Among the immediate objectives of the above pilot project is the initiation of a scientific study on the epidemiological evidence of health effects resulting from inadequate sanitary conditions in coastal areas, and the promotion of related studies. In this connexion, a consultation meeting was organized in Athens by WHO and UNEP in collaboration with the Government of Greece. Its task was to review the epidemiological factors and health criteria on which quality standards for coastal water are based and to develop a methodology for epidemiological research progress intended to provide reliable data for application in the field. This report contains the detailed findings.and recommendations of the consultation meeting. The agenda and list of participants are given in Annexes III and IV respectively.