﻿<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<ART9_GES xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:noNamespaceSchemaLocation="http://dd.eionet.europa.eu/schemas/MSFD2018/ART9_GES.xsd" ContactMail="msfd.reports@mepa.org.mt" ContactName="Miraine Rizzo" ContactOrganisation="Malta Environment and Planning Authority" ReportingDate="2013-11-05">
  <CountryCode>MT</CountryCode>
  <GEScomponent>
    <GEScomponent>1.4</GEScomponent>
    <GESdetermination>
      <Feature>HabPelagAll</Feature>
      <GESDescription>The natural range and extent of marine habitats and species are stable, or otherwise in line with the physiographic and climatic conditions, taking into consideration the sustainable use of the marine environment.. </GESDescription>
      <DeterminationDate>201311</DeterminationDate>
      <UpdateType>Same as last reported determination</UpdateType>
      <MarineUnit>
        <MarineReportingUnit>MIC-MT-MS</MarineReportingUnit>
      </MarineUnit>
    </GESdetermination>
  </GEScomponent>
  <GEScomponent>
    <GEScomponent>5.2</GEScomponent>
    <GESdetermination>
      <Feature>OrganicCarbon</Feature>
      <GESDescription>Biological communities (assessed at relevant scales) are indicative of either undisturbed conditions or of slight or localised changes associated with nutrient enrichment.. </GESDescription>
      <DeterminationDate>201311</DeterminationDate>
      <UpdateType>Same as last reported determination</UpdateType>
      <MarineUnit>
        <MarineReportingUnit>MIC-MT-MS</MarineReportingUnit>
      </MarineUnit>
    </GESdetermination>
  </GEScomponent>
  <GEScomponent>
    <GEScomponent>5.3</GEScomponent>
    <GESdetermination>
      <Feature>OrganicCarbon</Feature>
      <GESDescription>Biological communities (assessed at relevant scales) are indicative of either undisturbed conditions or of slight or localised changes associated with nutrient enrichment.. </GESDescription>
      <DeterminationDate>201311</DeterminationDate>
      <UpdateType>Same as last reported determination</UpdateType>
      <MarineUnit>
        <MarineReportingUnit>MIC-MT-MS</MarineReportingUnit>
      </MarineUnit>
    </GESdetermination>
  </GEScomponent>
  <GEScomponent>
    <GEScomponent>D1</GEScomponent>
    <GESdetermination>
      <Feature>HabPelagAll</Feature>
      <GESDescription>GES is a qualitative description of the desired status at the habitat and species level. Statements describing this GES are being defined for specific MSFD criteria.. </GESDescription>
      <DeterminationDate>201311</DeterminationDate>
      <UpdateType>Same as last reported determination</UpdateType>
      <MarineUnit>
        <MarineReportingUnit>MIC-MT-MS</MarineReportingUnit>
      </MarineUnit>
    </GESdetermination>
  </GEScomponent>
  <GEScomponent>
    <GEScomponent>D10</GEScomponent>
    <GESdetermination>
      <Feature>PresInputLitter</Feature>
      <GESDescription>The amount of marine litter entering the marine environment shows a declining trend over time.. </GESDescription>
      <DeterminationDate>201311</DeterminationDate>
      <UpdateType>Same as last reported determination</UpdateType>
      <MarineUnit>
        <MarineReportingUnit>MIC-MT-MS</MarineReportingUnit>
      </MarineUnit>
    </GESdetermination>
  </GEScomponent>
  <GEScomponent>
    <GEScomponent>D10C1</GEScomponent>
    <GESdetermination>
      <Feature>PresInputLitter</Feature>
      <GESDescription>Not determined. </GESDescription>
      <DeterminationDate>201311</DeterminationDate>
      <UpdateType>Same as last reported determination</UpdateType>
      <MarineUnit>
        <MarineReportingUnit>MIC-MT-MS</MarineReportingUnit>
      </MarineUnit>
    </GESdetermination>
  </GEScomponent>
