sented by UBA. The implementation timeline starts with the entry into force of the Directive in 2008, via the achievement of the “good environmental status” objective in 2020 pending the review of the Directive in 2023 (see figure). Another cycle will be necessary if the “good environmental status” goal is missed in some parts of the marine environment. The Marine Strategy Framework Directive continues the realignment of water management that began with the Water Framework Directive. UBA believes the Directive presents an excellent opportunity to achieve ambitious and harmonised panEuropean marine protection. The problem is that the Directive is rather lacking in specific technical requirements: the Member States have to develop and specify the requirements either by themselves or in co-operation with the other Member States.
Establishment of environmental objectives, Creation and implementation of monitoring programmes, Establishment of programmes of measures. The requirements of the Directive are thereby implemented consistently together with the existing regulations for the implementation of the Water Framework Directive.
Germany is implementing the Marine Strategy Framework Directive by an amendment to the Federal Water Act. Matters regulated by the new law include: Initial assessment of the environmental status, Criteria for describing “good environmental status”,
The initial evaluation required by the Marine Strategy Framework Directive has to be completed by 15 July 2012. For Germany’s North and Baltic Seas, this evaluation is currently being prepared by the Federal government and coastal states with the participation of UBA. This initial survey involves an analysis of the most important characteristics (e.g. dominant habitat types of the seabed or description of biological communities) of North and Baltic Seas and to assess the current environmental status, taking into account the effects of human uses and pressures (like pollutants, eutrophication, waste and noise). Beyond that, an economic and social analysis of both, the use of those waters and the anticipated costs of degradation is necessary.
2016
2018
2020
2023
Implementation of programmes of measures
Assessment of environmental status (updated every 6 years)
Good status achieved?
Review of the Directive (Article 23)
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