oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) —nitro- 
gen present in organic and mineral form including ammonia, sus- 
pended matter, other nutrients and productivity). 
7. Bottom characteristics (e.g. topography, geochemical and geologi- 
cal characteristics and biological productivity). 
8. Existence and effects of other dumpings which have been made 
in the dumping area (e.g. heavy metal background reading and or- 
ganic carbon content). 
9. In issuing a permit for dumping, Contracting Parties should con- 
sider whether an adequate scientific basis exists for assessing the con- 
sequences of such dumping, as outlined in this Annex, t taking into ac- 
count seasonal variations. 
C. General considerations and conditions 
1. Possible effects on amenities (e.g. presence of floating or stranded 
material, turbidity, objectionable odour discolouration and foaming). 
2. Possible effects on marine life, fish and shellfish culture, fish 
stocks and fisheries, seaweed harvesting and culture. 
3. Possible effects on other uses of the sea (e.g. impairment of wa- 
ter quality for industrial use, underwater corrosion of structures, in- 
terference with ship operations from floating materials, interference 
with fishing or navigation through deposit of waste or solid objects 
on the sea floor and protection of areas of special importance for sci- 
entific or conservation purposes). 
4. The practical availability of alternative land-based methods of 
treatment, disposal or elimination, or of treatment to render the 
matter less harmful for dumping at sea. 
