COMMISSION DECISION (EU) 2017/848
of 17 May 2017
laying down criteria and methodological standards on good environmental status of marine waters and specifications and standardised methods for monitoring and assessment, and repealing Decision 2010/477/EU
(Text with EEA relevance)
Article 1
Subject matter
Article 2
Definitions
Article 3
Use of criteria, methodological standards, specifications and standardised methods
Article 4
Setting of threshold values through Union, regional or subregional cooperation
Article 5
Timeline
Article 6
Notification
Article 7
Repeal
Article 8
Entry into force
ANNEX
Criteria and methodological standards for good environmental status of marine waters, relevant to the qualitative descriptors in Annex I to Directive 2008/56/EC, and to the indicative lists set out in Annex III to that Directive, and specifications and standardised methods for monitoring and assessment
PART I
Criteria, methodological standards, specifications and standardised methods for the monitoring and assessment of predominant pressures and impacts under point (b) of Article 8(1) of Directive 2008/56/EC
Descriptor 2
Non-indigenous species introduced by human activities are at levels that do not adversely alter the ecosystems
Criteria, including criteria elements, and methodological standards
Criteria elements |
Criteria |
Methodological standards |
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Newly-introduced non-indigenous species. |
D2C1 — Primary: The number of non-indigenous species which are newly introduced via human activity into the wild, per assessment period (6 years), measured from the reference year as reported for the initial asessment under Article 8(1) of Directive 2008/56/EC, is minimised and where possible reduced to zero. Member States shall establish the threshold value for the number of new introductions of non-indigenous species, through regional or subregional cooperation. |
Scale of assessment: Subdivisions of the region or subregion, divided where needed by national boundaries. Use of criteria: The extent to which good environmental status has been achieved shall be expressed for each area assessed as follows:
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Established non-indigenous species, particularly invasive non-indigenous species, which include relevant species on the list of invasive alien species of Union concern adopted in accordance with Article 4(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014 and species which are relevant for use under criterion D2C3. Member States shall establish that list through regional or subregional cooperation. |
D2C2 — Secondary: Abundance and spatial distribution of established non-indigenous species, particularly of invasive species, contributing significantly to adverse effects on particular species groups or broad habitat types. |
Scale of assessment: As used for assessment of the corresponding species groups or broad habitat types under Descriptors 1 and 6. Use of criteria: Criterion D2C2 (quantification of non-indigenous species) shall be expressed per species assessed and shall contribute to the assessment of criterion D2C3 (adverse effects of non-indigenous species). Criterion D2C3 shall provide the proportion per species group and extent per broad habitat type assessed which is adversely altered, and thus contribute to their assessments under Descriptors 1 and 6. |
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Species groups and broad habitat types that are at risk from non-indigenous species, selected from those used for Descriptors 1 and 6. Member States shall establish that list through regional or subregional cooperation. |
D2C3 — Secondary: Proportion of the species group or spatial extent of the broad habitat type which is adversely altered due to non-indigenous species, particularly invasive non-indigenous species. Member States shall establish the threshold values for the adverse alteration to species groups and broad habitat types due to non-indigenous species, through regional or subregional cooperation. |
Specifications and standardised methods for monitoring and assessment
Descriptor 3
Populations of all commercially-exploited fish and shellfish are within safe biological limits, exhibiting a population age and size distribution that is indicative of a healthy stock
Criteria, including criteria elements, and methodological standards
Criteria elements |
Criteria |
Methodological standards |
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Commercially-exploited fish and shellfish. Member States shall establish through regional or subregional cooperation a list of commercially-exploited fish and shellfish, according to the criteria laid down under ‘specifications’. |
D3C1 — Primary: The Fishing mortality rate of populations of commercially-exploited species is at or below levels which can produce the maximum sustainable yield (MSY). Appropriate scientific bodies shall be consulted in accordance with Article 26 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013. |
Scale of assessment: Populations of each species are assessed at ecologically-relevant scales within each region or subregion, as established by appropriate scientific bodies as referred to in Article 26 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, based on specified aggregations of International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) areas, General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) geographical sub-areas and Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) fishing areas for the Macaronesian biogeographic region. Use of criteria: The extent to which good environmental status has been achieved shall be expressed for each area assessed as follows:
