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EEA marine assessment grid

Data
Prod-ID: DAT-254-en
Created 25 Jun 2021 Published 28 Jun 2021 Last modified 28 Jun 2021
2 min read
The EEA marine assessment grid is a vector dataset based on the 'EEA reference grid'. It covers the Seas and Marine areas surrounding Europe. Open sea areas are covered by 100 km polygon grid shapes. Coastal areas are covered by 20 km polygon grid shapes. The combined EEA assessment grid fills the entire area of interest with grid cells without gaps and overlaps. Data and assessment results spatially mapped to the EEA assessment grid ensures that data can be compared in a uniform way across the European regional seas.

GIS data

Data and INSPIRE compliant metadata
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  • INSPIRE metadata
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Metadata

information.png Reporting obligations (ROD)
  • Not applicable
Relation:
Parent data set:  EEA reference grid
information.png Rights:
EEA standard re-use policy: unless otherwise indicated, re-use of content on the EEA website for commercial or non-commercial purposes is permitted free of charge, provided that the source is acknowledged (https://www.eea.europa.eu/legal/copyright). Copyright holder: European Environment Agency (EEA).
information.png Methodology:

The marine assessment grid is based on the EEA reference grid system. The EEA reference grid is based on ERTS89 Lambert Azimuthal Equal Area projection with parameters: latitude of origin 52° N, longitude of origin 10° E, false northing 3 210 000.0 m, false easting 4 321 000.0 m. All grid cells are named with a unique identifier containing information on grid cell size and the distance from origin in meters (easting and northing). An important attribute of the EEA reference grid system is that by using an equal area projection all grid cells are having the same area for the same grid size.

In this marine assessment grid, two grid sizes are used:

  • 100 x 100 km in offshore areas (> 20 km from the coastline)
  • 20 x 20 km in coastal areas (<= 20 km from the coastline)

The grid sizes were choosen after an evaluation of data availability versus the need for sufficient detail in the resulting assessment. The resulting assessment grid is a combination of two grid sizes using the EEA reference grid system.

The overall area of interest used in the grid is based on the marine regions and subregions under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). Additionally, Norwegian (Barent Sea and Norwegian Sea) and Icelandic waters (’Iceland Sea’) have been added (see Surrounding seas of Europe). Note that, within the North East Atlantic region, only the subregions within EEZ boundaries (~200 nm) have been included.

information.png Coordinate reference system:
EPSG:3035
information.png Data sources

The grid is based on proposal at the 1st European Workshop on Reference Grids in 2003 and later INSPIRE geographical grid systems, EEA reference grid for Europe (100km and 10km), May 2011: https://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/data/eea-reference-grids-2

information.png Owners:
European Environment Agency (EEA)
information.png Processors:
International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES)
NIVA Denmark
 

