes in the environment, and positive impacts are those which are
aimed at improving the quality of the environment, reducing and limiting pressures on coastal
ecosystems, improving or enhancing the condition of natural areas and cultural heritage sites.
Negative impacts are those that may lead to deterioration of environmental quality, increased
pressure on coastal ecosystems, deterioration of natural areas and cultural heritage; short-term
impacts occur during or shortly after the implementation of the activity (construction works,
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installation of landscaping, etc.); long-term impacts will occur during the implementation of the
Programme until 2030 and will carry over into the next planning period.
The Programme has been developed by assessing the results of the previous Programme and refining
it for the new programming period.
The updated Programme has added new key actions planned for implementation by 2027 that are
relevant for achieving the GES (actions 1b). They result from new requirements in EU and
international agreements and policy planning documents and national policy planning documents for
the relevant time period.
For the quality descriptors for which the current status was assessed as not meeting the GES, a risk
assessment was developed for not meeting the marine targets and GES in 2027. The "risk assessment"
is based on a "baseline scenario" which includes an assessment of the expected changes in pressures,
taking into account the expected evolution of marine exploitation activities and the effect of existing
policy measures on pressures. This assesses the contribution of existing policy measures to the
achievement of the marine targets and the MSFD. The "Risk Assessment" also provides information
on the expected reduction in pressures and the distance to the environmental objectives and policy
gaps where additional measures are needed. A summary of the results of the "risk assessment" is
provided in Annex 3 of the Programe "Assessment of the risk of not achieving the marine targets and
good status of the marine environment".
The updated programme includes new additional measures for the qualitative descriptors D1, D2,
D5, D8 and D10. These measures will also have a positive impact for other qualitative descriptors
(in particular D3, D4, D6, D9).
The renewed programme includes three additional actions, which are updated/refined actions from
the previous programme. These are research activities that need to be continued in the next
programming period (related to 1) trends and impacts of non-indigenous species, 2) national
estimates for reducing nutrient loads to coastal waters and 3) solid waste and micro-litter in the
marine environment).
The programme includes new spatial protection measures to protect marine benthic habitats and
birds. Measures include the designation of new MPAs in EEZ waters (measure 1b), the designation
of strict protection areas for benthic habitat restoration within MPAs (additional measure) and
seasonal restrictions on recreational activities along the coast in areas and during periods of
importance for breeding (additional measure). The Programme also includes additional measures to
prepare the necessary information and proposals for changes to the thematic planning of coastal
public infrastructure and marine spatial planning in relation to areas, targets and measures for the
protection of benthic habitats and marine birds.
Evaluation/ Assessment
Overall, the actions under each of the Marine environmental targets will have a direct and positive
long-term impact on the Latvian Marine Area and the Baltic Sea as a whole. Maintaining and
improving the status of the marine environment, taking into account the potential increase in human
population and associated anthropogenic impacts and pressures, projected climate change and their
effects on the marine environment, is a continuous set of actions and measures.
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Updating and refining the programme of measures for the new planning period takes account of the
problems identified and, by assessing existing measures, identifies new, alternative measures aimed
at protecting and improving the marine environment in the long term.
The assessment of the specific measures defined in the Planning Document and the potential impact
of their results on the state of the environment has shown that the implementation of the measures is
expected to have predominantly direct and indirect positive effects on the environment. No measures
were identified which are expected to have negative impacts on the environment.
Cumulative impacts: Cumulative environmental impacts are the sum of the impacts arising from
the implementation of the actions foreseen in the planning document over the whole planning period.
The Programme includes references and support to measures foreseen in other planning documents,
including the UBAP 2021-2027 on reducing nutrient inputs and hazardous pollutants, the National
Waste Management Plan 2021-2028 on measures to reduce waste and prevent its release into the
environment, etc. These are considered to be cumulative impacts which are spread across the Baltic
Sea basin and improve the status of the Baltic marine environment.
