1. EU Biodiversity Strategy and its mid-term review
Workshop Marine environment and fisheries, Brussels, 3-4 April 2014
ENV.B2 – Biodiversity

2. EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020
Commission Communication, COM(2011) 244
Closely aligned with Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Strategic Plan + Aichi Targets
EU headline target + six specific targets, incl.:
T1: Full implementation of Birds, Habitats Dir.
T2: Maintain/enhance ecosystems + services, incl. mapping + assessment (MAES) in 2014
T4: Sustainable fisheries and GES
Mid-term review, 2014/2015

3. Target 4: sustainable fisheries and GES
Maintain/restore stocks to MSY level
Achieve a population age and size distribution indicative of a healthy stock
… through fisheries management with no significant adverse impacts on other stocks, species and ecosystems,
… in support of achieving good environmental status (GES) by 2020

4. Actions related to Target 4
A13: Improve management of fished stocks
Maintain, restore stocks to MSY levels – in all areas in which EU fleets operate
Long-term management plans
Step up data collection; incorporate ecological considerations in MSY by 2020
A14: Eliminate adverse impacts on fish stocks, species, habitats and ecosystems
Eliminate discards, avoid bycatch, preserve VMEs
Implement MSFD, incl. through funds for MPAs

5. Mid-term review Foreseen in the Strategy for "early 2014"
Slightly postponed to benefit from new data to be reported by MS under EU nature law
Integrated monitoring framework across targets, also for final report (2020)
ENV supported by UNEP-WCMC, MRAG, URS
Gap analysis per target; expert consultations
T4: ENV, MARE, JRC, ESTAT, EEA, ICES
Selection of indicators to maximise synergies with existing monitoring, reporting frameworks
Incl. MSFD, CFP, nature law

6. Target 4 review – opportunities
GES descriptors, criteria, indicators under MSFD
Incl. ongoing ICES work on „Descriptor 3+“
Regular assessment of stocks against MSY
Forthcoming EEA baseline on MPAs
Revision of CFP data collection framework
Common EMFF monitoring/evaluation indicators
Update of relevant EEA indicators (2010 baseline)

7. Target 4 review – challenges
MSY in third-country waters (MS fleets fishing under bilateral, regional agreements)
Inclusion of ecological considerations
Bycatch
Seabirds ( Action Plan?)
Other protected species