Mapping of problem areas and non-problem areas in the European seas, based on CHASE classification

Mapping of contamination 'problem areas' and 'non-problem areas' based on measurements of biological effects.This dataset underpins the findings and cartographic representations published in the report Contaminants in Europe's seas.This dataset presents the resulting assessment grid (based on the EEA reference grid) with the classification of chemical status of the transitional, coastal and marine waters in the context of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). This classification has been performed using the CHASE+ tool, with classifications of the of contaminant status of indicators of biological effects. The status is evaluated in five classes, where NPAhigh and NPAgood are recognised as "non-problem areas" and PAmoderate, PApoor and PAbad are recognised as "problem areas".Monitoring biological effects is restricted to a fewindicators(e.g. imposex)and data coverage is currently limited.Biological effects have thus been addressed in only 134 assessment units, mostly in the Baltic Sea, the North Sea and the North-East Atlantic Ocean.See the EEA report "Contaminants in Europe's seas" (No 25/2018) for further information.

Mapping of "problem areas" and "non-problem areas" in Europe's seas, based on CHASE+ classification