Research on marine pollution in Europe

Developments in research on marine pollution in the European Community are described. The nature and scope of the pollution of the seas surroundings Europe depend on the socio-economical development of the adjacent regions and on the usage of the aquatic systems, and can vary considerably from location to location. In this paper, pollution in the Nort Sea will be used to illustrate problems and research. An overview of major developments in marine pollution research in Europe is given. The selection of priority pollutants in the EC is outlined, and a general description is given of approches for research on the pathways and fate of pollutants and on the biological effects of pollution are dealt with. Noticeable developments are presented.