HYDROGRAPHY

Purpose
The purpose is to study the long- and short-term changes of the hydrographic and hydrochemic relations which may influence some of the phenomena in the marine environment.

Stations
Seventeen.

Valö (1), Skalkorgarna (2), Älvsborgsbron (3), Danafjord (4), Ostindiebådarna (5), Instö Ränna (7), Stigfjorden (9), Galterö (10), Koljöfjord (11), Inre Gullmarn (12), Brofjorden (13), Åstol (14), Kosterfjorden (16), Byttelocket (17), Byfjorden (18), Havstenfjord (19), Riksgränsen (22).

Frequency
Once a month. First test made in 1990.

Time
The first Tuesday of every month. The tests have to be completed within one day. During negotiations, consultants have to be able to guarantee the reliability of the results by proving that they are able to carry out the tests in a correct way.

Different sampling depths
0.5, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 and deeper, and usually at the bottom.

Variables
Temperature, salinity, sight, main direction of surface current, oxygen saturation (in the bottom water), oxygen concentration, total phosphorus, phosphate, total nitrogen, nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, silicate, particulate organic carbon (POC), particulate organic nitrogen (PON) and chlorophyll-a.

Particulate carbon and nitrogen (POC/PON) are measured at two different levels, 5 and 20 metres, triple tests.

Result
Analysis protocols which will contain the result of the investigation have to be sent to the Association within four weeks of the test. The protocols will be disseminated every month. At the end of each year, the result of the analyses has to be quality guaranteed. The provincial government of Göteborgs and Bohus län will issue a compilation each quarter, and the final compilation of each year will contain a year summary. The compilations will contain the main events which have taken place during the period, trends etc.

CONTAMINANTS (Organisms)

Purpose
The purpose is to register the possible existence of contaminants in the coastal water which could be traced to earlier discharges by the members of the Association and which have been stored in the sediments. Further, to register diffuse external discharge.

Stations
Six.

Skalkorgarna (2), Danafjord (4), Galterö (10), Brofjorden (13), Inre Gullmarn (12), Kosterfjorden (16).

Variables
Organic compounds and metals in algae, fish and shellfish, (cod, fillet/liver; eel-pout, fillet; common mussels and bladder wrack).

Aluminium, chromium, vanadium, nickel, copper, zinc, arsenic, cadmium, tin, lead, mercury, tributyltin, chlorinated aromatic compounds, mono/bicyclic aromatic compounds, phenol, phtalates/adipates, haloginated aliphatic hydrocarbons, EOX, EOCI, EPOCI, EOBr, EPOBr, PCB/DDT, PAH.

Frequency
Every five years.
First survey made in 1992. Next survey in 1997.

Time
15th September - 31st October

Result
Report containing the result of the analysis, description, comparison to previous investigations and comparison to other investigations carried out in the region.

The result has to be sent to the Association within six months of the survey.  

CONTAMINANTS IN SEDIMENTS

Purpose
The purpose is to register the existence of contaminants in the coastal water which could be traced to earlier discharges by the members of the Association, or other discharges, and which have been stored in the sediments. Further, to register diffuse external discharge.

Stations
Thirteen.
Valö (1), Skalkorgarna (2), Danafjord (4), Ostindiebådarna (5), Instö Ränna (7), Galterö (10), Inre Gullmarn (12), Brofjorden (13), Kosterfjorden (16), Byfjorden (18), Havstensfjord (19), Strömstad (23), Fjällbacka (24).

The surveys are carried out at accumulation bottoms.

Frequency
Once every five years.
First survey made in 1990.
New survey in 1995.

Time
Autumn.

Variables
Sediment dry-weight/ash-free dry-weight,TOC, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, water content, grain-size distribution, mercury, silver, cadmium, nickel, zinc, lead, tin, vanadium, chromium, copper, arsenic, EOCI, EPOCI, EOBr, EPOBr, lindane, chlordane, PCB, PAH, petroleum hydrocarbons.

