Clean Seas Environment Monitoring Programme
The Clean Seas Environmental Monitoring Programme (CSEMP),
previously known as the National Monitoring Plan (NMP) and the
National Marine Monitoring Programme (NMMP), was initiated in the
late 1980s to ensure that marine monitoring in the UK was
undertaken in a co-ordinated way. The Programme aims to detect
long-term trends in the quality of the marine environment by
collecting high quality, standardised data. The Programme also
ensures that the UK meets the Oslo
and Paris Commission (OSPAR) monitoring requirements and
supports compliance with EC Directives.
We are one of the Competent Monitoring Authorities (CMAs)
responsible for the CSEMP. Most samples for the Programme are
collected during an annual multidisciplinary cruise in June/July,
using RV
Cefas Endeavour. Fish, benthos, sediment and water
samples are taken from a total of around 45 fixed stations in
intermediate and open sea areas around England and Wales.
Additional water samples are also collected during the winter
months from opportunistic stations to fulfil eutrophication
monitoring commitments.