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SIXTH FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME: Structuring the European Research Area

Specific Programme RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURES ACTION

Contract for an INTEGRATING ACTIVITY implemented as CO-ORDINATION ACTION

Black Sea SCENE-Black Sea Scientific Network

Proposal/Contract no.: 022868 Start date of contract: 1 December 2005 End date of contract: 30 November 2008

Deliverable NA2-1d: Minutes Istanbul Workshop 9-13 May 2007 Istanbul Turkey

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List of participants Surname Name Organisation Country 1 Jean KLERKX IBES BELGIUM 2 Vesselina MIHNEVA IFA BULGARIA 3 Natalia NIKOLOVA TUV BULGARIA 4 Tanay Sıdkı UYAR BSNN BULGARIA 5 Violetta VELIKOVA BULGARIA 6 Tariel BERIDZE GCP GEORGIA 7 Avtandil KORDZADZE IG-GAS GEORGIA 8 George KORDZAKHIA DH-G GEORGIA 9 Marina KORDZAKHIA DH-G GEORGIA 10 Zurap SAVANELI TSU GEORGIA 11 Sissy IONA HNODC-HCMR GREECE 12 Peter DAVIS MARIS NETHERLANDS 13 Cees LABAN TNO-NITG NETHERLANDS 14 Maria TEOHAREVA Sub-Contractor BULGARIA 15 Peter THIJSSE MARIS NETHERLANDS 16 Ben VAN DE WETERING ABDO Member NETHERLANDS 17 Tor BAKKEN NIVA NORWAY 18 Halina BURAKOWSKA ADBO Member POLAND 19 Wlodzimierz KRZYMINSKI IMWM POLAND 20 Claudia COMAN NIMRD ROMANIA 21 Mariana GOLUMBEANU NIMRD ROMANIA 22 Tatiana BOCHAROVA IKI-RAS RUSSIAN FEDERATION 23 Sveta KOLOBOVA IBES RUSSIAN FEDERATION 24 Alexander KORSHENKO SOI RUSSIAN FEDERATION 25 Alexander KUZNETSOVA RIHMI-WDC RUSSIAN FEDERATION 26 Alexander MIKAELYAN SIO-RAS RUSSIAN FEDERATION 27 Sergei RYANZHIN ILRAS RUSSIAN FEDERATION 28 Monika PETERLIN ABDO Member SLOVENIA 29 Levent BAT OMU-SFF TURKEY 30 Ferit BİNGEL IMS-METU TURKEY 31 Arzu ÇAKMAKÇI YILMAZ EGEU TURKEY 32 Ummuhan ÇETİNKAYA IMS-METU TURKEY 33 Serkan SANCAK IMS-METU TURKEY 34 Kadir SEYHAN BSTU TURKEY 35 Murat SEZGIN OMU-SFF TURKEY 36 Devrim TEZCAN IMS-METU TURKEY 37 Vladimir GORBUNOV UKRAINE 38 Alexey KHALIULIN MHI UKRAINE 39 Volodymyr KRESIN USRIEP UKRAINE 40 Volodymyr MYROSHNYCHENKO ABDO Member UKRAINE 41 Oleg RUBEL FIED UKRAINE 42 Oleksandra SERGEYEVA IBSS UKRAINE 43 Kateryna STEPANOVA FIED UKRAINE 44 Igor SUCHKOV ONU UKRAINE 45 Vladimir VLADYMYROV ABDO Member UKRAINE 46 Elena ZHUK MHI UKRAINE

All partners except GeoEcoMar, IO-BAS (death of Director Slabakov) and UkrSCES (illness) were represented

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The meeting started with a short in memoriam for Mr. Hristo Slabakov, director of Institute of Oceanology Varna Bulgaria. 1. Minutes Athens workshop The minutes of the Athens Workshop of November 2006 were approved without any modifications. 2. Additional presentations regarding explanation of National Data Quality Control Methods (NA3) During the Athens workshop of November 2006 the Black Sea country partners presented their National Data Quality Control and Data Quality Assessment methods/procedures. A number of National methods were only mentioned by name without any further explanation. A comparison with existing European (EU) guidelines, directives and methods could not be made. Therefore it was decided that the concerning partners should give further explanation about their National DQC/DQA methods. The results of these additional explanations will be implemented in the final assessment report on the DQC methods in the Black sea countries.

P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Federation Main data providers in P.P.Shishov Institute of Oceanology: * Hydrophysical data (SB-SIO Hydrophysical Laboratory, SIO) * Marine chemistry data (SB-SIO Hydrochemistry Laboratory, SIO) * Biological data (SIO, Laboratory of pelagic ecosystems) Data Physical Oceanography:

a) Nansen’s bottles data; 1901-1981 years; station data; 42669 stations. 3840810 measurements

b) CTD-soundings; 1981-2005 yrs; monitoring data; 104 cruises; 4804 stations; 4094274 measurements.

c) Currents: measured with buoy stations; 1955-2000; 112 stations. d) Time-series from several days to 5,5 years: - measured with Stabilized Buy; 1977-

1982; measurements were produced every hour. Totally 810000 measurements. e) Surface waves parameters data: Years of measurements: 1996-2003. 3 parameters,

more than 900000 measurements. Quality control was produced according:

1) Guidance on the hydrological works in the oceans and seas. General hydrographic and weather Bureau at the Council of Ministries of USSR, Gidrometizdat, 1977 (in Russian).

2) ISO 5667-9:1992, Guidance on sampling from marine waters. Data quality control: * All devices are regularly tested and calibrated * Current meters are mounted together and current velocity is measured at a same

depth to evaluate reproducibility of the results. * Wave riders are rotated on a special device to compare results with calibrated test. * CTD probes ones in 2-3 years are sent to Moscow to Russian Federal Research

Institute of Fishery and Oceanography in order to testing them on a special device. * Regularly CTD probes are dipped close to the sea bottom where the physical

parameters are almost constant. Laboratory of Marine Chemistry: Accreditation certificate N POCC RU.0001.512500 for the technical competence in the analytical Laboratories Accreditation System, GOST R ISO/IEC 17025 (valid till 04.03.2009).

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The data quality control is performed in accordance with the claims of the Analytical Laboratories Accreditation System, GOST R ISO/IEC 17025

1. Test and certify all the devises (once per year), and make special tests for checking of characteristics of measurements (i.e. precision, accuracy, detection limit). Inspection coming once per year from Analytical Laboratories Accreditation System.

2. Additionally, annually representatives of GOST STANDART coming to check technical work of devices.

3. In 2006 the Laboratory participated in the intercalibration programme organized by BSERP: IAEA Laboratory of Marine Environment (Monaco). Test samples were obtained from IAEA, processed and results were provided to compare.

4. The same procedure is expected to be organized by Black Sea Commission starting from 2007.

Data biological oceanography: Phytoplankton, Mesozooplankton, Ichthyoplankton and Gelatinous plankton Phytoplankton data quality control: 1. Samples collection (5 l Nickin bottles mounted with CTD probe) 2. Sample preservation (buffered formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, Lugol’s solution,

natural samples according to PHYTOPLAKTON manual, UNESCO, 1978) 3. Sample concentration (Settling method, filtering over 1 µm Nuclepore filters, Slides

for fluorescence microscope) 4. Cell count (2-3 replicates) 5. Species identification (according to “Identifying Marine Phytoplankton (Ed. C.R.

Tomas). San-Diego Academic Press. 1997) 6. Computering and calculations (Special data base, special program for input data

mistakes checking)

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Data quality control of biological parameters: Methods of sampling were compared with all the Black Sea countries: - Procedure of inter-calibration of sampling was provided during international cruises - Net catchabilities was compared and coefficients of differences were estimated

(Niermann & Shiganova, 1994) - Quality of samplings is always provided with repeated hauls. - Processing of samples and estimations of abundance and biomass were standardized

during participation in international programs: COMSBlack, NATO-Tu Black Sea in 1992-1997-.

