Revision of EU rules to protect the marine environment

The evaluation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) highlights persistent challenges in achieving Good Environmental Status (GES), particularly regarding eutrophication, nutrient pollution, and ecosystem degradation. Recent research on algae-based bioremediation provides insights that could support the future revision of the Directive and strengthen its implementation.

The evaluation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) correctly identifies persistent gaps in implementation, policy coherence, and data harmonisation that have prevented the achievement of Good Environmental Status (GES) in EU marine waters. Addressing these challenges requires stronger integration between marine environmental policy, maritime spatial planning (MSP), and sectoral maritime activities.

Save the marine environment - engage people Much marine environment protection legislation are in force already including the MSFD, WFD, Birds- and Habitats Directives, Nature Restoration Regulation etc. etc. However, implementation and enforcement are lacking. What we need is more action less paper work. Civil society can deliver some of that if engaged.

The European Association of fish Producers Organisations agrees with the objectives of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (Directive 2008/56/EC) of aiming to achieve a clean, healthy and productive ocean, relying on an ecosystem-based approach. EAPO is committed to upholding these fundamental principles relevant to the Producer Organisations we represent.

With this joint contribution, Europe Jacques Delors and the Oceano Azul Foundation underline that the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) must remain the cornerstone of European marine environmental policy and the environmental foundation of the emerging Ocean Union.

- MSFD is an ambitious instrument. However, its legal provisions, implementation, and enforcement do not sufficiently match its objective of achieving Good Environmental Status (GES) through an ecosystem-based approach. The Directive should therefore be strengthened. In particular, the legal possibilities to implement and enforce measures under the Directive should be enhanced.

eDNAqua-Plan welcomes the revision of the MSFD as an opportunity to integrate the more systematic use of new biodiversity data collection and monitoring techniques. DNA-based methods are very suitable to address the primary criteria of descriptors 1, 2, 4 and 6. Target groups within the directive are fish, mammals and turtles and primary criteria linked to their distribution range can be addressed with eDNA methods.

EU funded project ANERIS Consortium The European ANERIS (operAtional seNsing lifE technologies for maRIne ecosystemS) project has been developing marine life sensing technologies and has conceptualised the Operational Marine Biology (OMB) products (Piera et al. 2025) over the past three years.

(See full version in PDF) SBEP welcomes the revision of the MSFD to increase the protection of the marine environment with effective and coherent action in line with the EU Ocean Pact. The SBEP Steering Committee offers a platform for continuous exchange between Member States with the representation of four national ministries per country.

The revision represents a historic opportunity for effective, coherent, balanced marine governance tailored to the territorial diversity of the EU. We do not share rigid or centralised approaches that limit effectiveness in Atlantic contexts such as Galicia, with extreme dependence on the sea and combined vulnerability of ecosystems and communities.

Filed in Spanish · English published by the European Commission

The revision of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive represents an opportunity to strengthen the protection of the marine environment while facilitating the sustainable development of emerging sectors of the blue economy, including offshore renewable energy and other offshore infrastructure.

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The Brittany Region supports the objective of achieving good environmental status in the marine environment and recognises the benefits of implementing the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. The Region notes that this good environmental status has not been achieved and supports the revision of the Directive in a cross-cutting approach to European maritime policies.

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The Ministry of Environment and Energy recognises the need to revise the Marine Strategy Framework Directive with a view to enhancing its effectiveness and coherence, as well as improving its functionality. In order to become a functional policy tool and contribute substantially to the improvement of the marine environment, the Directive should be applied at the appropriate geographical level.

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On behalf of GRID-Arendal, we would like to provide the following recommendations for consideration by the EU Commission and welcome efforts towards increasing protection of our shared marine environment. We welcome efforts to continue streamlining engagement with Regional Seas Conventions and encourage the Commission to produce guidelines for member states to better harmonize national targets with existing…

EuroGOOS welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the evaluation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), which remains the central legislative framework for protecting the marine environment and achieving Good Environmental Status (GES) in Europes seas.

