Marine Programme of Measures

The Programme of Measures (PoMs) pursuant to Article 13 of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive is geared towards the achievement of ‘Good Environmental Status’ (GES) in Malta’s marine waters in line with the overall objective of the Directive.

The Programme covers both existing and new measures that would contribute to the achievement of GES for each MSFD Descriptor. New measures have been proposed on the basis of the gap analysis which identified the need or otherwise for additional action beyond existing processes. The programme also includes exceptions, in line with Article 14 of the Directive, for cases where Malta deems that GES cannot be achieved.

The PoMs were initially presented in 13 separate reports covering the different MSFD GES Descriptors and/or relevant themes.

All relevant stakeholders were involved throughout the entire process of development of the PoMs, ensuring the consideration of all existing processes across various sectors, as well as technical feasibility of the new measures proposed.

Furthermore, a public consultation process pursuant to the requirements of Article 19 of the MSFD was kick-started through a Malta-EU Steering and Action Committee (MEUSAC) session, held on 18^th January 2017, to which all relevant public sectors were invited. Both Government entities and non-governmental organizations attended this meeting during which the PoMs development process was discussed.

The PoMs reports were made available through the ERA website on the 14^th of March 2017, and the public consultation process was open until the 28^th March 2017. The outcome of the public consultation can be accessed here.

Following the public consultation process, the MSFD PoMs summary report was compiled. The final versions of each individual report, including suggestions taken up as a result of the consultation process, are included in Annex I to this report. The summary report also includes results of the cost-effectiveness and a cost-benefit analysis for each new measure, in line with the requirements of Article 13(3) of the MSFD. These PoMs are operational in terms of the Marine Policy Framework Regulations (S.L. 549.62).

The PoMs was also subject to a screening process as required under the Strategic Environmental Assessment Regulations (S.L. 549.61).