The implementation of the measure includes the following activities: 1. Compliance with the requirements of the MSFD, incl. GES definitions, targets and relevant indicators, when developing / updating the plans to manage the announced MPAs. In the orders for the declaration of protected areas and territories, restrictions related to dredging and disposal and trailing are determined. 2. In case of reasonable necessity, to achieve the objectives of MSFD: 2.1. inclusion of additional types in the subject of protection of existing MPAs; 2.2. change of protection regime (prohibitions, restrictions, period of implementation); 3. Development and approval of specific and detailed objectives of protecting the protected areas within the meaning of the Act. 4. Conducting bilateral coordination between Bulgaria and Romania on the update of plans for the management of the announced MPAs. The measure is aimed at synchronized the implementation of the MSFD, the Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive.

This measure complements measure No. 14 on the preparation/updating of management plans for protected areas and protected territories including marine waters, taking into account the requirements of the MSFD. """"Marine Protected Area"""" (MPA) within the meaning of item 9 of § 1 of the Supplementary Provisions of the Ordinance on Environmental Protection in Black Sea (promulgated, State Gazette, issue 94 of 30.11.2010, as amended and supplemented) is a territory including protected areas within the meaning of the Biodiversity Act, protected territories within the meaning of the Protected Areas Act and territories designated under international or regional agreements to which the Republic of Bulgaria is a party.

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.

Development of a Black Sea Management Plan for the protected areas or parts thereof falling within the marine areas of the Republic of Bulgaria, in accordance with Art. 27, para. 4 of the Biodiversity Act and carrying out the necessary scientific research in this regard, arising from the specific objectives of the individual protected areas