The EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (2008/56/EG) creates a regulatory framework for action by all EU member states to achieve or maintain good environmental status (GES) in all European seas by 2020. All marine states of the EU must implement the Directive by developing and implementing national strategies.
Where the MSFD makes reference to conserving the marine environment, this explicitly includes protecting marine species and habitats and preventing decline in marine biodiversity. The MSFD thus covers a very wide range of marine biodiversity conservation activities.
Biological features and parameters used for assessment and action are set out in the Annexes to the MSFD. They include predominant seabed and water column habitat types, biological communities associated with those habitats, macro-algae, fish populations, marine mammals, reptiles and sea bird species.
Marine habitats to be assessed.
MSFD implementation roadmap
The MSFD assigns EU member states a major programme of activities in a very tight timeframe (see roadmap). For example:
- By 2010, the Directive must be transposed into national law and EU-wide criteria and methodological standards laid down (including for marine species and habitats) by a range of working groups in the EU Commission and under regional marine conventions.
- Tasks to be completed by 2012 include an initial assessment of marine waters, the determination of good environmental status and the establishment of environmental targets.
- Member states must report by 2013 among other things on progress in establishing marine protected areas.
- Monitoring programmes must be established and implemented by 2014.
- Programmes of measures must be developed by 2015 and must enter into operation by 2016.
- Good environmental status is to be achieved in all European seas by 2020.