The outcomes of these population assessments shall also contribute to the assessments under Descriptors 1 and 6, if the species are relevant for assessment of particular species groups and benthic habitat types. |
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D3C2(2) — Primary: The Spawning Stock Biomass of populations of commercially-exploited species are above biomass levels capable of producing maximum sustainable yield. Appropriate scientific bodies shall be consulted in accordance with Article 26 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013. |
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D3C3(2) (3) — Primary: The age and size distribution of individuals in the populations of commercially-exploited species is indicative of a healthy population. This shall include a high proportion of old/large individuals and limited adverse effects of exploitation on genetic diversity. Member States shall establish threshold values through regional or subregional cooperation for each population of species in accordance with scientific advice obtained pursuant to Article 26 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013. |
Specifications and standardised methods for monitoring and assessment
Descriptor 5
Human-induced eutrophication is minimised, especially adverse effects thereof, such as losses in biodiversity, ecosystem degradation, harmful algae blooms and oxygen deficiency in bottom waters
Criteria, including criteria elements, and methodological standards
Criteria elements |
Criteria |
Methodological standards |
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Nutrients in the water column: Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen (DIN), Total Nitrogen (TN), Dissolved Inorganic Phosphorus (DIP), Total Phosphorus (TP). Within coastal waters, as used under Directive 2000/60/EC. Beyond coastal waters, Member States may decide at regional or subregional level to not use one or several of these nutrient elements. |
D5C1 — Primary: Nutrient concentrations are not at levels that indicate adverse eutrophication effects. The threshold values are as follows:
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Scale of assessment:
Use of criteria: The extent to which good environmental status has been achieved shall be expressed for each area assessed as follows:
Beyond coastal waters, the use of the secondary criteria shall be agreed at regional or subregional level. The outcomes of the assessments shall also contribute to assessments for pelagic habitats under Descriptor 1 as follows:
The outcomes of the assessments shall also contribute to assessments for benthic habitats under Descriptors 1 and 6 as follows:
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Chlorophyll a in the water column |
D5C2 — Primary: Chlorophyll a concentrations are not at levels that indicate adverse effects of nutrient enrichment. The threshold values are as follows:
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Harmful algal blooms (e.g. cyanobacteria) in the water column |
D5C3 — Secondary: The number, spatial extent and duration of harmful algal bloom events are not at levels that indicate adverse effects of nutrient enrichment. Member States shall establish threshold values for these levels through regional or subregional cooperation. |
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Photic limit (transparency) of the water column |
D5C4 — Secondary: The photic limit (transparency) of the water column is not reduced, due to increases in suspended algae, to a level that indicates adverse effects of nutrient enrichment. The threshold values are as follows:
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Dissolved oxygen in the bottom of the water column |
D5C5 — Primary (may be substituted by D5C8): The concentration of dissolved oxygen is not reduced, due to nutrient enrichment, to levels that indicate adverse effects on benthic habitats (including on associated biota and mobile species) or other eutrophication effects. The threshold values are as follows:
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Opportunistic macroalgae of benthic habitats |
D5C6 — Secondary: The abundance of opportunistic macroalgae is not at levels that indicate adverse effects of nutrient enrichment. The threshold values are as follows:
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Macrophyte communities (perennial seaweeds and seagrasses such as fucoids, eelgrass and Neptune grass) of benthic habitats |
D5C7 — Secondary: The species composition and relative abundance or depth distribution of macrophyte communities achieve values that indicate there is no adverse effect due to nutrient enrichment including via a decrease in water transparency, as follows:
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Macrofaunal communities of benthic habitats |
D5C8 — Secondary (except when used as a substitute for D5C5): The species composition and relative abundance of macrofaunal communities, achieve values that indicate that there is no adverse effect due to nutrient and organic enrichment, as follows:
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Specifications and standardised methods for monitoring and assessment
Descriptor 6
Sea-floor integrity is at a level that ensures that the structure and functions of the ecosystems are safeguarded and benthic ecosystems, in particular, are not adversely affected
Criteria, including criteria elements, and methodological standards
Criteria elements |
Criteria |
Methodological standards |
Physical loss of the seabed (including intertidal areas). |
D6C1 — Primary: Spatial extent and distribution of physical loss (permanent change) of the natural seabed. |