The cumulative defined impacts are the expected state of achieving the marine environment targets:
The impact of anthropogenic activities on marine habitats and species is at a level that does
not have a negative and lasting effect on them
Exploitation of marine resources is limited to the level at which marine ecosystem degradation
occurs. This includes direct and indirect impacts of resource use.
Eutrophication has no negative impact on the marine ecosystem
No activities in the sea that alter the hydromorphological state of the sea.
Reduction of pollutant loads to levels that do not lead to concentrations of pollutants in the sea
at which adverse effects on marine organisms can be observed.
The distribution and concentrations of solid waste at which adverse effects on marine
organisms occur are prevented.
Potential transboundary impacts of implementing the planning document
The programme of measures to achieve good environmental status of the marine environment
includes measures in the land and sea areas under Latvian jurisdiction. However, the Baltic Sea can
be considered as a single ecosystem, where impacts in one part also affect the whole ecosystem. The
Programme of Measures has been developed in line with the requirements of Directive 2008/56/EC
of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008 establishing a framework for
Community action in the field of marine environmental policy (Marine Strategy Framework
Directive) (hereinafter - the Directive), which is binding on all Baltic Sea States. The Latvian
Programme is thus closely linked to measures taken by other countries and together they aim at
achieving and ensuring good environmental status of the marine environment.
The assessment of the objectives and the measures to achieve them set out in the planning document
has shown that only positive direct and indirect effects on the state of the marine environment are
foreseeable.
Based on the assessment of the foreseeable environmental impacts of the measures included in the
Programme and taking into account the fact that they are implemented in the Latvian marine area,
which is part of the Baltic Sea ecosystem, it can be concluded that achieving the objectives set out in
the Programme will improve the overall environmental status of the Baltic Sea.
The most significant positive impacts are expected in the Gulf of Riga and in the territorial sea and
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Plāna "Pasākumu programma laba jūras vides stāvokļa panākšanai 2022.-2027.gadā"
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exclusive economic zone of Latvia's neighbour Estonia, in the immediate vicinity of the maritime
border. The marine environment will also be positively affected in the maritime territory of
Lithuania, the other country with which Latvia shares a maritime border.
Overall, however, in the light of international agreements, the Programme contributes to improving
the overall environmental status of the Baltic Sea. Given that there are no physical national
boundaries in the sea, sea currents, wind influences and other factors, it is almost impossible to
quantify the limits of each country's contribution and the impacts of the measures taken.
Solutions to avoid and mitigate negative impacts
The Programme defines the existing negative impacts on the marine environment, the pressures and
sources of impacts, and sets out measures to reduce impacts and achieve good environmental status.
The measures are grouped according to the marine environmental objectives set out in the
Programme.
By assessing the current situation, its trends and the progress achieved in the previous programming
period, alternative or additional self-action measures are being developed in risk areas to mitigate
the risk of not achieving the objectives, while maintaining the existing baseline measures.
Measures grouped under the following Action Lines:
RV1 Ensure effective protection of marine biodiversity and the achievement of conservation
objectives and improve the information base on the status, values and effectiveness of
conservation measures for biodiversity;
RV2 Prevent the introduction of new alien species from human activity and minimise the
impact of existing marine invasive alien species as far as possible;
RV3 Reduce the pressure of nutrient pollution on the marine environment and improve
information on significant sources of pollution;
RV4 Reduce the pollution load of hazardous substances on the marine environment and
improve information on significant sources of pollution;
RV5 Reduce litter inputs to the sea-shore and aquatic environment and improve the
information base and analytical tools to assess pressures and effectiveness of measures.
The Strategic Environmental Assessment process has not developed recommendations for additional
measures, but it is recommended that the assessment of benthic habitats and marine hydrological
conditions, including sediment fluxes, should identify and assess the geological structure and
lithological composition of the rocks as one of the identifiers, as well as the groundwater inflow to
the sea, which is the discharge area of the Baltic artesian basin, and the geological activity of the sea.
