# ART10_Targets_ProgressAssessments

Description:
20% increase of the current number of inspections


Description:
Meetings with 50% of the existing fishery associations


Description:
Meetings with 60% of the existing fishery associations


Description:
80% increase of meetings and training activity


Description:
Variable and dependent on the approach (for example, PBR or other models)


Description:
10 (value possibly subjected to revision)


Description:
Equal to zero (with respect to the integrated index)


Description:
For bioaccumulation: it is defined in probabilistic terms as statistical significance (p<0,05, t-test for non homogeneous variance); for biomarker: besides statistical significance (p) also the non exceedance of specific threshold of biological (D< specif


# ART10_Targets_Target

Description:
The target is operational and consist  in  increasing length of the cleaned up shoreline (subjected to waste collection) on annual basis for each subregion. During the collection of waste will be logged data for the assessment of the amount of litter on the coasts expressed as items per length unit of coastline (items /100m /1 km).


Description:
The target consist in increasing effort in collecting waste on the seabed on annual base for each sub-region. This practice is already operational in several navies of northern Europe and is known as fishing for litter. Monitoring campaigns are necessary to assess reduction of amount of waste on the seabed expressed as Kg/km2.


Description:
Riduction of increase rate of amount of microplastic on sea surface. At this time there are not data available in all the Mediterranean sea, to elaborate Target for trends in the amount, distribution and, where possible, composition of micro-particles . Knowledge on microplastic nature and  harmful in marine environment it is not developed enough. Considering that plastic production is increasing year by year and low time of decomposition of plastic materials in the environment . It could be possible to suppose a reduction of increase rate, as Target.  Experimental study and research program on microplastics, amount, distribution, toxicity and composition using FT-IR spettrometry, must be enforced. The threshold value could be detected only after seasonal monitoring programs for different year


Description:
Reduction of gastrointestinal or fecal pellet litter rate, in marine organism. In mediterranean country general idea is to study marin litter ingested by sea turtles Caretta caretta, using stomach analisis for death animal, or fecal pellet analisis for alive ones.. Few information on this approach come from an experimental protocol carried on in 2012 by ISPRA, Stazione Zoologica Naples, University Siena, CNR_IAMC Oristano, Arpa Toscana, University Padova. Guide line on litter ingested by sea turale are presented to the MSFD technical subgroup on Marine Litter.   An specific Target could be detected only after seasonal monitoring programs for different year


Description:
Major impacts on the populations of many coastal fish, especially those of high commercial value (some of which being also important in terms of conservation), derive from an excessive harvesting by professional (artisanal) and not professional (recreational) fishing activities. A significant step towards achieving a more sustainable exploitation of these species is represented by a rigorous application of management measures and control of fishing activities (eg, type of fishing gear allowed, minimum sizes for particular species) already foreseen by community regulations (e.g. EC Regulation n. 1967/2006) and national legislations (e.g DPR 10/02/1968 n., 1639, DM 6/12/2010, 9/01/2012 DL n. 4 ). This objective can be achieved through:
        a) increasing surveillance and number of inspections at sea and on land by the authorities in charge
        b) encouraging the cooperation of professional and recreational fishermen by means of awareness-raising activities on "best practices" concerning the exploitation of marine resources as well as training activities on the current  fisheries legislation.


Description:
Reduction of fishing mortality associated with incidental catch of demersal elasmobranches. Demersal elasmobranches are mainly affected by incidental catches (by-catch) occurring during the professional trawl fishery activity (Ferretti et al., 2013).A reduction of the fishery-related mortality for these species, generally of low commercial value, can be obtained trough the implementation of a fisherman awareness campaign  on the adoption, during their fishing activity, of the â€œbest practicesâ€. For instance, the releasing at sea of the still-alive individuals, in particular the younger ones, has been demonstrated to be an effective measure  to restock overexploited elasmobranch species (Musick et al., 2000; Zeeberg et al., 2006).


Description:
Major impacts on the populations of  benthic species, especially those important in terms of conservation, is the illegal harvesting. A significant step towards achievement of more effective protection is represented by a rigorous application of management measures and control of harvesting already foreseen by community regulations (eg, Law no. 150 7 / 02/92, Regulation (EC) n. 1967/2006, legislative Decree of 8 January 2012, n.4; Directive 2008/99/EC; legislative Decree 7 July 2011, 121).
        This objective can be achieved through:
        - increasing surveillance and number of inspections at sea and on land by the authorities in charge;
        - increasing the cooperation and information by means of awareness-raising activities on "best practices" concerning the exploitation regulations of marine resources, in particular at the AMP


Description:
The mitigation of incidental catches of cetaceans is a required target in the implementation of the Marine Strategy and is in line with Articles 11 and 12 of the Habitats Directive and with the principles of the Common Fisheries Policy in relation to the prevention of incidental catches of marine mammals - for example, Regulation (EC) No 812/2004.
        To ensure the sustainability of the incidental mortality caused by fishing activities, on each regular species of cetaceans by fishing gear considered most harmful, it is necessary to evaluate annual catch rates and estimate the total number of catches. In addition, it is necessary to assess the possible impacts at the population level of the cumulative mortality through the use of models that relate the state of the populations with mortality induced by human activities, to assess their sustainability. Finally, as a general rule, it is necessary to minimize the catch and restrict or prohibit fishing activities that cause unsustainable mortality for species and populations


Description:
Although the complete definition of the Caretta caretta aggregation areas (feeding, development, migration) and the accidental capture estimates still require further monitoring activities necessary for the assessment of the speciesâ€™ status, it is important to develop an operative and directional (directional trend target) pressure target aimed at decreasing accidental capture of loggerhead turtles in the aggregation areas preliminarily defined in each subregion by the assessment.  This target should be applied in the aggregation areas where the pressure is most developed, through actions involving the mitigation of accidental capture in the specific fishing gears.

