This data set presents the resulting assessment grid (based on the EEA reference grid) with the classification of chemical status of the transitional, coastal and marine waters in the context of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), with a mapping of contamination 'problem areas' and ‘non-problem areas’ based on measurements in the matrix 'seawater'.

This classification has been performed using the CHASE+ tool, with classifications of the seawater matrix. The chemical status is evaluated in five classes, where NPAhigh and NPAgood are recognised as ‘non-problem areas’ and PAmoderate, PApoor and PAbad are recognised as ‘problem areas’.

Data coverage for coastal waters is reasonably good for the Black Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, the North-East Atlantic Ocean and the southern Baltic Sea. Poor coverage is found in some northern parts of the Baltic Sea, the Norwegian Sea and the Barents Sea and also in western parts of the Mediterranean Sea. Data coverage for offshore waters is good in the North Sea and in western parts of the Black Sea.

This data set underpins the findings and cartographic representations published in the EEA report “Contaminants in Europe’s seas” (No 25/2018). See the mentioned report for further information as well as examples of classification excluding specific groups of substances(e.g. metals, PBDEs).