1. Project Coordination Group (PCG) for the implementation of the MSFD
11 March :30-17:30 European Commission, DG Environment, Marine Unit
© iStockphoto

2. Agenda:
1. Establishment of PCG (approval of terms of reference by Marine Directors, nominated PCG members)
2. Latest information on Projects under IMP (progress on specific contracts under the three IMP framework contracts) and new ideas
3. Thematic clustering: Marine Litter - on going and finalised projects
4. Ongoing and future work/projects in contribution to the MSFD:
a) JRC b) EEA c) ICES
5. Developing science/policy interface: Presentation of "STAGES" Project and JPI "Oceans"
6. Dissemination of finalised projects: how to improve dissemination
7. Next steps and planning for 2013
8. Any other business

3. 3 Framework contracts (FRAs)
2. Latest information on projects under IMP
3 Framework contracts (FRAs)
FRA on services related to coordination between the different marine regions in implementing the ecosystem approach
FRA on support for the development of methodological standards in relation to good environmental status of the seas under the MSFD
FRA on emerging pressures, human activities and measures in the marine environment (including marine litter)
Technical work starts through specific assignments within each FRA. Several contracts have been launched or are in the pipeline (see next slides)

4. Marine Conference in the beginning of 2014 (signed)
2. Latest information on projects under IMP
Within FRA on services related to coordination between the different marine regions in implementing the ecosystem approach
Analysis of RSC needs ensuring better coherence of approaches under the MSFD (signed)
Analyse RSC needs for support in relation to MSFD implementation, and make recommendations on future areas of work where support may be needed, including on the practical means to be used, up to 2020, with a focus on the next four years; consider needs of each individual RSC and coherence among different RSCs
Marine Conference in the beginning of 2014 (signed)
Preparation of a conference (two days maximum) on work undertaken under MSFD, paying specific attention to RSC work and their contribution to MSFD implementation. Presentation and discussion of the results of the Commission's Article 12 report with representatives from all contracting parties of the four RSCs, their secretariats and experts from organisations working closely with them.
Approximately 300 participants are expected. The event will take place in Brussels.

5. 2. Latest information on projects under IMP
Within FRA on support for the development of methodological standards in relation to good environmental status of the seas under the MSFD
Conceptual document on coherence scales and aggregation rules for assessment and monitoring of GES (in evaluation process)
Analyse and compare the national approaches per descriptor regarding scales for assessment of state, determining GES and setting environmental targets. Comparison with regional approaches and methods applied in research projects
Identify issues that require further consultation by MS, RSC and the EC.
Develop a conceptual document for coherent geographic scales and aggregation rules in assessment and monitoring of GES.
This work will feed into WG GES and will be carried out in close collaboration with the WG GES (in particular their co-leads) as an input to the work mandated by the Marine Directors.

6. 2. Latest information on projects under IMP
Within FRA on emerging pressures, human activities and measures in the marine environment (including marine litter)
Administrative, organisational and logistic support for the Technical Sub-Groups on Marine Litter and Underwater Noise. Implementation started
This task includes the successful preparation and organisation of 9 events (meetings of the TSG Noise and TSG Litter and workshops) including all necessary reports to WG GES/MD.
EU baseline and target setting for marine litter including Cost-Benefit assessment (under consideration)
The results of this contract shall be presented for each region, including an analysis of sub-regions and per Member State in the region, as appropriate. A final report should be presented following the consultation and verification phase.

7. Guidelines for sustainable aquaculture development(under preparation)
2. Latest information on projects under IMP
Within FRA on emerging pressures, human activities and measures in the marine environment (including marine litter)
Guidelines for sustainable aquaculture development(under preparation)
The objective of the contract is to provide background information and support for the development of EU broad guidance on aquaculture development addressing sustainability and environmental protection, in particular the requirements of the WFD and the MSFD and organize a debate with MS on this.
This activity will be a follow up to the Sustainable Aquaculture Guidelines which the Commission will present shortly, as part of the Blue Growth actions.

8. 2. Latest information on projects under IMP
Other initial ideas for topics for FRA contracts to be explored in a second phase (2013) could include:
IT management sharing information flows between RSCs;
PCG coordination , information exchange platform,
Modelling of impact and pressures – toolbox for marine policy,
Invasive species,
Identification inventory of marine pressures,
Cost effectiveness of measures,
Information platform for cost effective measures for marine pressures,
Impacts from climate change on European seas.
Feedback and additional ideas from PCG welcome.

9. C. Progress on other relevant DG ENV projects:
2. Latest information on projects under IMP
C. Progress on other relevant DG ENV projects:
Support action by the Joint Research Centre – under finalisation
Support action by ICES – under finalisation
IMP project: "Sharing of best practices on integrated coastal zone management (ICZM), in a context of adaptation to climate change in coastal areas" –contract signed
Parliamentary Pilot project — new knowledge for an integrated management of human activity in the sea (proposals under evaluation)
Parliamentary Pilot project — marine litter removal (pilot project on assessing best practices and starting business cases for litter removal, incl. ghost nets): Implementation started.