A comparison of the degree of implementation of marine biodiversity indicators by European countries in relation to the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD)

• DOI: 10.1017/s0025315415000235
• Publication Date: 2015-06-23T14:19:37Z
• Authors: Herman Hummel; Matt Frost; José A. Juanes; Judith Kochmann; Carlos F. Castell...; Fernando Aneiros; François Vandenbosch; João N. Franco; Beatriz Echavarri; Xabier Guinda; Araceli Puente; Camino Fernández; Cristina Galván; Maria Merino; Elvira Ramos; Paloma Fernández; Valentina Pitacco; Madara Alberte; Dagmara Wojcik; Monika Grabowska; Marlene Jahnke; Fabio Crocetta; Laura Carugati; Simonetta Scorrano; Simonetta Fraschetti; Patricia Pérez Ga...; José Antonio Sana...; Artem Poromov; Anna Iurchenko; Artem Isachenko; Alexandra Chava; Christina Pavloudi; François Bordeyne; Simone Fie Andersen; Elizabeth Grace T...; Taylan Cakmak; Paraskevi Louizidou; José Rico; Stela Ruci; David Corta Diego; Sara Mendez; Maria Rousou; Laurence de Clippele; Annukka Eriksson; Winnie van Zanten; Anna Diamant; Valentina Kirienk...
• Keywords: Directive; Water Framework Directive; Relevance; Scope (computer science)

The degree of development and operability the indicators for Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) using Descriptor 1 (D1) Biological Diversity was assessed. To this end, an overview relevance underlying parameters across 20 European countries compiled by analysing national directives, legislation, regulations, publicly available reports. Marked differences were found between in ecological as well implementation chosen to indicate biological diversity. best scoring EU France, Germany, Greece Spain, while worst Italy Slovenia. No country achieved maximum scores MSFD D1. non-EU Norway Turkey score highly top-scoring countries. On positive side, D1 generally identified being ecologically relevant reflection Diversity. negative side however, less than half are currently operational. It appears that at a pan-European level, no consistent harmonized approach exists description assessment marine Europe whole can therefore be marked moderately successful.