In addition, analysis of dioxin at Skalkorgarna, Galterö, Inre Gullmarn, Kosterfjorden.

Result
Report containing the result of the analysis, description, comparison to previous investigations and comparison to other investigations carried out in the region.

The result has to be sent to the Association within six months of the survey.

BENTHIC MACROFAUNA (soft bottom)

Purpose
The purpose is to study the long-term changes of the fauna. In the short term, changes may reflect influences from surrounding activities and operations.

Stations
Five.
Älvsborgsbron (Vinga) (3), Danafjord (4), Galterö (10), Brofjorden (13) och Havstensfjord (19).

During 1994, Danafjord, Galterö and Havstensfjord were examined at one test point. Further, Brofjorden was examined at four test points. In 1995, Danafjord, Galterö and Havstensfjord were examined at one test point. In 1996, the same test points as in 1995 were examined together with Älvsborgsbron.
Sampling depth appr. 50 metres

Frequency
Once a year.
First survey made in 1991. The surveys will be carried out at station Älvsborgsbron every five years, i.e. in 1991, 1996, 2001 etc. Brofjorden will be investigated every year at one test point and at three test points every five years, starting in 1994.

Time
May - June

Variables
International guidelines and works of reference will be followed. Four cores (0.1m2) will be collected per station. The volume of the sample, sediment type, structure, density, water content and organic content, hydrogen sulphide occurrence, species, abundance and biomass. The method used when taking the sample is in accordance with the national programme.

Result
The report has to contain a description of the result taking into consideration the hydrographic conditions and changes in the conditions compared to previous results.

The report has to contain a detailed description of the method used. The report has to be sent to the Association within six months of the survey.

BENTHIC MACROFAUNA (hard bottom)

Purpose
The purpose is to study the long-term changes of the fauna. In the short term, changes may reflect influences from surrounding activities and operations.

Stations
Four.
Galterö (10), Åstol (14), Musön (15), Kosterfjorden (16).

The sampling depth goes from the surface down to the lower limit of the photic zone (0 - appr. 20 m)

Frequency
Once a year.
First survey made in 1991.

Time
May - June.

Variables
In order to be able to make comparisons between different areas and times, the investigation follows the national programme

The methods for monitoring hard bottom macro fauna have been developed at Kristinebergs Marine Research Station.

For each station a horizontal line is drawn along the cliffs. Along this line, five (5) vertical lines (transects) are allocated at random. At these transects, photographs are taken at intervals of two metres, except for the surface, where photographs are taken at 0.5, 1.0, 3.0 and 5.0 metres.

Result
The report has to contain a description of the result, taking into consideration the hydrographical conditions, changes in the conditions in relation to previous investigations and expected results, as well as other investigations carried out in the region. It is important that Swedish terms are used as far as possible.

The report has to state the method used.
The report has to be sent to the Association within six months of the test.

MOBILE EPIFAUNA

Purpose
The purpose is to study the long-term changes of the fauna. In the short term, changes may reflect influences from surrounding activities and operations.

Stations
Seven.
Valö (1), Galterö (10), Koljöfjord (11), Brofjorden (13), Musön (15), Havstensfjord (19), Ostindiebådarna (5).

Sampling depth 0 - 0.7 m.

Frequency
Twice a year. First survey made in 1991.

Time
Week 22, alternatively 23 and 38.

Variables
In each area the biomass, the abundance, the number of species and the species composition are examined. Further, description of the main species of the vegetation, optic assessment, bottom substrate, organic content, salinity and water temperature.

Comparisons between spring and autumn tests and estimates of the production potential should be carried out. The survey is made according to the drop-trap method.

Result
The report has to contain a description of the result, taking into consideration the hydrographical conditions, changes in the conditions in relation to previous investigations and expected results, as well as other investigations carried out in the region. It is important that Swedish terms are used as far as possible.

The report has to state the method used.

