MEDCIS answered to the 3^rd call addressed the implementation of the second cycle of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), achieving coherence, coordinated and consistent updates of the determinations of Good Environmental Status (GES), Initial Assessments and Environmental Targets

It is a follow up of the previous two calls from DG Environment that deal with Joint Monitoring proposals and assistance to the Member States to develop Action Plans for Integrated Monitoring Programmes, Programmes of Measures and Data Management, under the obligations of the MSFD.

MEDCIS addressed most of the descriptors at the Mediterranean level (all subregions) with a focus on Biodiversity (including alien species and seafloor integrity), marine litter and noise. Case studies have been performed in selected areas (e.g. N. Adriatic Sea), in order to test the MSFD implementation proposals.

More specifically MEDCIS

– reviewed and update the 2012 Assessment, the determinations of GES and Threshold values, the Environmental Targets and associated Indicators, at Mediterranean marine region/subregion level, by developing case studies to test the performance of the proposed assessment tools (e.g. NEAT);

– improved the management and access to data from monitoring programmes used in the assessments in accordance with MSFD and the INSPIRE Directive;

– developed a shared approach for assessing the implementation of PoMs by providing the necessary tools and mechanisms towards a coherent reporting and regionally joint or coordinated measures;

– established a network with UNEP/MAP, MSFD competent authorities, policy makers and other stakeholders, as well relevant projects to ensure coordination across regions/subregions, and boost dissemination of results and the direct use of the project’s outcomes in an accessible manner to stakeholders.