Description and Statement of Purpose:

The purpose of the proposed Study Group on Marine Pollutants (SG-MP) is to identify novel or promising approaches to monitoring pollutant trends over space and time, and to evaluate impacts on biota at the population level.  The Study Group will establish a list of priority substances and pollutant indicators in PICES member countries using a series of case studies (e.g., microplastics in seawater, seabird egg monitoring for persistent organic pollutants (POPs) over time; risk-based ranking of complex pollutant mixtures in sediments).  This will help identify those methods or approaches that would benefit from harmonization (e.g., characterization of heterogenousmicroplastic content in seawater or biota), and improve data delivery and scientific advice to managers and stakeholders.

While SG-MP will focus on impacts to biota, linkages will be established with those efforts that describe socio-economic impacts of pollution (e.g., fisheries closures, consumption guidelines, impacts on endangered species, special vulnerability of coastal and indigenous peoples).  Input from regional and international bodies such as ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Sea), GESAMP (Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection) and NOWPAP (Northwest Pacific Action Plan), will increase efficiencies and the scientific value of the SG-MP outcome.

The establishment of SG-MP is consistent with the FUTURE Science Plan component 3 (How do human activities affect coastal ecosystems and how are societies affected by changes in these ecosystems?), and contribute insight into the structure, function and resilience of ecosystems as in components 1 and 2.  This will provide a critical evaluation of highly complex pollutant mixtures, clarify priority concerns in the North Pacific, and provide a platform to evaluate the relative importance of pollutants compared to other stressors.

Terms of Reference

1. Identify novel or promising approaches to operational marine pollution assessment in PICES member countries by:
1. establishing a list of priority pollutant concerns for each of the PICES member countries;
2. identifying useful indicators of status, trends and effects; and
3. identifying those issues or methods that would benefit from harmonization.
2. Identify interactions within PICES scientific committees and expert groups that will complement the Study Group and will be consistent with the ecosystem approach espoused by FUTURE.
3. Explore potential partnerships with other professional or multilateral organizations (e.g., ICES, GESAMP, NOWPAP) which could lead to joint activities (working group, sessions, publications), improve efficiencies and strengthen scientific outcomes.
4. Develop recommendations for a possible PICES Working Group on marine pollutants.

Linkages to the FUTURE Science Plan:

Component 3: How do human activities affect coastal ecosystems and how are societies affected by changes in these ecosystems?