        The proposal of an operational target is based on a series of considerations:
        - the impossibility to apply a state target for GES (population abundance of individuals present in italian seas) because of the absence of baseline reference values
        -the absence of specific monitoring schemes geared at evaluating the status of all the rookeries and nesting sites  (belonging to EC and non-EC countries of the Mediterranean sea ),
        -the highly migratory nature of the species and its use of specific feeding/development areas by individuals belonging to different management units

        It is proposed that the operative target for the mitigation of  Caretta caretta by-catch be articulated as follows:
        1) Spatial identification of the areas with highest use of pelagic longline (southern Tyrrhenian and southern Ionian sea) and trawling (northern Adriatic)
        2) Completion of the spatial definition of Caretta caretta aggregation areas based on an approach capable of assessing temporal and seasonal distribution differences for each aggregation area (based on indicator  1.1.2 completion)so as to provide a final definition of the operative target
        3) Monitoring of accidental captures in the areas subjected to operational target
        4) Application of by-catch reduction measures in areas listed in point 3), through one or more of the following activities:
        - Application of methods for the mitigation of accidental capture in pelagic surface longlines and trawling nest through structural modifications to the gear (i.e. circle hooks, TEDs etc.) and application of best practices for the reduction of mortality following capture.  Note: in order to allow an immediate reduction of the pressure it is advised that best practices be applied in the geographic areas where preliminary knowledge already defines the presence of an aggregation area, before defining the incidence of total capture in the specific gear.
        - Reduction of fishing pressure


Description:
Limitations of benthic impacting fishing gears on biogenic substrates - By 2018 it is necessary to reinforce control and monitoring systems in order to avoid benthic impacting fishing gears on biogenic substrates, also taking into consideration the limitations already prescribed by European Regulations (Reg. EC 1967/2006), and for the relevant aspects the EU Reg. N. 1224/2009.
        In order to assess the achievement of the target it is necessary to verify the increasing in controls on vessels using benthic impacting fishing gears (otter trawl, rapido trawl, hydraulic dredge). These controls should be substantially increased for ships with LOA <15 m.


Description:
Limitations of impacts of sealing on biogenic substrates - Implementation and adoption of Good Practice Handbooks aimed at limiting the impact of physical loss pressure (sealing) on biogenic substrates sensu MSFD.


Description:
Limitation of benthic impacting fishing gears on the currently exploited substrates - By 2018, it is necessary to reach 10% of area to be protected from benthic impacting fishing gears (otter trawl, rapido trawl and hydraulic dredge). The value of 10% could be re-evaluated. (Furthermore area to be protected will tend to reach 10%: in particular every year the proportion of area to be protected will increase up to 10% by 2018).
        Given the fact that currently it is not known in detail the presence of biogenic substrates compared to substrates currently exploitable by benthic impacting fishing gears, the target of 10% of area to be protected is considered achieved even if this percentage, in addition to not biogenic substrates, includes areas of  biogenic substrate currently not known. These areas may be identified in future monitoring (by 2018).
        The area to be protected should be characterized by the presence of habitats of peculiar ecological value.


Description:
The main objective for this indicator provides that the sources of loud, medium and low frequency impulsive sounds do not cause a significant noise-related impact on marine biota, in accordance with the provisions defined by the GES. In practice, such aim will be achieved by means of regulating the anthropic activities that introduce impulsive sounds into the sea. For this reason, TSG Noise recommends to set up a Register at the national level including the following information: duration of the anthropic activities, number and strength of the impulsive sounds produced for each day of process, types of process, main parameters of the sound emissions. Regarding the activities related to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), the Register will actually allow to assess the overall impact due to impulsive sounds of the works subject to EIA, as well as to regulate the authorization procedures, according to the requirements provided by GES that has been defined only in a qualitative way. In the light of the above-stated considerations, the planning of the measures aimed at achieving GES is subject to the results provided by the monitoring and analysis activities that will start in 2014. Such activities are necessary to quantify the threshold values of GES, as well as to define a baseline. Following such monitoring activities, one of the two scenarios will emerge: 1) The baseline related to the period 2014-2018 fails to achieve GES; 2) The baseline related to the period 2014-2018 sets out an environmental pressure in accordance with the provisions of GES. For both scenarios, the EIA authorization processes, taking into account the information contained in the Registry, should regulate anthropic activities in achieving/maintaining GES. If the first scenario occurs, the authorizations will be addressed to mitigate the future noise-related impacts according to the threshold values provided by GES; in the second case, the authorizations should ensure the maintaining of the existing conditions.


Description:
Concentration of the contaminants in  biota, sediment and water  ensures comparability with the assessments under Directive 2000/60/EC.


Description:
Levels of pollution effects on the ecosystem components concerned, where a cause/effect relationship has been established and needs to be monitored.


Description:
Discharges from urban waste water treatment plants which are situated in the relevant catchment areas of sensitive areas, shall be subject to a reduction of the overall load of at least 75% for total phosphorus and at least 75% for total nitrogen, as indicated by Article 5 (4) of the Council Directive of 21 May 1991 concerning urban waste water treatment. Designated sensitive areas  according to the national Legislative Decree 152/2006 are the catchment area of the river Po delta and the coastal waters of the northern Adriatic Sea (coastal waters of the Regions Friuli-Venezia GIulia, Veneto, Emilia Romagna)


Description:
Urban waste water entering collecting systems shall before discharge be subject to secondary treatment a) for all discharges from agglomerations of more than 2.000 p.e. discharging to freshwater and b) for all agglomerations of more than 10.000 p.e. discharging to coastal waters, in accordance with Article 4 of  the Council Directive of 21 May 1991 concerning urban waste water treatment.


Description:
The Target is the development of an early warning system in areas at high risk of NIS introduction (ports, aquaculture sites). The system should guarantee a rapid identification of undesired introduced species and an associated risk evaluation followed by rapid alert of competent authorities


Description:
For those stocks that show signs of overfishing (F>Fmsy or E>Emsy), or that are overexploited (SSB<SSBref level), or show signals pointing to an ongoing significant alteration of their age structure/reproductive capacity according to indicators 3.2.2, 3.3.1, 3.3.3, a reduction in fishing mortality aligned with the objectives that will be defined in the forthcoming reform of Common Fishery Policy (CFP) will be implemented. Concerning large pelagics stocks (blufin tuna and swordfish) the target and programme of measures will be aligned with the prescriptions of ICCAT. It is also worth noting that in GSA 16 (Sub-region: Ionian Sea and Central Mediterranean) and GSA 17 and 18 (Subregion: Adriatic Sea) there is a presence of shared stocks between Italy and EU and non EU countries, thus the target should be agreed among countries exploiting the shared resources.


