Boosting Coastal and Marine Conservation: New Initiatives by EU Member States

A recent assessment by the Commission has shown that while there has been some progress towards improving marine environments under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), there are still significant gaps. The report highlights the need for more effective measures to tackle marine pollution and support marine biodiversity.

The assessment covers 2,046 measures from various countries, focusing on all marine regions and the pressures they face. Some key issues include marine litter and chemical contamination, both of which remain persistent challenges. Although there are efforts to protect certain species and habitats, areas like non-commercial fish and turtles need more attention.

Current measures aimed at reducing pollution are partially effective. Notably, initiatives to cut down on marine litter have shown promising results, with a recent report indicating a significant drop along EU coastlines. However, issues related to nutrients and underwater noise still require more robust strategies.

When it comes to restoring marine biodiversity, progress has been limited except for protecting the seafloor and addressing non-native species. The MSFD itself doesn’t explicitly tackle climate change, but it provides a useful framework for monitoring how climate issues impact marine environments.

Many measures in place are derived from existing EU laws, national legislation, and international agreements. Almost half of the recorded measures are directly aimed at achieving a healthy state for Europe’s seas, reflecting a noticeable increase since 2018.

Coherence among measures varies by region, with the Baltic Sea exhibiting a higher level of coordination compared to other areas. However, it remains unclear how effectively these measures will reduce environmental harm and achieve the desired outcomes.

The Commission has outlined several recommendations for Member States to enhance their efforts:

• Boost ambition and speed in achieving MSFD goals.
• Implement additional measures to tackle ongoing environmental issues, particularly nutrient and chemical pollution.
• Increase funding to support these initiatives.
• Establish governance mechanisms to ensure coherent and effective measures are taken.

This assessment, along with country-specific recommendations, has been published alongside reports on the implementation of other important directives. The MSFD is essential for protecting Europe’s coastal and marine health, employing an ecosystem-based approach to management.

Looking ahead, the Commission is evaluating the MSFD, with results expected in early 2025. Effective protection of marine ecosystems is crucial for addressing the intertwined crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

For more information, visit the official press release.

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