Justification and evaluation of alternatives
The Programme of Measures (Programme) 2022-2027 is an update and refinement of the existing
Programme 2016-2021, taking into account changes in the current state of the environment as well
as changes in legislation and planning documents.
The Programme maintains the Marine targets defined in the first planning cycle, assessing in detail
the qualitative descriptors ('D') of the state of the marine environment, their consistency with good
environmental status.
The Risk Assessment shows whether there is a risk of not achieving the Marine targets and the Good
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Marine Environmental Status (GES) by 2027, taking into account the expected development of
marine exploitation activities and the effect of existing policy measures with an impact on the marine
environment. If such a risk exists, additional (alternative) measures to achieve the environmental
objectives and the GES need to be envisaged and implemented.
The assessment of the risk of not achieving the GES has in several cases shown that the current
situation is largely inconsistent with the GES. The assessment of the experience of the previous
programming cycle has shown in several cases that the implementation of existing and planned
measures alone will not lead to significant improvements.
In assessing possible options to ensure the achievement of the objective, alternative (additional)
measures to be taken during this programming period are assessed.
The following alternative measures have been assessed and defined for the qualitative characteristics
identified as being most at risk of not achieving the LSVS - D1 "Biodiversity", D2 "Alien non-
indigenous species", D5 "Eutrophication", D8 "Pollutants" and D10 "Marine litter".
In relation to the qualitative descriptor D1 "Biodiversity", the assessment of the baseline measures
and the conclusion that they do not fully meet the objectives set, leads to the following additional
alternative options for the new planning period:
Benthic habitats:
(2a) JVM1 PP1 Develop and implement a national restoration plan for marine habitats,
including objectives and measures for the restoration of marine habitats, and proposals for
strict protection areas within MPAs, which will at the same time serve as scientific reference
areas.
(2a) JVM1 PP2 Develop, for the MPA management plan, quantitative benthic habitat
conservation objectives for each MPA and the management measures necessary to achieve
them to prevent anthropogenic pressures and to effectively protect native species.
(2a) JVM1 PP3 Develop a national methodology for assessing the efficiency of the MPA
network including both habitat conservation and the effectiveness of MPA management.
(2a) JVM1 PP6 Prepare the necessary information and proposals for changes to the renewed
Maritime Spatial Plan for Latvian marine waters and the thematic plan for coastal public
infrastructure in relation to benthic habitats and seabirds conservation areas, objectives and
measures.
JVM1 PP10 (supporting measure) Improving the information base on the provision of marine
ecosystem services, spatial assessment and socio-economic value and the public accessibility
of the information to support policy decision-making.
Seabirds:
(2a) JVM1 PP4 Limitation of recreational activities for breeding at critical locations and
during the period (start of May – end of July), including cordoning off areas to prevent
human access, requiring dogs to be kept on a lead, and posting information signs, control of
compliance with restrictions and monitoring of the effectiveness of the measure.
(2a) JVM1 PP5 Develop and implement a Species Conservation Plan (SAP) for coastal nesting
bird species with non-GES status.
(2a) JVM1 PP6 Prepare the necessary information and proposals for changes to the renewed
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spatial plan for Latvian marine waters and the thematic plan for coastal public infrastructure
in relation to benthic habitats and seabirds conservation areas, objectives and measures.
JVM1 PP7 (supporting measure) Research monitoring to provide information in addition to
indicators for assessing the status and pressures of seabirds in line with MSFD requirements
and HELCOM indicators.
JVM1 PP8 (supporting measure) Implement activities for the international exchange and
coordination of information on the assessment of the status of and pressures on seabirds and
the development of conservation measures.
Seals:
JVM1 PP9 (supporting measure) Assessment of the effectiveness of the seal protection
measures implemented, taking into account trends in the evolution of seal populations as
well as the impact of climate change on the marine environment.
