On 5-6 August 2013, the “Expert Meeting on Marine Biodiversity and Eutrophication in the Northwest Pacific Region” was held in Toyama City.
1. Objectives:
To obtain advice from experts on CEARAC’s activities on marine biodiversity and eutrophication in the 2012-2013 biennium, and on the draft workplan for marine biodiversity, eutrophication and seagrass mapping in the 2014-2015 biennium.
2. Participants:
– Experts in marine biodiversity from China, Japan, Korea and Russia
– Experts in eutrophication from China, Japan, Korea and Russia
– Experts in seagrass beds from China, Japan, Korea and Russia
– Representatives from the NOWPAP Regional Coordinating Units and the North Pacific Marine Science Organization (PICES), etc.
Total number of participants: 22
3. Main Results
(1) Status of an activity on eutrophication
The results of the assessment using the refined NOWPAP Common Procedure in Japan, China, Korea and Russia were reported, and it was revealed that eutrophication is progressing in some sea areas.
In addition, there was an exchange of opinions on the composition and content of the regional overview report that summarizes the assessment results in each member state.
(2) Proposal of an activity on eutrophication for the 2014-2015 biennium
Based on activities fro the 2012-2013 biennium, it was proposed to extract the sea areas where the signs of eutrophication are observed from the entire NOWPAP region using satellite data, etc. The experts gave advice that the water exchange and the degree of closure of the sea area should also be taken into account as indicators when extracting the sea areas.
(3) Status of an activity on marine biodiversity
The final confirmation of the systems and content of marine protected areas in each member state was carried out. A regional report based on the actual situation of marine protected areas in each member state will be prepared in 2013.
(4) Proposal of an activity on marine biodiversity for the 2014-2015 biennium
The experts advised that specific themes closely related to marine biodiversity should be set, such as the evaluation of the impact of eutrophication on the establishment of non-native species and the sustainable use of marine resources. It was decided that a proposal of activity would be prepared while listening to the opinions of experts from each member state.
(5) Proposal of an activity on seagrass/seaweed mapping for the 2014-2015 biennium
Research on the actual distribution of seagrass beds in each member state and on seagrass monitoring using satellite images was introduced, and the need for a proposal for seagrass mapping activities in the NOWPAP region was supported.
4. Further response
We will further refine the proposals based on the advice given at this expert meeting, and plan to present them at the CEARAC Focal Point Meeting scheduled to be held in Toyama City on September 11-12.
