Marine Strategy Framework Directive

Background
The European Union (EU) is the world’s largest maritime territory and marine resources make a significant contribution to the economies of Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom and also the EU. The marine environment is therefore a precious heritage which must be protected and preserved to ensure that it is healthy and productive.

It is within this context that the Integrated European Maritime Policy which aims to provide a coherent framework for joined up maritime governance is being developed.  The Marine Strategy Framework Directive which came into force on 15 July 2008 is the environmental pillar for this integrated policy.

Objectives and Key Requirements

A summary of the Directive’s objectives and key requirements is available here and also from our stakeholder newsletter.

Transposition

The Directive was transposed on a UK wide basis. Details of the transposition arrangements including a copy of the draft Marine Strategy Regulations, Regulatory Impact Assessment and Response to Consultation are available here.

Implementation

The Marine Strategy Framework Directive has a strong focus on the development of a coherent, co-ordinated and integrated approach to the marine. Early stage implementation includes the requirement to undertake an initial assessment of UK marine waters; to develop a series of environmental targets and indicators; and, in conjunction with the other countries like Ireland, with whom we share a marine region, determine what Good Environmental Status will mean. This work will be led by Defra, working in conjunction with devolved authorities in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.  

The Department of the Environment, as Competent Authority, will be responsible for leading implementation of the Directive in the Northern Ireland inshore area. This will be the responsibility of Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) an Agency within the Department.

NIEA will work closely with other bodies responsible for marine monitoring activities, including the Agri-Food and Bio-Sciences Institute and the Loughs Agency to ensure co-ordinated, joined up and effective implementation at a local level.

The other Departments with whom the Department of the Environment shares functions in the marine environment; the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure, the Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment, Department of Regional Development and the Cross Border Body the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission must exercise their relevant functions so as to secure compliance with the requirements of the Directive.  

The transposing Regulations make provision for public participation and consultation will be available at key stages of the implementation process including: preparation of the initial assessment, determination of good environmental status and the establishment of environmental targets and indicators, all due by July 2012; establishment and implementation of a monitoring programme due by July 2014; and development of the programme of measures due by December 2015.

Archive

Some information published during the transposition phase of the project including a copy of the consultation documents is available from the Marine Strategy Framework Directive archive page.

Additional Information
The full text of the Marine Strategy Directive is available here msfd (124 KB)

Additional information can be obtained from www.ec.europa.eu/environment/water/marine/index_en.htm .

More information is available from the Defra website www.defra.gov.uk/environment/marine/legislation/msfd.htm.

the Scottish Executive www.scotland.gov.uk.

or the Welsh Assembly http://new.wales.gov.uk/?lang=en.