Non-indigenous species Having assessed the baseline measures and found that they do not fully
achieve the stated objectives, the following additional alternative options have been developed for
the new programming period:
(2a) JVM1 PP11 Develop a regulatory framework for the management of the bio-fouling of
ships and recreational crafts’ hull and implement measures to manage the bio-fouling of ships
and recreational craft in order to prevent the introduction of new alien species into marine
waters (in accordance with IMO guidelines and the HELCOM Regional Baltic Biofouling
Management Roadmap). [This measure is to be implemented together with measure JVM5
PP21].
(2a) JVM1 PP12 Continue the implementation of measures to limit the population of the round
goby (Neogobius melanostomus), including an action plan to combat this invasive alien
species.
(2a) JVM1 PP13 Implement actions for the exchange of information in the marine region in
relation to the development of a common “early warning system” and list of invasive alien
species (IAS) for the Baltic Sea region.
((1b) JVM1 EP6). Implement the measures provided for in the ‘Environmental Policy Strategy
2021-2027’ in relation to the prevention of the risk to the marine ecosystem of ship ballast
water and deposition. The measure also includes participation in the activities for the
development of a common invasive alien species list for the Baltic Sea region, as well as in
other marine information exchange activities on the topic of alien species.
As regards D5 "eutrophication" for nutrient loading to the marine environment, having assessed
the baseline measures and found that they do not fully achieve the objectives, the following additional
alternative options have been developed for the new planning period:
JVM3 PP15 To conduct a national calculation of the reduction of nutrient load on coastal
waters achieved by measures in the updated RBMPs 2022-2027, achieving nutrient load
targets in surface water bodies.
JVM3 PP16 (supporting measure) Conduct an assessment of the pollution load on rivers and
the sea with nutrients, hazardous substances and micro-plastics from rainwater sewage and
overflows and develop proposals for appropriate measures to reduce this pollution from
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wastewater and rainwater management systems.
(2a) JVM3 PP17 Provide available information at national level to HELCOM pollution load
impact assessments to assess nutrient loads and impacts from cargo ships sewage, cargo
residues and vessel technical waters (“grey water”).
(2a) JVM3 PP18 Assess the need for improvements in the Latvian ports in order to comply
with best available technologies and practices for the handling and storage of fertilisers in
ports to prevent nutrient pollution).
As regards D8 “pollutants in the marine environment” having assessed the baseline measures and
found that they do not fully achieve the objectives, the following additional alternative options have
been developed for the new planning period:
JVM3 PP16 (supporting measure) Conduct an assessment of the pollution load on rivers and
the sea with nutrients, hazardous substances and micro-plastics from rainwater sewage and
overflows and develop proposals for appropriate measures to reduce this pollution from
wastewater and rainwater management systems.
(2a) JVM5 PP19 Implement information and education measures on major pollutants in the
marine environment (e.g. PBDE, PFOS, pharmaceuticals) on hazardous substances in
products and articles, their impact on the environment and human health, the use of
environmentally friendly alternatives and the proper handling of waste containing such
substances in order to prevent pollutants from entering sewage water and the environment.
JVM5 PP20 (supporting measure) Study and, if necessary, develop GES limit values for
hazardous substances in marine sediment to assess their presence, prevalence and change
patterns and the effectiveness of the measures taken to reduce pressures.
(2a) JVM5 PP20 Examination of existing regulations for dredging works in ports, disposing
of discarded soil and activities with polluted soil in order to prevent the release of hazardous
pollutants into the marine environment that pose a risk of non-compliance with GES.
(2a) JVM5 PP22 Develop and implement a national framework for ship repair and hull
maintenance to prevent TBT pollution from entering the local aquatic environment from
such activities.
(2a) JVM5 PP23 Promote the use of TBT-free antifouling paints on recreational craft/boats.
