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The Dynamic Energy Budget (DEB) theory provides a logic and consistent framework to evaluate ecotoxicological test results. Currently this framework is not regularly applied in ecotoxicology given perceived complexity and data needs. However, even in the case of low data availability the DEB theory is already useful. In this paper we apply the DEB theory to evaluate the results in three previously published papers on the effects of PAHs on Arctic copepods. Since these results do not allow for a quantitative application we used DEB qualitatively. The ecotoxicological results were thereby set in a wider ecological context and we found a logical explanation for an unexpected decline in hatching success described in one of these papers. Moreover, the DEB evaluation helped to derive relevant ecological questions that can guide future experimental work on this subject.

In this report a second opinion is developed for the Environmental Impact Assessment NuStar terminal expansion (at St. Eustatius). Only the marine ecology part of the EIA report is evaluated focusing on the impacts reported for marine reserves, reef- and sea-grass habitat, conchs, turtles, marine mammal and fish. The criteria used are: completeness, consistence, transparency, ecological soundness, and relevance of the foreseen impacts resulting from the terminal expansion. When applying these criteria we have found that most of the impact assessments were incomplete (missing information and data, missing expected impacts). Reference base line data has been incompletely collected. Furthermore, many of the assessments were not transparent (based on the information given in the EIA we could not come to the same conclusion). Also we found that the reasoning to come to a conclusion in the EIA was not ecologically sound in many cases (e.g. mobile species are not affected by habitat loss because they can move out the area instead of describing an effect on the distribution area and thus on the abundance or density of the species). In a few cases assessments scored not relevant or were not assessed in a consistent way. Furthermore, we found that not all expected (potential) impacts were assessed and that those assessed were mainly qualitatively assessed only. Data on pressures was incomplete as was data on ecological receptors, and some publically available data was not used. At the end of this report we list these data needs and missing impact assessments.

The rational use and integrated management of wetlands in the Sahara is essential to ensure the sustainability of the Saharan wetlands. These wetlands are of vital importance to sustain the ecological network of the area, (even worldwide considering e.g. important bird migration routes) and to sustain the livelihood of local people. The Wageningen UR Centre for Development Innovation has completed a quick scan about the actual situation of Algeria’s wetlands and water resources but more specifically on Lake Ayata located in the region of the Wilaya of El Oued in Algeria. This quick scan has been initiated by a request from the Wilaya of El Oued through the Councelor for Agriculture, Nature & Food Quality based at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Paris (France), at the time that Algeria was included in her area of jurisdiction. This quick scan developed recommendations on the management, conservation and options for the sustainable use of the Lac Ayata, e.g. by preliminary recommendations for small-scale tourism development. Including translation in French (executive summary, short summary, some final remarks and acknowledgement).

Aim of this study was to assess the present impact of water quality as a consequence of human activities on local coastal ecosystems in Singapore in order to assess its relevance in relation to marine infrastructure developments as reclamation and associated dredging. Water quality aspects in this report are delimited to chemical water quality as human induced contamination and nutrients.

This document provides an overview of ecotoxicological tests of oil and oil-related chemicals performed by Imares. This meta-data overview was generated for the potential use of its underlying data in the ecotoxicological models in the SYMBIOSES model system.

Like any other EU member stat Croatia will need to meet the rules and regulations associated with Natura 2000 after EU accession. Member states periodically need to report to the European Commission on the implementation of conservation measures taken and its impact on the conservation status of Natura 2000 habitats and species concerned. Regular monitoring is essential to gather the data that are needed to meet these EU-obligations.

The Netherlands Envrionmental Assessment Agency (PBL) developed several biodiversity models for the terrestrial environment to support policy making and evaluation. For the marine environment currently such modelling instruments are lacking. This report gives an overview of modelling instruments that are developed for marine biodiversity or its components. Next to this overview also an overview of marine biodiversity policies and their objectives is given. Modelling instruments are discussed in the context of their applicability for policy targets and their scientific pros and cons. Moreover, an overview of models developed within IMARES is given as well as an in-depth discussion on the food web model Ecopath with Ecosim, a model targeted by PBL as high potential.

The COPI methodology and valuation database. Change in land use, climate, pollution, water use; change in biodiversity; change in ecosystem functions; change in ecosystem services contributes to change in economic value. The Cost of Policy Inaction (COPI) is described in monitory terms. The outcome (of this project) is the valuation database. In this project worked together: Alterra, IEEP (Brussels), Ecologic (Germany), FEEM (Italy), GHK (UK), UNEP and Witteveen+Bos

Effects of diffuse pollution on the environment were studied at three contaminated areas in the Netherlands: the flood plains of a large lowland river (Waal), a tidal area (Biesbosch) and a peat soil area (near Vinkeveen) Om de risico’s van deze verontreinigingen te beheren adviseert het RIVM een risicotoolbox te ontwikkelen. Toepassing daarvan is nodig voor een betere op ecologie gebaseerde effectbepaling. Dit kan uiteindelijk leiden tot een koppeling tussen stoffenbeleid en gebiedsbeheer