  <GEScomponent>
    <GEScomponent>D10C2</GEScomponent>
    <GESdetermination>
      <Feature>PresInputLitter</Feature>
      <GESDescription>Not determined. </GESDescription>
      <DeterminationDate>201311</DeterminationDate>
      <UpdateType>Same as last reported determination</UpdateType>
      <MarineUnit>
        <MarineReportingUnit>MIC-MT-MS</MarineReportingUnit>
      </MarineUnit>
    </GESdetermination>
  </GEScomponent>
  <GEScomponent>
    <GEScomponent>D10C3</GEScomponent>
    <GESdetermination>
      <Feature>PresInputLitter</Feature>
      <GESDescription>Not determined. </GESDescription>
      <DeterminationDate>201311</DeterminationDate>
      <UpdateType>Same as last reported determination</UpdateType>
      <MarineUnit>
        <MarineReportingUnit>MIC-MT-MS</MarineReportingUnit>
      </MarineUnit>
    </GESdetermination>
  </GEScomponent>
  <GEScomponent>
    <GEScomponent>D10C4</GEScomponent>
    <GESdetermination>
      <GESDescription>Not determined. </GESDescription>
      <DeterminationDate>201311</DeterminationDate>
      <UpdateType>Same as last reported determination</UpdateType>
      <MarineUnit>
        <MarineReportingUnit>MIC-MT-MS</MarineReportingUnit>
      </MarineUnit>
    </GESdetermination>
  </GEScomponent>
  <GEScomponent>
    <GEScomponent>D11</GEScomponent>
    <GESdetermination>
      <Feature>PresInputSound</Feature>
      <GESDescription>Adverse effects of underwater noise on key species groups are minimised to the extent possible.. </GESDescription>
      <DeterminationDate>201311</DeterminationDate>
      <UpdateType>Same as last reported determination</UpdateType>
      <MarineUnit>
        <MarineReportingUnit>MIC-MT-MS</MarineReportingUnit>
      </MarineUnit>
    </GESdetermination>
  </GEScomponent>
  <GEScomponent>
    <GEScomponent>D11C1</GEScomponent>
    <GESdetermination>
      <Feature>PresInputSound</Feature>
      <GESDescription>Not determined. </GESDescription>
      <DeterminationDate>201311</DeterminationDate>
      <UpdateType>Same as last reported determination</UpdateType>
      <MarineUnit>
        <MarineReportingUnit>MIC-MT-MS</MarineReportingUnit>
      </MarineUnit>
    </GESdetermination>
  </GEScomponent>
  <GEScomponent>
    <GEScomponent>D11C2</GEScomponent>
    <GESdetermination>
      <Feature>PresInputSound</Feature>
      <GESDescription>Not determined. </GESDescription>
      <DeterminationDate>201311</DeterminationDate>
      <UpdateType>Same as last reported determination</UpdateType>
      <MarineUnit>
        <MarineReportingUnit>MIC-MT-MS</MarineReportingUnit>
      </MarineUnit>
    </GESdetermination>
  </GEScomponent>
  <GEScomponent>
    <GEScomponent>D1C2</GEScomponent>
    <GESdetermination>
      <Feature>BirdsPelagicFeeding</Feature>
      <Feature>FishDemersalShelf</Feature>
      <Feature>MamCetacDeepDiving</Feature>
      <Feature>MamCetacSmall</Feature>
      <GESDescription>The population abundance of key marine species is stable and their population dynamics are indicative of long-term viability.. </GESDescription>
      <DeterminationDate>201311</DeterminationDate>
      <UpdateType>Same as last reported determination</UpdateType>
      <MarineUnit>
        <MarineReportingUnit>MIC-MT-MS</MarineReportingUnit>
      </MarineUnit>
    </GESdetermination>
  </GEScomponent>
  <GEScomponent>
    <GEScomponent>D1C3</GEScomponent>
    <GESdetermination>
      <Feature>BirdsPelagicFeeding</Feature>
      <Feature>MamCetacDeepDiving</Feature>
      <Feature>MamCetacSmall</Feature>
      <GESDescription>The population abundance of key marine species is stable and their population dynamics are indicative of long-term viability.. </GESDescription>
      <DeterminationDate>201311</DeterminationDate>