Scale of assessment: As used for assessment of the benthic broad habitat types under Descriptors 1 and 6. Use of criteria: The outcomes of assessment of criterion D6C1 (the distribution and an estimate of the extent of physical loss) shall be used to assess criteria D6C4 and D7C1. The outcomes of assessment of criterion D6C2 (the distribution and an estimate of the extent of physical disturbance pressures) shall be used to assess criterion D6C3. The outcomes of assessment of criterion D6C3 (an estimate of the extent of adverse effect by physical disturbance per habitat type in each assessment area) shall contribute to the assessment of criterion D6C5. |
Physical disturbance to the seabed (including intertidal areas). |
D6C2 — Primary: Spatial extent and distribution of physical disturbance pressures on the seabed. |
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Benthic broad habitat types or other habitat types, as used under Descriptors 1 and 6. |
D6C3 — Primary: Spatial extent of each habitat type which is adversely affected, through change in its biotic and abiotic structure and its functions (e.g. through changes in species composition and their relative abundance, absence of particularly sensitive or fragile species or species providing a key function, size structure of species), by physical disturbance. Member States shall establish threshold values for the adverse effects of physical disturbance, through regional or subregional cooperation. |
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Criteria D6C1, D6C2 and D6C3 relate only to the pressures ‘physical loss’ and ‘physical disturbance’ and their impacts, whilst criteria D6C4 and D6C5 address the overall assessment of Descriptor 6, together with that for benthic habitats under Descriptor 1. Criteria D6C4 and D6C5 are presented under Part II of this Annex. |
Specifications and standardised methods for monitoring and assessment
Descriptor 7
Permanent alteration of hydrographical conditions does not adversely affect marine ecosystems
Criteria, including criteria elements, and methodological standards
Criteria elements |
Criteria |
Methodological standards |
Hydrographical changes to the seabed and water column (including intertidal areas). |
D7C1 — Secondary: Spatial extent and distribution of permanent alteration of hydrographical conditions (e.g. changes in wave action, currents, salinity, temperature) to the seabed and water column, associated in particular with physical loss(7) of the natural seabed. |
Scale of assessment: As used for assessment of the benthic broad habitat types under Descriptors 1 and 6. Use of criteria: The outcomes of assessment of criterion D7C1 (the distribution and an estimate of the extent of hydrographical changes) shall be used to assess criterion D7C2. The outcomes of assessment of criterion D7C2 (an estimate of the extent of adverse effect per habitat type in each assessment area) shall contribute to the assessment of criterion D6C5. |
Benthic broad habitats types or other habitat types, as used for Descriptors 1 and 6. |
D7C2 — Secondary: Spatial extent of each benthic habitat type adversely affected (physical and hydrographical characteristics and associated biological communities) due to permanent alteration of hydrographical conditions. Member States shall establish threshold values for the adverse effects of permanent alterations of hydrographical conditions, through regional or subregional cooperation. |
Specifications and standardised methods for monitoring and assessment
Descriptor 8
Concentrations of contaminants are at levels not giving rise to pollution effects
Criteria, including criteria elements, and methodological standards
Criteria elements |
Criteria |
Methodological standards |
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D8C1 — Primary: Within coastal and territorial waters, the concentrations of contaminants do not exceed the following threshold values:
Beyond territorial waters, the concentrations of contaminants do not exceed the following threshold values:
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Scale of assessment:
Use of criteria: The extent to which good environmental status has been achieved shall be expressed for each area assessed as follows:
The use of criterion D8C2 in the overall assessment of good environmental status for Descriptor 8 shall be agreed at regional or subregional level. The outcomes of the assessment of criterion D8C2 shall contribute to assessments under Descriptors 1 and 6, where appropriate. |
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Species and habitats which are at risk from contaminants. Member States shall establish that list of species, and relevant tissues to be assessed, and habitats, through regional or subregional cooperation. |
D8C2 — Secondary: The health of species and the condition of habitats (such as their species composition and relative abundance at locations of chronic pollution) are not adversely affected due to contaminants including cumulative and synergetic effects. Member States shall establish those adverse effects and their threshold values through regional or subregional cooperation. |
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Significant acute pollution events involving polluting substances, as defined in Article 2(2) of Directive 2005/35/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council(8), including crude oil and similar compounds. |
D8C3 — Primary: The spatial extent and duration of significant acute pollution events are minimised. |
Scale of assessment: Regional or subregional level, divided where needed by national boundaries. Use of criteria: The extent to which good environmental status has been achieved shall be expressed for each area assessed as follows:
This criterion shall be used to trigger assessment of criterion D8C4. |