Implement the collection/monitoring of information on the use of anti-fouling paints on
recreational craft/boats and implement information and education activities for
owners/operators of recreational craft/boats to promote the use of TBT-free anti-fouling
paints.
(2a) JVM5 PP24 Improving the information and availability of pollution by hazardous
substances from contaminated sites and landfills by improving existing information systems
and ensuring the necessary research and regular monitoring of the sites for significant
hazardous substances, which poses a risk of non-compliance with environmental quality
objectives in inland and marine waters.
JVM5 PP25 Study on the magnitude of the load, the need for additional measures and possible
additional measures to prevent the run-off and spread of hazardous substances from
accumulated pollution and waste disposal in soil and sediment, for hazardous substances that
pose a risk of non-compliance with environmental quality objectives in inland and marine
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waters (in particular, Mercury PBDE, PFOS, TBT).
(2b) JVM5 PP26 Promote the substitution of materials and articles containing hazardous
substances (such as PBDEs, PFOS and substances that degrade) used in industry, energy,
maritime transport and infrastructure industries with materials and articles that do not contain
these substances (e.g. fire-fighting foams, EEE, textiles, plastics, building materials, etc.).
As regards D10 “Marine solid waste” for coastal litter, having assessed the baseline measures and
found that they do not fully achieve the objectives, the following additional alternative options have
been developed for the new planning period:
JVM6 PP30 Implementation studies to collect data and develop assessments on solid waste
and micro-waste in the marine aquatic environment. Under this measure, the following are
to be implemented:
• carry out studies to generate data to characterise and quantify loads and load impacts;
• developing status indicators and environmental targets, including ensuring their
coherence in the Baltic Sea region;
• to carry out an assessment of the state of the marine environment with regard to solid
waste and micro-litter in the marine environment.
JVM3 PP16 (supporting measure) Conduct an assessment of the pollution load on rivers and
the sea with nutrients, hazardous substances and micro-plastics from rainwater sewage and
overflows and develop proposals for appropriate measures to reduce this pollution from
wastewater and rainwater management systems
(2a) JVM6 PP27 Assess the need for national regulation to provide an effective incentive for
the transfer of passively fished waste (captured in fishing nets) and lost fishing gear to port
reception facilities.
(2a) JVM6 PP28 Develop and implement a national framework prohibiting the deliberate mass
release of single-use inflated balloons.
(2a) JVM6 PP29 Develop guidelines for local authorities to define measures to reduce marine
litter in municipal planning/normative documents.
JVM6 PP31 Implement a study to develop an analytical, national policy decision-making
support tool for assessing the effectiveness and socio-economic assessment of policy
measures, covering measures to reduce solid waste input loads and to achieve environmental
objectives.
The additional (alternative) measures developed will make an important contribution towards
achieving good environmental status. Several of them are also related to improving the
environmental status of the terrestrial area.
Potential compensatory measures
According to Article 43 of the Law "On Specially Protected Nature Areas", "the proposed activity
shall be permitted or the planning document shall be implemented if it does not adversely affect the
ecological functions and integrity of the protected nature area of European importance (Natura 2000)
and does not conflict with the objectives of its establishment and protection. Where the proposed
activity or the implementation of the planning document adversely affects a European site of nature
conservation importance (Natura 2000), the activity shall be authorised or the document implemented
only where it is the only solution to meet important social or economic interests of the community
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and includes compensatory measures for the network of European sites of nature conservation
importance (Natura 2000)”.
Compensatory measures are determined in accordance with the Law on Specially Protected Areas in
cases where the proposed activity has a negative impact on a Natura 2000 site or a priority species
or biotope of the European Union. The conditions and procedure for their determination are regulated
by the Cabinet of Ministers Regulation of 18 July 2006 No 594 "Regulations on the criteria for
determining compensatory measures for the network of protected nature areas of European
importance (Natura 2000), the procedure for their application and requirements for the development
and implementation of a long-term monitoring plan".
