Marine Strategy Framework DirectiveConsultation on Good Environmental Status Descriptor 7 – Hydrographical Conditions

Dr Alejandro Gallego

Marine Scotland Science

Focus of this presentation

• Quick reminder of D7

• Evidence base

• Proposed GES Characteristics

• Proposed GES Targets

• Implications of the proposals

• EU Coordination

• Issues and Gaps

D7 – A Reminder

Permanent alteration of hydrographical conditions does not adversely affect marine ecosystems.

Commission Criteria7.1 Spatial characterisation of permanent alterations

7.2 Impact of permanent hydrographical changes

• Expert opinion indicates there are currently no developments in UK waters large enough to result in the broad scale alterations of hydrographic conditions this Descriptor is intended to address

• Initial advice developed by Cefas proposed two options

• Target establishing development thresholds triggering further assessment and monitoring discounted due to confidence in existing regulatory regime

• SEA, EIA, Habitats, Water Framework Directives and the planning and licensing system are considered enough to ensure GES is achieved

• Stakeholder workshops and meetings have facilitated wider input throughout the process

How the targets were developed and what is the evidence base?

Thames Hub/Boris Island

Severn Barrage Large scale tidal array

What scale of project is Descriptor 7 intended to address?

The nature and scale of any permanent changes to the prevailing hydrographical conditions (including but not limited to salinity, temperature, pH and hydrodynamics) resulting from anthropogenic activities (individual and cumulative), having taken into account climatic or long-term cyclical processes in the marine environment, do not lead to significant long term impacts on those biological components considered under Descriptors 1,4, and 6.

Proposed GES Characteristics for D7

PROPOSED TARGETS FOR HYDROGRAPHICAL CONDITIONS (Descriptor 7)

Proposed GES Target

Targets – Criteria 7.1 & 7.2 Spatial characterisation of permanent alterations&Impact of permanent hydrographical changes

• All developments must comply with the existing regulatory regime and guidance should be followed to ensure that regulatory assessments are undertaken in a way that ensures the full consideration of any potential impacts, including cumulative effects at the most appropriate spatial scales to ensure that GES is not compromised.

Proposed Hydrographical Conditions Targets

Operational target – approach not directly covering the Commission Criteria/indicator.

What are the implications of the GES targets? Key implications of the proposals:• No major implications for industry providing full compliance with existing commitments

• Small cost for the regulator associated with reviewing existing regulatory regime & updating guidance.

• Additional monitoring costs for Government and regulators in providing a more comprehensive understanding of prevailing environmental conditions

Key links to other policies and measures:• Implementation of the current licensing regime and compliance with SEA, EIA, Habitats, and Water Framework Directives.

Targets • Ireland, the Netherlands, and the UK are most closely aligned – an operational target based on existing regulatory framework.

• Other countries using a mixture of pressure and state targets i.e. measurable changes to hydrographical conditions or habitats

How well coordinated are the UK proposals within the NE Atlantic?

• Relatively low level of coordination and commonality although higher level ambitions are broadly in line.

• In practice reliance on licensing and existing requirements important.• GES Determinations are mainly qualitative but differ significantly in

detail and language.

Issues and gaps

Outstanding issues and gaps include:

• More work needed at an OSPAR level to better align approaches

• Test whether the regulatory regime can ensure GES through case studies

• Update guidance as appropriate

• Improved understanding of prevailing environmental conditions

• Improved ability to assess and manage cumulative effects.

Any Questions?(C) Sue Scott, JNCC