The measure is related to eutrophication and pollution, in the context of Descriptors 8 and 9. The measure includes two phases: the first phase focuses on research related to the impact of pollution from diffuse sources (with emphasis on atmospheric deposition) on the marine environment. Phase 1 (first MSFD cycle) will include the following activities: 1.1. Use of a common methodology for assessing pressure and impact from diffuse pollution sources from Black Sea countries (models, tools, SWAT) 1.1.a. Implementation/development of models, assessment approaches, etc. 1.1.b. Discussion and adoption of the proposed methodology between Bulgaria and Romania 1.1.c. Presentation of the proposed methodology to the Black Sea Commission (BSC) 1.2. Research activities to improve knowledge related to atmospheric deposition and its impact — and, if necessary, other diffuse sources of pollution — on the marine environment Phase 2 (second MSFD cycle): Measures to reduce diffuse pollution During the second phase, measures for reducing diffuse pollution will be developed, based on the data and knowledge from Phase 1. These measures will be included in the programme of measures. This measure is necessary to ensure a comparable assessment (between Bulgaria and Romania, and at the regional Black Sea level) of marine water pollution from diffuse sources, and to enable the planning of appropriate follow-up actions. It will complement the assessments under Descriptor 5 – Eutrophication, Descriptor 8 – Contaminants in the marine environment, and Descriptor 9 – Contaminants in fish and other seafood.

The measure is related to the eco-labeling of fish and shellfish products used as seafood, which are farmed in an environmentally sustainable manner. It is indirectly linked to the levels of eutrophication and pollutants in the marine environment. The aim of the measure is to promote competitiveness in the fisheries sector by encouraging aquaculture producers (fish and shellfish) to adopt environmentally friendly farming technologies in order to produce aquaculture products and offer seafood of proven high quality on the market. The measure involves an examination of existing EU-level labeling requirements, particularly those related to seafood.

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.

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.

The measure includes an assessment of the suitability of existing dredged material disposal sites and, if necessary, proposals for new areas. It is related to the collection of information for the future construction or reconstruction of existing marine protection structures, including dredging and disposal activities, as well as activities related to the maintenance of navigation channels providing access to Bulgarian seaports.

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 Implementation of the adopted rules for good agricultural practice outside nitrate vulnerable zones, including applicable measures set out in the Strategic Plan for the Development of Agriculture and Rural Areas under the CAP 2023-2027

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

Action: Conducting exploratory monitoring in surface waters to identify sources of pollution with priority and priority hazardous substances and specific pollutants in water bodies, following detected exceedances of the substances in question in the results of the national monitoring