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Species of the species groups, as listed under Table 1 of Part II, and benthic broad habitat types, as listed under Table 2 of Part II. |
D8C4 — Secondary (to be used when a significant acute pollution event has occurred): The adverse effects of significant acute pollution events on the health of species and on the condition of habitats (such as their species composition and relative abundance) are minimised and, where possible, eliminated. |
Scale of assessment: As used for assessment of the species groups or benthic broad habitat types under Descriptors 1 and 6. Use of criteria: The outcomes of assessment of criterion D8C4 shall contribute, where the cumulative spatial and temporal effects are significant, to the assessments under Descriptors 1 and 6 by providing:
The use of criterion D8C4 in the overall assessment of good environmental status for Descriptor 8 shall be agreed at regional or subregional level. |
Specifications and standardised methods for monitoring and assessment
Descriptor 9
Contaminants in fish and other seafood for human consumption do not exceed levels established by Union legislation or other relevant standards
Criteria, including criteria elements, and methodological standards
Criteria elements |
Criteria |
Methodological standards |
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Contaminants listed in Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006. For the purposes of this Decision, Member States may decide not to consider contaminants from Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 where justified on the basis of a risk assessment. Member States may assess additional contaminants that are not included in Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006. Member States shall establish a list of those additional contaminants through regional or subregional cooperation. Member States shall establish the list of species and relevant tissues to be assessed, according to the conditions laid down under ‘specifications’. They may cooperate at regional or subregional level to establish that list of species and relevant tissues. |
D9C1 — Primary: The level of contaminants in edible tissues (muscle, liver, roe, flesh or other soft parts, as appropriate) of seafood (including fish, crustaceans, molluscs, echinoderms, seaweed and other marine plants) caught or harvested in the wild (excluding fin-fish from mariculture) does not exceed:
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Scale of assessment: The catch or production area in accordance with Article 38 of Regulation (EU) No 1379/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council(9). Use of criteria: The extent to which good environmental status has been achieved shall be expressed for each area assessed as follows:
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Specifications and standardised methods for monitoring and assessment
Descriptor 10
Properties and quantities of marine litter do not cause harm to the coastal and marine environment
Criteria, including criteria elements, and methodological standards
Criteria elements |
Criteria |
Methodological standards |
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Litter (excluding micro-litter), classified in the following categories(13): artificial polymer materials, rubber, cloth/textile, paper/cardboard, processed/worked wood, metal, glass/ceramics, chemicals, undefined, and food waste. Member States may define further sub-categories. |
D10C1 — Primary: The composition, amount and spatial distribution of litter on the coastline, in the surface layer of the water column, and on the seabed, are at levels that do not cause harm to the coastal and marine environment. Member States shall establish threshold values for these levels through cooperation at Union level, taking into account regional or subregional specificities. |
Scale of assessment: Subdivisions of the region or subregion, divided where needed by national boundaries. Use of criteria: The extent to which good environmental status has been achieved shall be expressed for each criterion separately for each area assessed as follows:
The use of criteria D10C1, D10C2 and D10C3 in the overall assessment of good environmental status for Descriptor 10 shall be agreed at Union level. The outcomes of criterion D10C3 shall also contribute to assessments under Descriptor 1, where appropriate. |
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Micro-litter (particles < 5mm), classified in the categories ‘artificial polymer materials’ and ‘other’. |
D10C2 — Primary: The composition, amount and spatial distribution of micro-litter on the coastline, in the surface layer of the water column, and in seabed sediment, are at levels that do not cause harm to the coastal and marine environment. Member States shall establish threshold values for these levels through cooperation at Union level, taking into account regional or subregional specificities. |
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Litter and micro-litter classified in the categories ‘artificial polymer materials’ and ‘other’, assessed in any species from the following groups: birds, mammals, reptiles, fish or invertebrates. Member States shall establish that list of species to be assessed through regional or subregional cooperation. |
D10C3 — Secondary: The amount of litter and micro-litter ingested by marine animals is at a level that does not adversely affect the health of the species concerned. Member States shall establish threshold values for these levels through regional or subregional cooperation. |
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Species of birds, mammals, reptiles, fish or invertebrates which are at risk from litter. Member States shall establish that list of species to be assessed through regional or subregional cooperation. |
