1. DG Environment, Unit D.2 Marine Environment and Water Industry
Workshop "Marine environment and fisheries- applying the new CPF end environment policy together"
Marine Strategy Framework Directive MSFD – latest developments
(Commission report, Art. 12 findings in relation to fisheries)
3-4 April 2014, Brussels

2. DG Environment, Unit D.2 Marine Environment and Water Industry
Implementation Steps
20 Feb 2014:
First COM Report on Implementation

3. MSFD and fisheries Explicitly linked to reformed CFP
Important features of the reformed CFP in context of MSFD, e.g.:
Achieve sustainable fishing levels- MSY
Adjust fleet capacity and improve fleet performance
Landing obligation

4. MSFD and fisheries (2)
direct relation with D3- commercially exploited fish and shellfish.
relation with other descriptors because it can reduce biodiversity (D1) by direct mortality of fish populations and non target species, and can modify ecosystem structure and functioning (D4 and D6) .

5. The First Phase of the MSFD
DG Environment, Unit D.2 Marine Environment and Water Industry
The First Phase of the MSFD
The final objective Good Environmental Status (art.9)
How to get there: Targets (art.10)
Point of departure initial assessment (art.8)
Member States had to report on:
Commission assessed and must give guidance (art.12)

6. The format of the Commission assessment and guidance
DG Environment, Unit D.2 Marine Environment and Water Industry
The format of the Commission assessment and guidance
EEA
State of the Marine Environment
Commission report
Summarizes main finding
General recommendations and guidance
Staff Working paper
Detailed analysis
Country fiches with recommendations per country
Assessment per marine region
Conclusions per descriptor and article
JRC: in depth analysis
Technical background reports
(Milieu)

7. Who is assessed? 20 Member States are assessed
PT and UK not complete (resp. Macaronesia and Gibraltar missing/too late)
BG only on GES definition and targets
Not assessed now: MT, HR (reported after deadline) and PL (not reported)

8. Results of the assessment
Very comprehensive: the first time so much information is gathered on marine environment at EU level.
Public consultations and dialogue with stakeholders.
Better policy integration (water framework directive, habitats, CFP better taken into account in marine policies).
More cooperation in Regional Sea Conventions.

9. Results of the assessment (2)
Almost all MS reported through reporting sheets and text
Often an extensive amount of qualitative information
Limited precise/quantifiable determination of GES and targets which will make enforceability difficult
Majority refer to existing policies and standards (if applicable) and does not introduce additional ambition level
No or limited coherence between MSs and between marine regions
Variety of assessment scales (spatial, temporal) and aggregation limiting comparability and coherence of assessments
Gaps in information and knowledge identified, but often without a clear plan to address them
Limited analysis of pressures and impacts (e.g. accumulation of pressures) and limited links between Article 8 and Articles 9/10

10. Overview adequacy assessment

11. Coherence

12. Overview of results relevant for fisheries

13. Overview of results relevant for fisheries (2)

14. GES definition-art.9

15. Initial assesment-art.8

16. Environmental targets-art.10

17. Recommendations for D3 Further scientific advice at EU level.
To provide clear guidelines on a stock-by-stock basis
To propose better indicators for 3.3 criterion;
To develop fisheries management plans considering mixed fisheries, prey- predators relationship, etc.
Agreement for each (sub-) region.
RSC and RFMOs
Scientific advice.

18. Recommendations at EU level
Review/revision for improved GES definition
Further develop a common understanding on the obligations of Article 9 and on the assessment approaches, including assessment methods and scales, and aggregation rules
Review Annex III to clearly define the elements of future assessments to ensure a more coherent and consistent approach for future assessments
Develop and implement a modern and efficient data sharing information system

19. Recommendations at regional level
Further develop region- and ecosystem-specific criteria for GES, in particular for those descriptors or parameters where no EU legislation exists
Stimulate further coordination at regional or sub-regional level between EU MS in the region
Align the timetables and assessment methodologies of the regional assessments
Jointly identify the gaps in knowledge and data and agree joint initiatives to close these gaps in time

20. Overview Recommendations for MS

21. Article 12 follow up in 2014 Regional meetings for each RSC:
First reactions by MS/ questions and comments
Review and update determination of GES
Monitoring programme adjusted to identified shortcomings
PoM incorporating adjustment of GES
Technical (boundary) issues
Conclude on coordinated follow up actions
Feedback/further discussions in MSCG in May and Marine Directors in June

22. Thank you for your attention