The assessment of the foreseeable environmental impact of the Programme of Measures, its
objectives, action lines and measures has not revealed or foreseen any negative impacts on the
environment, including the integrity of specially protected nature territories and natural values
therein, therefore there is no need to develop and establish compensatory measures in accordance
with the procedure established by the regulatory enactments.
Measures to ensure monitoring and research
The need to monitor the implementation of development planning documents is determined by the
requirements of Latvian legislation implementing Directive 2001/42/EC of the European Parliament
and of the Council of 27 June 2001 on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes
on the environment. The aim of environmental monitoring is to obtain information as early as
possible in the implementation of a planning document on changes to the environment caused by the
implementation of the Programme and, if necessary, to react quickly and remedy any adverse effects
in good time.
The monitoring report on the results of the implementation of the planning document has to be
compiled and submitted to the Environmental State Bureau within the deadline set in the opinion on
the environmental report (to be received after the public consultation on the environmental report).
The monitoring report shall summarise the available information and include at least a description
of the changes and trends in the state of the environment related to the implementation of the planning
document. It is recommended to use the information material of the Environmental State Bureau on
the impact assessment (monitoring) of the implementation of planning documents, which is available
on the website of the Environmental State Bureau http://www.vpvb.gov.lv/lv/strategiskais-
ivn/monitorings.
The monitoring of the implementation of the planning document shall use national statistical data,
information from national environmental monitoring, monitoring specifically designed to assess the
effectiveness of the implementation of the planning document, the results of studies, and other
available information.
The Programme of Measures defines the reporting and evaluation procedures, stating that:
Information on the implementation of the Programme in 2022-2027 is included by the Ministry
in the informative report on the implementation of the Guidelines in accordance with the
Cabinet of Ministers Order No 583 of 31 August 2022 "On Environmental Policy Guidelines
2021-2027", item 3.
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In 2025, the Ministry shall carry out a mid-term evaluation of the implementation of the
Programme, assessing the degree of achievement of the initially set objectives and planned
results, the progress of implementation of the envisaged measures, and publish it on the
Ministry's website.
It is recommended to develop a monitoring system for the implementation of the Programme,
identifying those responsible for its implementation, as well as defining the data to be collected and
the frequency with which it should be collected (recommended annually).
The procedure for monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the programme of measures shall
specify the processes for evaluating implementation, the competences of the institutions involved,
the monitoring and evaluation periods and the updating process, the list of monitoring and evaluation
indicators, including indicators describing the quality of the environment, their baseline (current)
values and the assessment of their changes during the implementation of the programme of measures.
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Novērtējums riskam nesasniegt labu jūras vides stāvokli un priekšlikumi atjaunotajai jūras
pasākumu programmai kvalitatīvajam raksturlielumam D1 attiecībā uz jūras putniem
Pētījums “Zināšanu un informācijas bāzes veidošana jūras ūdeņu izmantošanas un jūras
vides mērķu sasniegšanas ekonomiskai un sociālai analīzei” Projekts „Zināšanu uzlabošana
jūras vides stāvokļa jomā”, Nr. 17-00-F06803-000001 Līguma Nr. IL/109/2017
(19.12.2017.) SIA “AKTIIVS” 2022.
Novērtējums riskam nesasniegt labu jūras vides stāvokli un priekšlikumi atjaunotajai jūras
pasākumu programmai kvalitatīvajam raksturlielumam D1 attiecībā uz jūras bentiskajiem
30
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biotopiem, Pētījums “Zināšanu un informācijas bāzes veidošana jūras ūdeņu izmantošanas
un jūras vides mērķu sasniegšanas ekonomiskai un sociālai analīzei”, Projekts „Zināšanu
uzlabošana jūras vides stāvokļa jomā”, Nr. 17-00-F06803-000001, Līguma Nr. IL/109/2017
(19.12.2017.) SIA “AKTIIVS” 2022.