State Oceanographic Institute, Russian Federation STANDARD HYDROCHEMISTRY: NUTRIENTS: a) RUSSIA - РД.52.10.243-92 “MANUAL on chemical analysis of marine waters” by Semen Oradovsky and Co, 1993 Sankt-Petersburg, Hydrometeoizdat, 264 p. and b) EUROPEAN - Manual Techniques for Nutrient and Phytoplankton Pigment Analysis in Seawater, Reference Methods for Marine Pollution Studies (Draft), 2003. MANUAL Standard hydrochemistry: Salinity, Alkalinity, pH, Oxygen saturation, H2S, Phosphates (Total P), Silicates, Nitrites / Nitrates / Ammonium / Total N / Organic N Comparison method a) and b): Phosphates: Method a) Method b) Principle Blue complex phosphor-

molybdenum The same

Period of storage of samples 6 hours 2 hours Sampling Glass large bottles Glass large bottles Water for calibration Cleaned or marine Distillated or marine H2S elimination No Dilution or addition of

brominated water if H2S> 60 µmol/l

CONCLUSION – Both methods are rather similar Silicates: Method a) Method b) Principle Blue complex phosphor-

molybdenum The same

Period of storage of samples 12 hours without acid Few days with acid in refrigerator

Sampling Glass or plastic Plastic Water for calibration Cleaned or marine Distillated or marine Graphic calibration

2 graphics for C< 200-300 µg/l and for C> 200-300 µg/l

1 graphic for 1,25 <C< 50 µmol/l

H2S elimination No Dilution or addition of brominated water if H2S> 150 µmol/l

CONCLUSION – Both methods are rather similar

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POLLUTANTS: TRACE METALS IN BOTTOM SEDIMENTS RUSSIA: РД 52.10.556-95. Определение загрязняющих веществ в пробах морских донных отложений и взвеси (Determination of pollutants in the samples of bottom sediments and suspended matter) РД 52.18…2005 – Определение валового содержания металлов в пробах почв и донных отложений (Determination of total metal content in the soil and bottom sediments EUROPE: Standard operating procedures for trace metals determination, IAEA, MESL, Monaco TM in bottom sediments: RD 52.10.556

1995 RD 52.18 2005 Monaco

Elements 4 (Mn, Fe, Cr, Ni) 19 (Al, Ba, Be, Ca, Cd, Co,Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Sr, V, Zn)

Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, Sn, V, Zn, Hg (usually)

Mineralization HNO3 : HCl (1:3), warming in the glass jar

HClO4 + HNO3 +HF, warming in the tephlon jar

HNO3: HCl (1:3) + HF, tephlon bomb and microwave owen

Modificators No Mg nitrate, ammonium phosphate

Mg nitrate, ammonium phosphate, palladium nitrate

Standard CMR for QC No Yes Yes Method of atomization

Electro-thermal without flame

Electro-thermal without flame and with flame

Electro-thermal without flame

Conclusions: *) method is not modern and not good any more *) Method much better and allow with flame to determine some other elements, but

mineralization is not good *) Method is the best, mineralization allow to avoid pollution of sample and palladium

nitrate allow to get as and Se THE CHLORINATED HYDROCARBONS (ORGANOCHLORINE PESTICIDES and POLYCYCLIC CHLORINATED BIPHENYLS - PCB): Parameter RD 52.10.243-92 Manual

on chemical analysis of marine waters, 1993

ISO 6468:1996 Water quality. Determination of certain organochlorine insecticides, polychlorinated biphenyls and chlorobenzenes

Method of determination Gas chromatographic method after liquid extraction

Gas chromatographic method after liquid extraction

Principle Liquid extraction. Detection on gas chromatograph with electronic capture. Comparison with control samples

Extraction and concentration with the subsequent analysis on gas chromatograph with electronic capture and capillary columns

Range of determination Pesticides 0,5-200 ng/l, PCB – no range. 6 components

Pesticides and chlorobenzen 1-10 ng/l, PCB 1-50 ng/l.

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Parameter RD 52.10.243-92 Manual on chemical analysis of marine waters, 1993

ISO 6468:1996 Water quality. Determination of certain organochlorine insecticides, polychlorinated biphenyls and chlorobenzenes

are determinate 27 components are reliably determinate

Storage of samples Extraction within 2 hours. No storage

Immediate extraction. Storage in refrigerator up 24 hours

Solvent n-hexane hexane, heptane, petroleum aether, etc.

Period of extracts storage

3 months

2 months in a refrigerator

Standard solutions Separately or mix OCP and PCB

For each component individual standard solutions

Division of components PCB eliminated by alcohol. At capillary columns this operation could be passed. At capillary columns division is better.

Clearing of extracts before chromatography using columns with oxides aluminum. Elimination of PCB with silicate

Conclusion: The Principle is identical. The deviation consisted of in selectivity of determination components and, most likely, from technical details. RD 52.10.243-92 was developed and adopted for chromatograph "Color“= “Цвет”. This device was the most accessible at that time to the majority of laboratories. Now it is absolute hopelessly. Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons: Conclusion: Techniques are based on different principles, but results basically the sane (RD 52 - total content of mineral oil, ISO - an index of liquid mineral oil). Application of technique ISO in Russian conditions, especially on a monitoring network, is seems practically impossible since demands the expensive equipment and highly experienced stuff. Data quality assessment procedures: Internal: - General Instruction on Inner laboratory Control (VLK)

- Local Instructions, mainly based on: MI 2335-95. Inner control of quality of chemical analysis RD 52.2.4.66-86. Inner control of quality of the data of chemical analysis

- Accuracy (Bias) - Precision

External: - QUASIMEME

- Monaco Lab.

Marine Hydrophysical Institute Ukraine Sources of data:

• Drifting buoys data • Satellite data • Meteorological data • Hydrological data • Hydro chemical data

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Database management system: Import (export) from (into) MEDAR/MEDATLAS II, Ocean Data View, and Cruise и MHI BOD data formats: A special program for additional data loading and initial data quality check was developed. Its primary task is to provide integration of data obtained as a result of exchange and transfer onto magnetic carriers, into MHI oceanographic database. During the loading data pass through several quality check procedures and after that they are added to the general database. Quality control procedure: 1. Checking the ordering of the oceanographic station depths data and chronology 2. Checking the completeness of observations 3. Checking the data validity 4. Checking the data for obeying physical laws 5. Checking statistical tests 6. Checking the regularities of space and time variations of data Data Quality Control on Meta-Data and Hydro-physical Data. Meta-data Control: Duplicate cruises and profiles - Check of same ship name and cruise number; - Check of cruises with same dates; - Visual check of superposed stations. - Automatic check of same station positions and date (within 1 mile, 1 hour) - Visual check of the position maps of cruises - Visual check and comparing on one plot. Data and chronology- Automatic check of same station positions and date (within 1 mile, 1 hour) - Visual check of the position maps of cruises - Visual check and comparing on one plot. Ship velocity The vessel speed between the each two subsequent stations is calculated. If the speed is higher than permissible one for the given vessel (including a period for a station accomplishing) the visual check should be done. Location Quality check software includes high-resolution array of geographic coordinates of the Black Sea shore. Location of any station is checked to be within region based on this array. Sea depth In our Institute in the Department of Oceanography adjusted data sets of the Black Sea depths on 1⋅1 miles grid were prepared. As a base of it we used the GEBCO and ETOPO2 arrays. A depth is given in metadata, and if it is absent the last sounding level is checked. If there are any differences, then the visual control and correction should be done Observation depth check Using of the adjusted data sets of the Black Sea depths; Using of a high-resolution array of geographic coordinates of the Black Sea shore.