      <UpdateType>Same as last reported determination</UpdateType>
      <MarineUnit>
        <MarineReportingUnit>MIC-MT-MS</MarineReportingUnit>
      </MarineUnit>
    </GESdetermination>
  </GEScomponent>
  <GEScomponent>
    <GEScomponent>D1C4</GEScomponent>
    <GESdetermination>
      <Feature>BirdsPelagicFeeding</Feature>
      <GESDescription>The natural range and extent of marine habitats and species are stable, or otherwise in line with the physiographic and climatic conditions, taking into consideration the sustainable use of the marine environment.. </GESDescription>
      <DeterminationDate>201311</DeterminationDate>
      <UpdateType>Same as last reported determination</UpdateType>
      <MarineUnit>
        <MarineReportingUnit>MIC-MT-MS</MarineReportingUnit>
      </MarineUnit>
    </GESdetermination>
  </GEScomponent>
  <GEScomponent>
    <GEScomponent>D1C6</GEScomponent>
    <GESdetermination>
      <Feature>HabPelagAll</Feature>
      <GESDescription>The structure and function of marine habitats ensure their long-term viability. </GESDescription>
      <DeterminationDate>201311</DeterminationDate>
      <UpdateType>Same as last reported determination</UpdateType>
      <MarineUnit>
        <MarineReportingUnit>MIC-MT-MS</MarineReportingUnit>
      </MarineUnit>
    </GESdetermination>
  </GEScomponent>
  <GEScomponent>
    <GEScomponent>D2</GEScomponent>
    <GESdetermination>
      <Feature>PresBioIntroNIS</Feature>
      <GESDescription>The introduction and establishment of new invasive non-indigenous species as a result of human activities is in so far as practicable prevented.. </GESDescription>
      <DeterminationDate>201311</DeterminationDate>
      <UpdateType>Same as last reported determination</UpdateType>
      <MarineUnit>
        <MarineReportingUnit>MIC-MT-MS</MarineReportingUnit>
      </MarineUnit>
    </GESdetermination>
  </GEScomponent>
  <GEScomponent>
    <GEScomponent>D2C2</GEScomponent>
    <GESdetermination>
      <Feature>PresBioIntroNIS</Feature>
      <GESDescription>The introduction and establishment of new invasive non-indigenous species as a result of human activities is in so far as practicable prevented.. </GESDescription>
      <DeterminationDate>201311</DeterminationDate>
      <UpdateType>Same as last reported determination</UpdateType>
      <MarineUnit>
        <MarineReportingUnit>MIC-MT-MS</MarineReportingUnit>
      </MarineUnit>
    </GESdetermination>
  </GEScomponent>
  <GEScomponent>
    <GEScomponent>D2C3</GEScomponent>
    <GESdetermination>
      <Feature>PresBioIntroNIS</Feature>
      <GESDescription>Not determined. </GESDescription>
      <DeterminationDate>201311</DeterminationDate>
      <UpdateType>Same as last reported determination</UpdateType>
      <MarineUnit>
        <MarineReportingUnit>MIC-MT-MS</MarineReportingUnit>
      </MarineUnit>
    </GESdetermination>
  </GEScomponent>
  <GEScomponent>
    <GEScomponent>D3</GEScomponent>
    <GESdetermination>
      <Feature>PresBioExtractSpp</Feature>
      <GESDescription>Sustainable exploitation of fish stocks as indicated by the population age and size distribution of selected commercial species is achieved through effective management and monitoring of fishing effort. </GESDescription>
      <DeterminationDate>201311</DeterminationDate>
      <UpdateType>Same as last reported determination</UpdateType>
      <MarineUnit>
        <MarineReportingUnit>MIC-MT-MS</MarineReportingUnit>
      </MarineUnit>
    </GESdetermination>
  </GEScomponent>
  <GEScomponent>
    <GEScomponent>D3C1</GEScomponent>
    <GESdetermination>
      <Feature>PresBioExtractSpp</Feature>
      <GESDescription>Not determined. </GESDescription>