The report has to be sent to the Association within six months of the survey. 

PHYTOPLANKTON

Purpose
The purpose is to observe the long-term changes of the phytoplankton diversity. In the short term, to try to identify toxic species so that the public and the fish and mussel cultivators can be warned beforehand.

Stations
Eight.
Danafjord (4), Stigfjorden (9), Kosterfjorden (16), Havstensfjord (19), Koljöfjord (11), Byfjorden (18), Åstol (14) och Riksgränsen (22). The test position has to be reported. Samples will be taken in connection with hydrography.

Frequency
Once a month. First test made in 1990.

Time
The first Tuesday of every month.

Sampling depth
0-10 m, 10-20 m. Integrated test.

Variables
Qualitative and quantitative investigations which include the determination of species and quantities. Cells which are difficult to classify according to species or family, especially cells which are smaller than 10 - 15µ, should be assigned to principal groups, e.g. Prymnesiophyceae. Within these groups and within those which cannot be assigned to a certain group, a division according to size should be made. Suitable size groups are 1-3, 3-6 och 10-15 µ.m. Further, special attention should be given to potentially toxic species or groups.

Result
Analysis of living samples will be made immediately. If toxic species of algae are found, this will be reported by fax to the The Water Quality Association of Göteborg and Bohus

County without delay. The Association informs its members and others by fax according to the same fax list as for the mussel tests. Result within two weeks of the tests. A complete analysis within six weeks.

Each year, a summary report is put together describing the year's events. The report shall take into account the existing hydrographic test levels.

MACROALGAE

Purpose
The purpose is to study the long-term changes of the benthic macroalgae. In the short term, changes may reflect influences from surrounding activities and operations.

Stations
Four
Valö (1), Galterö (10), Brofjorden (13), Kosterfjorden (16).

Frequency
Once a year
First survey made in 1992.

Time
August - September

Variables
Species composition, lower limit for the distribution of dominating species, level of overgrowth by epiphytes/epifauna.

Profile lines perpendicular to the shoreline.

Result
The report shall contain a description of the result, taking into consideration the hydrographical conditions, changes in the conditions in relation to previous investigations and expected results, as well as other investigations carried out in the region. It is important that Swedish terms are used as far as possible.

The report has to state the method used. The report has to be sent to the Association within six months of the test.

FISH

Purpose
The purpose of the investigation is to study the long-term changes of the fish. Further, to account for the possible spreading of diseases, parasites, etc. Moreover, an investigation of certain contaminants will be carried out in regions which have previously been contaminated.

Stations
Five.
Danafjord (4), Galterö (10), Brofjorden (13), Kosterfjorden (16) och Skalkorgarna (2).

Frequency
Once a year. First survey made in 1991
Note: Station Skalkorgarna will be examined every five years, starting in 1991

Time
Week 38 - 41.

Variables
Carried out according to the ICES methods. Diseases in fish and analyses of parasites as well as liver weight using European flounder as test fish.

The investigation carried out at Skalkorgarna includes PCB, Hg in cod liver and muscles.

Result
When presenting the result, it should be compared to previous investigations and expected results. Until now, the Skagerrak has been regarded as free from disease, which makes this part of the investigation particularly important.

The knowledge and competence of the National Board of Fisheries, e.g. in Lysekil, should therefore be employed.

The report has to be sent to the Association within three months of the survey.

RADIOACTIVITY

Purpose
The purpose is to examine the conditions in 1993.

Stations
Three
Skalkorgarna (2), Kosterfjorden (16), Havstensfjord (19).

Frequency
When necessary. First test made in 1993

Time
Autumn

Variables
Background levels of radioactive discharges. Testing of brown algae and sediments.

Result
The report has to account for possible discharges and describe the kind of plant which produced the discharges, such as nuclear power plant, nuclear tests, hospitals, research stations, laboratories, submarines, accidents involving ships, etc.

The report has to describe whether the levels have increased or decreased.