Related content

Based on external data

Produced figures

Figure Contamination of Europe’s seas The map shows the results of classification of Contamination Status using the CHASE+tool. The contamination status is classified as ‘non-problem areas’ or ‘problem areas’.
Figure Nutrient levels in European seas, 2012 - 2017 Results of classification of Eutrophication Status using the HEAT+ tool. Eutrophication 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’.
Figure CHASE classification in sediments, excluding metals Results of classification of Chemical Status using the CHASE+ tool. Chemical 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’ .
Figure CHASE classification of contaminant status in biota Results of classification of Chemical Status using the CHASE+ tool. Chemical 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’.
Figure Mapping of contamination 'problem'- and 'non-problem' areas in Europe's seas The map shows the results of classification of Contamination Status using the CHASE+ tool. The contamination status is classified as ‘non-problem areas’ or ‘problem areas’.
Figure Mapping of eutrophication 'problem'- and 'non-problem' areas in European seas The map shows the results of classification of Eutrophication Status using the HEAT+ tool. Eutrophication status is classified as ‘non-problem areas’ or ‘problem areas’.
Figure Integrated classification of biodiversity condition in Europe’s seas The map identifies problem vs. non-problem areas for biodiversity in Europe's seas by identifying the worst case index value calculated by the BEAT+ tool for those biodiversity components where indicators were available. The status is evaluated in five classes, where High and Good are recognised as ‘non-problem areas’ and Moderate, Poor and Bad are recognised as ‘problem areas’
Figure Provisional identification and mapping of ‘problem areas’ (PA) and ‘non-problem areas’ (NPA) with respect to the ‘ecosystem condition’ of Europe’s seas Results of classification of Ecosystem Health using the MESH+ tool. (MESH+: Marine EcoSystem Healt). Status is evaluated in five classes, where NPAhigh and NPAgood are recognised as ‘non-problem areas’ and PAmoderatne, PApoor and PAbad are recognised as ‘problem areas’
Figure HEAT+ based classifications of 'indirect effects' of eutrophication Results of classification of Eutrophication Status using the HEAT+ tool. Eutrophication 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’.
Figure HEAT+ classifications of 'eutrophication status' in the Western Mediterranean Sea, Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Coast Results of classification of Eutrophication Status using the HEAT+ tool. Eutrophication 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’.
Figure HEAT+ based classification of 'nutrient concentration levels' Results of classification of Eutrophication Status using the HEAT+ tool. Eutrophication 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’.
Figure HEAT+ classifications of 'eutrophication' status in the Baltic Sea Results of classification of Eutrophication Status using the HEAT+ tool. Eutrophication 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’.
Figure HEAT+ classifications of 'eutrophication status' in the Cental- and the Eastern Mediterranean Seas Results of classification of Eutrophication Status using the HEAT+ tool. Eutrophication 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’.
Figure HEAT+ classifications of 'eutrophication status' in the Norwegian Sea and the Barents Sea Results of classification of Eutrophication Status using the HEAT+ tool. Eutrophication 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’.
Figure HEAT+ classifications of 'eutrophication status' in the Black Sea Results of classification of Eutrophication Status using the HEAT+ tool. Eutrophication 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’.
Figure HEAT+ classifications of 'eutrophication status' in the North Sea and the Celtic Seas Results of classification of Eutrophication Status using the HEAT+ tool. Eutrophication 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’.
Figure HEAT+ based classifications of 'direct effects' of eutrophication Results of classification of Eutrophication Status using the HEAT+ tool. Eutrophication 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’.
Figure Integrated HEAT+ based classifications of 'eutrophication status' Results of classification of Eutrophication Status using the HEAT+ tool. Eutrophication 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’.
Figure CHASE classification excluding metals Results of classification of Chemical Status using the CHASE+ tool. Chemical 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’.
Figure CHASE classification in biota, excluding PBDEs Results of classification of Chemical Status using the CHASE+ tool. Chemical 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’.
Figure CHASE classification in the Iceland Sea, Norwegian Sea and Barents Sea Results of classification of Chemical Status using the CHASE+ tool. Chemical 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’ .
Figure CHASE classification in biota, excluding Hg Results of classification of Chemical Status using the CHASE+ tool. Chemical 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’.
Figure Mapping of ’problem areas’ and ’non-problem areas’ in Europe’s seas, based on CHASE classification Results of classification of Chemical Status using the CHASE+ tool. Chemical 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’ .
Figure CHASE classification excluding PBDEs Results of classification of Chemical Status using the CHASE+ tool. Chemical 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’.
Figure CHASE classification in biota, excluding metals Results of classification of Chemical Status using the CHASE+ tool. Chemical 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’ .
Figure CHASE classification in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea Results of classification of Chemical Status using the CHASE+ tool. Chemical 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’.
Figure CHASE classification of biological effects of contaminant status Results of classification of Chemical Status using the CHASE+ tool. Chemical 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’.
Figure CHASE classification of contaminant status in sediments Results of classification of Chemical Status using the CHASE+ tool. Chemical 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’
Figure CHASE classification in the Baltic Sea Results of classification of Chemical Status using the CHASE+ tool. Chemical 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’ .
Figure CHASE classification in the Western Mediterranean Sea and the Bay of Biscay Results of classification of Chemical Status using the CHASE+ tool. Chemical 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’.
Figure CHASE classification excluding Hg and PBDEs Results of classification of Chemical Status using the CHASE+ tool. Chemical 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’.
Figure CHASE classification in the Black Sea Results of classification of Chemical Status using the CHASE+ tool. Chemical 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’.
Figure CHASE classification in sediments, excluding Hg Results of classification of Chemical Status using the CHASE+ tool. Chemical 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’ .
Figure CHASE classification in seawater, excluding Hg and PBDEs Results of classification of Chemical Status using the CHASE+ tool. Chemical 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’ .
Figure CHASE classification excluding Hg Results of classification of Chemical Status using the CHASE+ tool. Chemical 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’.
Figure CHASE classification of contaminant status in seawater Results of classification of Chemical Status using the CHASE+ tool. Chemical 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’.
Figure CHASE classification in biota, excluding Hg and PBDEs Results of classification of Chemical Status using the CHASE+ tool. Chemical 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’
Figure CHASE classification in seawater, excluding Hg Results of classification of Chemical Status using the CHASE+ tool. Chemical 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’.
Figure CHASE classification in seawater, excluding PBDEs Results of classification of Chemical Status using the CHASE+ tool. Chemical 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’.
Figure CHASE classification in sediments, excluding PBDEs Results of classification of Chemical Status using the CHASE+ tool. Chemical 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’ .
Figure CHASE classification in sediments, excluding Hg and PBDEs Results of classification of Chemical Status using the CHASE+ tool. Chemical 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’ .
Figure CHASE classification in the Celtic Seas and the North Sea Results of classification of Chemical Status using the CHASE+ tool. Chemical 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’.
Figure CHASE classification in seawater, excluding metals Results of classification of Chemical Status using the CHASE+ tool. Chemical 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’ .
Figure Regional seas surrounding Europe

Related publications

Publication Marine messages II This report provides a set of key messages on the current use of Europe's seas and its combined effects on marine ecosystem condition. These messages underpin a set of lessons from marine ecosystem recovery from which solutions for a brighter future can be identified.
Publication Nutrient enrichment and eutrophication in Europe's seas This assessment explores whether Europe has been able to reverse eutrophication trends in its regional seas. The assessment is based on publicly available monitoring data, primarily collected in the context of the Water Framework Directive, the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and Regional Sea Conventions.
Publication Contaminants in Europes seas Moving towards a clean, non-toxic marine environment. This assessment represents a first attempt to map contamination 'problem areas' and 'non-problem areas' at the scale of Europe's seas, while also exploring whether Europe has broken some of the trends for long‑established hazardous substances.

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For references, please go to https://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/data/eea-marine-assessment-grid or scan the QR code.

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