title: The Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the ecosystem-based approach – pitfalls and solutions.
abstract: The European Marine Strategy Framework Directive aims at good environmental status (GES) in marine waters, following an ecosystem-based approach, focused on 11 descriptors related to ecosystem features, human drivers and pressures. Furthermore, 29 subordinate criteria and 56 attributes are detailed in an EU Commission Decision. The analysis of the Decision and the associated operational indicators revealed ambiguity in the use of terms, such as indicator, impact and habitat and considerable overlap of indicators assigned to various descriptors and criteria. We suggest re-arrangement and elimination of redundant criteria and attributes avoiding double counting in the subsequent indicator synthesis, a clear distinction between pressure and state descriptors and addition of criteria on ecosystem services and functioning. Moreover, we suggest the precautionary principle should be followed for the management of pressures and an evidence-based approach for monitoring state as well as reaching and maintaining GES.
authors.affiliation: MariLim Aquatic Research GmbH, Schönkirchen, Germany. Electronic address: berg@marilim.de.
authors.forename: Torsten
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Berg
authors.affiliation: MariLim Aquatic Research GmbH, Schönkirchen, Germany.
authors.forename: Karin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Fürhaupter
authors.affiliation: European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Institute for Environment and Sustainability (IES), 21027 Ispra, VA, Italy.
authors.forename: Heliana
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Teixeira
authors.affiliation: Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE), Helsinki, Finland.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Uusitalo
authors.affiliation: European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Institute for Environment and Sustainability (IES), 21027 Ispra, VA, Italy.
authors.forename: Nikolaos
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Zampoukas
mesh_terms: D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000379:methods; D017753:Ecosystem; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000379:methods; D058735:Environmental Policy; D005060:Europe; D009792:Oceans and Seas
keywords: Biodiversity; Criteria; Descriptors; Ecosystem-based approach; Indicators; Marine Strategy Framework Directive