Long-term strategic objectives have been set, related to the horizontal policies of the EU, to which the transformation of the fishing sector through gear selectivity, low-carbon fishing, the introduction of innovations and the achievement of good environmental status also contribute, as follows: - investments in selective fishing gears with low impact on fish populations (e.g. winterers, GPS coordinates of gillnets for the prevention of ghost fishing) - introduction of innovations in fishing and on board ships, to protect biodiversity and reduce fuel consumption, transfer of knowledge """"from laboratories to the market"""" - introduction of systems for accurate and reliable reporting of catches in terms of selectivity, determination of the amount of catch and avoidance of unwanted ones, reduction of by-catch (Trawl monitoring systems) - installation on fishing gears of devices and systems for repelling cetaceans (pingers and PAL devices) - in line with the GFCM pilot project for the assessment of by-catch of cetaceans in turbot nets - low-carbon fishing techniques (technique and facilities that allow the use of less fuel during the fishing process) - replacing elements of fishing gear with those that improve the energy efficiency of fishing - installing artificially created underwater structures designed to stimulate the development of underwater life, in order to preserve habitats and improve aquatic biodiversity - renewable energy sources or investments in energy-efficient installations to reduce CO2emissions (e.g. installation of solar energy systems for ship lighting, replacement of pumping installations with high-efficiency ones, heating installations, energy-efficient lifting installations, fish processing facilities, transport and retail) - compensation to operators for passive collection and recycling of waste caught in fishing gear (Article 18 of the NPRD). Compensation for lost profits and additional costs due to marine litter getting into fishing gear during fishing - active cleaning of the Danube River and the Black Sea from litter and fishing gear (prevention of the so-called """"ghost fishing"""") through organized campaigns and engagement of both fishermen and divers depending on the specifics of the cleaning area and ensuring the costs of fuel, remuneration and others directly related to the events - information campaigns to raise awareness among public authorities and citizens to prevent pollution of the sea from fishing and aquaculture (measure 18 of the NPRD) - investments in the installation of marine litter facilities on board the ship - raising awareness among public authorities and citizens through campaigns on the need to protect biodiversity, and the impact of human activities on the marine ecosystem and on reducing carbon emissions - conducting educational activities to protect the aquatic environment from early childhood For the activities on active cleaning of the Danube River and the Black Sea from litter and fishing gear (prevention of so-called """"ghost fishing""""), the application of simplified costs is envisaged.

This measure has been updated. The previous name of the measure was “Adoption and Implementation of a Regional Action Plan for the Black Sea on Marine Litter.” During the implementation of the first Programme of Measures 2016–2021, several actions were undertaken: At the initiative of Bulgaria, supported by Romania and the European Commission, and within the framework of the 31st Annual Meeting of the Commission on the Protection of the Black Sea Against Pollution (short: the Black Sea Commission), in 2015 Bulgaria presented a draft structure for the Black Sea regarding marine litter. In 2018, the Regional Plan was adopted by the six Black Sea countries during the 34th meeting of the BSC, held on 24–25 October 2018. The plan is based on other existing marine litter action plans from other marine regions (MED, OSPAR, HELCOM, and UNEP). This plan includes activities related to the development of national plans by the Black Sea countries. The measure was developed as a joint cross-border action with Romania as part of the first cycle of MSFD implementation. Phase 1 of the measure has been completed. Work has begun on Phase 2 – the development of a National Plan for Bulgaria – but it has not yet been finalized or approved by the competent MSFD implementation authorities at the national level, nor by the relevant stakeholders. The updated scope of the measure includes: Phase 1: Development of a draft National Action Plan for the Black Sea on marine litter, aligned with the Regional Plan. Coordination and adoption of the draft National Action Plan at the national (inter-institutional) level. Phase 2: Implementation of the measures and actions planned in the Plan. A necessary condition for effective implementation is the provision of the required administrative and technical capacity (this should be included as a component within the plan itself). Phase 3: Regular exchange of information on the progress of national plan implementation between Bulgaria and Romania.

The measure has been developed as a joint (coordinated) action with Romania within the framework of the project “Technical and administrative support for the joint implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) in Bulgaria and Romania – Phase 2.” Overall, the measure includes the assessment and improved control of ship waste collection and transportation activities. This includes all types of waste, including cargo residues generated during ship operation or during loading, unloading, and cleaning, which fall under Annexes I, II, IV, V, and VI of the MARPOL Convention, as well as passively collected waste. The impact of shipping and major ports on the marine environment is significant and includes problems such as illegal discharge of waste, washing of ship cargo areas, ballast tanks and holds, use of toxic chemicals and paints, and transportation of hazardous materials. The release of such materials, especially oil products, causes serious damage to the marine environment, the economy (tourism, fisheries), and human health. The goal of the measure is to reduce the negative impact of improper waste management from ships on the marine environment. Implementation of the measure includes: Analysis of the mechanisms and effectiveness of waste management in marine areas and ports, including the structure and volume of waste, and the capacity and condition of port reception facilities; Identification of the main issues and the respective recommendations for addressing them; Introduction and implementation of the proposed recommendations; Exchange of information and experience between Bulgaria and Romania.