Description:
Assessing and hindering Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (IUUF). The reduction of the IUUF impacts is needed within 2018, together with the improvement of the knowledge on IUUF effects on fishing resources and biodiversity. This target is then related to both professional fishing (carried out with illegal gear and/or affecting fish size, species, habitats and areas on which fishing is prohibited) and not professional fishing (not professional fishermen operating with prohibited  professional gear and /or affecting fish size, species, habitats and areas on which fishing is prohibited and/or reporting catches exceeding legal weight limits and/or selling fish).


Description:
Regulation on recreational fishing in Italian marine waters and first assessment of its impact within 2018. Regulation should take into account the exploitation of fishing resources (in terms of species, areas, fishing periods and legal gear) and fishing licences and authorizations. This target also considers the reinforcement of control activity to verify its implementation and the recreational fishing data collection by onboard logbook compilation.


Description:
Introduction of a minimum landing size (MLS) regulation  for commercial elasmobranchs (based on their life-history traits, e.g. size at maturity) within 2018. This regulation will be applied to the species contributing to about the 90% (in terms of total catch) of Italian elasmobranch landings and in particular to demersal elasmobranchs belonging to genera Scyliorhinus, Squalus, Mustelus, Galeus, Raja (and similar species).


Description:
The main objective provides that trends in the ambient noise level within the 1/3 octave bands (centre frequency) (re 1ÂµPa RMS; average noise level at these octave bands over a year), measured by observation stations and/or with the use of models if appropriate, do not show an yearly increase enough to cause significant noise-related effects on marine biota. Moreover, it should be noted that this type of noise is essentially due to shipping activities. The planning of the measures aimed at achieving GES is subject to the results provided by the monitoring and analysis activities that will start in 2014. Such activities are necessary to quantify the threshold values of GES, as well as to define a baseline. Following these activities that will take into account of information from both measurement campaigns and numerical modelling, one of the two scenarios will emerge: 1) The baseline related to the period 2014-2018 fails to achieve GES; 2) The baseline related to the period 2014-2018 sets out an environmental pressure in accordance with the provisions of GES. If the first scenario occurs, the mitigation actions necessary to achieve GES will be addressed to mitigate the future noise-related impact and will be carried out together the National Authorities in charge of shipping activities regulation; in the second case, the above mentioned mitigation actions should guarantee that the current environmental conditions will not get worse.


Description:
Although the complete definition of the Caretta caretta aggregation areas (feeding, development, migration) and the accidental capture estimates still require further monitoring activities necessary for the assessment of the speciesâ€™ status, it is important to develop an operative and directional (directional trend target) pressure target aimed at decreasing accidental capture of loggerhead turtles in the aggregation areas preliminarily defined in each subregion by the assessment.  This target should be applied in the aggregation areas where the pressure is most developed, through actions involving the mitigation of accidental capture in the specific fishing gears.

        The proposal of an operational target is based on a series of considerations:
        - the impossibility to apply a state target for GES (population abundance of individuals present in italian seas) because of the absence of baseline reference values
        -the absence of specific monitoring schemes geared at evaluating the status of all the rookeries and nesting sites  (belonging to EC and non-EC countries of the Mediterranean sea ),
        -the highly migratory nature of the species and its use of specific feeding/development areas by individuals belonging to different management units

        It is also important to underline that the aggregation area identified in the Central Mediterranean and Ionian sea also coincides with one of the aggregation areas utilised by the nesting females belonging to the largest Italian nesting site  (Ionian Calabrian nesting site) and that measures for the reduction of by-catch in this area would benefit the overall status and survival of the Italian nesting population, apart from the remaining individuals belonging to the other Mediterranean rookeries.

        It is proposed that the operative target for the mitigation of  Caretta caretta by-catch be articulated as follows:
        1) Spatial identification of the areas with highest use of pelagic longline (southern Tyrrhenian and southern Ionian sea) and trawling (northern Adriatic)
        2) Completion of the spatial definition of Caretta caretta aggregation areas based on an approach capable of assessing temporal and seasonal distribution differences for each aggregation area (based on indicator  1.1.2 completion)so as to provide a final definition of the operative target
        3) Monitoring of accidental captures in the areas subjected to operational target
        4) Application of by-catch reduction measures in areas listed in point 3), through one or more of the following activities:
        - Application of methods for the mitigation of accidental capture in pelagic surface longlines and trawling nest through structural modifications to the gear (i.e. circle hooks, TEDs etc.) and application of best practices for the reduction of mortality following capture.  Note: in order to allow an immediate reduction of the pressure it is advised that best practices be applied in the geographic areas where preliminary knowledge already defines the presence of an aggregation area, before defining the incidence of total capture in the specific gear.
        - Reduction of fishing pressure


# ART8_GES_ElementStatus

Element:
Brominated diphenylethers (congener numbers 28, 47, 99, 100, 153 and 154)


Element:
Total cyclodiene pesticides (aldrin + dieldrin + endrin + isodrin)


Element:
Total DDT (DDT, p,p' + DDT, o,p' + DDE, p,p' + DDD, p,p')


Element:
Dioxins and dioxin-like compounds (7 PCDDs + 10 PCDFs + 12 PCB-DLs)


# ART9_GES_GESDetermination

GESDescription:
At this time there are not data available in all the Mediterranean basin, to determine a specific GES for Trends in the amount, distribution and, where possible, composition of micro-particles Knowledge on microplastic nature and  harmful in marine environment it is not developed enough. Considering that plastic production is increasing yearly and the low time of decomposition of plastic materials in the environment, microplastic amount probably will increase in the future. Furthermore the minimum size of microlitter taken into account, influences the hypothetical threshold value. Research programs need to be developed. The condition of GES achievable is defined only as one in which the waste decreases to a fraction of those initially recorded, in consequence to an increase of the collecting activity and the decrease of the contributions, reaching a value that does not cause adverse consequences for the marine environment and human activities..


GESDescription:
At this time there are not data available in all the Mediterranean basin, to elaborate GES for Trends in the amount and composition of litter ingested by marine animals Data used from OSPAR Countries on Fulmarus glacialis are not applicable, considering that fulmar does not live at Mediterranean area. Italy is carrying out an experimental monitoring plan with the aim to develop a common protocol on ingested litter by  sea turtles Caretta caretta (stomach analysis, and fecal pellet). The guide line â€œlitter & biotaâ€ produced during the activity on sampled sea turtles in 2012,  must be enforced and put in practice in each assessment areas. The threshold value could be detected only after seasonal monitoring programs for different year.


