The Scottish Government

MARINE STRATEGY FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE

The new European Marine Strategy Framework Directive needs to be transposed to cover UK waters by July 2010, including Scottish waters from 0-200 miles. It requires Member States (MSs) to prepare national strategies to manage their seas to achieve or maintain good environmental status (GES) by 2020. There is a high emphasis on international co-operation. The undernoted links give more detail on MSFD requirements.

Agreement has recently been reached that transposition will take place at a UK level and we are working with Defra and the other Devolved Administrations to take this forward.

European Marine Strategy Framework Directive

Defra website explanation of the Directive

Leaflet on Scotland's First Marine Bill

Consultation - Marine Strategy Framework Directive