Targets under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive

The Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) aims to achieve Good Environmental Status (GES) in European marine waters. Environmental targets are essential for implementing the MSFD, and their effectiveness relies on them being specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound. This study analyses the targets set by Member States (MS) across MSFD Descriptors and marine regions to inform the upcoming review of the MSFD. An analysis of MS reports on targets (Art.10) from the second MSFD reporting cycle was conducted, focusing on the specificity and measurability of targets. Targets were categorised into Level I ("non-specific targets" covering several Descriptors) and Level II (Descriptor-specific targets), which were further classified into four categories based on their text descriptions and purpose ("pressure reduction targets", "targets linked to thresholds values", "targets linked to trends", "targets linked to measures"). Within each of these categories, "quantitative targets" were identified based on their descriptions. The analysis showed that 90% of Level I targets and 71% of Level II targets lack measurable goals. Level II targets for Descriptors D5 and D9 showed the highest proportion of "quantitative targets" (89% and 85%, respectively). The Northeast Atlantic region led in both number and specificity of targets, while other regions, such as the Black and Mediterranean Seas, lagged in setting quantitative targets. The results are presented as percentages due to the varying number of targets reported by each MS, which made it challenging to establish a direct correlation with the total number of targets. The study highlights the need for improvement in target setting and reporting under the MSFD, particularly in terms of quantification, harmonisation, and specificity.