      <DeterminationDate>201311</DeterminationDate>
      <UpdateType>Same as last reported determination</UpdateType>
      <MarineUnit>
        <MarineReportingUnit>MIC-MT-MS</MarineReportingUnit>
      </MarineUnit>
    </GESdetermination>
  </GEScomponent>
  <GEScomponent>
    <GEScomponent>D3C2</GEScomponent>
    <GESdetermination>
      <Feature>PresBioExtractSpp</Feature>
      <GESDescription>Not determined. </GESDescription>
      <DeterminationDate>201311</DeterminationDate>
      <UpdateType>Same as last reported determination</UpdateType>
      <MarineUnit>
        <MarineReportingUnit>MIC-MT-MS</MarineReportingUnit>
      </MarineUnit>
    </GESdetermination>
  </GEScomponent>
  <GEScomponent>
    <GEScomponent>D3C3</GEScomponent>
    <GESdetermination>
      <Feature>PresBioExtractSpp</Feature>
      <GESDescription>Sustainable exploitation of fish stocks as indicated by the population age and size distribution of selected commercial species is achieved through effective management and monitoring of fishing effo. </GESDescription>
      <DeterminationDate>201311</DeterminationDate>
      <UpdateType>Same as last reported determination</UpdateType>
      <MarineUnit>
        <MarineReportingUnit>MIC-MT-MS</MarineReportingUnit>
      </MarineUnit>
    </GESdetermination>
  </GEScomponent>
  <GEScomponent>
    <GEScomponent>D4/D1</GEScomponent>
    <GESdetermination>
      <GESDescription>Not determined. </GESDescription>
      <DeterminationDate>201311</DeterminationDate>
      <UpdateType>Same as last reported determination</UpdateType>
      <MarineUnit>
        <MarineReportingUnit>MIC-MT-MS</MarineReportingUnit>
      </MarineUnit>
    </GESdetermination>
  </GEScomponent>
  <GEScomponent>
    <GEScomponent>D4C2</GEScomponent>
    <GESdetermination>
      <GESDescription>Not determined. </GESDescription>
      <DeterminationDate>201311</DeterminationDate>
      <UpdateType>Same as last reported determination</UpdateType>
      <MarineUnit>
        <MarineReportingUnit>MIC-MT-MS</MarineReportingUnit>
      </MarineUnit>
    </GESdetermination>
  </GEScomponent>
  <GEScomponent>
    <GEScomponent>D4C3</GEScomponent>
    <GESdetermination>
      <GESDescription>Not determined. </GESDescription>
      <DeterminationDate>201311</DeterminationDate>
      <UpdateType>Same as last reported determination</UpdateType>
      <MarineUnit>
        <MarineReportingUnit>MIC-MT-MS</MarineReportingUnit>
      </MarineUnit>
    </GESdetermination>
  </GEScomponent>
  <GEScomponent>
    <GEScomponent>D4C4</GEScomponent>
    <GESdetermination>
      <GESDescription>Not determined. </GESDescription>
      <DeterminationDate>201311</DeterminationDate>
      <UpdateType>Same as last reported determination</UpdateType>
      <MarineUnit>
        <MarineReportingUnit>MIC-MT-MS</MarineReportingUnit>
      </MarineUnit>
    </GESdetermination>
  </GEScomponent>
  <GEScomponent>
    <GEScomponent>D5</GEScomponent>
    <GESdetermination>
      <Feature>OrganicCarbon</Feature>
      <GESDescription>The proposed GES attempts to address the criteria/indicators collectively, with the broad aim of safeguarding functions of marine ecosystems from the adverse effects of eutrophication. Parameters or indicators which will be used for assessing progress towards achieving this GES should be selected on the basis of a risk-based approach.. </GESDescription>
      <DeterminationDate>201311</DeterminationDate>
      <UpdateType>Same as last reported determination</UpdateType>
      <MarineUnit>
        <MarineReportingUnit>MIC-MT-MS</MarineReportingUnit>
      </MarineUnit>
    </GESdetermination>
  </GEScomponent>
  <GEScomponent>
    <GEScomponent>D5C1</GEScomponent>
    <GESdetermination>