D10C4 — Secondary: The number of individuals of each species which are adversely affected due to litter, such as by entanglement, other types of injury or mortality, or health effects. Member States shall establish threshold values for the adverse effects of litter, through regional or subregional cooperation. |
Scale of assessment: As used for assessment of the species group under Descriptor 1. Use of criteria: The extent to which good environmental status has been achieved shall be expressed for each area assessed as follows:
The use of criterion D10C4 in the overall assessment of good environmental status for Descriptor 10 shall be agreed at Union level. The outcomes of this criterion shall also contribute to assessments under Descriptor 1, where appropriate. |
Specifications and standardised methods for monitoring and assessment
Descriptor 11
Introduction of energy, including underwater noise, is at levels that do not adversely affect the marine environment
Criteria, including criteria elements, and methodological standards
Criteria elements |
Criteria |
Methodological standards |
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Anthropogenic impulsive sound in water. |
D11C1 — Primary: The spatial distribution, temporal extent, and levels of anthropogenic impulsive sound sources do not exceed levels that adversely affect populations of marine animals. Member States shall establish threshold values for these levels through cooperation at Union level, taking into account regional or subregional specificities. |
Scale of assessment: Region, subregion or subdivisions. Use of criteria: The extent to which good environmental status has been achieved shall be expressed for each area assessed as follows:
The use of criteria D11C1 and D11C2 in the assessment of good environmental status for Descriptor 11 shall be agreed at Union level. The outcomes of these criteria shall also contribute to assessments under Descriptor 1. |
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Anthropogenic continuous low-frequency sound in water. |
D11C2 — Primary: The spatial distribution, temporal extent and levels of anthropogenic continuous low-frequency sound do not exceed levels that adversely affect populations of marine animals. Member States shall establish threshold values for these levels through cooperation at Union level, taking into account regional or subregional specificities. |
Specifications and standardised methods for monitoring and assessment
PART II
Criteria and methodological standards, specifications and standardised methods for monitoring and assessment of essential features and characteristics and current environmental status of marine waters under point (a) of Article 8(1) of Directive 2008/56/EC
Theme
Species groups of birds, mammals, reptiles, fish and cephalopods (relating to Descriptor 1)
Criteria, including criteria elements, and methodological standards
Criteria elements |
Criteria |
Methodological standards |
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Species of birds, mammals, reptiles and non-commercially-exploited species of fish and cephalopods, which are at risk from incidental by-catch in the region or subregion. Member States shall establish that list of species through regional or subregional cooperation, pursuant to the obligations laid down in Article 25(5) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 for data collection activities and taking into account the list of species in Table 1D of the Annex to Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2016/1251(15). |
D1C1 — Primary: The mortality rate per species from incidental by-catch is below levels which threaten the species, such that its long-term viability is ensured. Member States shall establish the threshold values for the mortality rate from incidental by-catch per species, through regional or subregional cooperation. |
Scale of assessment: As used for assessment of the corresponding species or species groups under criteria D1C2-D1C5. Use of criteria: The extent to which good environmental status has been achieved shall be expressed for each area assessed as follows:
This criterion shall contribute to assessment of the corresponding species under criterion D1C2. |
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Species groups, as listed under Table 1 and if present in the region or subregion. Member States shall establish a set of species representative of each species group, selected according to the criteria laid down under ‘specifications for the selection of species and habitats’, through regional or subregional cooperation. These shall include the mammals and reptiles listed in Annex II to Directive 92/43/EEC and may include any other species, such as those listed under Union legislation (other Annexes to Directive 92/43/EEC, Directive 2009/147/EC or through Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013) and international agreements such as Regional Sea Conventions. |
D1C2 — Primary: The population abundance of the species is not adversely affected due to anthropogenic pressures, such that its long-term viability is ensured. Member States shall establish threshold values for each species through regional or subregional cooperation, taking account of natural variation in population size and the mortality rates derived from D1C1, D8C4 and D10C4 and other relevant pressures. For species covered by Directive 92/43/EEC, these values shall be consistent with the Favourable Reference Population values established by the relevant Member States under Directive 92/43/EEC. |
Scale of assessment: Ecologically-relevant scales for each species group shall be used, as follows:
