The Wadden Sea Quality Status Report (QSR) is a conglomeration of thematic reports on the Wadden Sea, including islands and offshore areas.

Since 1999, the Trilateral Wadden Sea Cooperation (TWSC) between Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands has periodically produced Wadden Sea Quality Status Reports (QSR) describing and evaluating the current ecological status of the Wadden Sea. The QSRs identify changes in this status and their possible causes, classify issues of concern and indicate possible measures of amelioration, including evaluation of the likely effectiveness of these measures. They also indicate gaps in our knowledge. The QSRs are based upon the Trilateral Monitoring and Assessment Programme (TMAP). The programme and the reports were key elements in achieving the inscription of major parts of the cooperation area on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The Trilateral Monitoring and Assessment Programme is the common monitoring programme for the Wadden Sea carried out by Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands since 1997 in the context of the Trilateral Wadden Sea Cooperation (TWSC). The programme aims to facilitate adequate, cost-effective monitoring and integrated science-based assessments of the Wadden Sea ecosystem, while considering the Member States’ monitoring and reporting requirements under the relevant EC Directives and international conventions. TMAP provides an important and scientifically sound evidence base for decision making and policy development at all levels, delivers essential contextual information to support the management of the Wadden Sea as a single ecological entity, supports the reports on directives and the World Heritage status, and enables integrated assessment to be undertaken, which is an essential prerequisite for the application of the ecosystem approach. The programme further provides information on the progress of trilaterally set targets of the Wadden Sea Plan and facilitates the discussion on future priorities.

After a pilot phase which started in 1994, a Common Package of monitoring parameters including the associated data management was implemented beginning in 1997 (Stade Declaration, 1997). Joint monitoring programmes for breeding and migratory birds and seals had already been trilaterally implemented since 1989 and 1992, respectively, and are also part of TMAP. In 2008, TMAP was further elaborated (TMAP Revision) in order to meet the requirements of the relevant EC Directives to the extent possible (Schiermonnikoog Declaration, 2005). In 2014 a long-term TMAP-strategy was adopted, as the basis for the further development of TMAP. The strategy was developed in close connection with the scientific community with the aim of further increasing the programme’s value in implementing EU Directives, and providing information for a wider range of stakeholders. One key element in achieving this is the further development of the information system to enable better access to the data.

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Waddenzee door klimaatverandering steeds zouter, wadplaten ‘verdrinken’