Biological effects (BE) are the response of organisms, communities or populations to a change in the environment. BE tools are currently used in national and international monitoring programmes to assess exposure and effects of contaminants. The impact assessment for Descriptor 8, criterion 2 (D8C2) of the MSFD is focused on a cause and effect link between contaminants and effects and should be redefined.

The North Sea Foundation and Vogelbescherming Nederland underline the critical importance of effective implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), particularly in view of the deteriorating condition of the marine ecosystem. Recent assessments highlight the seriousness of the situation in the Dutch North Sea.

Fishing and aquaculture activities play a strategic role in food production. Therefore, in order to address a revision of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, we consider it essential that the Common Fisheries Policy be taken into account, so as to ensure compatibility between environmental and fisheries regulations and sustainability in its three aspects, environmental, social and economic.

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We acknowledge the European Commissions commitment to strengthening monitoring activities in European basins. Advances in scientific research and knowledge generation have enabled a deeper understanding of our seas and oceans. In alignment with the Ocean Pact, we see strong momentum for a revision of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD).

1. Carnivorous aquaculture drives the over extraction of wild fish The MSFD should consider the broader environmental and social impacts of aquaculture feed. Carnivorous species like farmed seabass and seabream require vast quantities of fishmeal and fish oil (FMFO), which are primarily sourced from whole, wild-caught pelagic fish.

The Comité National des Pêches Maritimes et des Élevages Marins (CNPMEM), a professional organisation entrusted with public service tasks in the management of fishery resources and marine ecosystems, represents all professionals in maritime fishing and marine farming in France and overseas.

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The CPMR welcomes the revision of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) as a key opportunity to modernise EU marine environmental policy while reinforcing the role of maritime regions. The CPMR recalls that healthy marine ecosystems are a prerequisite for the long-term competitiveness, resilience and attractiveness of Europes maritime territories.

Fair Seas welcomes the European Commissions initiative to revise the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), which remains the cornerstone of EU marine environmental protection. The recent evaluation confirms that while the Directive has generated substantial scientific knowledge and delivered clear EU added value, Good Environmental Status (GES) has not been achieved, and ecological outcomes remain limited…

The Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes the opportunity to submit to this Call for Evidence on the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). The MSFD is the EUs main regulatory instrument for marine environmental protection and revisions should be an opportunity to ensure this Directive is strengthened and that Member States are supported in working coherently to achieve its objectives.

The revised Marine Strategy Framework Directive must account for Climate Change and Ocean Acidification (OA). The ocean absorbs approximately 25% of the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions released into the atmosphere. The addition of CO2 to the ocean is making seawater more acidified, thereby functioning as a global driver of a process we call ocean acidification or OA.

Healthy oceans are the key element of climate resilience, food security, and long-term economic prosperity in Europe. The revision of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) is a key opportunity to reset the goal towards Good Environmental Status (GES) by 2034 and align marine European governance with the European Unions (EU) broader vision for protecting at least 30% of its oceans, with 10% under strict…

The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) was established in December 1990 and is an all-Ireland group dedicated to the conservation and better understanding of cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) in Irish and other waters through increasing awareness, research, education, welfare activities and collaboration.

Deutsche Fischerei-Verband e.V. supports in principle the European Commission’s objective of revising the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) in order to strengthen the protection of the marine environment, improve policy coherence and simplify implementation.

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Coalition Clean Baltic (CCB) has closely worked with the implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) ever since its adoption and we welcome this opportunity to give feedback to this crucial directive for marine biodiversity and ocean health.

The European Commission has launched a call for evidence for the impact assessment on the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (Directive 2008/56/EC) Revision. The Spanish National Research Council (Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, CSIC) submits the attached position paper, outlining its considerations regarding the revision of the MSFD. The CSIC contribution is summarised below.

Drawing on evidence from the Science for Good Environmental Status (S4GES; www.jpi-oceans.eu/en/science-good-environmental-status) joint action and the Process-based Assessment for the Good Environmental Status (PAGES; www.jpi-oceans.eu/en/pages) project, we recommend that the revised MSFD adopts a fundamental paradigm shift toward process-based monitoring to overcome the shortcomings of the current implementation.

