The information presented in this report and the more extensive descriptions detailed in the associated Feeder Report prepared by the Clean and Safe Seas Evidence Group, lead us to conclude that where regulation has been introduced it has generally had a beneficial impact. Reductions in emissions, losses and discharges of hazardous substances have resulted in some reductions in contaminant concentrations in sediment and biota. However, concentrations of some persistent chemicals resident in sediments are declining only very slowly. The timescale for observation of these trends is generally greater than that of the period between Charting Progress and the present assessment. The gathering of additional data, extending time series, is resulting in some downwards trends becoming significant.

There are problem areas in UK waters with respect to eutrophication, but these represent a very small total area.

In terms of safe seas, this report has focussed on microbiological contamination and algal toxins. Both issues are regulated and current programmes provide a significant degree of public protection. Thus, in the UK, we continue to move towards a vision of clean and safe seas.

Some of the ‘new’ issues, such as underwater noise and litter, are going to require greater scrutiny in the future given their incorporation as descriptors of Good Environmental Status under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Current monitoring will need to be extended in order to gather evidence in relation to their significance and impacts.