The status of coastal waters was assessed with a view to establishing water quality management plans under the Water Framework Directive. Based on monitoring data collected in the past six years, the biological quality elements phytoplankton, macrophytes, macrozoobenthos, and fish (in estuaries) were assessed using largely harmonised methods. Applying a five-class scale, most of the 72 water bodies were rated moderate, poor or bad (particularly in the Baltic Sea), with only one good rating. High nutrient input is considered to be the principal cause.
Schleswig-Holstein
Umweltportal