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Hydrographic data control: Density inversion check Hydrological data are checked for detection of density inversion. Users can determinate the reasonable range of density inversion. The Data that have not passed this check can be checked and corrected visually. Spikes check We use the IOC check procedure and taking into account the difference not only in values but in gradients too. In general the spike test requires visual validation. Climatic check The climatic characteristics (mean and Mean Standard Deviation) for different squares of the lack Sea for each month were calculated. To divide the sea into districts we used a scheme of 40⋅60 minutes (40x40 miles) squares accepted with Hydro-Meteorological Service of Ukraine. The scheme also accounts spatial variability of hydrological elements. Some squares were divided into 4 parts and climatic characteristics were calculated for each. CLIMATIC CHECKING INCLUDES:

• Three standard deviations checking; • Checking of density at standard depths

Calculation of climatic fields includes:

• Preliminary data quality control • Calculation of monthly averages • Objective interpolation and smoothing

Temperature check: All the new data are checked to be within 3 Mean Standard Deviation difference from the mean. Data that have not passed this check can be checked and corrected visually. Salinity check: Quality Control flags: 0-passed, 1-not in climate, 2-spike, 3- density inversion Conclusions: OCEANOGRAPHIC DATA QUALITY CHECK SOFTWARE

PROVIDES: • Both automatic and visual metadata check; • Both automatic and visual Temperature and Salinity check; • Possibilities of metadata and data values correction during each step of quality check

procedure. INCLUDES:

• High quality temperature and salinity climatic arrays for the Black Sea; • Data sets of the Black Sea depths on 1⋅1 miles grid; • High-resolution array of geographic coordinates of the Black Sea shore.

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Ukrainian Scientific and Research Institute of Ecological Problems During last 15 years Ukraine is in the process of adaptation of its normative documents, regulating various aspects of water quality data obtaining, to international and inter-state documents and standards. Inter-state standards are standards, which Ukraine approves together with other countries of the former USSR. At present, there is a standard procedure for approval and introduction of international standards into the force in Ukraine. It is described in DSTU 1.7-2001 «Rules and methods of approval and introduction of international and regional standards». For example, international standards ISO are introduced as national standards. They are called DSTU ISO. There are two types of DSTU ISO:

• Totally similar to international or identical translation;

• Modified – these are standards having some elements (for example, standard samples, equipment, etc) which add or substitute elements of original standard. However, in this case the key characteristics of the original standards do not change.

ISO standards on water sampling, which are acting or will be acting in Ukraine:

• DSTU ISO 5667-1:2003. Water quality - Sampling - Part 1: Guidance on the design of sampling programmes (IDT);

• DSTU ISO 5667-2: Water quality; sampling – Sampling - Part 2: Guidance on sampling techniques (IDT) – will be introduced;

• DSTU ISO 5667-3-2001. Water quality - Sampling - Part 3: Guidance on the preservation and handling of water samples (IDT);

• DSTU ISO 5667-6-2003. Water quality - Sampling - Part 6: Guidance on sampling of rivers and streams (IDT) – USRIEP was responsible

• DSTU ISO 5667-9:2005. Water quality - Sampling - Part 9: Guidance on sampling from marine waters (IDT)

• DSTU ISO 5667-10: Water quality - Sampling - Part 10: Guidance on sampling of waste waters (IDT) – is planned to be introduced in 2008, USRIEP was responsible

• DSTU ISO 5667-11:2005. Water quality - Sampling - Part 11: Guidance on sampling of groundwater (IDT)

• DSTU ISO 5667-13: Water quality - Sampling - Part 13: Guidance on sampling of sludge from sewage and water treatment works (IDT) – is planned to be introduced in 2008, USRIEP was responsible

• DSTU ISO 5667-14:2005. Water quality - Sampling - Part 14: Guidance on quality assurance of environmental water sampling and handling (IDT)

• DSTU ISO 5667-16: Water quality - Sampling - Part 16: Guidance on bio testing of samples (MOD) - is planned to be introduced

As the results of water quality analysis are obtained by using various methods, there are normative documents for each step of data obtaining (sampling, sample preparation, analysis, etc.). There are no principle differences between to-day Ukrainian practice and USSR practice. Gosstandart of Ukraine must approve each method used for water analysis. Methods, used in Goskomgidromet service network, must be tested by a specific algorithm (procedure). This algorithm is described in RD 52.24.51-85 «Meteorological attestation of methods for carry out of measurements of components of samples of surface waters». The scheme of testing is aimed at determination of errors/mistakes of results, obtained by using this method. The tests are performed by using artificial mixtures, which imitate the composition of real water (matrix) and by using real water samples.

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During the testing, the quality of reagents, laboratory glassware, standard samples and etc. are also defined. The period of validity is no more than 5 years. During the revision of the method, modifications are made: for example, new reagents and standards samples are used, new terminology is introduced, new equipment and tools are used. If necessary, error characteristics are also defined more exactly. The control is based on determination of the following indexes: 1. Repeatability or convergence. Repeatability – several operators carry out the same analysis, using their laboratory glassware, equipment and reagents. The obtained results are compared. The essentiality of difference is defined. Convergence – one operator several times carries out the analysis of the same sample. The obtained results are compared. The essentiality of difference is defined. 2. Error (the combined uncertainty) – one operator carry out analysis of standard sample. Gosstandart allows use of other schemes of control. For example, now in Ukraine the following scheme is commonly used.

Analysis 1Sample 1 Result 1

water

Analysis 2 + standard sample Result 2

Sample 2

Result 2 – Result 1 = Standard sample

The approved method includes the description of reagents, standard samples and measuring tools that must be used and their characteristics. In inter-state standard GOST 8.315-97 «Standard samples of composition and characteristics of substances and materials» the requirements to standard samples characteristics are described. In Ukraine standard samples manufactured in Ukraine as well as in other countries can be used. Foreign standard samples must have corresponding documentation, approved by Gosstandart.

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DSTU 215-95 «State system for provision of unity of measurements. Metrological attestation of measurement techniques» gives the procedure of equipment testing. Only after performing the testing procedure the equipment can be used in laboratories. The results of water quality monitoring are used for environmental decision-making. That is why these results must be reliable and the error value is very important. At present in Ukraine inter-state standard DSTU 27384-2002 «Water. Norms of errors (inaccuracies, bias) of measurements» is acting. It replaced inter-state standard GOST 27384-87 «Water. Norms of errors (inaccuracies, bias) of measurements». In the acting standard, the norms of errors are set. These norms should not be exceeded when using various approved methods. The error is correlated to MAC. MAC - Maximum Allowable Concentration. MAC is set in SaNPin and if the concentration of a substance is higher than MAC, then the enterprise must pay penalties.

Institute of Biology of the Southern Seas, Ukraine Not available:

• Standardised sampling and recording equipment • Standardised sampling methodology • Standardised sampling frequency • An agreed and consistent species list • Standardised data recording

Available:

• Txt files • Excel spreadsheets • Paradox • Access databases • Ocean Base data management system

Odessa National University, Ukraine Explanation of following DQC standards/guidelines: GOST 17.1.5.01-80: Nature conservation. Hydrosphere, General requirements for sampling of bottom sediments of water objects for analysis of pollution. M. Gosstandart of the USSR (in Russian). GOST 17.1.5.01-80: Nature conservation. Hydrosphere, General requirements for sampling of surface and seawaters, ice and rainfall. M. Gosstandart of the USSR (in Russian). They were utilised in Ukraine till 2004. Since 2004 the culling and the stowage of samples is executed according to the national standards of Ukraine: DSTU ISO 5667-1:2003 Guidance on the design of sampling programmes, DSTU ISO 5667-2:2003 Guidance on sampling technique, DSTU ISO 5667-3-2001 Guidance on the preservation and handing of samples. These standards are identical to the standards ISO 5667-1:1991, ISO 5667-2:1991 and ISO 5667-3:1994. The difference between standards, which one will be utilized from previous, consists in more elaboration of the operating instructions on culling, stowage and appeal with samples. In case there was no national standard for laboratory analysis following guidelines was used:

• Guidelines chemical analysis of seawaters 52.10.243-92 • Guidelines chemical analysis of seawaters 52.10.243-92. St. Petersburg:

Hydrometizdat. 1993 (in Russian).

