In view of the eutrophication of surface waters including the North and Baltic Seas due to excessive inputs of nutrients, a reduction of nutrient inputs of the order of 50% between 1985 and 1995 was agreed upon at ministerial level for both maritime areas in the framework of the International Conferences on the Protection of the North Sea and the Helsinki Convention. As this political goal - notably with regard to nitrogen - has not been achieved, the Ministers of the North Sea and Baltic Sea riparian States have renewed their commitment for a corresponding reduction by the year 2000.

The Publication is available at the Environmental Library.