Translating project outputs into regional instruments
COMPLETE aimed at delivering knowledge and tools to implement HELCOM’s roadmap for regional implementation of the outstanding issues on the IMO Ballast Water Management Convention (BWMC) in the Baltic Sea and also assist relevant authorities in implementing Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council, aiming to protect native biodiversity and ecosystem services. The project continuation, COMPLETE PLUS, aimed at implementing the outcomes of the COMPLETE project.
Have these objectives been achieved from the regional perspective?
- a HELCOM Monitoring Programme on Non Indigenous Species (NIS) including six monitoring guidelines on NIS presented by the project, has been adopted;
- Improvement of the online Joint Harmonised Procedure decision support tool which includes now an operational regional data flow to ensure the accessibility of all NIS data to be directly available for the HELCOM NIS core indicator, also used by HELCOM countries that are also EU Member States in reporting under the EU MSFD is now available;
- further development of the Biofouling roadmap contents with the view to eventual translation into HELCOM documentation in the form of four proposals of guidance: (i) for biofouling management in the leisure boating sector; (ii) on biofouling management strategies; (iii) on cleaning practices for commercial shipping; and (iv) on information to be included in the Biofouling Management Plan and Biofouling Record Book of commercial and non-commercial vessels;
- a proposal of a Regionally Harmonized Early Warning System (EWS) on the detection of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens (HAOP), which continues, after the lifetime of the project, with its pilot implementation and possible adoption by HELCOM; and
- a proposal for amendments on the target species selection criteria and update of the Baltic Sea target species list.
Thus, in reply to the question above, I would just say, “definitely yes”.
Text: Marta Ruiz and Markus Helavuori / HELCOM Secretariat
Photo: Zane Johnston