Commission launches consultation and call for evidence to revise rules protecting marine environment – European Commission

Revision of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive: Advancing Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

On December 16, the European Commission launched a public consultation and Call for Evidence regarding the upcoming revision of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). This initiative aligns closely with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water), aiming to enhance marine environmental protection, simplify regulatory implementation, and reduce administrative burdens.

Objectives of the Revision

• Further protect the marine environment to ensure healthy and productive seas.
• Simplify implementation of marine protection measures to increase efficiency.
• Reduce administrative burden through regulatory simplification and improved data management.

Background and Evaluation Findings

The MSFD, established in 2008, was designed to achieve good environmental status in all EU marine waters by 2020, supporting SDG 14 by promoting clean, healthy, and productive seas and sustainable use of marine resources.

An evaluation conducted earlier in 2025 revealed that while the Directive has created an ambitious framework for monitoring and protecting marine life, it has not fully achieved its environmental objectives. Key findings include:

1. Partial effectiveness in reaching good environmental status.
2. Positive outcomes in establishing an EU-wide framework for marine biodiversity protection and sustainable resource use.
3. Improved cooperation among Member States and marine regions.
4. Generation of valuable data enhancing understanding of marine ecosystems and human impacts.
5. Support for related legislation such as the Single-Use Plastics Directive, contributing to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
6. Continued challenges with marine biodiversity decline and pollution from nutrients and chemicals.

Strategic Importance and Policy Integration

The revision supports the Water Resilience Strategy and the ‘source to sea approach’, emphasizing integrated water and marine ecosystem management. It also plays a pivotal role in the European Ocean Pact, contributing to:

• Ocean preservation and sustainable management, reinforcing SDG 14.
• Sustainable blue economy development, linking to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

The revision process will be coordinated with the preparation of the European Ocean Act to promote integrated ocean governance within the EU. A public consultation on the Ocean Act is planned for early 2026.

Stakeholder Engagement and Consultation

The Commission invites all stakeholders, including citizens, experts, and industry representatives, to participate in the online consultation via the Have Your Say portal. The consultation period is open until March 9, 2026.

Conclusion

The revision of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive is a critical step towards achieving the SDGs related to marine and environmental sustainability. By enhancing marine protection, simplifying regulatory frameworks, and fostering stakeholder collaboration, the EU aims to secure healthy oceans that support biodiversity, economic growth, and climate resilience.

Additional Resources

• Marine Environment Protection Call for Evidence | Have Your Say
• Marine Environment | European Commission
• Commission Evaluates Sea Protection and Bathing Water Quality Laws | European Commission

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • The article focuses on protecting the marine environment, achieving good environmental status of seas and oceans, and sustainable use of marine resources, which directly relates to SDG 14.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Reference to the Single-Use Plastics Directive and sustainable use of marine resources connects to SDG 12, which promotes sustainable consumption and production patterns.
3. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The article mentions bathing water quality laws and reducing pollution from nutrients and chemicals, which relate to SDG 6 on clean water and sanitation.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • While not explicitly mentioned, the emphasis on ocean health and resilience aligns with SDG 13’s goal to combat climate change impacts on marine ecosystems.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 14 Targets
   • 14.1 By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.
   • 14.2 Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts.
   • 14.5 Conserve at least 10% of coastal and marine areas.
   • 14.7 Increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from sustainable use of marine resources.
2. SDG 12 Targets
   • 12.4 Achieve environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle.
   • 12.5 Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.
3. SDG 6 Targets
   • 6.3 Improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
4. SDG 13 Targets
   • 13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Good Environmental Status (GES) of Marine Waters
   • The article refers to achieving “good environmental status” as an objective of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). This is an indicator measuring the health of marine ecosystems.
2. Levels of Marine Pollution
   • Indicators related to pollution levels, such as nutrient and chemical concentrations in marine waters, are implied as measures of progress.
3. Marine Biodiversity Status
   • Decline in marine biodiversity is mentioned, implying indicators that track species populations and ecosystem health.
4. Implementation and Compliance Indicators
   • Administrative burden and regulatory simplification are discussed, suggesting indicators related to the effectiveness and efficiency of policy implementation.
5. Data and Knowledge Generation
   • Generation of data and knowledge to understand human impacts on seas implies indicators related to monitoring and reporting mechanisms.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: environment.ec.europa.eu