Introduction and Overview of GESAMP assessment on mercury in the marine environment

GESAMP (Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection) continues to play a leading role in the assessment of global marine pollution. The regular sessions of GESAMP over more than 30 years have produced a large number of reports and studies relating to marine pollution problems, covering a wide range of topics of the greatest relevance to marine environmental policy. The work of the GESAMP is accomplished through working groups with participation of a large number of experts selected by the organizations sponsoring GESAMP. The co-ordination of GESAMP is provided by a joint secretariat of the sponsoring organizations. WG 37 was formed at the request of UNEP with a particular remit for mercury in the aquatic environment. The remit was to target an assessment of the main contributions to the global mercury budget with particular reference to the aquatic environment, possible control options, transformations, pathways and toxicity and how these parameters can be measured or evaluated. A compilation of fate and transport models and current measuring techniques was also assessed. Monitoring efforts were evaluated and showed disparity between the northern and southern hemisphere and it was concluded that developing countries are severley hindered by lack of environmental protection regulations and a need for capacity building. A list of all participants and the main areas covered by the assessment will be presented in full.