Novērtējums riskam nesasniegt labu jūras vides stāvokli un priekšlikumi atjaunotajai jūras
pasākumu programmai kvalitatīvajam raksturlielumam D1 attiecībā uz roņiem, Pētījums
“Zināšanu un informācijas bāzes veidošana jūras ūdeņu izmantošanas un jūras vides mērķu
sasniegšanas ekonomiskai un sociālai analīzei”, Projekts „Zināšanu uzlabošana jūras vides
stāvokļa jomā”, Nr. 17-00-F06803-000001, Līguma Nr. IL/109/2017 (19.12.2017.), SIA
“AKTIIVS” 2022.
Novērtējums riskam nesasniegt labu jūras vides stāvokli un priekšlikumi atjaunotajai jūras
pasākumu programmai kvalitatīvajam raksturlielumam D2 “svešās sugas”, Pētījums
“Zināšanu un informācijas bāzes veidošana jūras ūdeņu izmantošanas un jūras vides mērķu
sasniegšanas ekonomiskai un sociālai analīzei”, Projekts „Zināšanu uzlabošana jūras vides
stāvokļa jomā”, Nr. 17-00-F06803-000001, Līguma Nr. IL/109/2017 (19.12.2017.), SIA
“AKTIIVS” 2022.
Novērtējums riskam nesasniegt labu jūras vides stāvokli un priekšlikumi atjaunotajai jūras
pasākumu programmai kvalitatīvajam raksturlielumam D5 slodzei “biogēnu ienese jūras
vidē”, Pētījums “Zināšanu un informācijas bāzes veidošana jūras ūdeņu izmantošanas un
jūras vides mērķu sasniegšanas ekonomiskai un sociālai analīzei”, Projekts „Zināšanu
uzlabošana jūras vides stāvokļa jomā”, Nr. 17-00-F06803-000001, Līguma Nr. IL/109/2017
(19.12.2017.), SIA “AKTIIVS” 2022.
Novērtējums riskam nesasniegt labu jūras vides stāvokli un priekšlikumi atjaunotajai jūras
pasākumu programmai kvalitatīvajam raksturlielumam D10 “jūru piesārņojošie atkritumi”,
Pētījums “Zināšanu un informācijas bāzes veidošana jūras ūdeņu izmantošanas un jūras
vides mērķu sasniegšanas ekonomiskai un sociālai analīzei”, Projekts „Zināšanu uzlabošana
jūras vides stāvokļa jomā”, Nr. 17-00-F06803-000001, Līguma Nr. IL/109/2017
(19.12.2017.), SIA “AKTIIVS” 2022.
Kopsavilkums pasākumu novērtējumam un priekšlikumiem atjaunotajai pasākumu
programmai, Pētījums “Zināšanu un informācijas bāzes veidošana jūras ūdeņu izmantošanas
un jūras vides mērķu sasniegšanas ekonomiskai un sociālai analīzei”, Projekts „Zināšanu
uzlabošana jūras vides stāvokļa jomā”, Nr. 17-00-F06803-000001, Līguma Nr. IL/109/2017
(19.12.2017.), SIA “AKTIIVS” 2022.
Vides ekonomiskās (monetārās) novērtēšanas oriģinālpētījums par ieguvumiem no pasākumu
ieviešanas laba jūras vides stāvokļa panākšanai, Pētījums “Zināšanu un informācijas bāzes
veidošana jūras ūdeņu izmantošanas un jūras vides mērķu sasniegšanas ekonomiskai un
sociālai analīzei”, Projekts „Zināšanu uzlabošana jūras vides stāvokļa jomā”, Nr. 17-00-
F06803-000001, Līguma Nr. IL/109/2017 (19.12.2017.), SIA “AKTIIVS” 2022.
