Phytoplankton in NEA 3/4 coastal waters : WFD class boundary values for chlorophyll-a

This document gives an overview of the coastal water bodies in the Netherlands defined under the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the monitoring of chlorophyll in those water bodies. The Biological Quality Element phytoplankton and the derivation of reference conditions is described, and the phytoplankton growth conditions in the water bodies are characterised. The Dutch assessment method of phytoplankton in coastal waters is reviewed against WFD requirements. This document provides background information relevant for the review of the intercalibration of chlorophyll-a, carried out recently by JPI Oceans.