We are directly involved in the implementation of the MSFD and are convinced of the added value of the MSFD. We are in favour of a revision. We share the results of the evaluation of the MSFD and the presentation in part A of the call for evidence (ref. Ares(2025)11153627). Opinion on Part B. Objectives and options We support the objectives and fields of action described.

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The Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) remains the cornerstone of EU marine environmental policy. It provides a comprehensive framework for protecting Europes seas through an ecosystem-based approach to managing human activities and requires Member States to develop and implement marine strategies to achieve Good Environmental Status (GES).

The Directorate General for Fisheries of the Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food welcomes the European Commissions initiative to review Directive 2008/56/EC (MSFD) to enhance marine protection, achieve Good Environmental Status (GES), simplify implementation, and reduce administrative burdens. Τhe following recommendations are provided: 1.

The revision of the MSFD represents a historic opportunity for the EU to bridge the gap between ambitious climate rhetoric and the ecological threats facing our ocean. The failures of the past two decades have not been for a lack of scientific understanding, but rather a lack of environmental management that sufficiently understands the requirements of ecological protection and recovery.

The Horizon Europe CrossGov project welcomes the Commissions decision to revise the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). The most recent evaluation, together with the call for evidence, confirms what our research has repeatedly shown: despite considerable effort, the EU is still far from achieving Good Environmental Status, and the current directive lacks the coherence, authority and practical tools needed to…

This submission is made on behalf of the Sustainable Water Network (SWAN), an umbrella of 25 of Irelands leading environmental NGOs, national and regional, working together to protect and enhance Irelands water environment, through participation in the implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and other water-related policy and legislation.

The CONTRAST project welcomes the revision of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) to strengthen the protection of the marine environment, and the opportunity to provide evidence. The attached recommendations are supported by results produced in the EU-Horizon project CONTRAST, on new methods and approaches to address marine chemical contaminants and their effects on marine life.

MSFD revision: why GES remains difficult and what the revision should enable For this contribution to the European Commissions call for evidence on the revision of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), OSF mobilised the IPOS toolsetincluding a human-oversighted retrievalaugmented AI that queries a curated knowledge base of peerreviewed science and authoritative regional/intergovernmental reports relevant…

The revision of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) can be an important step forward in integrating the European regulatory framework. We welcome its coincidence in time with other directives and initiatives, such as the European Observation Initiative, which can make a significant qualitative leap forward in ocean observation if it is integrated in a binding way through the MSFD, including with the…

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This submission by the Pew Charitable Trusts responds to the European Commissions Call for Evidence on the revision of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) and focuses on how the ecosystem-based approach (EBA) can be clarified and operationalised in practice.

Compassion in World Farming welcomes the European Commissions initiative to revise the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) following its evaluation and supports the objective of making it binding and more efficient without diluting its environmental ambitions.

Alfa Laval welcomes the upcoming revision of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). The framework is a driver of environmental progress, and the proposed action areas will make it an even stronger tool for achieving good environmental status (GES) in European Union marine water bodies.

Contribution of Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR) and Fisheries Research Institute (FRI) to the call for evidence on EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive The Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR) and the Fisheries Research Institute (FRI), as the principal competent institutions responsible for the implementation of Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) monitoring programmes and the assessment…

The revision of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) represents a crucial opportunity to strengthen the EUs capacity to address emerging pressures that significantly affect marine ecosystems but remain insufficiently recognised in current regulatory frameworks.

The coordination team of the Atlantic Whale Deal (AWD) project (Interreg Atlantic Area, co-funded by the EU, ref. EAPA_0004/2022) underscores the importance of reviewing an integrated framework for marine ecosystem protection aligned with the Water Resilience Strategy and Ocean Pact, including the essential revision of the MSFD.

Ireland welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the call for evidence on the revision of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) and supports the European Commissions objective to strengthen marine environmental protection, while simplifying and reducing the administrative burden of implementation.

Ericeira Surf Clube (ESC), acting as Ericeira World Surfing Reserve (EWSR) Guardian is operating within one of the worlds most recognized coastal ecosystems, the club represents an active ocean sports community directly connected to marine conservation and ocean stewardship.

