CHAPTER IV • Governance structure
noeing, rowing, wind and kite surfing as well as recreational fishing. Furthermore, environmental associations and authorities were consulted during the negotiation process. A consensus, combining nature conservation goals with the sustainable and thus temporarily restricted use of certain areas, was compiled. The agreement is now regularly monitored with the aim of raising the consciousness of users to avoid disturbing and destructive effects on habitats.
The Marine Strategy Framework Directive
One important European law for protecting the marine environment is the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, 2008/56/EC (MSFD) which was adopted by the European Commission in June 2008 as the environmental pillar of the European Union’s Integrated Maritime Policy. The MSFD aims to achieve a good environmental status of the EU’s marine waters by 2020 through the application of an ecosystem-based approach to the management of human activities having an impact on the marine environment (Art. 8 2008/56/EC). The Directive emphasises that the pressure on natural marine resources and the demand for marine ecological services are often too high and that the Community needs to reduce its impact on marine waters regardless of where these effects occur (Art. 2 2008/56/EC). At the same time the Directive promotes the integration of environmental considerations into relevant policy
Comorants and seagulls on a sand bank on the island Vilm Source: Stefanie Maack
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