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• Guidelines for the geochemical analyses of marine sediments and suspended particulate matter/ Reference Methods for Marine Pollution studies, №71, UNEP, 1995

Given guideline is designed by committee on hydrometeorology and monitoring of an environment of Russian Federation. Given Guideline is designed for analysis of samples of a marine environment. At mining the present Guidelines the guidelines of an International oceanographic commission (IOC) UNESCO and Programs United Nations Organisation on an environment (UNEP) are taken into account. At compiling the present Management utilised a methodical manual IOC UNESCO (Chemical methods for use in marine environmental monitoring. IOC Manuals and guides, № 12. - UNESCO, 1983). Given Guideline 52.10.243-92 is diffused to seawaters and describes the order of conducting of their analysis on following indexes: Salinity, communal alkalinity, hydrogen ion exponent (рН), dissolved oxygen, dissolved oxygen at the presence of hydrogen sulphide, hydrogen sulphide, phosphates, communal phosphorum, silicon, nitrites, nitrates, ammonium of azote, communal and organic azote, petroleum, phenols chlorinated hydrocarbons, heavy metals, communal dissolved mercury, synthetic surface-active agent (detergents), herbicides. The specification statement of each method actuates the following sub-sections: - Substance of a method of analysis, - Facilities of measuring, machinery, materials and reagents, - Sample drawing, - Opening-up for analysis, - Conducting of analysis, - Calculus of outcome of analysis. In analysis, conducted by us, to the standards ISO corresponds the method of applications, which allows one to institute arguments with the help of instrument methods. * Conduct meters measure the electrical conductivity of seawaters: Forwarding

alternative of a conduct meter HANNA HI 8633, Laboratory conduct meter Mettler MC 226. Hydrogen ion exponent (pH) pH-meter Hydrus 400.

* The contents of dissolved oxygen are instituted with the help of an oximeter HI 9143 HANN.

* The ionic composition is instituted with the help of fluid chromatography on a chromatograph 790 Personal IC.

* For definition of a series of hydro-chemical arguments and chlorophyll of a phytoplankton will be utilized Spectrophotometer JENWAY 6300

Methodical guidelines on conducting geological surveys on the Black and Azov Seas * Methodical guidelines on geological mapping of shelf areas. Sopot. 1987, (in Russian) * Temporary methodical guidelines on landscape & ecological to mapping at geological

survey of shelf. Ministry of Geology of the USSR. Leningrad, 1989 (in Russian). * State Geological Enterprise "Prichernomorgeologia". Odessa. 2006. (In Russian) The Methodical guidelines institutes the order entities and conducting, and also contents geological surveys of various plotting scales. The applied method of applications and methods Of geological survey, quantity of instituted arguments, total materials. The Methodical guidelines institute a reference rational complex of methods for running in any conditions marine of process geological surveys: * Continuous acoustic measurements profiling * Geology-geo-morphological echo sounding * Geologic sample drawing

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* Surface sample drawing (grabs) and sampling of a near-surface geological section up to 5 m (gravitational core samplers (straight-flow, piston, hydrostatic tubes)

Underwater photography: Hydrogasgeoсhemistry operations. Hydrogasgeochemistry operations are executed for districts perspective oil-and-gas content or for a solution of the geoecological tasks. The Studies encompass byed continuous - discrete measuring of the contents of gases (hydrocarbons, helium), inclusive in bottom layer of water or other horizons of aqueous strata, and also in definition of the contents of hydrocarbons in bottom sediments. The geology-ecological operations are only driving an intrusion in geological surveys. The studies tap main failures of base geologic environment on natural and man-caused to reasons in comparison with background indexes. To be conducted geo-ecological zoning of seabed with the forecast of progressing of an ecological situation.

• The methods of laboratory studies give the following information. • Performance of material composition of rocks and friable sediments. • The padding information about lithostratigraphiс quaternary of depositions including

macro-, micropaleontology and geo-chronological definitions • Operational characteristic of mineral resources; • Ecology - geochemistry the performance of mapped formations.

The size of analysis of bottom sediments, separation of a gross last cut, elective mineralogical analysis of a fraction 0,1 — 0,05 mms, definition of the contents of biogenic reductants (organic carbon, СаСОз), spectral approximately - quantitative analysis, gravity determination and damps of sediments is conducted. The laboratory studies for the geo-ecological purposes actuate:

• Definition of the contents of petroleum in settlings and water to chromatographic methods;

• Definition of the contents of pesticides and others chlorine-organic of joints; • Definition of biogenic reductants (P, N, S etc.); • Quantitative determination of heavy metals of contaminants Pb, Zn, Cu, Ca, Ni, Hg

etc.) in bottom layer waters and bottom sediments. • As the samples for comparison the Reference samples of composition of rock SDO-1,

SDO-2, SDO-3, SDO-4 (VIMS, USSR, Russia) were used. The list of kit of geologic maps and maps to geologic soda salt of a building is instituted In composition of obligatory chart equipment enter:

• Geologic map, • Geologic map quaternary of depositions, • Litho logic a map of a surface of seabed, • Geo-morphological map, • Geo-ecological map, • Map of legitimacies of placement of mineral resources, • Map of an actual material.

List and contents of padding kit are instituted by the particular design.

Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture Bulgaria National and European guidelines applied for DQC methods for in situ sampling, measurements and laboratory research in IFR-Varna: Monitoring program: aims and DQC Assessment of ecosystem state in Bulgarian Black Sea waters through: * Monitoring of environmental parameters at specified sites outlining long-term trends

and their consistency with each other.

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IFR represents semi-annual and yearly reports to the National Agency of Agricultural Sciences within the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Reports include visualized overviews of environmental variables distribution, with a concise interpretation of the ecological significance of the results. * It is accepted that the collection and analytical techniques in IFR-Varna must follow best

practices such as those developed by HELCOM, IOC/UNESCO, or those established or recommended in National Guidelines.

* Detailed explanation of methods applied for sample collection and analysis in the Institute together with DQC and DQ Assurance elements was given in the report NA3.1, 11.2006: DQC system in IFR-Varna.

* Here we give brief summary of international and national sources of information related to the IFR DQC system elaboration, and will emphasize on main problems related to the DQC system application.

International guidelines used in the elaboration of DQC system in IFR-Varna: * HELCOM: Manual for Marine Monitoring in the COMBINE Programme of HELCOM: General

guidelines on quality assurance for monitoring in the Baltic Sea: http://www.helcom.fi/groups/monas/CombineManual/en_GB/main

* Manual of quality control procedures for validation of oceanographic data [UNESCO/IOC/IODE, 1993]

* ESCAP (Economic and Social Commission for Asia and The Pacific) guidelines for programme monitoring, review, and evaluation. United Nations Economic and Social Council E/ESCAP/CPR (2)/11 21 October 2005

* Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission: Manuals and Guides 36: Methodological guide to integrated coastal management; UNESCO, 1997.

* ICES WGMDM Guidelines for Biological Plankton Data (Compiled August 2001) http://ioc.unesco.org/oceanteacher/OceanTeacher2/06_OcDtaMgtProc/01_DataOps/02_DtaMgtPol&Guides/Guidelines_for_biological_plankton_data_v2.pdf

* Guidance on Assessing Quality Systems EPA QA/G -3 EPA/240/R-03/002 March 2003 National guidelines: * Improved quantitative method for mesozooplankton calculations. Dimov I, 1959. BAN

Reports, 12, 5, 427-429. * Catalog on the Bulgarian Black Sea Fauna, Valkanov A. 1957. Works of the Marine

Biological Station – Varna, 19, 1-51. * Manual for quantitative sampling and sample treatment of marine soft-bottom

macrozoobenthos, 2005, Todorova V. & Konsulova Ts., IO-BAS-Varna, Bulgaria * Standard Operating Procedures for Phytoplankton Sampling and Analysis in the Black Sea

(Draft Version) *. Compiled by Dr. Snesjana Moncheva DQC Procedures: * PROFILE CHECKS: Date/time, latitude/longitude, and instrument type are written in final

cruise reports and archived. The profile checks include checks of ranges, depths for all known parameter types (e.g. temperature, salinity, oxygen, nitrates, etc.). Profile checks consist observations for spikes, outliers, gradients that are too pronounced, and for temperature inversions.