This initiative follows the evaluation of the EU’s Marine Strategy Framework Directive. It aims to better protect the marine environment, simplify rules and their implementation, improve the use of data and reduce administrative burden, including by facilitating reporting.

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Cerema is supporting the maritime strategic planning. In France, it is embedding the implementation of both MSFD and the MSP Directive in a planning document with a broader scope of integrated management of sea and coast (close to Sustainable Ocean Planning - SOP). From this experience, we would like to derive some ideas for the evolution of MSFD.

Renewables Grid Initiative (RGI), on behalf of the Offshore Coalition for Energy and Nature (OCEaN), welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the revision of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). Strengthening environmental monitoring and improving the accessibility, comparability and use of data will be essential both to achieve Good Environmental Status (GES) and to support the sustainable use of the…

ZERO welcomes the European Commission’s initiative to revise the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), a key tool to address the systemic failure to achieve Good Environmental Status (GES) in EU waters, which has failed in all sea basins by 2020.

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The MSFD revision is a major opportunity to strengthen the EUs marine knowledge pillar and address challenges in data pipelines, standardisation and harmonisation raised in the 2025 MSFD EC evaluation. EMODnet provides a solution, as an existing, operational EU capability with well-established support to the EU MSFD and a cornerstone of EU marine knowledge (see EMODnet Vision 2035 in attachment).

Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS) welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the European Commissions Call for Evidence on a possible revision of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). ESS is Scotlands independent oversight body for environmental law.

The Wildlife Trusts are a federation of 47 charities. Together we have more than 900,000 members, 39,000 volunteers and 3,600 staff across the UK. We share a vision of nature in recovery, with abundant, diverse wildlife and natural processes creating wilder landscapes where people and nature thrive, and take action, with our communities, to help restore 30% of land and seas for nature by 2030.

EFFOP Marine Nutrients Europe welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the Call for Evidence on the revision of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). EFFOP is the European trade association representing the European fishmeal and fish oil producers across Denmark, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Estonia, Latvia, Finland, Malta, and Spain.

The European Molluscs Producers' Association (EMPA) represents over 90% of the European shellfish sector, including breeders, processors, and distributors. Its members are from France, Spain (Galicia), The Netherlands, Italy, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. The European shellfish farming sector represents more than half of the EUs annual aquaculture production.

The iMERMAID project welcomes the European Commissions initiative to revise the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). The Directive remains the cornerstone of EU marine environmental policy and aims to achieve Good Environmental Status (GES) of EU marine waters.

The Spanish Climate Change Office (OECC) has the following comments in response to the call for evidence for an impact assessment to carry out the revision of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. These observations are formulated in line with OECC’s vision on climate risks, adaptation, resilience and integration of climate change criteria into sectoral planning.

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AnimalhealthEurope, the association representing the manufacturers of veterinary medicines, vaccines and other animal health products welcomes the possibility to provide feedback to the call for evidence on the revision of the EU rules on the protection of marine environments. AnimalhealthEuropes membership covers 90% of the European market for animal health products.

Since its adoption in 2008, the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) has, despite its ambition, failed to achieve its main objective of Good Environmental Status (GES). While the EU Commission concluded in the MSFD Evaluation (2025) that the implementation costs of the Directive were outweighed by the estimated benefits, the lack of clear definition of GES and ecosystem-based approach (EBA) coupled with a lack…

The project Marine Extremes Transforming coAsts pathways for coastal adaptation across scales (METAscales) welcomes the European Commissions initiative to review EU rules on marine environment protection, while stressing that any revision must not weaken the ambition, objectives or legally binding nature of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), nor introduce discretion that could undermine its…

The European marine environment is under multiple pressures from human activities, including pollution, habitat degradation, overexploitation of resources and the increasing effects of climate change. In this context, in 2008 the European Union adopted the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), which aims to achieve or maintain a Good Environmental Status (GES) of European seas in order to sustainably preserve…

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At its adoption in 2008, the MSFD offered an ambitious and holistic framework for the restoration of the marine environment and the eco-system based management of human activities at sea. In practice however, implementation by Member States has been weak, due mainly to lacks in political will, poor funding and limited enforcement.

