Descriptors
The MSFD defines Good Environmental Status (GES) using eleven distinct elements, known as descriptors. In assessing the condition of the marine environment, each descriptor must be evaluated to determine whether it meets one or more established criteria.
The MSFD identifies a total of 42 primary and secondary criteria for this assessment. For the actual evaluation, indicators have been developed that are widely recognised as practical and reliable.
Experts from various countries collaborate on this work, including through the OSPAR Convention framework.
Not all descriptors currently have (sufficient) indicators available. For example, there is still no established indicator for assessing the status of marine food webs and the complex interactions within them. These complexities make it challenging to develop reliable operational indicators for certain descriptors.
Descriptors:
D1 – Biodiversity (birds, fish, marine mammals)
Biological diversity shall be maintained. The quality and occurrence of habitats, as well as the distribution and abundance of species, shall be in line with prevailing physiographic, geographic and climatic conditions.
D2 – Non-Indigenous species (exotic species)
Non-indigenous species introduced through human activities occur at levels that do not adversely alter the ecosystem.
D3 – Commercial fish and shellfish
Populations of all commercially exploited fish and shellfish species shall be within safe biological limits and exhibit an age and size distribution that is indicative of a healthy stock.
D4 – Food webs
All elements of the marine food webs, insofar as they are known, occur at normal abundance and diversity, and at levels that ensure the long-term abundance and the full reproductive capacity of the species.
D5 – Eutrophication
Human-induced eutrophication is minimised, especially its harmful effects such as loss of biodiversity, ecosystem degradation, harmful algal blooms and oxygen depletion in bottom waters.
D6 – Sea-floor integrity (habitats)
Sea-floor integrity is such that the structure and functions of marine ecosystems are safeguarded and, in particular, that benthic ecosystems are not disproportionately disturbed.
D7 – Hydrographical conditions
Permanent alteration of hydrographical conditions does not adversely affect marine ecosystems.
D8 – Contaminants
Concentrations of contaminants are at levels that do not cause pollution effects.
D9 – Contaminants in fish and seafood
Contaminants in fish and other seafood for human consumption do not exceed levels established by EU legislation or other relevant standards.
D10 – Marine litter
The quantity and properties of marine litter do not cause harm to the coastal and marine environment.
D11 – Supplying of energy, including underwater noise
The supplying of energy, including underwater noise, occurs at levels that do not adversely affect the marine environment.