The Marine Strategy Framework Directive

It is recognised by the European Community that pressures and demands on marine resources are often excessive and that action must be taken to minimise negative impacts on the marine environment. to this end, the EC adopted the Marine Strategy Framework Directive on 17 June 200. It entered into force on 15 July 2008. The MFSD establishes a framework within which Member States of the EC must take action to achieve good environmental status for European sea areas by 2020. This paper reviews the main features of the MFSD, commenting on its key strengths and weaknesses.