D9 Implementation

Issues on reporting

Suggestion

Potential actors

Wide heterogeneity in the kind of information reported.

Common understanding on the kind of data needed and should be collected.

Expert network

High variability in the way of presenting the data.

Establishment of a harmonized, concise and well-organized report delivery process adapted to the identified requirements.

MSFD CIS

Significant differences in the information contained in the two pathways of information within the same country.

Report through one pathway in electronic format.

MSFD CIS

Difficulties to understand whether information is missing or it has not been reported.

Allow through reporting process a clear identification of lack of data.

MS, MSFD CIS

Issues on methodologies

Suggestion

Potential actors

Inconsistencies in methodological approaches, thresholds and limits.

Common agreed identification of appropriate and comparable approaches and parameters to ensure a minimum level of coherence. Ensure common understanding, providing rules and guidance.

MS, RSC, Expert network

Inconsistencies in technical issues among MS and marine regions, and also within the same country.

Agreement on details such as contaminant quantification, units of reporting, sampling strategy, and frequency. Alignment with WFD CIS.

MS, Expert network

Scarcity of data in sources of contaminants, biological effects and pollution events.

Development of common understanding, rules and guidance. Increase efforts to access these data. Alignment with WFD CIS.

MS, RSC, Expert network

Spatial inconsistency within and among MS regarding coastal-offshore data.

Assessment of both coastal and offshore water with clear boundaries and appropriate thresholds. Synergies in the definition of scales and possible common monitoring strategies. Alignment with WFD CIS

MS, Expert network

Issues on implementation

Suggestion

Potential actors

Inconsistencies with WFD

Improvement of alignment with WFD.

MS, MSFD CIS, WFD CIS

Low integration between marine regions and neighbouring countries.

Implementation of regionally coordinated strategies. Information exchange and efficient collaboration among regions.

MS, expert network, RSC exchange platform

Conceptual problems in the interpretation of criteria and indicators.

Development of concrete definitions and guidance to facilitate the interpretation of those issues and terms that have been found to be unclear.

Expert network

Definitions of GES and environmental targets often not consistent, specific and measurable.

Coherence in reporting GES and targets and establishment of measurable thresholds and goals to accurately assess their achievement.

MS, Expert network

Little consideration of link between MSFD and Food safety legislation.

Development of common understanding, establishing contacts.

Expert network, Food safety authorities in MS