Izvērtējums izņēmumu piemērošanai papildu pasākumu neieviešanai “nesamērīgu izmaksu”
dēļ, Pētījums “Zināšanu un informācijas bāzes veidošana jūras ūdeņu izmantošanas un jūras
vides mērķu sasniegšanas ekonomiskai un sociālai analīzei”, Projekts „Zināšanu uzlabošana
jūras vides stāvokļa jomā”, Nr. 17-00-F06803-000001, Līguma Nr. IL/109/2017
(19.12.2017.), SIA “AKTIIVS” 2022.
Jūras “ekosistēmas pakalpojumu” sociālekonomiskā novērtēšana, Pētījums “Zināšanu un
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Plāna "Pasākumu programma laba jūras vides stāvokļa panākšanai 2022.-2027.gadā"
Stratēģiskais ietekmes uz vidi novērtējums
Vides pārskata projekts
__________________________________________________________________________________
informācijas bāzes veidošana jūras ūdeņu izmantošanas un jūras vides mērķu sasniegšanas
ekonomiskai un sociālai analīzei”, Projekts „Zināšanu uzlabošana jūras vides stāvokļa
jomā”, Nr. 17-00-F06803-000001, Līguma Nr. IL/109/2017 (19.12.2017.), SIA “AKTIIVS”
2022.
Gala atskaite pētījumam „Zināšanu un informācijas bāzes veidošana jūras ūdeņu izmantošanas
un jūras vides mērķu sasniegšanas ekonomiskai un sociālai analīzei”, Projekts „Zināšanu
uzlabošana jūras vides stāvokļa jomā”, Nr. 17-00-F06803-000001, Iepirkums „Zināšanu
uzlabošana jūras vides stāvokļa jomā Latvijas jurisdikcijā esošajos jūras ūdeņos” (Nr.
VARAM 2016/54), Līguma Nr. IL/109/2017 (19.12.2017.), SIA “AKTIIVS” 2022.
„Jūras vides stāvokļa novērtējums” (2018) Ekonomiskās un sociālās analīzes kopsavilkums,
Projekts (Nr. 17-00F06803-000001) “Zināšanu uzlabošana jūras vides stāvokļa jomā”,
Līguma Nr. IL/109/2017 (19.12.2017.), SIA “AKTIIVS” 2022.
Sanešu pārvietošanās jūrā izpēte un laba jūras vides stāvokļa kvalitatīvā raksturlieluma
“Hidrogrāfiskie apstākļi” rādītāju aprobācija, SIA “Procesu analīzes un izpētes centrs”,
2019;
Latvijas jūras vides stāvokļa novērtējums par laika periodu no 2011. līdz 2017.gadam
Finansējuma avots: “Eiropas Savienības Eiropas Jūrlietu un zivsaimniecības fonds” Projekts
(Nr. 17-00F06803-000001) “Zināšanu uzlabošana jūras vides stāvokļa jomā” Līguma Nr.
IL/106/2017 (18.12.2017) Izpildītājs: Latvijas Hidroekoloģijas institūts
Tematiskā atskaite Novērtējums riskam nesasniegt LJVS raksturlielumam D1 attiecībā uz
ūdensputniem un atjaunotajai nacionālajai JSD pasākumu programmai nepieciešamie
novērtējumi par jūras ūdensputniem, Iepirkuma līgums NR. V/20/2021, Mg.biol. Antra
Stīpniece, 2022.
Piesārņojumu izraisošo avotu radītās biogēnu slodzes uz Baltijas jūru noteikšana, lai
piesārņojuma radītājiem definētu efektīvus tā samazināšanas pasākumus un avotu ar
visaugstāko piesārņojuma samazinājuma potenciālu apzināšana, Līgums Nr. 17-00-F06803-
000001, VSIA “Latvijas Vides, ģeoloģijas un meteoroloģijas centrs”, 2018.
OZOLS Dabas datu pārvaldības sistēma http://ozols.daba.gov.lv/pub/ ;
https://www.daba.gov.lv/lv/7-aizsargajamas-juras-teritorijas
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