GESDescription:
The introduction of anthropogenic loud, low and mid-frequency impulsive sound energy is at levels that do not adversely affect the marine biota..


GESDescription:
The introduction of anthropogenic low-frequency ambient noise is at levels that do not adversely affect  the existing marine biota..


GESDescription:
Conservation status of seabird populations is consistent with the Birds Directive and, where appropriate, AEWA. In particular, GES is achieved when the population abundance of key species (selected on the basis of their actual and total dependence on marine environment) does not fall below mean values referred to the baseline.. GES is obtained when the trend in abundance of Caretta caretta in the assessment area, is stable or or without reductions (statistically significant and taken into account the natural variability) compared to the present situation (provisional assessment).. IT-WMS-8A04-0002. GES is achieved when values of abundance and biomass in the assessment area of the species Diplodus sargus, Diplodus vulgaris and Epinephelus marginatus, which have been selected as suitable indicators for the status of coastal fish communities,  are equal to or exceed the threshold value (quantitatively expressed).         IT-WMS-8A04-0002. GES is achieved when values of abundance and biomass in the assessment area of the species Diplodus sargus, Diplodus vulgaris and Epinephelus marginatus, which have been selected as suitable indicators for the status of coastal fish communities,  are equal to or exceed the threshold value (quantitatively expressed)                                                       IT-IMS-8A04-0001. GES is achieved when values of abundance and biomass in the assessment area of the species Diplodus sargus, Diplodus vulgaris and Epinephelus marginatus, which have been selected as suitable indicators for the status of coastal fish communities,  are equal to or exceed the threshold value (quantitatively expressed)                 IT-IMS-8A04-0002. GES is achieved when values of abundance and biomass in the assessment area of the species Diplodus sargus and Diplodus vulgaris which have been selected as suitable indicators for the status of coastal fish communities,  are equal to or exceed the threshold value (quantitatively expressed). The GES is reached when the trend of the abundance of populations of species of cetaceans, proposed as indicator-species according to their ecological representativeness (Balaenoptera physalus, Tursiops truncatus and Stenella coeruleoalba) is stable or without reductions (statistically significant and taken into account the natural variability) compared to the present situation (provisional assessment).. The good environmental status is considered maintained and/or achieved when, in a given area, the number of specimens of Pinna nobilis is stable or not significantly altered due to anthropogenic causes, compared to the baseline..


GESDescription:
Conservation status of seabird populations is consistent with the Birds Directive and, where appropriate, with the African-Eurasian Waterbird Agreement (AEWA). In particular, GES is achieved when the breeding success is satisfactory and in accordance to the demographic characteristics of each species.. IT- WMS-8A04-1000. Population genetic structure of dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) and bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) the Western Mediterranean Sea subregion (WMS) are in line with the species prevailing conditions; genetic diversity is maintained over the threshold values in at least half of the assessed species.                        IT-ISMCS-8A04-1000. Population genetic structure of dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) and European hake (Merluccius merluccius) inhabiting  the Ionian Sea and central Mediterranean Sea subregion (ISMCS) are in line with the species prevailing conditions; genetic diversity is maintained over the threshold values in at least half of the assessed species.                                                                          IT- AMS-8A04-1000  Population genetic structure of bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus), European hake (Merluccius merluccius) and common sole (Solea solea) inhabiting  the Adriatic Sea subregion (AMS) are in line with the species prevailing conditions; genetic diversity is maintained over the threshold values in at least half of the assessed species.. IT-WMS-8A04-0002.  GES is achieved when values of mean size in the assessment area of the species Diplodus sargus, Diplodus vulgaris and Epinephelus marginatus, which have been selected as suitable indicators for the status of coastal fish communities,  are equal to or exceed the threshold value (quantitatively expressed)                                                             IT-IMS-8A04-0001. GES is achieved when values â€‹â€‹of mean size in the assessment area of the species Diplodus sargus, Diplodus vulgaris and Epinephelus marginatus, which have been selected as suitable indicators for the status of coastal fish communities,  are equal to or exceed the threshold value (quantitatively expressed)                                                                IT-IMS-8A04-0002. GES is achieved when values â€‹â€‹of mean size in the assessment area of the species Diplodus sargus, Diplodus vulgaris and Epinephelus marginatus, which have been selected as suitable indicators for the status of coastal fish communities,  are equal to or exceed the threshold value (quantitatively expressed)                                                             IT-AMS-8A04-0001. GES is achieved when values â€‹â€‹of mean size in the assessment area of the species Diplodus sargus and Diplodus vulgaris, which have been selected as suitable indicators for the status of coastal fish communities,  are equal to or exceed the threshold value (quantitatively expressed).


GESDescription:
As far as concern demersal elasmobranches the indicator 1.6.2 is implemented by the abundance (number) and biomass (weight) of piscivorous species (Troph. Lev. â‰¥ 4,0). The achievement of GES is obtained when temporal trends in abundance and biomass of demersal piscivorous elasmobranches are constant or significatively increasing (Î²â‰¥0, p<0.05).. GES is achieved when values â€‹â€‹of species diversity (the Shannon-Wiener index, Hâ€™) in the assessment area is equal to or exceed the threshold value (quantitatively expressed). Good Environmental Status respect to the indicator 1.6.1 is maintained and/or reached when the presence, the composition and  the vitality of  habitat builder species are stable or not significantly altered due to anthropic  actions from the fixed baseline. The GES condition for demersal elasmobranches is achieved when temporal trend of specific diversity (Shannon-Wiener Index, Hâ€™) is constant or significantly  increasing in the assesment area.. The Good Environmental Status with respect to the Indicator 1.6.2. is considered maintained or achieved when  the relative abundance of the plankton communities                                           compatible with the natural conditions, or presents a slight deviation from these conditions..


GESDescription:
GES is considered the status when there is no increase of the indicator value (abundance and frequency of occurrence of invasive species) with respect to a threshold value that will be defined on ad hoc monitoring surveys basis. Monitoring surveys will be carried out in selected areas with a high probability of introduction and in areas of ecological interests.


