The International Mussel Watch 



* A data base on the distribution of organochlorine residues in sentinel bivalves on a global 

 scale. 



* Publications on the state of the marine environment with respect to these pesticides and 

 industrial chemicals and a critical assessment of those contaminants in reference to findings 

 published in the open scientific literature. 



* Evaluations for use by decision-makers in governments. 



* Increased national capabilities to assess environmental problems related to organochlorine 

 pesticides and industrial chemicals and other contaminants in the broader context of a global 

 baseline. 



* A base for assessment of priorities for future research and monitoring in relation to the 

 information gathered. 



Follow-up Actions 



In addition to sample analysis and synthesis of acquired data, consideration will be given 

 to: a) monitoring of additional sites in consultation with participating national laboratories, b) 

 negotiating with scientists on the expanded use of the archival material for other pollutant classes, 

 c) strengthening national capabilities to continue the monitoring effort and d) acquisition of national 

 production and use data. 



Program Benefits 



The successful completion of the program will provide a format for future international 

 activities whose goals are to maintain or improve the quality of the global environment. Although 

 there have been regional programs in marine pollution (noteworthy are those of UNEP in their 

 Regional Seas activities and those of the IOC through GIPME/MARPOLMON) very few (e.g. 

 MARPOLMON) have been as widespread geographically and have been carried out under a non- 

 governmental umbrella. 



A major benefit will be the acquisition of an initial set of data for chemical contaminants in 

 sentinel organisms to evaluate the extent and severity of chemical contaminant in coastal areas on a 

 regional and global basis including the Southern Hemisphere. This will be significant step in a 

 programme that could comprise a sustained and expanded regional and global monitoring effort to 

 assess chemical contamination in coastal areas. These data and their interpretation will provide a 

 sound basis for formulation and implementation of policies for protection of human health and for 

 wise management of coastal ecosystems. 



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