Marine Strategy Framework Directive areas

What is the MSFD?

The European Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) aims to protect and restore Europe’s seas and oceans, while promoting their sustainable use. The MSFD requires each EU Member State to develop a marine strategy. This strategy must focus on the protection, preservation and restoration of the marine environment, with the ultimate goal of achieving Good Environmental Status (GES), while also ensuring the sustainable use of the North Sea.

The Dutch Marine Strategy consists of three parts (see this page for details). As part of its implementation, one of the measures includes the designation of protected areas.

Why MSFD protected areas?

The pressure on natural marine resources and the demand for marine ecosystem services are often overtaxing. The impact of human activities on marine waters must be reduced, regardless of where the effects occur. The marine environment is a valuable heritage that must be protected, preserved and, where possible, restored. The ultimate goal is to maintain biodiversity and ensure seas and oceans that are clean, healthy and productive, with rich diversity and ecological dynamics.

The designation and protection of areas play a vital role in achieving GES.

What is the Netherlands doing?

The measures the Netherlands is taking to meet the obligations of the MSFD are outlined in Marine Strategy Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.

As part of its efforts, the Netherlands designates certain ecologically valuable areas as protected under the MSFD. More information on the protected natural values can be found on the individual area pages.

The current designated MSFD areas are: the Central Oyster Grounds, Borkum Reef Grounds and Frisian Front. In the future, the Southern Dogger Bank will also be designated as an MSFD area.

What does the process look like?

The Programme of Measures (Marine Strategy Part 3) outlines the actions that contribute to maintaining or achieving GES. Article 13(4) of the MSFD states that Member States must implement spatial protection measures that contribute to coherent and representative networks of protected marine areas, ensuring adequate coverage of the diversity of ecosystem types. These measures are included in the Programme of Measures.

Competent authorities must take the Programme of Measures into account when issuing water permits under the Environment and Planning Act (Omgevingswet). The Programme of Measures (MS3) was adopted by the Council of Ministers as part of the North Sea Programme 2022–2027 and submitted to the Dutch House of Representatives.

The programme is also reported to the European Commission and must be drafted or updated every six years.

Areas

See the information per area.