1. EUROPEAN COMMISSION
JOINT RESEARCH CENTRE
Institute for Environment and Sustainability
Concept paper for a Science-Policy Interface (SPI) to support MSFD Implementation   
Niall McDonough
Executive Secretary, European Marine Board
Project Coordination Group Meeting
Brussels, 10 March 2014

2. Aim and key partners
Aim: To present options and ways forward for a future Science
Policy Interface (SPI) to support MSFD implementation
Key partners:
STAGES: FP7 CSA project (
Key objective is to develop a proposal for a European MSFD Science Policy Platform (WP4 led by European Marine Board)
JRC: To host the Marine Competence Centre for Good Environmental Status (MCC4GES)
EUROPEAN COMMISSION
JOINT RESEARCH CENTRE
Institute for Environment and Sustainability

3. MSFD SPI Architecture: 4 key components

4. MSFD SPI Architecture: 4 key components
1. Harnessing MSFD-relevant Knowledge
STAGES Knowledge Gate model (EurOcean)
New capacity at Regional Sea-National levels?
2. Scientific Advice to inform MSFD policy
MCC4GES (JRC + ICES) flexible expert networks
3. Expert Evaluation and Synthesis, including identification of
scientific knowledge gaps and research needs
-New capacity for syntheses of MSFD-relevant knowledge?
4. Knowledge Brokerage in 3 key areas:
-Communication/knowledge transfer
-Science-Policy interface
-Harnessing knowledge through marine networks

5. STAGES: Next steps A key objective of STAGES is to:
Provide pragmatic and ready-to-use recommendations to
establish an effective European science-policy platform to
support GES achievement and implementation of the
MSFD.
STAGES Work Package 4 (EMB lead) has conducted an
extensive Stakeholder Consultation to seek views and
expectations for a MSFD SPI. This, together with SPI Best
Practice will inform a Proposal for a MSFD SPI based on
Best Practice and Stakeholder Consultation (June 2014)