GESDescription:
To the purposes of implementing the Initial Assessment GES has been defined as the following: "GES is achieved when all commercial species are subjected to sustainable exploitation (not in overfishing), showing stability or a decrease in the ratio between catch and biomass indexes from trawl surveys" applying a preliminary threshold value of 100%. However, the overall practical evaluation of the applied process in the Italian seas highlighted that this kind of preliminary threshold might need to be revised, taking into account several issues, including, among the others, the outcome of the still ongoing process on CFP reform. All these aspects, therefore, should be duly considered to assess, as appropriate, the preliminary threshold to be used for GES. In particular the goal of achieving GES for all commercial species could be not achievable owing to the multispecific nature of Mediterranean fisheries as well as the multi-trophic interactions among species and the effects of environmental drivers on key biological processes, thus it could be expected that assessed trends might not respond directly/immediately/exclusively to pressure release (reduction in F). Therefore, the threshold values still needs to be assessed before a confirmation of GES. It is worth noting that, in the context of the Ionian Sea and Central Mediterranean sub-region (GSA16) and the Adriatic Sea sub-region (GSA17 and 18), there are stocks shared between EU and non EU countries. In this context it is necessary to put forward an international coordination to achieve sustainable exploitation. The international programs of the GFCM (Medsudmed and Adriamed) are seen as relevant institutional tools for the achievement of GES (that could be achieved only if an international coordinated effort will be put forward) and the setting of coherent programme of measures.. To the purposes of implementing the Initial Assessment, GES has been defined as the following: "GES is achieved when all commercial species are subjected to sustainable exploitation (not in overfishing), i.e. Fcurr â‰¤ F0.1 (used as proxy for FMSY) or, in the case of small pelagics, E (Exploitation pattern = F/Z) â‰¤ 0.4 (value proposed by Patterson, 1992, as reference limit for EMSY)." applying a preliminary threshold value of 100%.  However, the overall practical evaluation of the applied process in the Italian seas highlighted that this kind of preliminary threshold might need to be revised, taking into account several issues, including, among the others, the outcome of the still ongoing process on CFP reform. All these aspects, therefore, should be duly considered to assess, as appropriate, the preliminary threshold to be used for GES. In particular, in the Mediterranean Sea, Fpa levels are not yet established and even uncertainty on stock assessment Fcurr and F0.1 are lacking. The goal of achieving MSY for all commercial species might be not achievable owing to the need of considering the multispecific nature of Mediterranean fisheries as well as the multi-trophic interactions among species and environmental drivers. Therefore, the threshold values still needs to be assessed before a confirmation of GES.  Moreover, the application of 3.1.1 indicator is partially limited due to the relatively low number of assessed stocks (analytical stock assessment) in Italian waters. For the assessment of Fcurr or E and relative reference limits the most recent stock assessments that have been approved by GFCM, SGMED, ICCAT or STECF are taken into account. It is worth noting that, in the context of the Ionian Sea and Central Mediterranean sub-region (GSA16) and the Adriatic Sea sub-region (GSA17 and 18), there are stocks shared between EU and non EU countries. In this context it is necessary to put forward an international coordination to achieve sustainable exploitation. The international programs of the GFCM (Medsudmed and Adriamed) are seen in this context as relevant institutional tools for the achievement of GES (that could be achieved only if an international coordinated effort will be established) and the setting of coherent programme of measures..


GESDescription:
To the purposes of implementing the Initial Assessment GES has been defined as the following: "GES is achieved when all commercial species show stable or significant positive trends of the biomass indexes from trawl surveys, referred to the sexually mature individuals of the population" applying a preliminary threshold value of 100%.
        However, the overall practical evaluation of the applied process in the Italian seas highlighted that this kind of preliminary threshold might need to be revised, taking into account several issues, including, among the others, the outcome of the still ongoing process on CFP reform. All these aspects, therefore, should be duly considered to assess, as appropriate, the preliminary threshold to be used for GES. The goal of achieving GES for all commercial species could be not achievable owing to the multispecific nature of Mediterranean fisheries as well as the multi-trophic interactions among species and the effects of environmental drivers on key biological processes, thus it could be expected that assessed trends might not respond directly/immediately/exclusively to pressure release (reduction in F) as well as the time-lag in the response in 3.2.2 indicator is not known. Therefore, the threshold values still needs to be assessed before a confirmation of GES.   It is worth noting that, in the context of the Ionian Sea and Central Mediterranean sub-region (GSA16) and the Adriatic Sea sub-region (GSA17 and 18), there are stocks shared between EU and non EU countries. In this context it is necessary to put forward an international coordination to achieve sustainable exploitation. The international programs of the GFCM (Medsudmed and Adriamed) are seen as relevant institutional tools for the achievement of GES (that could be achieved only if an international coordinated effort will be put forward) and the setting of coherent programme of measures.. To the purposes of implementing the Initial Assessment GES has been defined as the following: "GES is achieved when fish stocks are not overexploited, i.e. the Spawning Stock Biomass (SSB) of all commercial species is equal or above the reference limit of SSBmsy or its proxy (SSBmsy-trigger SSBF0.1, SSBpa, etc).â€  applying a preliminary threshold value of 100%. However, the overall practical evaluation of the applied process in the Italian seas highlighted that this kind of preliminary threshold might need to be revised, taking into account several issues, including, among the others, the outcome of the still ongoing process on CFP reform. All these aspects, therefore, should be duly considered to assess, as appropriate, the preliminary threshold to be used for GES. In particular, in the Mediterranean Sea, SSBpa  or other SSBmsy related reference limits/targets are not yet established as well as a determination of uncertainty associated to stock assessment SSB reference levels. Moreover the goal of achieving SSBmsy for all commercial species might be not achievable owing to the need of considering the multispecific nature of Mediterranean fisheries as well as the multi-trophic interactions among species and environmental drivers. It is also worth noting that the time-lag in response of SSB according to the reduction in fishing mortality (as a measure to re-establish SSB) is also unknown, leading to uncertainty in the time needed  to achieve GES.  Therefore, the threshold values still needs to be assessed before a confirmation of GES. Moreover, the application of 3.2.1 indicator is very  limited in the Italian contexts (and the Mediterranean as well) due to the relatively low number of assessed stocks (analytical stock assessment) that provides SSB reference levels. Indeed for the assessment of 3.2.1 indicators in the context of the Initial Assessment only those stocks assessed by ICCAT (i.e. large pelagics) had output that allowed to apply such indicator. It is worth noting that, in the context of the Ionian Sea and Central Mediterranean sub-region (GSA16) and the Adriatic Sea sub-region (GSA17 and 18), there are  stocks shared between EU and non EU countries. In this context it is necessary to put forward an international coordination to achieve sustainable exploitation. The international programs of the GFCM (Medsudmed and Adriamed) are seen in this context as relevant institutional tools for the achievement of GES (that could be achieved only if an in.