Explicit integration of mesophotic ecosystems into the existing legal framework. Mesophotic ecosystems, found at a depth of approximately 30 to 200 metres, include deep coralligenous reefs, gorgone communities and mesophotic zooxanthellate scleractinial corals.

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The revision of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) presents an opportunity to strengthen the integration between inland waters and marine ecosystems through a source-to-sea approach. Many pressures affecting marine ecosystems (including nutrient pollution, sediment flows, and contaminants) originate in inland water systems.

Biotic and abiotic pollutants are profoundly connected with ecosystems and human health. Biotic pollutants are living organisms, whereas abiotic pollutants are organic and inorganic chemicals. An excessive presence of either or both factors can damage aquatic and terrestrial environments and provoke serious human health issues.

Coldiretti, the largest organisation representing farmers and fishermen in Italy and Europe, with its 1.6 million members, welcomes the European Commission’s initiative to gather views on the revision of EU rules for the protection of the marine environment. See detailed position paper attached.

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The MSFD pursues a legitimate and shared environmental objective. However, its implementation raises significant challenges in terms of coherence, operability and governance. If the European Commission considers its application to be insufficient, this assessment must be qualified in the light of the long-term dynamics initiated by several Member States, including France, based on a gradual methodology, an increase…

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Research about our oceans remains chronically under-funded and is often overlooked. Despite the importance of our oceans, SDG 14 (Life Below Water) receives the lowest long-term funding of any of the UNs Sustainable Development Goals.

Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland (BUND) welcomes the revision of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) as a crucial opportunity to safeguard Europes marine biodiversity and restore ocean health.

IFAW calls on the EU to seize the opportunity offered by the revision of the MSFD to uphold the original level of ambition of this crucial legislation, while making it more operational and effective. This should include the introduction of mandatory and monitorable pressure -reduction targets and clear EU -harmonised and legally binding measures for the achievement of GES under each Descriptor.

In central environmental regimes, such as the EU Habitats Directive, impacts follow a "mitigation hierarchy": first, avoiding impacts where possible; second, minimising those that cannot be avoided; third, restoring affected ecosystems; and only as a last resort, compensating or offsetting residual harm. This ensures prevention at source is prioritised.

As researchers of the Center for Climate Change, Energy and Environmental Law (CCEEL) of University of Eastern Finland, we welcome the Commissions intension in revising the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) in view of strengthening its capacity to steer towards effective marine protection.

The full text of the MEDAC advice is attached. Find here below an extract of the advice. MEDAC recommends: Improving Definitions and Thresholds; Monitoring, Reporting and Data Harmonisation; Phasing and Transition Mechanisms; Improve governance; Alignment with Other (EU) Initiatives; Data collection and sharing; Ensure level playing field and regional cooperation; Socio-Economic Perspective; Stakeholder Involvement.

The European Bottom Fishing Alliance (EBFA) welcomes the evaluation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) and the Commissions intention to revise it in the context of the forthcoming European Ocean Act. EBFA supports the Commissions objectives for the MSFD revision: effective marine protection, improved coherence and data comparability, and genuine simplification with reduced administrative burden.

Fondation Franz Weber is a Swiss-based international non-profit for nature and wildlife conservation, protecting endangered species and habitats through advocacy, research, and campaigns. This submission provides peer-reviewed evidence demonstrating that the EU's existing Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES) offers a powerful, underutilized tool for monitoring wildlife trade pressures on marine ecosystems.

The JPI Oceans Blue Carbon Knowledge Hub published a policy brief with targeted recommendations to strengthen the effectiveness of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) in protecting blue carbon ecosystems (BCEs). Our contribution builds on that policy brief (attached).

The revision of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) is a critical opportunity to strengthen the EUs core framework for marine environmental protection and to move towards measurable ecological delivery.

From a public health perspective, and in the context of the revision of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (2008/56/EC), it is considered appropriate to strengthen more explicitly the consideration of the human health benefits associated with the improvement of the marine environment, especially in the context of coastal and land-sea transition areas.

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Achieving good environmental status in the marine environment, while simplifying the implementation of the Directive and reducing the administrative burden, is a good objective. It is necessary to reduce the administrative burden for operators other than public authorities, where this has been accumulated. It is important that the MSPD is aligned with the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive and the Ocean Act.

