1. Improving assessment of GES Draft conclusions and Way forward
13th meeting of WG GES, April 2015, Brussels
Improving assessment of GES Draft conclusions and Way forward
European Commission
DG Environment
Marine Environment and Water Industry Unit

2. Summary of discussions for All descriptors
JRC and ICES presented the key recommendations from the technical review.
WG GES appreciated the work done and the progress made.
WG GES took note of the documents and presentations.
During discussion, some important points have been made by GES experts (see draft summary minutes for details).

3. D1 Biodiversity
WG GES confirmed that the results are mostly in line with the objectives of the exercise for phase 1 but that further short term work would be beneficial (see next slide). Nevertheless, the document can already be used for the consultation in phase 2 (pending decision by the MSFD Committee).
WG GES took note that the JRC intends to release the document in mid May, after final editorial changes. To this end, all factual corrections should be provided by 30 April.
WG GES took note of the suggestions of further work proposed in the document and presentation on outstanding issues. These will be considered by MSCG for inclusion in the future CIS work programme until 2018.

4. D1 Biodiversity (cont.)
Some of the specific issues that need to be addressed as soon as possible (see first bullet) through a workshop, (possibly before the end of the summer), are:
- consistency and streamlining across descriptors;
- consistency and streamlining across existing legislations, in relation to boundaries and lists;
- better link to the results achieved and planned work within the RSCs to be reflected in the final recommendations;
- full uptake of results achieved within the Cross Cutting workshop and reflected in the CC document.
On that basis a specific mandate will be elaborated

5. D2 Non indigenous species
WG GES confirmed that the results are in line with the objectives of the exercise for phase I and that they can be used for the consultation in phase 2 (pending decision by the MSFD Committee).
WG GES took note that the JRC intends to release the document in mid-May, after final editorial changes. To this end, all factual corrections should by provided by 30 April.
WG GES took note of the suggestions of further work proposed in the document and presentation on outstanding issues. These will be considered by MSCG for inclusion in the future CIS work programme until 2018.
In discussion, WG GES recognized that some specific issues (see presentation) would need to be addressed as soon as possible, in parallel with the consultation process. A proposal of issues to be discussed through a well-focussed workshop to be held back to back with D1 workshop would be presented to the MSFD committee for endorsement.

6. D3 fisheries
WG GES confirmed that the results are in line with the objectives of the exercise for phase 1 and that they can be used for the consultation in phase 2 (pending decision by the MSFD Committee).
The importance of coherence with CFP and HBD was highlighted.
WG GES took note that the ICES has released its advice. Further consultation will be carried out by DG ENV in a process to be agreed by the Committee.
The fisheries and environment workshop on 21st May 2015 will be part of that consultation and ICES will present its work on D3 there.
WG GES took note of the suggestions of further work proposed in the document and presentation on outstanding issues. These will be considered by MSCG for inclusion in the future CIS work programme until 2018.

7. D4 Food webs
WG GES confirmed that the results are in line with the objectives of the exercise for phase 1 and that they can be used for the consultation in phase 2 (pending decision by the MSFD Committee).
WG GES took note that the ICES has released its advice. Further consultation will be carried out by DG ENV in a process to be agreed by the Committee.
WG GES took note of the suggestions of further work proposed in the document and presentation on outstanding issues. These will be considered by MSCG for inclusion in the future CIS work programme until 2018.

8. D5 Eutrophication
WG GES confirmed that the results are in line with the objectives of the exercise for phase I and that they can be used for the consultation in phase 2 (pending decision by the MSFD Committee).
WG GES took note that the JRC intends to release the document in mid-May, after final editorial changes. To this end, all factual corrections should by provided by 30 April.
WG GES took note of the suggestions of further work proposed in the document and presentation on outstanding issues. These will be considered by MSCG for inclusion in the future CIS work programme until 2018.

9. D5 Eutrophication (cont.)
The importance of coherence with WFD was highlighted, in particular the forthcoming Commission Decision on intercalibration under the WFD in 2016.
A number of technical comments were made on the document. They will be considered during the finalization of the D5 document, some possibly involving discussion at a workshop.

10. D6 Seafloor integrity
WG GES confirmed that the results are in line with the objectives of the exercise for phase 1 and that they can be used for the consultation in phase 2 (pending decision by the MSFD Committee).
WG GES took note that the ICES has released its advice. Further consultation will be carried out by DG ENV in a process to be agreed by the Committee. It was recognised, however, that further development is required to provide operational approaches.
WG GES took note of the suggestions of further work proposed in the document and presentation on outstanding issues. These will be considered by MSCG for inclusion in the future CIS work programme until 2018.

11. D7 Hydrographical conditions
WG GES confirmed that the results are in line with the objectives of the exercise for phase 1 and that they can be used for the consultation in phase 2 (pending decision by the MSFD Committee).
Further discussion about coherence with WFD is needed in parallel.
WG GES took note that the JRC intends to release the document in mid May, after final editorial changes. To this end, all factual corrections should be provided by 30 April.
WG GES took note of the suggestions of further work proposed in the document and presentation on outstanding issues. These will be considered by MSCG for inclusion in the future CIS work programme until 2018.

12. D8 & 9 Contaminants
WG GES confirmed that the results are in line with the objectives of the exercise for phase 1 and that they can be used for the consultation in phase 2 (pending decision by the MSFD Committee).
WG GES took note that the JRC intends to release the document in mid May, after final editorial changes. To this end, all factual corrections should be provided by 30 April.
WG GES took note of the suggestions of further work proposed in the document and presentation on outstanding issues. These will be considered by MSCG for inclusion in the future CIS work programme until 2018.

13. D10 Litter
WG GES confirmed that the results are in line with the objectives of the exercise for phase 1 and that they can be used for the consultation in phase 2 (pending decision by the MSFD Committee).
WG GES took note that the JRC intends to release the document in mid May, after final editorial changes. To this end, all factual corrections should be provided by 30 April.
WG GES took note of the suggestions of further work proposed in the document and presentation on outstanding issues. These will be considered by MSCG for inclusion in the future CIS work programme until 2018.

14. D11 Noise
WG GES confirmed that the results are in line with the objectives of the exercise for phase I and that they can be used for the consultation in phase 2 (pending decision by the MSFD Committee).
WG GES took note that a revised version of the document will be released for the consultation in mid May, after final editorial changes and factual corrections raised at the meeting. To this end, all factual corrections should be provided by 30 April.
WG GES took note of the suggestions of further work proposed in the document and presentation on outstanding issues. These will be considered by MSCG for inclusion in the future CIS work programme until 2018.

15. Next steps - 2015 04-05/05/2015: MSCG meeting; information on outcomes
05/05/2015: Regulatory Committee meeting, discuss review progress and decide on next steps
12-13/10/2015: next WG GES meeting
06/11/2015: Regulatory Committee meeting, discuss 1st draft outline of revised Commission Decision and Annex III
Provided Cttee agrees:
May to July: official consultation of Phase 1 documents
June to Sept: possible JRC workshops on some descriptors (based on written mandate)
May to Oct: consultation of other relevant expert groups (WFD, CFP; BHD; …)

16. Tentative steps in 2016
Early Feb. 2016: Regulatory Committee, discuss draft version of revised Commission Decision and Annex III and overall progress of work
April 2016: WG GES meeting (tbc)-update of process and outstanding technical issues as mandated by Cttee
May 2016: Regulatory Committee: possible vote on revised Commission decision and Annex III
Autumn 2016: formal adoption and publication subject to positive Cttee vote