GESDescription:
To the purposes of implementing the Initial Assessment GES has been defined as the following: "GES is achieved when all commercial species show stable or significant positive trends of the 95% percentile of the fish length distribution observed in scientific trawl surveys" applying a preliminary threshold of 100%. However, the overall practical evaluation of the applied process in the Italian seas highlighted that this kind of preliminary threshold might need to be revised, taking into account several issues, including, among the others, the outcome of the still ongoing process on CFP reform. All these aspects, therefore, should be duly considered to assess, as appropriate, the preliminary threshold to be used for GES.  The goal of achieving GES for all commercial species could be not achievable owing to the multispecific nature of Mediterranean fisheries as well as the multi-trophic interactions among species and the effects of environmental drivers on key biological processes, thus it could be expected that assessed trends might not respond directly/immediately/exclusively to pressure release (reduction in F) as well as the time-lag in the response in 3.3.3 indicator is not known. Therefore, the threshold values still needs to be assessed before a confirmation of GES.  It is worth noting that, in the context of the Ionian Sea and Central Mediterranean sub-region (GSA16) and the Adriatic Sea sub-region (GSA17 and 18), there are stocks shared between EU and non EU countries. In this context it is necessary to put forward an international coordination to achieve sustainable exploitation. The international programs of the GFCM (Medsudmed and Adriamed) are seen as relevant institutional tools for the achievement of GES (that could be achieved only if an international coordinated effort will be put forward) and the setting of coherent programme of measures.. To the purposes of implementing the Initial Assessment GES has been defined as the following: "GES is achieved when all commercial species show stable or significant positive trends of the proportion of fish larger than the mean size at first sexual maturity, from trawl survey data" applying a preliminary threshold of 100%.
        However, the overall practical evaluation of the applied process in the Italian seas highlighted that this kind of preliminary threshold might need to be revised, taking into account several issues, including, among the others, the outcome of the still ongoing process on CFP reform. All these aspects, therefore, should be duly considered to assess, as appropriate, the preliminary threshold to be used for GES. The goal of achieving GES for all commercial species could be not achievable owing to the multispecific nature of Mediterranean fisheries as well as the multi-trophic interactions among species and the effects of environmental drivers on key biological processes, thus it could be expected that assessed trends might not respond directly/immediately/exclusively to pressure release (reduction in F) as well as the time-lag in the response in 3.3.1 indicator is not known. Therefore, the threshold values still needs to be assessed before a confirmation of GES.  It is worth noting that, in the context of the Ionian Sea and Central Mediterranean sub-region (GSA16) and the Adriatic Sea sub-region (GSA17 and 18), there are stocks shared between EU and non EU countries. In this context it is necessary to put forward an international coordination to achieve sustainable exploitation. The international programs of the GFCM (Medsudmed and Adriamed) are seen as relevant institutional tools for the achievement of GES (that could be achieved only if an international coordinated effort will be put forward) and the setting of coherent programme of measures..


GESDescription:
GES is achieved when the main ecosystem components are line with prevailing natural conditions, not showing human-induced significantly adverse alteration..


GESDescription:
GES is achieved when the main ecosystem components are line with prevailing natural conditions, not showing human-induced significantly adverse alteration.. GES is reached when no trend in the abundance (or other metrics) of species groups of functional values in the ecosystem show a significant negative alteration of their status. The provisional list of groups to be taken into account includes:  - Posidonia medows;
        - phytoplankton
        - zooplankton;
        - jellyfish;
        - bony fish;
        - elasmobranchs;
        - piscivorous fish;
        - marine reptiles;
        - marine mammals.
        . To the purposes of implementing the Initial Assessment GES has been defined as the following: "GES is achieved when trend in abundance of functional groups or selected groups of species is stable or not showing a significant decrease due to human interventions".  However, the overall practical evaluation of the applied process in the Italian seas highlighted that this kind of preliminary threshold might need to be revised, taking into account several issues, including, among the others, the outcome of the still ongoing process on CFP reform. All these aspects, therefore, should be duly considered to assess, as appropriate, the preliminary threshold to be used for GES..


GESDescription:
- piscivorous fish;. GES is reached when the proportion in weight of large fish (above a threshold length,  Lcut)  is above a percentage (Wlim) of the total weight of fish..


GESDescription:
GES is characterized by the absence of significant abrasion determined by benthic impacting fishing gears (otter trawl, rapido trawl and hydraulic dredge) and sealing (determined by coastal defence structures, offshore structures, pipes, etc.) on biogenic substrates.
        The â€œbiogenic substrateâ€ include  the following  habitats: Posidonia oceanica meadows, Maerl beds, Coralligenous biocoenosis (reef) and deep corals.

        In particular,  on biogenic substrates:
        - pressure determined by benthic impacting fishing gears  is always significant and it must be absent (0 % of presence), i.e. below a limit related to uncertainty (10%*) in the pressure assessment method.
        - pressure determined by sealing is always significant and it must be absent, except when it is allowed by current laws.
        On the other types of substrates  â€œnot biogenicâ€ (sand, mud, mixed sediment, etc.):
        - pressure determined by benthic impacting fishing gears (otter trawl, rapido trawl and hydraulic dredge) is significant when the area covered by the pressure is higher than a % of maximum acceptable surface (taking into account a specific temporal unit) to be determined by 2018.
        - pressure determined by sealing does not contribute to determine GES.

        * the current estimate of the error could be re-assessed.. GES is characterized by the absence of significant abrasion determined by benthic impacting fishing gears (otter trawl, rapido trawl and hydraulic dredge) on biogenic substrates.
        The â€œbiogenic substrateâ€ include  the following  habitats: Posidonia oceanica meadows, Maerl beds, Coralligenous biocoenosis (reef) and deep corals.