* DUPLICATE SAMPLING * REFERENCE SPECIES COLLECTIONS * DEVELOPMENT OF SAMPLE COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS PROTOCOLS * INTERCALIBRATION and training of the staff: In the frames of international projects sampling and analysis methodologies between project parties have been harmonized. In this relation intercalibration procedures have been performed: for hydrochemistry analysis, phyto-, meso-, macrozooplankton, and benthos sampling, counting etc.

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IFR Participation in Workshops on National and International Intercalibration Procedures, etc.: * 09.2004-The methodology applied for gelatinous zooplankton estimations was agreed

between IFR-Varna and IFM-GEOMAR-Kiel University; in the framework of the EU FP 5 project DANUBS. * 08.2005 – Harmonization and intercalibration of methodologies applied in IFR-Varna and NIMRD-Constanca for field estimations of young fish, larvae and eggs distribution and qualitative analysis. Unified methodology has been applied regarding morphology measurements for small pelagics, population parameters estimation, stock assessment, and measures for sustainable utilization.

* 05.2006-The benthos laboratory participated in the instruction and practical training program lead by representatives of the Faculty of Marine Biology to the University of Groningen.

* 06.2006-The benthic and phytoplankton laboratories participated in intercalibration procedure, organized by the BS Basin Directory-Varna/ARCADIS.

* 02.2007-The mesozooplankton laboratory participated in international inter-calibration of sample analysis procedures.

Hydrology and Hydro-Chemistry National and International Guidelines: * Manual of marine hydrochemical investigations (Ed. Blinov), State Institute of

Oceanography, 1959, 255p. * Manual of seawater chemical analysis (Ed. S.G.Oradovskij), Gdynia, 1977, 277p. * Methodology of hydrochemical investigation of the ocean, 1978, Nauka, Moscow, 269p.

(in Russian). * Methods of Seawater Analysis, (1983): Grasshoff K., Ehrhardt M., Kremling K (eds),

Verlag Chemie, and Weinheim, 61-72 * International Guide to Quality in Analytical Chemistry, CITAC Guide 1, 1995, 51p. Internal Quality Control: * It includes the use of: blanks, measurement standards, blind samples, replicate samples. * Data screening:

1. Check the completeness of the collected data. Check if there are any missing data values. Check if the number of data fields is equal to the expected number of measured parameters.

2. Check the correctness of the defined data format, expected interval range and measurement-units.

3. Range tests: the measured data are compared to allowable upper and lower limiting values.

4. Relational tests: this comparison is based on expected relationship between various parameters.

5. Trend tests: based on the rate of change in a value over time. * Treatment of suspect and missing data:

1. Generate a validation report that lists all suspect data. For each data value, the report should give the reported value, the date and time of occurrence, and the validation criteria that it failed.

2. If there are suspect values go back to the raw data in the laboratory and check all analytical steps and quality assurance tools for relevant investigations.

3. Compare suspect values with earlier data from the database or with other information 4. Repeat the analysis if it is possible.

Phytoplankton: * Data obtained through the monitoring are in the form of list of species with

corresponding concentrations and biomasses per certain seawater volume.

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* For toxic species such concentrations would normally be compared with prescribed standards.

* Where no standards exist, as the case of the Black Sea is, the phytoplankton monitoring results are anyway expected to give grounds for decisions taken in relation to ecosystem and human health.

* Errors introduced during sampling and preparation process are usually several orders of magnitude higher than errors due to analytical determinations.

* Known values of Black Sea algal biomasses are in the range of 0.00 to more than 1kg.m-3, upper data limits of rare credibility in other regions of the World Ocean.

* At IFR Varna the phytoplankton specialists are sent to different courses, such as the IOC-DANIDA training course on the biology and taxonomy of marine harmful micro plankton in the Copenhagen University, Denmark. Visits to Hydrobiology laboratories of advanced Institutes in other countries are also part of the specialists’ education and training.

National and International Guidelines for phytoplankton research: * Manual for Marine Monitoring in the COMBINE Programme of HELCOM. Annex C-6.

Phytoplankton species composition, abundance and biomass. 21 pp. * Biovolumes and size classes of phytoplankton in the Baltic Sea. 2006. HELCOM. Baltic Sea

Environment Proceedings, No 106. 142 pp. * UNESCO 1974, a review of methods used for quantitative phytoplankton studies, Final

report of SCOR Working Group 33, UNESCO Technical Papers in Marine Science, 18, Paris.

* Throndsen, J. 1978, ‘Preservation and storage’, in A. Sournia (ed) Phytoplankton Manual, UNESCO, Paris.

* McAlice, B. 1971, ‘Phytoplankton sampling with the Sedgwick-Rafter cell’, Limnology and Oceanography, 16, 19–28.

* Gilbert, J.Y. 1942, ‘The errors of the Sedgwick-Rafter counting chamber on the enumeration of phytoplankton’, Transactions of the American Microscopy Society, 61, 217–226

* Edler, L. (editor). 1979. Recommendations on methods for Marine Biological Studies in the Baltic Sea Baker, P. 1986, Enumeration of phytoplankton, Progress report No. 1, State Water Laboratory, Engineering and Water Supply Department, South Australia, Library reference number 86/48.

* Phytoplankton and Chlorophyll. Baltic Marine Biologists Publication No 5, 38 pp. DQC and DQA phytoplankton: * Manuals for sampling strategy, and samples laboratory processing. * Maintaining and calibration of filed and laboratory equipment * Training of the staff processing the phytoplankton samples * Protocols, spreadsheets elaborated after different steps of sample collection and

processing National and International guidelines for Zooplankton: NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL GUIDELINES: FOR SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS: * Annex C-7 MESOZOOPLANKTON, from the Manual for marine monitoring from COMBINE

Program of HELCOM. 1988. * Manual for zooplankton sampling and analysis in the Black Sea Region. Korshenko A.,

Aleksandrov B. 2006. * Report of the third ICES/HELCOM workshop on quality assurance of Biological

measurements Warnemünde, Germany, 15-19 October 1996, http://www.io-warnemuende.de/research/helcom_zp/documents/qa_zp_part.pdf

* ICES WGMDM Guidelines for Biological Plankton Data (Compiled August 2001). * Zooplankton Sampling, Monographs on oceanographic methodology, 2. UNESCO, Paris.

174 pp. Tranter, D.J. (ed.). 1968. * Zooplankton fixation and preservation. Monographs on Oceanographic Methodology 4.

UNESCO, Paris. 87-94. Steedman, H.F. (ed.). 1976.

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* ICES Zooplankton Manual, Eds: R Harris, P H Wiebe, J Lenz, H-R Skjoldal and M Huntley, Academic Press 2000.

* Kisselev. I.A. 1969. Plankton of the seas and continental waters. * Dimov, I. 1959. Improved Quantitative Zooplankton Sampling Method. Rep.BAS, vol. 12,

no. 5, 427-429. Manuals for taxonomic identification of zooplankton: * Electronic Document Collection of ICES Identification Leaflets for Plankton. * Morduhai-Boltovskii et al. 1968. The identification book of Black and Azov Seas fauna,

Naukova Dumka, Kiev, vol. I, II, III. Mesozooplankton analysis: LABORATORY ANALYSIS: * Chamber of Dimov: “Improved Quantitative Zooplankton Sampling Method”. Rep.BAS,

Dimov, I. 1959 vol. 12, no. 5, 427-429. This method has been used 1959 and up-to now. * The Bogorov chamber and Stempel-pipette. The second method was applied sporadically

since 1991, however it agrees more to the recommendations of the Manual for zooplankton sampling and analysis in the Black Sea Region. Korshenko A., Aleksandrov B. 2006; and with the Annex C-7 MESOZOOPLANKTON: from the Manual for Marine monitoring from COMBINE Programme of HELCOM.1988, and this method is adopted in the Institute in the last years.

