Key messages: Eutrophication is still a large-scale problem in the Baltic, Black and Greater North Seas and some coastal areas of the Mediterranean. Nutrient levels declined significantly between 1980 and 2023 but eutrophication remains an important problem. Although progress has been made in reducing inputs of some nutrients, particularly nitrogen, further efforts are necessary, especially for phosphorus reduction. 

Number of time series available showing increasing, decreasing or no trends in dissolved inorganic nitrogen and orthophosphate concentrations for each regional sea for two time periods; Pre 2000 (1980-1999) and Post 2000 (2000-2023)

References and footnotes

  1. EEA, 2019, ‘Nutrient enrichment and eutrophication in Europe’s seas’, EEA Report No 14/2019, European Environment Agency (https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/nutrient-enrichment-and-eutrophication-in) accessed 13 May 2024.
  2. EU, 2008, Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008 establishing a framework for community action in the field of marine environmental policy (Marine Strategy Framework Directive, MSFD) (OJ L 164, 25.6.2008).