Development of concepts and methods for compilation and assessment of selected anthropogenic pressures in the context of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive

In 2008, the Marine Strategy Framework Directive entered into force, with the overall objective to achieve and/or maintain a good status of the marine environment by 2020. The good environmental status has to be defined in accordance with qualitative Descriptors specified through a Commission Decision. The project developed a first understanding and assessment concepts for descriptors 2 (non-indigenous species), 6 (seafloor integrity), 7 (hydrographical conditions), 8 (hazardous substances) and 10 (marine litter) as well as an overall assessment concept for “good environmental status”.