The measure was developed during the first MSFD cycle as a joint cross-border action with Romania. The problems related to solid waste in the marine environment — the so-called “marine litter” — still lack proper recognition not only in the legislative framework but also in public awareness and understanding of their negative impacts. This creates conditions in both the short and long term for the relevant issues and problems to remain unaddressed and unresolved. In addition to other planned measures related to marine litter, awareness-raising campaigns targeting the business sector and the general public regarding the negative impacts of marine litter on the marine environment can significantly contribute to its reduction. Studies conducted under European projects show that the main source of solid waste pollution in the Black Sea comes from land-based sources, followed by maritime transport and ports, and recreational/tourism activities in coastal areas. Ineffective management of solid municipal waste and its illegal disposal on beaches, along the coastline, and into the sea are major contributors to this pollution. Raising public awareness about the negative impacts not only on the environment but also on human health will help reduce the amount of waste discarded into the environment. Annual awareness-raising and cleanup campaigns will complement the information gathered through regular beach monitoring.

Measures related to the construction, reconstruction or modernization of sewerage networks and/or WWTPs/WWTPs for settlements and settlement formations along the coast - RBMP 2022-2027, actions with code: UW_02_02, UW_02_04, UW_02_05.

The measure was developed during the first MSFD cycle as a jointly coordinated measure with Romania under the project “Technical and administrative support for the joint implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) in Bulgaria and Romania – Phase 2,” funded by the Directorate-General for Environment of the European Commission. In 2022, the first two activities of Phase 1 of the measure were implemented: - A study to identify feeding and resting areas of the migratory seabird Yelkouan Shearwater (Puffinus yelkouan) and the European Shag (Gulosus aristotelis) in the Bulgarian coastal zone and shelf up to 100 m depth; - Delineation of the boundaries of the feeding and resting areas with the aim of defining additional spatial protection measures. In addition to the study, annual monitoring of the two species is ongoing. In 2021 and 2022, a third priority species, the Sandwich Tern (Thalasseus sandvicensis), was included in the monitoring in the Pomorie and Atanasovsko lakes. This species, like the other two, holds a conservation priority status. The remaining tasks to be implemented include the third activity under Phase 1, and Phase 2 of the measure. More details in the measure factsheet.

National actions for the implementation of the measure: Preparatory work for supplementing/amending/adapting the legislative framework, if necessary; Conducting consultations with stakeholders and the public; Adoption of legislative amendments. Currently, a regulatory mechanism is lacking for a number of activities that could affect the marine environment, which prevents the effective mitigation of potential negative impacts on marine ecosystems. Such activities include, for example, the harvesting of certain shellfish species from their natural habitats, the use of dispersants, dredging and disposal operations, and others. The existing legislation does not require alignment or integration of investment proposals, plans, and programmes with the Marine Strategy, which significantly hampers its implementation and is an obstacle to the effective execution of the programme of measures. This highlights the need for a gap analysis of the current legislation and its improvement. Although the measure is not directly aimed at achieving Good Environmental Status (GES) of the marine environment, it is essential for ensuring compliance with the Directive’s requirements, and consequently, for achieving GES.

Comprehensive analysis of the gaps in the existing legal framework and, based on this, amendment and supplementation of normative documents in order to ensure the achievement of the general objectives of the MSFD (Marine Strategy Framework Directive), and in particular the objectives for good environmental status (GES) of the marine environment under Descriptor 10 – Marine litter. Review of some of the lows at national level related to waste managwement.

The measure is planned for implementation under the Procedure """"Specific equipment of the fishing vessel, activities and innovations aimed at protecting the environment and biodiversity"""". Cleaning the sea from marine litter and lost fishing gear and accessories, etc. Purchase/construction of infrastructure to provide appropriate facilities for receiving lost fishing gear and marine litter.

Measures - RBMP 2022-2027 Implementation of own monitoring of water quality in the port area

Measures - RBMP 2022-2027 Amendment or termination of wastewater discharge permits, as a result of their review, to achieve the environmental objectives set in the RBMP

Measures - RBMP 2022-2027 Study of the impact of shellfish farms on the state of coastal waters

Amendment of national legislation (Law on the Protection of the Environment, Law on the Protection of the Environment, Law on the Protection of the Environment, etc.) in order to regulate the powers to take action to remove remains of abandoned mussel facilities in the Black Sea and/or in inland water bodies (freshwater)

Identification and clearance of remnants of abandoned anthropogenic infrastructure in areas with habitat distribution and in the immediate vicinity of them (up to 200 m) (for Balchishka Tuzla), which are municipal/state property.

Passive and active restoration in territories (state or municipal property) that have been disturbed/damaged, etc.