About the MSFD

The Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) [2008/56/EU pdf] is the Directorate-General for the Environment's policy framework for the protection of the marine environment and the environmental pillar of the Integrated Maritime Policy.
The aim of the MSFD is to effectively protect the marine environment across Europe.

The MSFD aims to achieve Good Environmental Status (GES) of the EU's marine waters by 2020, and to protect the marine resource base upon which economic and social activities depend.

Timeline