- 12 - 
According to the "action list" arising out of the first 
meeting of the North Sea Task Force, the research pro 
jects are annotated - wherever possible - with reference 
to their contribution to resolving the gaps in knowledge 
identified in Annex 4 to paper TF1/11/1-E. 
Corresponding numbers are indicated in the first 
column of the list of projects ("objective"). 
TF1/11/1-E ANNEX4 
CONVENTION FOR THE PREVENTION OF MARINE POLLUTION BY DUMPING FROM SHIPS AND AIRCRAFT 
CONVENTION FOR THE PREVENTION OF MARINE POLLUTION FROM LAND-BASED SOURCES 
INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL FOR THE EXPLORATION OF THE SEA 
FIRST MEETING OF THE TASK FORCE 
THE HAGUE: 7 - 9 DECEMBER 1988 
OBJECTIVE: TO FILL THE FOLLOWING GAPS IN SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE OF THE NORTH SEA 
1. A need for better quality input data. 
2. An Improved understanding of nutrient dynamics and in particular their relation to 
occurrences of exceptional algal blooms. 
3. More epidemiological information and a greater understanding of the factors causing 
diseases In marine organisms. Including fish, birds and mammals. 
4. An Increased knowledge of the different ways in which classes of contaminants behave 
In the North Sea, and their sources and fates. 
5. An assessment of the critical load of nutrients and persistent bloaccumulable and 
toxic substances (metals and organic compounds). 
6. More Information on the levels of contaminants in the marine environment obtained on 
an internationally comparable basis. 
7. More knowledge of general ecosystem effects, on plankton, on benthos, birds, fish 
and mammals, and especially on North Sea seal stocks. 
8. Increased emphasis on quality assurance of mathematical models used in North Sea 
assessments. 
9. Other specific problems: for example the problem of estimating inputs of 
a ) contaminants to coastal waters from estuaries;b )the significance of sediment movement 
in the context of contaminant transport