Achieving coherence between the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive

Alignment and coordination of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) with other key policies is considered indispensable to accomplish its objectives. To ensure that economic activities do not generate unsustainable pressures in the marine environment, it is imperative to streamline the MSFD with the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive (MSPD), the policy regulating the spatial dimension of maritime activities and their planning. To investigate the coherence between the MSFD and MSPD, an analysis was performed in the framework of MEDREGION project (11.0661/2018/794286/SUB/ENV.C2) on the conceptual relations of the two processes. The needs and challenges encountered by MSFD Competent Authorities (CAs) in the implementation of the Directives were considered, while the Programmes of Measures (PoMs) established by Mediterranean Member States (MSs) for selected MSFD Descriptors were analysed to see whether measures can contribute to the integration of the two Directives. The MSPD implementation considers the MSFD provisions, however, there are still challenges and gaps for an effective integration. Herein, recommendations are made to face these challenges and facilitate the alignment of the two Directives. Moreover, the analysis of the MSFD PoMs shows that the MSFD identifies, directly or indirectly, human activities related to Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) sectors and addresses them with specific measures. Therefore, MSFD PoMs constitute a concrete basis for the planning of the marine space, thus, bridging the two Directives, avoiding conflicts and facilitating synergies.The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Commission Directorate General for the Environment under grant agreement n° 11.0661/2018/794286/SUB/ENV.C2 – MEDREGION project (Support Mediterranean Member States towards implementation of the MSFD New GES Decision and programmes of measures and contribute to regional/subregional cooperation).Peer reviewe

Evaluating the progress in achieving Good Environmental Status in the Mediterranean:a methodology to assess the effectiveness of Marine Strategy Framework Directive's Programmes of Measures

The Marine Strategy Framework Directive (2008/56/EC) aims to achieve Good Environmental Status of the European Union's marine waters for which the EU Member States are preparing Programmes of Measures (PoMs) to coordinate policies and improve the marine environmental status. These Programmes are revised every six years, yet there is currently no comprehensive and robust methodology to assess the effectiveness of PoMs and their contribution to reaching Good Environmental Status. This paper presents a new and concrete methodology combining policy, socio-economical, and environmental aspects, relying on available monitoring data, official reporting, and expert judgement to yield easily comparable numerical results. The utility of this methodology is also demonstrated on a series of hypothethical measures under descriptors 1 (Biological diversity), 3 (Commerical fisheries stocks), 6 (Seafloor integrity), and 10 (Marine litter). The demonstration shows how the method can be used by policy and decision-makers across the EU, as well as a variety of expert and non-governmental actors to evaluate the progress and potential of individual PoMs on national and (sub)regional levels. Therefore, the method could pave the way to more coherent, coordinated and effective measures to protect EU seas

Evaluating the progress in achieving Good Environmental Status in the Mediterranean:a methodology to assess the effectiveness of Marine Strategy Framework Directive's Programmes of Measures

The Marine Strategy Framework Directive (2008/56/EC) aims to achieve Good Environmental Status of the European Union's marine waters for which the EU Member States are preparing Programmes of Measures (PoMs) to coordinate policies and improve the marine environmental status. These Programmes are revised every six years, yet there is currently no comprehensive and robust methodology to assess the effectiveness of PoMs and their contribution to reaching Good Environmental Status. This paper presents a new and concrete methodology combining policy, socio-economical, and environmental aspects, relying on available monitoring data, official reporting, and expert judgement to yield easily comparable numerical results. The utility of this methodology is also demonstrated on a series of hypothethical measures under descriptors 1 (Biological diversity), 3 (Commerical fisheries stocks), 6 (Seafloor integrity), and 10 (Marine litter). The demonstration shows how the method can be used by policy and decision-makers across the EU, as well as a variety of expert and non-governmental actors to evaluate the progress and potential of individual PoMs on national and (sub)regional levels. Therefore, the method could pave the way to more coherent, coordinated and effective measures to protect EU seas

Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.) browsing effects and use of chestnut and Turkey oak coppiced areas

"Introduction Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) browsing pressure on vegetative regeneration of Turkey oak (Quercus cerris) and chestnut (Castanea sativa) and roe deer use of coppiced areas were investigated. . . Methods In the Apennines, Central Italy, six experimental areas were chosen, where fenced (ungulate access excluded, protected P) and non-fenced (ungulate influence present, non-protected NP) plots were established after coppicing. From 2002 to 2005, each plot was surveyed twice a year, and number, biomass, collar diameter, and total height of the sprouts were measured. . . Results Roe deer had a different effect on the re-growth of Turkey oak and chestnut sprouts. After 4 years, chestnut did not show any browsing-related damage, while in Turkey oak, biomass and height of the sprouts in fenced plots significantly differed from those in non-fenced plots. The results agreed with an experimental browsing index. The outcome is relevant because it represents a quick and reliable field tool to assess the impact on a larger scale, where analytic and quantitative approaches cannot be applied. The locations of 62 adult radio-collared roe deer confirmed an increase in the use of coppiced areas. A utilisation index showed more frequent use of these areas during and after forest work. Contrary to common opinion, logging seemed to attract roe deer in coppiced areas as the vegetation biomass at their disposal increased.