1. Working Group on estuaries and coastal zones
Elaborating a guidance document on the implementation of the EU nature legislation and the Water Framework Directive in estuaries and coastal zones, with particular attention to port-related activities and dredging.

2. Background of the guidance document
EC Communications: An Integrated Maritime Policy for the European Union (COM ) and European Ports Policy (COM )
Commission will issue guidelines on the application of the relevant Community environmental legislation to port development: the Working Group and the Guidance document will contribute to this commitment
COM : “legal uncertainty was mainly claimed by stakeholders in relation to the Birds and Habitats Directives”: the Working Group and the Guidance document will clarify the issues (not a legal document or interpretation)

3. Scope of the guidance document (I)
The new guidance will mainly focus on the requirements of the Birds, Habitats and Water Framework Directives.
Some general guidance will be given for the requirements of the Marine Strategy and Floods Assessment and Management Directives.
Air emissions, waste, energy and environmental quality standards policies are not included unless absolutely necessary (Disposal of dredging material and its status regarding future waste policy)

4. Scope of the guidance document (II)
While focusing mainly on estuaries and adjacent coastal areas, the guidance document will also cover aspects that apply to coastal zones in general.
Commercial and industrial ports will be examined but some of the issues raised may concern also leisure and fishing ports even if they are not the key target of this document.

5. Thematic areas of the guidance document
Guidance on technical conservation issues (including issues related to conservation status of species and habitats, conservation objectives and monitoring systems)
Guidance on planning and integrated management approaches
3. Guidance on new projects, mitigation and compensation
4. Review of good practice examples

6. Methodology The Working Group on estuaries and coastal zones:
experts from interested Member States
scientific experts
representatives of key stakeholder groups
NGOs
Initiatives and projects (Paralia…)
Commission services (DG ENV, TREN, FISH)
Contributions (existing or new ones): position papers, bibliography, case studies, scientific publications...
Input and communication through CIRCA platform
Next meeting on 30 June 2008