* Calculations of zooplankton abundance are made by the following formulae, in accordance with the Report of the third ICES/HELCOM workshop on quality assurance of Biological measurements Warnemünde, Germany, 1996:

M - number of counted specimens (ind.), Vf - volume of filtrated water (m³), and K - counted part of sample. For Stempel pipette methods K = Vs/Vsub, where Vs - volume of sample and Vsub - total volume of sub samples. Total abundance is finally the sum of the abundance of all groups. Benthos communities: NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL GUIDELINES: FOR SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS: * Methods for study of marine benthos. Holme & Melntyre, 1984, IBP Handbook N16 (2nd

ed) Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford. * ANNEX C-8 Soft bottom macrozoobenthos, from the Manual for Marine Monitoring in the

COMBINE Programme of HELCOM: Programm for monitoring of eutrophication and its effects.

* Manual for quantitative sampling and sample treatment of marine soft-bottom macrozoobenthos, 2005, Todorova V. & Konsulova Ts., IO-BAS-Varna, Bulgaria

* Manual: Macrozoobenthos, complied by Kucheruk N. on base of HELCOM; http://www.helcom.fi/Monas/CombineManual2/PartC/CFrame.htm)

* ICES. 2004. Report of the ICES/OSPAR Steering Group on Quality Assurance of Biological Measurements in the Baltic Sea. 59 pp.

* ICES. 2005. Report of the ICES/OSPAR Steering Group on Quality Assurance of Biological Measurements in the Northeast Atlantic. 59pp.

Manuals for taxonomic identification of benthos community: * Morduhai-Boltovskii et al. 1968. The identification book of Black and Azov Seas fauna,

Naukova Dumka, Kiev, vol. I, II, III. * Valkanov A. 1957. Catalog on the Bulgarian Black Sea Fauna, Works of the Marine

Biological Station – Varna, 19, 1-51. Fisheries investigation: The current methodology was developed by the team of experts from Black Sea countries under the leadership of V.Shlyakhov (Ukraine) within The Advisory Group on Environmental Aspects of Management of Fisheries and Other Marine Living Resources Black Sea

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Commission (AG FOMR BSC) in 2005-2006, and its basic concepts were discussed and approved at the Joint meeting General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM), Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC), Subcommittee on Stock Assessment (SCSA), AG FOMR BSC on Stock Assessment Methodology, and inWorkshop on Black Sea Assessment of Pelagic and Demersal Fish Stocks. It includes information about: Collection of primary fishing biological information a/ Sampling of catch b/ Sampling for determination of length frequency c/ Collecting of material for determination of fish age d/ Establishing gonads maturation degree e/ Determination of spawning intensity and completion level for Black Sea anchovy Fishery statistics Hydro-climatic parameters Harmonization of assessment methods of small pelagic stocks 1.Analytical models and surplus production models

t2. Direct evaluation of s ock biomass

Black Sea Technical University Turkey National and EU DQC procedures applied in the TUBİTAK (Turkish Scientific and Technical Research Council), DPT (Turkish Prime Minister State Planning Organization) and BSTU Research Foundation Projects: * Internationally widely accepted methodologies are used in any kind of research

relating Marine biology, ecology, fisheries and Oceanography. * Calibration is an imporant issue, but the high cost is limiting factor. * Raw data are checked if there is an uncertainity about the accuracy. Filtration is

taking place when nessecary. * eg., the data collected through the season are checked if they are trully

representative of the season concerned.

Middle East Technical University, Institute of Marine Sciences, Turkey Data Types:

• Coastal zone (e.g. Coastline, laguuns etc.) • Meteorological (Surface measurements) • Physical oceanography (T,S, currents, optics, waves, sea level etc.) • Chemical oceanography (TSS, Nutrients, pH, TCO2, etc.) • Marine biology (pigments, biota, etc.) • Pollution( PAH, heavy metals, etc) • Fisheries (aquaculture, fish stacks) • Geology and Geophysics (Bathymetry, sysmology, sed. etc) • Remote sensing (aerial photos, satellite images)

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Procedure:

Collection of samples

Instrumentcalibration

Laboratoryanalysis

Inter-laboratorycomparisons

Data analysiscontrol

Data base

Collection of samples

Instrumentcalibration

Laboratoryanalysis

Inter-laboratorycomparisons

Data analysiscontrol

Data base

Sampling Procedure: * The procedures described in the instruments’ manuals are applied precisely. * If there is more than one sensor for a parameter, parallel samplings done routinely,

specially at deep stations. Calibration of the instrument: For the calibration of the instruments, the company’s calibration periods for the sensors are strictly followed and sensors sent back to the factory for calibration. Some of the sensor companiesare:Biospherical Instruments (irradiance sensor), General Oceanics, Seapoint Sensors Inc. (turbidity meter), Sea Tech Inc. (fluorometer), LI-COR Inc. (radiation sensors, PAR, irradiance meter), Wet Labs (fluorometer), SBE (19plus SeaCat Profiler, 9, 9 plus, 11plus, 17 SeaRam) Chemical data:

1. Laboratory Analysis • Nutrients • Metals • Organics

2. Laboratory Performance • Nutrients • Metals • Organics

Laboratory Analysis: Laboratories for nutrients, metals and organics use standard reference materials for the assurance of the analysis.

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The reference materials supplied by International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA) and European Reference Materials (ERM). Laboratory performance: Intercalibration procedures followed for:

Nutrients: by Quasimemme Metals: by Quasimemme, IAEA and MEL Laboratory-Monaco. Organics: by IAEA

Biological data: For some biological parameters (i.e. Chlorophyll-a, Phaeopigments-a, Primary production) laboratories are shared with Chemistry Department. The same laboratory analysis and laboratory performance procedures followed with the Chemistry Dep. for these parameters. For other parameters, relevant standard laboratory procedures are followed when possible. Parameters like taxonomy data has no specific procedures. Quality codes were assigned to the most of data values: Codes 0 - not checked 1 - correct 2 - inconsistent 3 - doubtfull 4 - wrong 5 - altered 6 - depth incompatible The scheme employed for data reported in real-time has been chosen, as given in the GETADE Formatting Guidelines for Oceanographic Data Exchange, proposed by the IOC's Group of Experts on the Technical Aspects of Data Exchange (GETADE). This scheme is universal and can be applied to the types of data in the project database. It uses a one-character field with the following interpretation: • 0 = data are not checked • 1 = data are checked and appear correct • 2 = data are checked and appear inconsistent but correct • 3 = data are checked and appear doubtful • 4 = data are checked and appear to be wrong • 5 = data are checked and the value has been altered • 6 = data are checked and appear to be assigned to the wrong depth Flag 6 was added according to request of the NATO TU-Black Sea project’s (1993-1997) Project Exper Groups. It can be considered as the code 2 if necessary. tFlags are compatible with MEDAR and MEDATLAS data quality control procedures. Reference: ICES/IOC, 1995. GETADE Formatting Guidelines for Oceanographic Data Exchange (Preliminary report).

Sinop Fisheries Faculty of Ondokuz Mayis University Sinop, Turkey DQC procedures of TUBİTAK (Turkish Scientific and Technical Research Council), DPT (Turkish Prime Minister State Planning Organization) and OMU Research Foundation Projects:

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Project Proposal: • Certain criteria privatized according to the topic to be studied • Inquiry concerning the subjects like aim, scope, original value (by specialized

committees) Some following main points are controlled in these criteria;

• Whether the stations chosen in the study area represent that area/region • Whether the proponent organization have researchers with a required ability to

conduct the project • With its current conditions to what extent the responsible organization is able to

realize the project • In the scope of the project to be probably conducted, the publication of the data in

national or international authoritative and refereed journals provided that the data shall be dependent on the study content is a reasonably important criterion during the approval of the project.

The control is implemented on site according to the situation depending on the data. If the project is approved the next stage is at point. If the project is not approved:

• A time frame is provided for the corrections • Or the application is not accepted

During the Project: 1. Field Study The following are controlled by the person and/or people determined by the organizations;

• Compatibility with the project plan • The validity of the source of the method implemented according to the study type at

the field • Sensitivity in dependency to the method

2. Laboratory study In case that the disciplines in the study are biological:

a. The species diagnosis and identification, counts and results are evaluated (if necessary) at site by the determined authorities. The reporting process should be done in a short period of time and the proceedings not designated at site are perpetuated.

b. The physicochemical parameters and analyzes are performed by the methodologies

suitable to the criteria with an approach that minimizes the human slip (calibration concordant with the procedure, validity approved). It is tested in accordance with the criteria determined statistically. These tests are established by reports.

