CONSULTATION BRIEF

Start date: 11 September 2023

Closing date: 23 October 2023

Title of the public consultation: Public Consultation: Updated Programme of Measures pursuant to the Marine Strategy Framework Directive 2008/56/EC (MSFD)

Ministry: Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Enterprise (MEEE)

Entity: Environment and Resources Authority (ERA)

1. Background

The EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) calls for the establishment and implementation of management measures targeting the achievement or maintenance of Good Environmental Status (GES) in EU marine waters. These measures are compiled in a Programme of Measures in accordance with Article 13 of the Directive.

Malta’s first MSFD Programme of Measures (PoMs) was established in 2017, taking into consideration the outcome of the public consultation process. The PoMs covered both existing and new measures that would contribute to the achievement of GES for each MSFD Descriptor. New measures were proposed on the basis of the gap analysis which identified the need or otherwise for additional action beyond existing processes. The PoMs also included exceptions, in line with Article 14 of the Directive, for cases where Malta deems that GES cannot be achieved.

In accordance with Article 17 and Article 19 of the Directive, all the elements of the marine strategy should be reviewed every six years after their initial establishment and the updates should be made available to the public for comments. Within this context, the updated Programme of Measures has been drafted and is being issued for public consultation.

2. Consultation

The MSFD Programme of Measures have been reviewed and updated, taking into consideration the experience gained from the first implementation cycle as well as policy developments that have taken place in the interim, including the 2019 update to the Initial Assessment. This programme is seeking the achievement of GES in the marine environment in consideration of the environmental targets established in the second reporting cycle, and by addressing predominant pressures and impacts identified in the Update to the Initial Assessment.

The review of the PoMs has been undertaken through updates to the existing measures – namely measures required under Community legislation – and assessment of progress in the implementation of the new measures established in the first cycle. Meanwhile, two new measures are being proposed in this update. Such review and update for this current second cycle was undertaken in close collaboration with all relevant stakeholders.

ERA is inviting the public and interested stakeholders to provide their feedback on the Updated Programme of Measures.

3. Documents

Updated Programme of Measures pursuant to the Marine Strategy Framework Directive 2008/56/EC (MSFD)

Report on comments submitted during Intent and Objectives stage 

4. Submission of feedback

Comments are being invited through the feedback form at publicconsultation.gov.mt or otherwise by email through [email protected]

5. Further notes

Please be informed that comments submitted, together with the identity of the contributor, may be published online at the end of the public consultation, unless the contributor objects to the publication of his/her personal data. In this case, the contribution may be published in anonymous form.

All comments submitted shall be duly considered.