The North Sea

The North Sea is a semi-enclosed, epi-continental large marine ecosystem (LME) in northern Europe. It is relatively shallow (average depth 90 m), extending north to the Norwegian Trench (700 m); the climate is temperate. Because of highly developed industry and agriculture in its watershed, pollution from contaminants and nutrients has been a major environmental issue for decades. Atmospheric inputs of contaminants are also important. Fisheries, and the protection of species and habitats, have become major concerns, and legislation is still developing to address threats to biological diversity, especially of coastal areas which are under pressure from numerous activities. The regulatory framework for the management of the North Sea is constantly changing. The 1992 ‘Paris Convention’ came into force under the auspices of the Oslo and Paris Commissions (OSPARCOM) in 1998. With the increasing influence of the European Union, there is considerable overlap between the EU and OSPAR, leading to duplication between these and other organizations such as the International Conferences for the Protection of the North Sea and the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea. Although a great deal of scientific research has been carried out in this region, the need for additional data is still a crucial precursor to management.