Since 1995, when several people became ill following consumption of shellfish from Ireland, azaspiracids (AZAs) have been known as shellfish toxins, causing symptoms associated with gastro-intestinal disorders, including diarrhoea, vomiting, headaches and others. The aims of the ASTOX-project were to provide control tools for the analysis of AZAs in shellfish, i.e. calibration standards and tissue reference materials (RMs), and to clarify the toxicity of AZAs in qualitative and quantitative terms, i.e. to understand the mode of action of AZAs and to derive a No Observable Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) for safe consumption of shellfish.

This report details the work undertaken as part of the INTERREG IIIA Irish Sea Marine Aggregates Initiative (IMAGIN) project which aims “to develop recommendations for a strategic policy framework for an administrative and regulatory process, and operational guidelines under which dredging for marine aggregates in the Irish Sea can be sustainably managed.” It considers policy and regulatory issues from an Irish context. Aggregates in the form of sand and gravel deposits are a vital natural resource, providing essential material to support societal needs for infrastructure and the construction industry. Thus, the importance of aggregate supply to the economy of many nations cannot be understated. As a result of Ireland’s economic boom since the early 1990s, the national consumption of aggregates per head of population in Ireland has spiralled upward and is currently standing at four times the European average. At present, all aggregate used in the Irish market is extracted from terrestrial sources. This project set out to examine the marine extraction option for current supply and future Irish demand.

Winter nutrient concentrations in the western Irish Sea have been monitored annually from 1990 to 2000. Surface samples have been taken between Dundalk Bay and Carnsore Point and analysed for total oxidised nitrogen (TOxN), ortho-phosphate (ortho-P), silicate and salinity. More recently monitoring has been extended into the Celtic Sea. Data from this monitoring programme are presented in detail, along with comparisons to existing data sets. The spatial distribution of nutrients and salinity are presented for each year in contour or classed plots (depending on sample coverage for the particular year). Salinity values were representative of those expected in the Irish Sea and TOxN, ortho-P and silicate values were in general agreement with previous studies. A short summary of studies on nutrient levels in estuaries on the western Irish Sea is presented. In addition, riverine input data supplied by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is used to evaluate the relative magnitude of nutrient inputs from riverine and oceanic sources. Nutrient concentrations are considered using an ecological quality objectives (EcoQOs) approach, proposed as part of the Oslo Paris Convention’s (OSPAR) ‘Common Procedure for Identification of the Eutrophication Status of the Maritime Area’, in partial consideration of the trophic status of the western Irish Sea. Although there is evidence for nutrient enrichment in some estuarine waters and possibly to a lesser extent in some coastal waters, there is little evidence for generally elevated nutrient levels in coastal and offshore waters in the western Irish Sea. Salinity regression curves were calculated for TOxN and ortho-P values in order to generate salinity-normalised concentrations for trend determinations. Regression and trend analysis were carried out on the sample area as a whole and also on regions defining the north, mid, and south western Irish Sea. Trend analysis has been performed, based on nutrient-salinity regressions, using Trend-Y-Tector. A decrease in TOxN over the study period (ranging from 4 to13%) is observed in all regions analysed with the exception of the south west Irish Sea, where a 5% increase was indicated. Analysis of trends in ortho-P concentration showing decreasing trends ranging from 20 to 33%. On visual examination, trends in TOxN are not as intuitively apparent as trends in ortho-P concentrations, therefore it may not be prudent to draw conclusions from them at this stage. Trend analysis of riverine inputs shows an increase in TOxN by 17% and no apparent trend in ortho-P levels. These trends are not consistent with trends observed in the Irish Sea. On the basis of this assessment, it is recommended that this monitoring be continued. The design of future nutrient monitoring surveys is considered, with a view to improving the efficacy of the monitoring regime.

Prior to the present guidelines the assessment, by the Marine Institute on behalf of the Department of Communication, Marine and Natural Resources, of the suitability of dredged materials for disposal at sea had employed provisional action levels as an aid to evaluation. These provisional action levels were based entirely on sediment chemistry. The responsible agencies have decided that these levels now need to be updated and formalised. The approach proposed in this document aims to provide an improved, and more integrated, assessment of the ecological risks associated with individual sediment dredging and disposal activities. It offers flexibility to deal with issues on a case-by-case basis and improves transparency of the decision-making process. The list of parameters to be assessed has been revised and methods for setting numerical guidance values in other countries have been reviewed. Ideally, guidance levels should comprise chemical and ecotoxicological data specifically relating to Irish sediments. In the absence of a comprehensive dataset for Irish sediments, proposed threshold guidance levels have been based on ecotoxicological data from other sources. Wherever possible, lower threshold guidance values have been based on existing Irish background levels of contaminants. Where background data do not exist for a particular parameter, ecotoxicologically-derived values, corresponding to expected no-effect levels, have been taken from reputable sources. Similarly, upper threshold guidance levels (i.e. levels at which effects may be expected) have been based on ecotoxicological data from reputable sources. The assessment strategy has been designed so that decisions concerning the acceptability of sediments for sea disposal will take into account a range of intrinsic and environmental factors i.e. the strategy adopts a Weight of Evidence approach. The guidance will be reviewed and revised as necessary, as more information becomes available. Sampling and storage methodology is presented as well as quality assurance and reporting requirements. Guidance on analytical procedures and approval of analytical laboratories is included.