The global objective is: "Seas with sustainably and carefully used resources". The objective is implemented by means of the operational objectives UZN4.1, UZN4.2, UZN4.3, UZN4.4, UZN4.5 and UZN4.6. The environmental objectives established in 2012 and their description under the 2012 MSFD report continue to apply. They are the basis for the 2016-2021 programme of measures notified to the European Commission in 2016. Since the implementation of the measures was only started in 2016, an assessment of the progress and effectiveness of the measures as a basis for updating the environmental objectives is often not yet possible. Where possible, the text report shows the achievement of objectives and/or the state of implementation of the measures. Only in individual cases where an indicator assessment is available on progress towards achieving the target will this be reported in the Progress Assessment.

All commercially exploited stocks are managed on the basis of maximum sustainable yield (MSY) approach. The environmental objectives established by Germany in 2012 are the basis for the 2016-2021 programme of measures notified to the European Commission in 2016. Since the implementation of the measures was only started in 2016, an assessment of the progress and effectiveness of the measures as a basis for updating the environmental objectives is often not yet possible. Where possible, the text report shows the achievement of objectives and/or the state of implementation of the measures. Only in individual cases where an indicator assessment on progress towards achieving the target is available, this will this be reported in the Progress Assessment.

Stocks of harvested species have an age and size structure in which all ages and size classes continue to be represented and resemble natural conditions. The environmental objectives established by Germany in 2012 are the basis for the 2016-2021 programme of measures notified to the European Commission in 2016. Since the implementation of the measures was only started in 2016, an assessment of the progress and effectiveness of the measures as a basis for updating the environmental objectives is often not yet possible. Where possible, the text report shows the achievement of objectives and/or the state of implementation of the measures. Only in individual cases where an indicator assessment is available on progress towards achieving the target will this be reported in the Progress Assessment.

Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in accordance with EC Regulation Nr.1005/2008 is approaching zero. The environmental objectives established by Germany in 2012 are the basis for the 2016-2021 programme of measures notified to the European Commission in 2016. Since the implementation of the measures was only started in 2016, an assessment of the progress and effectiveness of the measures as a basis for updating the environmental objectives is often not yet possible. Where possible, the text report shows the achievement of objectives and/or the state of implementation of the measures. Only in individual cases where an indicator assessment is available on progress towards achieving the target will this be reported in the Progress Assessment.