The range and intensity of uses and activities in the land sea interface has grown significantly in the recent past. This growth presents challenges to the health of our ocean and coastal habitats and it has also led to conflicts between users of coastal and marine resources. In addition, the negative impacts of climate change phenomena is particularly evident in marine and coastal areas. Calls for more sustainable management of the marine and coastal environment were addressed in the EU by the adoption of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) in 2008. This Directive is the legislative framework that requires EU Member States to adopt an ecosystem approach to managing human impacts on the marine environment in order to ensure the sustainable use of marine resources, to maintain biodiversity and achieve Good Environmental Status (GES). Research undertaken in the Ocean and Coastal Governance COST Network has revealed that significant progress has been made since the adoption of the MSFD with a much higher level of awareness of the challenges facing our marine and coastal areas. Extensive data sets on marine resources and biodiversity levels have been gathered, marine areas have been mapped and this information has been used to prepare and inform Marine Spatial Plans in each EU Member State. The need for effective governance is also recognised and member states have developed new mechanisms to improve their marine and coastal management systems. However, the COST research also demonstrates that further improvements are required at multi-level governance scales and between different regulatory domains at Member State level to ensure that GES can be delivered.

POLICY BRIEF 2020/1 developed within the OceanGov COST Action (CA15217 - Ocean Governance for Sustainability - challenges, options and the role of science). Web: https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA15217/