      <Feature>OrganicCarbon</Feature>
      <GESDescription>Nutrient levels (or ratios as applicable) and chlorophyll-a levels in the marine environment do not depart significantly from natural levels of the Mediterranean Sea.. </GESDescription>
      <DeterminationDate>201311</DeterminationDate>
      <UpdateType>Same as last reported determination</UpdateType>
      <MarineUnit>
        <MarineReportingUnit>MIC-MT-MS</MarineReportingUnit>
      </MarineUnit>
    </GESdetermination>
  </GEScomponent>
  <GEScomponent>
    <GEScomponent>D6/D1</GEScomponent>
    <GESdetermination>
      <Feature>HabBenAll</Feature>
      <GESDescription>GES is a qualitative description of the desired status at the habitat level. Statements describing this GES are associated with specific MSFD criteria for Descriptor 6.. </GESDescription>
      <DeterminationDate>201311</DeterminationDate>
      <UpdateType>Same as last reported determination</UpdateType>
      <MarineUnit>
        <MarineReportingUnit>MIC-MT-MS</MarineReportingUnit>
      </MarineUnit>
    </GESdetermination>
  </GEScomponent>
  <GEScomponent>
    <GEScomponent>D6C1</GEScomponent>
    <GESdetermination>
      <Feature>HabBenAll</Feature>
      <GESDescription>The long-term viability of key marine habitats is not compromised by anthropogenic pressures and impacts. </GESDescription>
      <DeterminationDate>201311</DeterminationDate>
      <UpdateType>Same as last reported determination</UpdateType>
      <MarineUnit>
        <MarineReportingUnit>MIC-MT-MS</MarineReportingUnit>
      </MarineUnit>
    </GESdetermination>
  </GEScomponent>
  <GEScomponent>
    <GEScomponent>D6C2</GEScomponent>
    <GESdetermination>
      <Feature>HabBenAll</Feature>
      <GESDescription>The long-term viability of key marine habitats is not compromised by anthropogenic pressures and impacts. </GESDescription>
      <DeterminationDate>201311</DeterminationDate>
      <UpdateType>Same as last reported determination</UpdateType>
      <MarineUnit>
        <MarineReportingUnit>MIC-MT-MS</MarineReportingUnit>
      </MarineUnit>
    </GESdetermination>
  </GEScomponent>
  <GEScomponent>
    <GEScomponent>D6C4</GEScomponent>
    <GESdetermination>
      <Feature>HabPelagAll</Feature>
      <GESDescription>The natural range and extent of marine habitats and species are stable, or otherwise in line with the physiographic and climatic conditions, taking into consideration the sustainable use of the marine environment.. </GESDescription>
      <DeterminationDate>201311</DeterminationDate>
      <UpdateType>Same as last reported determination</UpdateType>
      <MarineUnit>
        <MarineReportingUnit>MIC-MT-MS</MarineReportingUnit>
      </MarineUnit>
    </GESdetermination>
  </GEScomponent>
  <GEScomponent>
    <GEScomponent>D6C5</GEScomponent>
    <GESdetermination>
      <Feature>HabBenAll</Feature>
      <Feature>HabPelagAll</Feature>
      <GESDescription>The structure and function of marine habitats ensure their long-term viability. </GESDescription>
      <DeterminationDate>201311</DeterminationDate>
      <UpdateType>Same as last reported determination</UpdateType>
      <MarineUnit>
        <MarineReportingUnit>MIC-MT-MS</MarineReportingUnit>
      </MarineUnit>
    </GESdetermination>
  </GEScomponent>
  <GEScomponent>
    <GEScomponent>D7</GEScomponent>
    <GESdetermination>
      <Feature>PresPhyHydroCond</Feature>
      <GESDescription>Significant adverse effects of permanent alterations of hydrographical conditions on key marine habitats and species are, in so far as practicable prevented or minimised to the extent possible.. </GESDescription>
      <DeterminationDate>201311</DeterminationDate>
      <UpdateType>Same as last reported determination</UpdateType>
