The Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD: 2008/56/EC) requires that Member States take measures to achieve or maintain Good Environmental Status (GES) by 2020. According to Articles 5 and 11 of the MSFD, coordinated monitoring programmes should be established and implemented by 15 July 2014 in order to assess the environmental status of marine waters. Such programmes should include the indicative lists of characteristics, pressures and impacts of the Directive’s Annex III, follow the specifications of Annex V and be able to assess the achievement of environmental targets that should be established in accordance with Article 10 by 15 July 2012.