        In particular,  on biogenic substrates:
        - pressure determined by benthic impacting fishing gears  is always significant and it must be absent (0 % of presence), i.e. below a limit related to uncertainty (10%*) in the pressure assessment method.

        On the other types of substrates  â€œnot biogenicâ€ (sand, mud, mixed sediment, etc.):
        - pressure determined by benthic impacting fishing gears (otter trawl, rapido trawl and hydraulic dredge) is significant when the area covered by the pressure is higher than a % of maximum acceptable surface (taking into account a specific temporal unit) to be determined by 2018.


        * the current estimate of the error could be re-assessed..


GESDescription:
The Good Environmental Status can be considered as â€œmaintained and/or achievedâ€ when the natural habitat occurrence and the covered surface are stable or increasing. This condition is evaluated respecting the habitat extent for the Maerl and Rhodolites beds and respecting both habitat extent and upper/lower limit variation for the Posidonia oceanica. When the total contribution of the impacts occurring over the habitats cause a strong and long-term alteration of key parameters (natural distribution; structure and functions) the variation have to be considered as â€œrelevantâ€. In this case the modification of the natural condition will be not in line with the maintenance/achieving of GES..


GESDescription:
No more than 5% of the extension of coastal marine water bodies as defined in the WFD presents impacts
        (Article 5 WFD) with type due to change in the thermal regime and salinity regime..


GESDescription:
Contaminants: Considering single samples, the GES is reached when, for each defined contaminant group (except radionuclides), the chemical concentrations (indexed and integrated for each contaminant group), according to the legislation and International references, are lower than the Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) applied under the WFD. Taking into account the whole Assessment Area (AA), the GES is reached when at least the 70% of the useful surface (for data coverage) complies with the conditions above. When these latter are satisfied for all the AAs of the subregion, the GES is reached in the whole subregion. RADIONUCLIDES: Concentrations of 137Cs and 210Po in water and sediment  are below the levels producing an incremental dose rate to reference organisms equal or higher than the Predicted No Effect Dose Rate. Trends in concentrations of radionuclides in th relevant matrices are within acceptable limits and declining..


GESDescription:
Contaminants: Considering the single sample, for each defined contaminant group, the variations in terms of bioaccumulation and biological effects (biomarkers), compared to their respective controls and thresholds, are not significant. In addition, the control organisms must come from areas that comply with the GES in terms of chemical concentrations. Taking into account the Assessment Area (AA), the GES is reached when at least 50% of the surface covered by data complies with the conditions above. When this condition is fulfilled for all the AA  of the subregion, the GES is reached in the whole subregion.                                     RADIONUCLIDES: The marine ecosystem is protected  from effects on its structure and function from chronic exposure to radionuclides. The incremental dose rate deriving from human activities to reference organisms (from external and internal irradiation) is below or equal to the Predicted No Effect Dose Rate (PNEDR)..


GESDescription:
For each subregion and for each contaminant included in the legislation, concentrations are significantly  lower than the thresholds identified by national and international legislation(Reg. 1881/2006 and further updates). The compliance with GES is estimated on samples of fish and fishery products coming from national waters. The GES of SubRegion is reached when at least 95% of the samples  complies with the conditions above..


# CostOfDegradationType

CostOfDegradationType:
Residual impacts, with reference to the current legislation objectives


# ElementCodeSources

Link:
Link to other vocabulary or code lists that may be relevant


Conditional:
Eutrophication (D5) and contaminants (D8-D9)


# Features

Subject:
Uses and human activities in or affecting the marine environment


Feature:
All activities related to cultivation of living resources


Feature:
Aquaculture – marine, including infrastructure


Feature:
All activities related to extraction of living resources


Feature:
Fish and shellfish harvesting (professional, recreational)


Feature:
Hunting and collecting for other purposes


Feature:
All activities related to extraction of non-living resources


Feature:
Extraction of minerals (rock, metal ores, gravel, sand, shell)


Feature:
Extraction of oil and gas, including infrastructure


Feature:
Military operations (subject to Article 2(2))


Feature:
All activities related to production of energy


Feature:
Transmission of electricity and communications (cables)


Feature:
Renewable energy generation (wind, wave and tidal power), including infrastructure


Feature:
Research, survey and educational activities


Feature:
All activities related to physical restructuring of rivers, coastline or seabed

Theme:
Physical restructuring of rivers, coastline or seabed (water management)


Feature:
Canalisation and other watercourse modifications


Feature:
Offshore structures (other than for oil/gas/renewables)


Feature:
Restructuring of seabed morphology, including dredging and depositing of materials


Feature:
All activities related to tourism and leisure


Subject:
Structure, functions and processes of marine ecosystems


Feature:
All ecosystem services related to provision of energy


Feature:
All ecosystem services related to mediation of flows


Feature:
Mass stabilisation and control of erosion rates


Theme:
Underpinning and/or enhancing physical and intellectual interactions


Feature:
All ecosystem services underpinning physical and intellectual interactions


Feature:
Experiential use of plants, animals and land-/seascapes in different environmental settings


Feature:
Physical use of land-/seascapes in different environmental settings


Feature:
All ecosystem services underpinning spiritual, symbolic and other interactions

Theme:
Underpinning and/or enhancing spiritual, symbolic and other interactions


Feature:
All ecosystem services related to maintenance of physical, chemical and biological conditions

Theme:
Maintenance of physical, chemical, biological conditions


Feature:
Global climate regulation by reduction of greenhouse gas concentrations

Sub-theme:
Atmospheric composition and climate regulation


Sub-theme:
Lifecycle maintenance, habitat and gene pool protection


Feature:
Maintaining Nursery Populations and Habitats


Feature:
Materials from plants, algae and animals for agricultural use


Feature:
All ecosystem services related to provision of materials


Feature:
Fibres and other materials from plants, algae and animals for direct use or processing


Feature:
All ecosystem services related to nutrition


Feature:
All ecosystem services related to mediation of waste, toxics and other nuisances

Theme:
Mediation of waste, toxics and other nuisances


Feature:
Filtration/sequestration/storage/accumulation by micro-organisms, algae, plants, and animals


Feature:
Bio-remediation by micro-organisms, algae, plants, and animals


Feature:
Commercially exploited fish and shellfish


Feature:
Offshore circalittoral rock and biogenic reef


Feature:
All physical and hydrological characteristics


Subject:
Anthropogenic pressures on the marine environment


Feature:
Loss of, or change to, natural biological communities due to cultivation of animal or plant species