3. Reporting Beside the follow up from the onset to the end of the project by experts, it is fundamental to follow by reports of which criteria were designated. In all these organizations, by predicating on the total project time period, at least 3 interim reports and a final report are required during the project. If necessary, a meeting based on oral advocacy is held at site or at the predetermined locations.

• The imperative repetitions implemented during the field study are subject to international calibration standards (depending on the method and materials used) in case of predetermined situations within certain time period.

• The coordinator controls the field study dates and the requisite conditions to be fulfilled prior to the onset of the field study and/or his/her assistants specified in the project flow diagram. These controls are documented and these documents are regulated to be prepared in order to be submitted to the organizations supporting the project.

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• During all the stages of the evaluations concerning the biological results, a control and an assessment are conducted at site by the expert person and/or people under the sub-topics of sample sending, drawing, imaging and illustration

• The compulsory methods to be followed during the biological studies are controlled by the coordinator and/or his/her assistants identified in the project flow diagram. These controls are documented and in case demanded, the documents are prepared for the investigation of the organizations supporting the project.

• On condition that the location of the physicochemical parameter analyzes (at field, at site and/or in laboratory) is known, the processes concerning the evaluation of the data are reexamined by statistical methods, the individuals or corporations predetermined by the organization supporting the projects obtain extra samples if necessary and analyzed. In addition, regardless of a request, the samples from which the related parameters are obtained are examined by the organizations allowed or/and determined by the supporter corporation prior to the interim reports.

• During all the stages of the project, if necessary, the conducting committee is informed via technological systems as soon as possible about the urgency action plan mentioned during the suggestion of the project and experts control the situation at site if required.

Georgian partners METEOROLOGICAL DATA QUALITY CONTROL: From the establishment of the stations until 1972 meteorological regime data quality control occur by experts in the Data Processing Administration of Hydrometeorological Department, until 1993 the data was sent to the National Data Center in Obninsk (Russia). There the data come under quality control, both computer through the Program PERSONA MIS and expert work; Since 1993 the observed data come under quality control, both computer through the Program PERSONA MIS and expert work in the Data Processing Administration of National Meteorological and Hydrological Service of Georgia. The data quality control is carried out in 3 stages: Syntax-oriented Control – identification of syntax-oriented errors, accidental mistakes (PERSONA MIS); Semantic Control – identification of outrage mistakes (in the 2 stages, Expert work): I Stage – identification of logical mistakes (unreal data – human-factor mistake); II Stage – identification of statistical errors (method of semantic tableau). The identification of statistical errors occur by the expert work (meteorologist) through the Critical Control Method - the analysis of meteorological elements distribution in space and time and make a comparison with analogous stations (2) mean monthly norm. HYDROLOGICAL DATA QUALITY CONTROL: From the establishment of the stations until 1985 hydrological regime data were sent to the National Data Center in Obninsk (Russia) and there were created the annual reference books - state water cadastre. Since 1985 experts through the methodical guidance of the National Data Center of Obninsk carry out data quality control in Department of Hydrometeorology of Georgia. Hydrological data control occurs on the station from the observer-technician who controls the observations method and then is made the work complex diagrams: (Q, H) – discharge, depth; (Q, G) – discharge, bottom drift; (Q, R) – discharge, suspended drift; (vav, H) – mean speed of flow, depth; (ρav, ρc)- mean turbidity of river, controlled sample turbidity and etc.

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In the stations are made the tables – KH-1 and sent to the Hydrological Division of Hydrometeorological Department where the elements come under the quality control through the hydrological characteristic chronological graphs of adjacent stations where the variation of water depth, discharge, temperature, turbidity and etc are united. After the quality control are made TH-1 tables. Using these tables state water cadastre is prepared. QUALITY CONTROL of ENVIRONMENT POLLUTION MONITORING DATA: Until 1992 Quality Control of surface waters characteristics were carried out according to inter-laboratory control (Methodology manual of the Hydro-chemical Institute of Rostov, (Russia). Based on this methodology following works are carried out:

Assessment of recurrence accuracy of the analysis; and Control of adequacy of analysis.

For determination of recurrence accuracy is made accidental component’s assessment and interpretation. The hydro chemical samples are re-analyzed and the accidental error’s mean square deviation from standard is determined. For estimation is used the coded part of initial analyzed sample. The reliability of this error is 95 %. This method is called as determination of controlled pair. For every controlled pair is determined the unable disagreement: The quality of recurrence accuracy is dissatisfactory if the amount of controlled pair with accidental error is more than 15% of sum control analyses. Control of adequacy of analysis is carried out on the results of multitudinous analyses of standard samples, which is analyzed with other hydro-chemical samples. In this century in the framework of the international projects in collaboration with the other laboratories (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Norway, USA, Spain, and Greece) were created the unified Standard Operational Procedures (SOP) on the basis of ISO and EPA. The special methodologies for Quality Assurance of received results are established for all stakeholders. In the framework of the same projects was made inter-laboratory calibration exercise aiming assessment of the role of the several pollutant objects.

All Russian Research Institute of Hydrometeorological Information – World Data Centre There are three main types of data on marine environment, which are being collected, processed and stored in RIHMI-WDC:

Oceanographic data; Marine meteorological data; Coastal station data.

Data Quality Flag Scale Flag Description 0 the value is correct 1 the value has been recovered 2 the value is doubtful 3 the value is erroneous 4 the value has been lost or not been observed 5 the phenomenon did not occur 6 reserve 7 reserve (if unknown time was substituted by 0, Qtime=7) 8 reserve 9 no quality control has been applied Principal stages of QC

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check of the data format; check of the metadata (ship name, buoy number, country code, institution code,

instrument type); check of the headers (coordinates, date & time); check of the parameters; duplicates check.

3. Progress EDMED, EDMERP, EDMO, CSR and Socio-Economic Data (NA4) EDMED, EDMERP, EDMO and CSR Coordinator MARIS has noticed from the overview of totals submitted for the directories EDMED, EDMERP and CSR that some partners were behind in activity. Since activity on all the directories is a contractual obligation and a proof on hours spent on the workpackages partners are requested to present the progress. Based on the progress comments were given and where necessary actions have been agreed. In the attached file (progress EDMED, EDMERP, EDMO and CSR.xls) the totals and MARIS comments based on the presentations have been summarized. The main problems encountered are: * Backlogs at the national focal points (collating centers) * Often caused by late sending of extra information * National focal points have sent in data at the last moment, so information was not in the overview A general deadline for supply of missing data is two weeks after the meeting: 25 May 2007. Socio-Economic data The socio-economic data for the region can be obtained from different sources. One option is to use data compiled by international organisations, such as the European Union, OECD, World Bank, IMF, UN and its affiliated institution (e.g. FAO, the UN Population Fund). The advantage of such an approach is comparable data. The drawback is the relatively bigger time lag or unreported data for some indicators. This may not be an issue if we try to outline long-term trends. Another approach is to use data directly from the national statistical institutes, which provide it in timelier manner. Though, there may be later revisions or discrepancies between the indicators in some of the countries. A plus is the level of detail provided by the national institutions. We have already compiled a reference list of international and national statistical organisations for all the countries in the Black Sea basin Issues to be solved: What should be the geographical range of the referenced or collected data: the Black Sea basin or only the coastal countries? What should be level of aggregation of the data: country level, district/region or municipality? There have been previous attempts Black Sea Commission (BSC), Black Sea Environmental Programme (BSEP), DABLAS, GIWA – Global International Water Assessment) to research the links between the socio-economic development of the countries in the region and the state of the Black Sea environment that may be used in the current exercise. A suitable way for increasing the public awareness about our project is the visual presentation of the data through maps and graphics. A good example can be taken from the graphical material prepared by UNEP for GIWA.

