The Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) is the EU umbrella for the marine environment, and covers all marine waters from the coastline to the exclusive economic zone. AquaBiota participates in MSFD work on both national and international level.
The Marine Strategy Framework Directive (2008/56/EG) was adopted in 2008 and aims to achieve Good Environmental Status (GES) of the EU’s marine waters by 2020, in support of a more efficient protection of the marine environment across Europe. The Directive was incorporated in Swedish legislation through the Marine Environmental Regulation (SFS 2010:1341) in 2010. The Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management is responsible for implementing the directive in Sweden according to the Regulation.
We at AquaBiota are well familiar with the legislation, and support the Swedish MSFD work for instance by compiling and analysing data for use by national authorities in reporting and assessment. Our assignments also include reviews of assessments, guidance regarding non indigenous species, indicator development as well as test of international indicators for Swedish conditions. We are also directly involved in the international MSFD work through the benthic habitat expert groups of Helcom and Ospar, especially regarding cumulative impacts on seafloor habitats and their biological diversity.