Feature:
Disturbance of species (e.g. where they breed, rest and feed) due to human presence


Feature:
Extraction of, or mortality/injury to, wild species (by commercial and recreational fishing and other activities)


Feature:
Input of genetically modified species and translocation of native species


Feature:
Input or spread of non-indigenous species


Subject:
Pressure levels and impacts in marine environment


Feature:
All pressures related to inputs of substances, litter and energy


Feature:
Input of other substances (e.g. synthetic substances, non-synthetic substances, radionuclides) – diffuse sources, point sources, atmospheric deposition, acute events


Feature:
Input of litter (solid waste matter, including micro-sized litter)


Feature:
Input of nutrients – diffuse sources, point sources, atmospheric deposition


Feature:
Input of organic matter – diffuse sources and point sources


Feature:
Input of other forms of energy (including electromagnetic fields, light and heat)


Feature:
Input of anthropogenic sound (impulsive, continuous)


Feature:
Input of water – point sources (e.g. brine)


# GESComponents

Description:
Area covered by the species (for sessile/benthic species)


Description:
Mean maximum length across all species found in research vessel surveys


Description:
Nutrient ratios (silica, nitrogen and phosphorus)


Description:
Frequency of regulatory levels being exceeded


Description:
D11C2 – Anthropogenic continuous low-frequency sound


Description:
D1C1 – Mortality rate from incidental by-catch


Description:
D1C3 - Population demographic characteristics


Description:
D1C4 - Population distributional range and pattern


Description:
D5C6 - Opportunistic macroalgae of benthic habitats


Description:
D5C7 - Macrophyte communities of benthic habitats


Description:
D5C8 - Macrofaunal communities of benthic habitats


Description:
D6C2 - Physical disturbance to the seabed


Description:
D6C3 – Adverse effects from physical disturbance


Description:
D7C1 – Permanent alteration of hydrographical conditions


Description:
D7C2 – Adverse effects from permanent alterations of hydrographical conditions


Description:
D8C3 – Significant acute pollution events


Description:
D8C4 – Adverse effect of significant acute pollution events


# IntegrationRules

Description:
If two variables do not meet the required standard, good status is not achieved.


Description:
The use of hierarchical approaches to structure indicator inclusion and group is very common. The added structure provides the ability to output intermediate CIs that aid in the interpretation of the overall CI/AI. The nesting of associated indicators into clusters greatly improves the clarity of the aggregation process. Weightings are equal for each indicator and typical of when there is not enough information on the influence of individual indicators.


Description:
Hierarchical layers and clustering of input indicators is used to structure and order the aggregation. Weightings are variable between indicators and can be allocated according to multivariate analysis, expert judgement or based on theoretical assumptions regarding value. Weights can be applied to either individual indicators or to clustered indicators.


Description:
Often hierarchically-structured and have inputs clustered by metric. Weights can be variable or equal. Calculation is undertaken with complex approaches such as summation, multiplication or bespoke formulae operations.


Description:
Use predefined statistical procedures. Commonly applied methods include Factor Analysis, Discriminate analysis and Principal Components Analysis


Description:
Combination of variables/indicators into a flat structure with no intermediate aggregation. Weightings are equal for all indicators and is atypical approach used when there is not enough information on the influence of individual indicators. This method is the most basic of quantitative aggregations, and is more common for indicator production. Averaging can be arithmetic or geometric.


Description:
Combination of variables/indicators into a flat structure with no intermediate aggregation. Weightings are variable between indicators and can be allocated according to multivariate analysis, expert judgement or based on theoretical assumptions regarding value.


Description:
All variables have to achieve good status.


Description:
‘High-level integration’ assessment results for three groups: biological indicators, hazardous substances, indicators and supporting indicators, each applying OOAO.


Description:
Spatial analysis where layers are combined using different functions to produce an integrated output.


Description:
A specific proportion of the variables have to achieve good status.


Description:
Uses specific decision rules to integrate elements into a quality assessment.


# NACECodes

Label:
Exploitation of offshore wind energy for producing electricity


Label:
Quarrying of ornamental and building stone, limestone, gypsum, chalk and slate


Label:
Operation of gravel and sand pits; mining of clays and kaolin


Label:
Support activities for petroleum and natural gas extraction


Label:
Processing and preserving of fish, crustaceans and molluscs


Label:
Building of ships and floating structures


Label:
Repair and maintenance of ships and boats


Label:
Construction of railways and underground railways


Label:
Construction of utility projects for fluids


Label:
Construction of utility projects for electricity and telecommunications


Label:
Construction of other civil engineering projects n.e.c.


Label:
Wholesale of solid, liquid and gaseous fuels and related products


Label:
Wholesale of wood, construction materials and sanitary equipment


Label:
Wholesale of hardware, plumbing and heating equipment and supplies


Label:
Wholesale of other intermediate products


Label:
Sea and coastal passenger water transport


Label:
Service activities incidental to water transportation


# Parameters

Description:
Concentration in muscle meat of fish or fishery products


Description:
Mortality rate / Mortality rate from fishing (F)


# ThresholdSources

Description:
Common Fisheries Policy - Data Collection Framework (DC-MAP)


Description:
Drinking Water Directive (80/778/EEC) as amended by Directive (98/83/EC)


Description:
Environmental Impact Assessment Directive (85/337/EEC)


Description:
Regulation on contaminants in foodstuffs (EC 1881/2006)


Description:
General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean


Description:
Prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species (Regulation 1143/2014)


Description:
International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas


Description:
International Maritime Organisation (MARPOL, Ballast Water Convention, Antifouling Convention)


Description:
Integrated Pollution Prevention Control Directive (96/61/EC)


Description:
UNECE Convention on long-range transboundary air pollution


Description:
North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission


Description:
Directive on National Emission Ceilings for certain pollutants (2001/81/EC)


Description:
Placing of plant protection products on the market (Regulation EC/1107/2007)


Description:
Regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (EC 1907/2006)


Description:
Major Accidents (Seveso) Directive (96/82/EC)


Description:
Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC)


# Units

Description:
Decibels reference 1 microPascal squared second


Description:
number of items per kilogram of dry weight