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The KomSO* project welcomes the ECs initiative to review rules on marine environment protection, while emphasising that any revision must not weaken the ambition, objectives or legally binding nature of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD).

Pro Wildlife welcomes the European Commissions initiative to revise the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), the EUs cornerstone for protecting the marine environment. The Commissions 2025 evaluation confirmed that the MSFD provides a solid framework for an ecosystem-based approach, but also showed that the lack of clear mandatory measures contributed to Member States failing to achieve Good Environmental…

The RHE-MEDiation project partners (in short: RHE-MEDiation https://rhemediation.eu/project-partners.html) welcomes the revision of the Directive to increase the protection of the marine environment, achieve GES, simplify implementation and reduce the administrative burden.

The MSFD pursues a legitimate and shared environmental objective, but its current implementation raises serious challenges of coherence, operability and governance, in particular for professional fishing activities. The Commission considers that the implementation of the Directive remains insufficient and enforcement remains difficult. That assessment deserves to be qualified.

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Researchers at the Stockholm University Baltic Sea Centre (BSC) are deeply concerned about the lack of progress in attaining the MSFD GES. On the contrary, the marine ecosystems, not the least in the Baltic Sea, are degrading. The most apparent reasons for this failed status is the continued high and unsustainable fishing pressure and climate change.

The European Marine Board (EMB) welcomes this initiative to improve the MSFD to better protect the marine environment and simplify its implementation. EMB strongly supports the hard law measures approach in the MSFD revision. The current Directive uses guidelines and recommendations to support legislation, and the evaluation has shown that this is not effective.

InselLust Betreiber GmbH & Co. KG operates a hotel on the North Sea island of Borkum with attached guesthouses and gastronomy. In addition, almost 100 holiday homes are managed for different owners. As a result of the island location in the German bay directly on the Emsfahrwasser, InselLust Betreiber GmbH & Co. KG is directly affected by various marine influences, both structurally and practically.

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The international community adopted the UN High Seas Treaty; Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) in 2023 to protect biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (>50% of the worlds oceans). BBNJ established the legal framework to create high seas marine protected areas, require environmental impact assessments, and ensure fair sharing of benefits from marine genetic resources.

The validity of the objectives of Directive 2008/56/EC, in particular the achievement of good environmental status of EU seas and the use of the qualitative descriptors identified, is fully recognised. The need for the plan is not called into question, but rather the method of implementation and, above all, the timetable, which has already been postponed because of the complexity of the objectives.

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Eurogroup for Animals (EfA) welcomes the European Commissions initiative to revise the MSFD following its evaluation, emphasizing that aquatic animal welfare must be explicitly recognised as a key component of marine environmental protection.

The revision of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive should strengthen environmental protection while ensuring practical and economically viable implementation for coastal operators. Recreational marinas and nautical tourism are long-term users of coastal waters and can act as active partners in achieving Good Environmental Status, provided that policies prioritise operational tools and measurable actions…

The validity of the objectives of Directive 2008/56/EC, in particular the achievement of good environmental status of EU seas and the use of the qualitative descriptors identified, is fully recognised. The need for the plan is not called into question, but rather the method of implementation and, above all, the timetable, which has already been postponed because of the complexity of the objectives.

Filed in Italian · English published by the European Commission

The validity of the objectives of Directive 2008/56/EC, in particular the achievement of good environmental status of EU seas and the use of the qualitative descriptors identified, is fully recognised. The need for the plan is not called into question, but rather the method of implementation and, above all, the timetable, which has already been postponed because of the complexity of the objectives.

Filed in Italian · English published by the European Commission

Dear colleagues: We would like to forward the following contributions: 1. Improve the streamlining of the MSFD and nature directives, so that the MSFD descriptors linked to the nature directives (D1, D4) are (ideally) calculated automatically (or semi-automatically), at least partially, from the nature directives information, in order to concentrate and optimize efforts. 2.

Aquatic Life Institute (ALI) welcomes the planned revision of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) and supports the objective of improving effectiveness, coherence, and data use while reducing unnecessary administrative burden.