Monitoring Methods - Project topic/title
	Development of a monitoring programme for the Arctic - Standards for methodology and measurement routines.
Co-ordinating institution
	Akvaplan-NIVA
Final report
	Evenset, Anita; Dahle, Salve, Wolkers, Hans: Monitoring in the Arctic. Guidelines for monitoring the marine environment.
Summary and results
	Summary The best way to make sure that the data collected in a monitoring programme are valid and comparable with other monitoring programmes is to make sure that national and/or international procedures developed and agreed upon through i.e. JAMP, OSPAR, ICES, AMAP and offshore monitoring programmes, are followed. Within these programmes a substantial effort has been laid down in order to develop standards and procedures for monitoring, and detailed descriptions of sampling methods, sample sizes, sample storage, analyses and data treatment are given. In the present project references to existing methods for monitoring of contaminants in the Arctic marine environment has been presented, and areas where no internationally accepted guidelines exist have been identified. Further the project has evaluated which international guidelines for sampling and analyses that are most relevant for the marine part of the MONRA programme (Environmental monitoring for Norwegian and Russian Arctic Seas). The work has been closely correlated with the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program, which are currently making an overview of guidelines that are relevant for AMAPs work. Relevance for monitoring The best way to make sure that the data collected in a monitoring programme are valid and comparable with other monitoring programmes is to make sure that national and/or international procedures are followed. The present project gives an overview of which guidelines that are available for monitoring of contamination in Arctic, marine areas. The list of relevant guidelines has been developed in co-operation with the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP). The results from the present project can therefore be used when procedures for new monitoring programmes for Arctic areas are developed.
Original project description (Summary only. Complete description (in Norwegian) here.)
	In the process of developing programmes aimed at monitoring trends in the Arctic (changes in concentrations of given contaminants or biological effects over time), it is important to ensure that routines and methodology agreed upon through international cooperation are adhered to (e.g. AMAP, JAMP, OSPAR, ICES). Within these programmes a considerable effort has been made to develop standard procedures for environmental monitoring. In cooperation with AMAP (Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme), this project will propose guidelines for some contaminants within the marine environment of phase II of AMAP. Furthermore, the project will focus on areas where current knowledge is inadequate and additional studies will be called for.