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Finally, there is an obvious need to establish data for which indicators should be referenced/ collected. This means that we need some initial assumptions for the relations between the socio-economic factors and the state of the Black Sea environment. Population: The future trends are rather diverse. There is a clear decrease of population all over Eastern Europe, which may translate in reduced pressure from the households during the next decades. There is still some population growth in Central Europe (Upper Danube), which is expected to peak by the years 2010-15 and follow the general downwards, trend. The only exception is Turkey, featuring natural growth of 1,2 per cent, and according the UN forecasts this growth will continue unabated in the future. One can speculate that the population trends may contribute to a geographical shift of problematic areas from the northwestern shelf towards the southern coast, unless appropriate measures for wastewater treatment are taken in due time. Economic development Based on the World Bank classification of per capita income the countries in the Black Sea basin can be classified in three major groups. The first group is located in the Upper Danube and consists of high-income economies (Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia). The second group encompasses upper middle-income countries (e.g. Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia), situated along the middle course of the Danube and its tributaries. The largest group consists of lower middle-income countries. These are the countries in the Lower Danube and all the coastal counties. In terms of economic development, at the lowest stage are Moldova and Kosovo. The per capita income may be viewed as a proxy for the ability to raise funds for water management and investments in improving the environmental situation in the respective country. Pollution sources There are two major industrial regions in the Black Sea basin – in Central Europe and in Ukraine. All industries are represented in the Black Sea catchment area, including water-consuming ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy (Ukraine, Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey); chemical and petrochemical plants (Bulgaria, Romania,Ukraine, Hungary, Austria, etc.); power plants, including nuclear ones; machine engineering and food industry. Highest risk pose the industrial activities located in Ukraine, and to a lesser extent those in Russia, Georgia and Turkey. Another potential source of pollution is transport. The transportation system is well developed in the Black Sea basin. Water transportation adversely impacts water quality in the region during normal operations and represents a serious potential risk during accidents such as spills. Motor transport prevails in the western part of the Black Sea basin where there is a highly developed road network, while railway transportation is better developed in the eastern region (Ukraine, Russia and Georgia). Further potential risk is the planned intensive development of ports along the Russian coast for export of oil, chemicals and other raw materials. Until now remains unexplored the impact of atmospheric pollution originating from transport and industrial activities (power plants, metallurgy) on the sea Water sector There are different patterns of sectoral water withdrawal, largely correlating to the level of economic development. In the developed countries in the Upper and Middle Danube, most of the water is used for industrial purposes and household use, corresponding also to higher population density. In Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine and Russia industry remains dominant, yet an important part goes to agriculture. In Turkey and Georgia the agricultural sector is the main consumer of water. This pattern calls for different priorities in the more than 20 countries in the catchment area. While wastewater treatment is the primary solution for industrial and domestic pollution, the runoff from agriculture has to be tackled through changes in the agricultural practices

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Conclusion: In conclusion, we need to specify what socio-economic indicators should be used within the project and how they can be related to the environmental state of the Black Sea. 4. Progress System Development, Technical Task roup (NA5) At the meeting in Istanbul the different parts of the system that we are developing have been discussed, as well as the progress of it. From the remarks and outcome I have made a report that will be our guideline and action list for the next period. I will go through the discussions, actions and products one by one. But first of all: We are already half way through the project and this means that (a first version of) the product have to be finalised in the next period. Especially the Content Management Systems that are used to uimprove and update the data will have to be opened ASAP! Besides this we will get a mid-term review from the EU at the end of 2007, where concrete products will have to be shown. NA4: collecting EDMED, EDMERP, EDMO, CSR, SED, Bibliography and Scientists Many partners have updated data at the last minute. All is now collected by the national focal points and processed to the central SDN databases. After this an update will be sent to MARIS/BSS for further use in BSS. Deadline 25 May 2007. NA3/NA5 EDMED DQC To relate the EDMED Directory with the DQC procedures on the datasets, MARIS developed a pototype Content Management System for DQC/EDMED. The CMS was demonstrated during the meeting. Partners are asked to look at the prototype and to provide suggestions within a few weeks. Actions needed: - DQC Content Management System was demonstrated at the meeting. - Send around login and passwords! (no writing allowed yet) by MARIS. (action done already) - Partners can have a better look at the system and make comments. - 2 weeks needed for updating EDMED by all partners (in progress) - 2 weeks needed to collect comments on format. All partners send comments to MARIS. User interfaces EDMED, EDMERP, EDMO, CSR, SED, Bibliography and Scientist (NA5) a. EDMED No results to discuss b. EDMERP No results to discuss c. EDMO Search interface set up, but very limited. Difference between quick search and extended search is ok. d. CSR No results to discuss e. Social Economic Data (RIHMI-WDC action) * Format should be adjusted to allow for files to be uploaded, not only timeseries (but

files can contain a timeseries of course!) * Format needs to be changed otherwise we do not get a product which is usefull for

all other partners.

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* MARIS check and supply information on which fields to add. * After improvements and testing by TTG -> RIHMI send around login/password to

partners. * Improvements have to be made before 15 June 2007! f. Bibliography (RIHMI-WDC action) * Has to apply standards: so at least should contain the dublin core fields. We can not

make up our own standards for everything. * MARIS check and supply information on which fields to add. g. Scientists (RIHMI-WDC action) * Login per BSS partner where they can only update data from their country. * All records first inactive. Data qualty is too low to open them to the public before a

good check. After check users can activate records! * Add response form to correct data, even after check. forms should go directly to the

main BSS partner (= SeaDataNet collator) from that country. * The last-update date is not correct now! Seems like all records have been checked ->

while all records are old! Better set to "Null" first. * After improvements and testing by TTG -> RIHMI send around login/password to

partners. * Improvements have to be made before 15 June 2007! CDI black sea preparation by METU-IMS + user interface No results to discuss IBSS progress: a) Taxonomy dictionary of species in the Black Sea. Now is prototype, but can be

extended and connected to portal. b) Prototype of MapServer for external maps. Can be extended with other mimiopsis

distribution maps (involved partners: IO-BAS, IBSS, PP shirshov, METU-IMS) c) Will prepare maps for GIS. Online statistical service for data quality check. Created by TUV. No results yet except description of algorithms Development servers - Software has been set up by MSU - IBSS has put up first applications too. - MSU actons have to be checked Other remarks and actions a. RIHMI-WDC before 15 June 2007 -> check software/system installed on the

development server. Is it the same as on the RIHMI server, so all MSU developments can be moved to this server later?

b. RIHMI-WDC before 15 June 2007 -> Check for Black Sea CDI data. There must be

300.000 stations (see bss.oceaninfo.ru). Where are the CDI files for this data? Why can it not be supplied?

c. MSU before 1 July 2007 -> put MapServer online as first version. Then extend this

application so it can contain maps from different institutes. Application shuld be integrated in the BSS portal website!

d. TUV before 15 June 2007 -> give full report on approach how to build the necessary

application. who will do what, when etc!

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e. METU-IMS/IBSS -> formalize contract, of METU-IMS must make arrangements

internally or with other party.! f. MARIS before 1 July 2007 -> choose CDI partners and make instructions (SDN

partners have instructions at start of june in Oostende) g. MARIS before 15 June 2007 -> Send EDMO country code list to RIHMI-WDC h. MARIS before 25 May 2007 -> Send around passwords for DQC on EDMED. i. MSU before 1 July -> final version EDMO + EDMED on line. 5. Promotion and Dissemination During the Istanbul workshop the first Black Sea SCENE mirror (edition spring 2007) was launched (see attachment). The BS mirror will be distributed by email to the distinguished end-users and also presented on conferences and seminars. In general from 2007 2 to 3 Mirrors per year will be produced. 6. Next Workshop The next workshop will be organized by our Georgian partners and will be in Tbilisi Georgia, from Wednesday 3 October till Sunday 7 October (3 days workshop + 1 day excursion). One day of the workshop will be reserved for the external Mid-Term Assessment of the Black Sea SCENE project, organized by our project officer Anna-Maria Johansson.

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