Use of criteria: The status of each species shall be assessed individually, on the basis of the criteria selected for use, and these shall be used to express the extent to which good environmental status has been achieved for each species group for each area assessed, as follows:
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D1C3 — Primary for commercially-exploited fish and cephalopods and secondary for other species: The population demographic characteristics (e.g. body size or age class structure, sex ratio, fecundity, and survival rates) of the species are indicative of a healthy population which is not adversely affected due to anthropogenic pressures. Member States shall establish threshold values for specified characteristics of each species through regional or subregional cooperation, taking account of adverse effects on their health derived from D8C2, D8C4 and other relevant pressures. |
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D1C4 — Primary for species covered by Annexes II, IV or V to Directive 92/43/EEC and secondary for other species: The species distributional range and, where relevant, pattern is in line with prevailing physiographic, geographic and climatic conditions. Member States shall establish threshold values for each species through regional or subregional cooperation. For species covered by Directive 92/43/EEC, these shall be consistent with the Favourable Reference Range values established by the relevant Member States under Directive 92/43/EEC. |
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D1C5 — Primary for species covered by Annexes II, IV and V to Directive 92/43/EEC and secondary for other species: The habitat for the species has the necessary extent and condition to support the different stages in the life history of the species. |
Criteria elements
Ecosystem component |
Species groups |
Birds |
Grazing birds |
Wading birds |
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Surface-feeding birds |
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Pelagic-feeding birds |
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Benthic-feeding birds |
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Mammals |
Small toothed cetaceans |
Deep-diving toothed cetaceans |
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Baleen whales |
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Seals |
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Reptiles |
Turtles |
Fish |
Coastal fish |
Pelagic shelf fish |
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Demersal shelf fish |
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Deep-sea fish |
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Cephalopods |
Coastal/shelf cephalopods |
Deep-sea cephalopods |
Specifications and standardised methods for monitoring and assessment relating to theme ‘Species groups of marine birds, mammals, reptiles, fish and cephalopods’
Theme
Pelagic habitats (relating to Descriptor 1)
Criteria, including criteria elements, and methodological standards
Criteria elements |
Criteria |
Methodological standards |
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Pelagic broad habitat types (variable salinity(17), coastal, shelf and oceanic/beyond shelf), if present in the region or subregion, and other habitat types as defined in the second paragraph. Member States may select, through regional or subregional cooperation, additional habitat types according to the criteria laid down under ‘specifications for the selection of species and habitats’. |
D1C6 — Primary: The condition of the habitat type, including its biotic and abiotic structure and its functions (e.g. its typical species composition and their relative abundance, absence of particularly sensitive or fragile species or species providing a key function, size structure of species), is not adversely affected due to anthropogenic pressures. Member States shall establish threshold values for the condition of each habitat type, ensuring compatibility with related values set under Descriptors 2, 5 and 8, through regional or subregional cooperation. |
Scale of assessment: Subdivision of region or subregion as used for assessments of benthic broad habitat types, reflecting biogeographic differences in species composition of the habitat type. Use of criteria: The extent to which good environmental status has been achieved shall be expressed for each area assessed as:
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Specifications and standardised methods for monitoring and assessment relating to theme ‘Pelagic habitats’
Theme
Benthic habitats (relating to Descriptors 1 and 6)
Criteria, including criteria elements, and methodological standards
Criteria elements |
Criteria |
Methodological standards |
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Refer to Part I of this Annex for criteria D6C1, D6C2 and D6C3. |
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Benthic broad habitat types as listed in Table 2 and if present in the region or subregion, and other habitat types as defined in the second paragraph. Member States may select, through regional or subregional cooperation, additional habitat types, according to the criteria laid down under ‘specifications for the selection of species and habitats’, and which may include habitat types listed under Directive 92/43/EEC or international agreements such as Regional Sea Conventions, for the purposes of:
A single set of habitat types shall serve the purpose of assessments of both benthic habitats under Descriptor 1 and sea-floor integrity under Descriptor 6. |
D6C4 — Primary: The extent of loss of the habitat type, resulting from anthropogenic pressures, does not exceed a specified proportion of the natural extent of the habitat type in the assessment area. Member States shall establish the maximum allowable extent of habitat loss as a proportion of the total natural extent of the habitat type, through cooperation at Union level, taking into account regional or subregional specificities. |
