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Marine Thematic Strategy

The Marine Strategy is one of seven thematic strategies that form part of the priority actions set out in the Sixth Community Environment Action Programme (6th EAP). This Strategy, which takes the form of a Commission Communication and a draft Marine Strategy Directive, aims to promote sustainable use of the seas and to conserve marine ecosystems.

The Communication

  • Highlights the importance of the marine environment together with the threats and pressures that Europe’s seas face and the barriers to improving protection
  • Outlines the overall objective of the Strategy to protect and restore Europe’s seas and promote sustainable development together with the key elements that will underpin it
  • Argues the case for a new policy instrument to protect and conserve the marine environment and outlines the features of the proposed Marine Strategy Directive (see below)
  • Notes synergies with other policies such as the EU Maritime Policy Green Paper and relevant EU water legislation, and continued efforts to improve integration and cooperation beyond the European Union.

The Marine Strategy Directive

The draft Marine Strategy Directive is modelled on the EU Water Framework Directive. It establishes a framework for the development of Marine Strategies by Member States and includes target dates for different elements of implementation designed to achieve Good Environmental Status for Europe’s marine environment by 2021. It also requires Member States to undertake public consultation on elements of the Directive as it is implemented.

PEPG is working closely with Defra and other Government departments, including the devolved administrations, on proposed Marine Strategy Directive. Defra is the lead department for the UK on this proposed directive.

The Commission documents mentioned above can be found on European Commission websiteOpens in a new window.
Further Information
Quicklinks

EHS Water Management Opens in a new window.

NI Coastal Marine ForumOpens in a new window.