These programs cannot measure all the parameters desired to assess progress under the Agreement.
Indicators offer a means of tracking progress and provide integration of data and information.
However, indicators will only be as good as the data used to develop them. There are two parallel and complementary activities addressing ecosystem indicators under the Agreement. The Parties intend to report on these indicators every two years to inform the public and assess progress in achieving the purpose of the Agreement. According to the IITF, there appears to be enough data available to proceed with indicators measuring the three Desired Outcomes of swimmability, drinkability and fish edibility. Consequently, the Commission would like to see a field trial at an appropriate location and of appropriate scale to test these indicators.