      <MarineUnit>
        <MarineReportingUnit>MIC-MT-MS</MarineReportingUnit>
      </MarineUnit>
    </GESdetermination>
  </GEScomponent>
  <GEScomponent>
    <GEScomponent>D7C1</GEScomponent>
    <GESdetermination>
      <Feature>PresPhyHydroCond</Feature>
      <GESDescription>Not determined. </GESDescription>
      <DeterminationDate>201311</DeterminationDate>
      <UpdateType>Same as last reported determination</UpdateType>
      <MarineUnit>
        <MarineReportingUnit>MIC-MT-MS</MarineReportingUnit>
      </MarineUnit>
    </GESdetermination>
  </GEScomponent>
  <GEScomponent>
    <GEScomponent>D7C2</GEScomponent>
    <GESdetermination>
      <Feature>PresPhyHydroCond</Feature>
      <GESDescription>Not determined. </GESDescription>
      <DeterminationDate>201311</DeterminationDate>
      <UpdateType>Same as last reported determination</UpdateType>
      <MarineUnit>
        <MarineReportingUnit>MIC-MT-MS</MarineReportingUnit>
      </MarineUnit>
    </GESdetermination>
  </GEScomponent>
  <GEScomponent>
    <GEScomponent>D8</GEScomponent>
    <GESdetermination>
      <Feature>PresInputCont</Feature>
      <GESDescription>GES is a description of the desired status in terms of concentration of contaminants in the marine environment and in terms of significant pollution events. Statements describing this GES are associated with specific MSFD criteria and/or indicators as applicable.. </GESDescription>
      <DeterminationDate>201311</DeterminationDate>
      <UpdateType>Same as last reported determination</UpdateType>
      <MarineUnit>
        <MarineReportingUnit>MIC-MT-MS</MarineReportingUnit>
      </MarineUnit>
    </GESdetermination>
  </GEScomponent>
  <GEScomponent>
    <GEScomponent>D8C1</GEScomponent>
    <GESdetermination>
      <Feature>PresInputCont</Feature>
      <GESDescription>Concentration of selected contaminants in relevant matrices is in line with set environmental quality standards, or otherwise in line with undisturbed conditions.. </GESDescription>
      <DeterminationDate>201311</DeterminationDate>
      <UpdateType>Same as last reported determination</UpdateType>
      <MarineUnit>
        <MarineReportingUnit>MIC-MT-MS</MarineReportingUnit>
      </MarineUnit>
    </GESdetermination>
  </GEScomponent>
  <GEScomponent>
    <GEScomponent>D8C2</GEScomponent>
    <GESdetermination>
      <Feature>PresInputCont</Feature>
      <GESDescription>Not determined. </GESDescription>
      <DeterminationDate>201311</DeterminationDate>
      <UpdateType>Same as last reported determination</UpdateType>
      <MarineUnit>
        <MarineReportingUnit>MIC-MT-MS</MarineReportingUnit>
      </MarineUnit>
    </GESdetermination>
  </GEScomponent>
  <GEScomponent>
    <GEScomponent>D8C4</GEScomponent>
    <GESdetermination>
      <Feature>PresInputCont</Feature>
      <GESDescription>Not determined. </GESDescription>
      <DeterminationDate>201311</DeterminationDate>
      <UpdateType>Same as last reported determination</UpdateType>
      <MarineUnit>
        <MarineReportingUnit>MIC-MT-MS</MarineReportingUnit>
      </MarineUnit>
    </GESdetermination>
  </GEScomponent>
  <GEScomponent>
    <GEScomponent>D9</GEScomponent>
    <GESdetermination>
      <Feature>PresInputCont</Feature>
      <GESDescription>Contaminants in fish and other seafood for human consumption do not exceed levels established by Community legislation or other relevant standards.. </GESDescription>
      <DeterminationDate>201311</DeterminationDate>
      <UpdateType>Same as last reported determination</UpdateType>
      <MarineUnit>
        <MarineReportingUnit>MIC-MT-MS</MarineReportingUnit>
      </MarineUnit>
    </GESdetermination>
  </GEScomponent>
</ART9_GES>