Marine Strategy Framework Directive
The Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) is the first all-encompassing piece of European legislation specifically aimed at the protection of the marine environment. Its ultimate objective is to achieve a Good Environmental Status (GES) in all European waters by 2020 at the latest.
The Directive foresees the implementation of an ecosystem-based approach to the management of activities having an impact on the marine environment. Acknowledging that marine ecosystems do not recognise political borders, the MSFD also imposes the obligation of regional cooperation, thus enhancing the role of Regional Seas Conventions such as the OSPAR Convention for the Protection of the North-East Atlantic.
The key deliverable stemming from the implementation of the Directive will be a range of “Marine Strategies” which every EU Member State must produce. In 2012, as required by the Directive, the countries already developed assessments of the environmental status of their marine waters, descriptions of what Good Environmental Status means for their marine waters and an associated set of environmental targets and indicators. 2014 will see the adoption of national monitoring programmes and in 2015 countries must adopt programmes detailing the necessary measures to achieve Good Environmental Status by 2020.
Seas At Risk has been involved in the legislative process leading to the adoption of the Marine Directive in 2007 and has since then been a key stakeholder in its implementation. Seas At Risk is working towards Marine Strategies which recognise the centrality of healthy marine ecosystems as the prerequisite for the sustainable use of marine services and resources. Seas At Risk is also working towards the inclusion of the principles and requirements of the MSFD in any other relevant sectoral policy developments.
Marine Strategy Framework Directive (Directive 2008/56/EC)
click here
The Marine Strategy Framework Directive Scoreboard
click here
European Commission website for the Marine Strategy Framework Directive
click here
Implementation of the MSFD: results of an ESEC survey on NGO experiences
view pdf | download pdf
Joint NGO guidance on public consultations
view pdf | download pdf
Joint NGO guidance paper on Descriptor 3
view pdf | download pdf
Joint NGO paper on Descriptors 8 & 9
view pdf | download pdf
Joint NGO guidance paper on Descriptor 10
view pdf | download pdf
Joint NGO guidance paper on Descriptor 11
view pdf | download pdf
|
