Reporting Synergies: MSFD & BHD Miraine Rizzo, Matthew Grima Connell & Luke Tabone Biodiversity & Water Unit Environment & Resources Authority - Malta

Contents Assessment of status Monitoring Processes MSFD first reporting cycle Synergistic approach: Assessment of status Monitoring Processes Programme of Measures MSFD second reporting cycle

MSFD: first reporting cycle Challenges related to Biodiversity Limited data

MSFD: first reporting cycle Challenges related to Biodiversity Expert judgement

MSFD: first reporting cycle Challenges related to Biodiversity Qualitative definition of GES

MSFD: first reporting cycle Challenges related to Biodiversity Monitoring regimes focused on well-known habitats/species

Synergistic approach Definition of objectives Healthy ecosystems FCS (BHD) ≈ GES (MSFD) Healthy ecosystems

Synergistic approach Complementarities Overall objective: conservation of biodiversity Common elements and pressures Cross-references by the policies themselves

Synergistic approach Biodiversity elements Listed (BHD) vs Predominant (MSFD) Alignment of biodiversity elements

Synergistic approach MSFD Habitat Classification Annex I habitat types – Habitats Directive Barcelona Littoral rock and biogenic reef Reefs (1170) Association with Lithophyllum lichenoides (II.4.2.1) Neogoniolithon brassica-florida concretion (II.4.2.8) Pools and lagoons sometimes associated with vermetids (II.4.2.10) Submerged or partially submerged sea caves (8330) Association with Phymatolithon lenormandii and Hildenbrandia rubra (II.4.3.1) Shelf sublittoral coarse sediment Association with rhodoliths (III.3.1.1) Maerl facies (= Association with Lithothamnion corallioides and Phymatolithon calcareum) (III.3.2.1) Association with rhodoliths (III.3.2.2)

Assessment of status Different definitions of status FCS of habitats & species listed in the HD GES of 11 MSFD GES Descriptors

Assessment of status Scope for streamlining definitions of status Use of common assessment criteria Use of common targets/thresholds Indicators (WFD & MSFD) Parameters (HD)

Assessment of status MSFD Commission Decision 2010/477/EU Habitats Directive Parameters Methodologies used for assessment of status Criteria Indicators Habitat Distribution (1.4) Distributional range (1.4.1) Range Assessment and reporting under Article 17 of the Habitats Directive: Explanatory Notes & Guidelines for the period 2007-2012. Final Draft. April 2011. Habitat extent (1.5) Habitat area (1.5.1) Area covered by habitat type within range Physical Damage, having regard to substrate characteristic (6.1) Type, abundance, biomass and areal extent of biogenic substrate (6.1.1) Habitat Condition (1.6) Condition of the typical species and communities (1.6.1); Relative abundance and/or biomass as appropriate (1.6.2) Specific Structures and Functions (including typical species) Indices used for assessment of Biological Quality Elements under Water Framework Directive processes Condition of benthic community (6.2) Presence of particularly sensitive and/or tolerant species (6.2.1)

Assessment of status Posidonia oceanica Policy Element Parameters / Criteria / Indicators Methodologies Habitats Directive Priority Habitat Range Trend & range surface area compared to favourable reference range. Area Trend & area covered by habitat compared to favourable reference area Structure and Functions % of the habitat type area in the region being assessed considered in good condition MSFD Habitat type Distributional range (1.4.1) & Habitat area (1.5.1) Favourable Reference Range/Area Condition of the typical species and communities (1.6.1); Relative abundance and/or biomass as appropriate (1.6.2) Use of intercalibrated boundaries for high and good status under WFD processes. WFD Biological Quality Element as an indicator of status – biotic indices

Assessment of status MSFD Commission Decision 2010/477/EU Good Environment Status Favourable Conservation Status Criteria Habitat Distribution (1.4) The natural range and extent of marine habitats and species are stable, or otherwise in line with the physiographic and climatic conditions, taking into consideration the sustainable use of the marine environment. Favourable: Stable (loss and expansion in balance) or increasing and not smaller than the ‘favourable reference range’ Stable (loss and expansion in balance) or increasing AND not smaller than the 'favourable reference area' AND without significant changes in distribution pattern within range (if data available) Habitat extent (1.5) Physical Damage, having regard to substrate characteristic (6.1) Habitat Condition (1.6) The structure and function of marine habitats ensure their long-term viability The long-term viability of key marine habitats is not compromised by anthropogenic pressures and impacts. Structures and functions (including typical species) in good condition and no significant deteriorations /pressures. The habitats prospects for its future are excellent /good, no significant impact from threats expected; long-term viability assured. Condition of benthic community (6.2) 1.2 Population Size The population abundance of key marine species is stable and their population dynamics are indicative of long-term viability. Population not lower than ‘favourable reference population’ AND reproduction, mortality and age structure not deviating from normal (if data available) Main pressures and threats to the species not significant; species will remain viable in the long-term. 1.3 Population Condition

One marine monitoring programme Streamlining elements to be assessed assessment criteria & monitoring methodologies One marine monitoring programme for MSFD, WFD and BHD

Monitoring Streamlining CARLIT (macroalgae) Habitat 1170 in HD (range, area, structure & functions) MSFD assessment criteria for Descriptor 1 WFD Biological Quality Elements

Management Contribution to site-specific management measures MSFD Programme of measures Knowledge improvement on the interactions of seabirds, marine reptiles and marine mammals with fisheries activity and definition of good practice as necessary

Management Contribution to site-specific management measures MSFD Programme of measures Preparation and promotion of a code of good practice for sea-farers including guidelines for navigation within marine protected areas or otherwise sensitive areas.

Management Contribution to site-specific management measures MSFD Programme of measures Pilot implementation of selected management options aimed at addressing impacts from anchoring on the seabed.

Management Contribution to site-specific management measures MSFD Programme of measures Inventory of fishery activity in coastal Marine Protected Areas designated for the protection of seabed habitats

MSFD: second reporting cycle Forward look Stronger alignment of MSFD criteria with BHD parameters

MSFD: second reporting cycle Forward look Specifications for the selection of species and habitats for assessment under MSFD processes

MSFD: second reporting cycle Forward look Processes under the MSFD targeting conservation at ecosystem level contribute to holistic protection regimes for listed habitats and species

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