1. Questionnaire on Elaboration of the MSFD Initial Assessment
Presented by Ulrich Claussen

2. Status of the Initial Assessment Execution in Member States
16 MSs replied
In 5 MSs the IA has not yet started
In 11 MSs the IA is in progress
5 MSs provided a table of contents
1 MS provided a timetable for the IA elaboration
4 MSs plan to be ready in the period from winter until autumn 2011

3. Main IA Elements The IA consists of four main parts:
1. Characteristics and ecological status (MSFD, Table 1 Annex III)
2. Main pressures and impacts (MSFD, Table 2 Annex III)
3. Socio-economic analysis (MSFD Art. 8 (c))
4. Assessment of descriptors (MSFD, Annex I)
In most MS the socio-economic analysis is missing. At least two MS will include an assessment on this topic.

4. Difficulties & Gaps in Relation to Requirements of Annex III
Quantitative relationships between pressures and ecosystem elements are lacking
Data gaps could exist regarding biodiversity, habitats especially in the open part of the seas
Some impacts like underwater noise, marine litter were never assessed
Gaps in information on marine environment and pressures, definition of GES and targets, socio-economic evaluation

5. Basis of the Initial Assessments
1.) Use of existing information and established methods
from e.g.
WFD
Habitats Directive
Regional Conventions (BARCELONA, BUCHAREST, HELCOM, OSPAR)
2.) New assessment methods for inter alia
A socio-economic assessment of the marine environment & the costs of degradation
Elements that are not included in the WFD like coastal fish assemblages, hydrographical conditions…

6. Interest in HELCOM Core Set & HARMONY
1) HELCOM Core Set Project
All HELCOM CPs are participating
6 MSs from other ecoregions are interested in the outcome
2) HARMONY
9 MSs are interested in the outcome

7. Comparable Initiatives in the BARCELONA & BUCHAREST Conventions
Bi- or trilateral specific & informal meetings with neighbouring countries
Direct contact among relevant experts from each MS
Adriatic countries signed a multilateral agreement, including efforts for the common MSFD implementation
Under MAP (BARCELONA Convention) application of the ecosystem approach
In the BUCHAREST Convention through the activities of working groups
„Black Sea“ Group in the Bulgarian-Romanian cooperation agreement on water
Intercalibration of coastal waters under the WFD

8. Plans with Regard to the Elaboration of the IA
MSs replied on plans regarding the IA e.g. comprising
the
Initiation of a project group
Establishment of an expert group
Organisation meetings with the stakeholders
Use of data and methods already existing for the implementation of other European Directives (e.g. WFD, Habitats Directive)

9. General Comments & Questions
The IA uses a common approach and will enable a straightforward coordination through OSPAR
Implementation of Art. 9 & 10 will be done in conjunction with the IA
What is expected in terms of reporting (format and size of the documents)?
HELCOM must be used to the utmost in the Baltic Sea region

10. Thank you for your participation!