Charting the course to healthy seas

The revision of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) is a key opportunity to reset the goal towards Good Environmental Status (GES) by 2034 and align marine European governance with the EU’s broader vision for protecting at least 30% of its oceans, with 10% under strict protection by 2030. This would place European seas on a clear trajectory to recover by 2030, in line with global biodiversity commitments. 

To achieve this vision, WWF recommends six key priorities that should guide the revision of the MSFD:

1. The EU should set new quantitative minimum environmental targets for all sea basins. This is important as Member States have not yet set environmental targets for all GES descriptors. The EU must therefore step in to clarify minimum targets for each sea basin and finally establish a route towards the achievement of GES; 
2. Strengthen reporting, monitoring and management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) as part of a solution to reach GES; 
3. Align the MSFD with other EU marine legislation; 
4. Mandate enforceable and measurable actions in the Programmes of Measures (PoMs); 
5. Secure adequate funding for environmental monitoring and PoMs to achieve GES; 
6. Improve data sharing, implementation, monitoring and reporting procedures. 

These six priorities will result in an effective MSFD, which will yield real benefits for the health of the ocean, and complement the EU’s parallel ambition for protecting 30% of its oceans by 2030, including 10% of strict protection.