Implementation

Processes and activities under the implementation

In-depth assessment
According to the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), in 2012 Member States had to report on the initial assessment of their marine waters (art. 8), on the determination of good environmental status (art. 9) and on the establishment of environmental targets and associated indicators (art. 10). 

At the request of DG Environment, the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission has carried out an in-depth assessment (IDA) of the reporting done by Member States. This document presents the result of this IDA for MSFD Descriptor 7 (Permanent alteration of hydrographical conditions does not adversely affect marine ecosystems), carried out on the basis of reporting from the following Member States (MS): Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom. The aims of the IDA were:

  • to evaluate comparability and coherence of methods and in particular their relation to the assessments under other European and international frames and the latest scientific evidence,

  • to provide recommendations for improved implementation of the MSFD in the second cycle (2018) and

  • to support the review and the possible revision of the Commission Decision (2010/477/EU).
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    In this IDA document, relevant issues are addressed, followed by suggestions and potential actors regarding the MSFD Descriptor 7.
    Review of the Commission Decision 2010/477/EU
    The review of the Com. Dec. 2010/477/EU for Descriptor 8 has been performed by the European Commission JRC together with experts nominated by EU Member States, and has considered contributions from the GES Working Group in accordance with the roadmap set out in the MSFD implementation strategy (agreed on at the 11th CIS MSCG meeting).