Scale of assessment: Subdivision of region or subregion, reflecting biogeographic differences in species composition of the broad habitat type. Use of criteria: A single assessment per habitat type, using criteria D6C4 and D6C5, shall serve the purpose of assessments of both benthic habitats under Descriptor 1 and sea-floor integrity under Descriptor 6. The extent to which good environmental status has been achieved shall be expressed for each area assessed as:
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D6C5 — Primary: The extent of adverse effects from anthropogenic pressures on the condition of the habitat type, including alteration to its biotic and abiotic structure and its functions (e.g. its typical species composition and their relative abundance, absence of particularly sensitive or fragile species or species providing a key function, size structure of species), does not exceed a specified proportion of the natural extent of the habitat type in the assessment area. Member States shall establish threshold values for adverse effects on the condition of each habitat type, ensuring compatibility with related values set under Descriptors 2, 5, 6, 7 and 8, through cooperation at Union level, taking into account regional or subregional specificities. Member States shall establish the maximum allowable extent of those adverse effects as a proportion of the total natural extent of the habitat type, through cooperation at Union level, taking into account regional or subregional specificities. |
Criteria elements
Ecosystem component |
Broad habitat types |
Relevant EUNIS habitat codes (version 2016) |
Benthic habitats |
Littoral rock and biogenic reef |
MA1, MA2 |
Littoral sediment |
MA3, MA4, MA5, MA6 |
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Infralittoral rock and biogenic reef |
MB1, MB2 |
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Infralittoral coarse sediment |
MB3 |
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Infralittoral mixed sediment |
MB4 |
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Infralittoral sand |
MB5 |
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Infralittoral mud |
MB6 |
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Circalittoral rock and biogenic reef |
MC1, MC2 |
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Circalittoral coarse sediment |
MC3 |
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Circalittoral mixed sediment |
MC4 |
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Circalittoral sand |
MC5 |
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Circalittoral mud |
MC6 |
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Offshore circalittoral rock and biogenic reef |
MD1, MD2 |
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Offshore circalittoral coarse sediment |
MD3 |
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Offshore circalittoral mixed sediment |
MD4 |
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Offshore circalittoral sand |
MD5 |
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Offshore circalittoral mud |
MD6 |
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Upper bathyal(19) rock and biogenic reef |
ME1, ME2 |
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Upper bathyal sediment |
ME3, ME4, ME5, ME6 |
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Lower bathyal rock and biogenic reef |
MF1, MF2 |
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Lower bathyal sediment |
MF3, MF4, MF5, MF6 |
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Abyssal |
MG1, MG2, MG3, MG4, MG5, MG6 |
Specifications and standardised methods for monitoring and assessment relating to theme ‘Benthic habitats’
Specifications for the selection of species and habitats under Themes ‘Species groups of marine birds, mammals, reptiles, fish and cephalopods’, ‘Pelagic habitats’ and ‘Benthic habitats’
Theme
Ecosystems, including food webs (relating to Descriptors 1 and 4)
Criteria, including criteria elements, and methodological standards
Criteria elements |
Criteria |
Methodological standards |
Trophic guilds of an ecosystem. Member States shall establish the list of trophic guilds through regional or subregional cooperation. |
D4C1 — Primary: The diversity (species composition and their relative abundance) of the trophic guild is not adversely affected due to anthropogenic pressures. Member States shall establish threshold values through regional or subregional cooperation. |
Scale of assessment: Regional level for Baltic Sea and Black Sea; subregional level for North-East Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea. Subdivisions may be used where appropriate. Use of criteria: Where values do not fall within the threshold values, this may trigger further research and investigation to understand the causes for the failure. |
D4C2 — Primary: The balance of total abundance between the trophic guilds is not adversely affected due to anthropogenic pressures. Member States shall establish threshold values through regional or subregional cooperation. |
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D4C3 — Secondary: The size distribution of individuals across the trophic guild is not adversely affected due to anthropogenic pressures. Member States shall establish threshold values through regional or subregional cooperation. |
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D4C4 — Secondary (to be used in support of criterion D4C2, where necessary): Productivity of the trophic guild is not adversely affected due to anthropogenic pressures. Member States shall establish threshold values through regional or subregional cooperation. |