The impact on ecosystem services from current levels of radionuclides in the OSPAR Maritime Area
There are no impacts on ecosystem services from the current levels of radionuclides in seawater and marine biota in the OSPAR Maritime Area, with the exception of two localised areas in the United Kingdom that are the result of historic events.
No impact on ecosystem services from current levels of radionuclides in the OSPAR Maritime Area
As previously stated, OSPAR has carried out assessments of the radiological impact of environmental concentrations of indicator radionuclides for the nuclear sector in seawater and modelled additional concentrations of indicator radionuclides for produced water for the oil and gas sub-sector in seawater. In all cases except one (see text under State) the annual doses from these indicator radionuclides would be below the environmental reference levels and the trivial annual dose of 10 µSv. This would not result in a significant radiological impact on humans or the marine environment. Therefore, there is no scientific evidence for any impacts on ecosystem services from the current levels of radionuclides in the OSPAR Maritime Area.
However, it should be acknowledged that views may exist on impacts to ecosystem services related to cultural services such as spiritual, artistic, and symbolic services as well as ecosystem and species appreciation, as a result of human activities that lead to the input of radionuclides to the marine environment.
OSPAR is aware that there are two localised areas in the United Kingdom (Dounreay and Dalgety Bay) where national authorities have undertaken assessments of radionuclides in the marine environment and as a result have put measures in place which impact ecosystem services by prohibiting the collection of seafood and curtailing recreational activities. For Dounreay, this is because of the presence of radioactive particles released, without authorisation, into the marine environment in the 1960s and 1970s from the now decommissioned Dounreay nuclear reprocessing facility. For Dalgety Bay, it is thought that the contamination originates from radium-coated instrument panels of military aircraft that were disposed of in the area at the end of World War II. Remedial action is underway at both locations.
Potential economic and societal effects of increased levels of radionuclides in the marine environment
In the event of any increases in environmental concentrations, economic and societal impacts can occur even if the increases remain below national and international guidance on intervention levels for foods or any exposure pathways. Domestic and export markets for fishery industries are particularly sensitive to even the possibility of any contamination by radioactive substances. Societal impacts in situations where there is an increase in environmental concentrations could include reluctance to use coastal areas and amenities for fear of exposure to levels of radioactive substances through, for example, beach use, swimming or boating.
One possible source of increased levels of radionuclides in the marine environment are the consequences of accidents involving radioactive material. Requirements to prevent accidental releases, and to mitigate their impact should they occur, are the subject of other conventions, notably the Convention on Nuclear Safety, and relevant measures are implemented by Contracting Parties that are also signatories to the OSPAR Convention.
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