The global objective is: "Seas without harming marine species and habitats through the impact of human activities". The objective is implemented by means of the operational objectives UZO3.1, UZO3.2, UZO3.3, UZO3.4 and UZO3.5. 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 the state of implementation of the measures respectively. Only in individual cases where an indicator assessment on progress towards achieving the target is available, this will be reported in the Progress Assessment.

The total number of introductions and movements of new species is close to zero. Prevention measures are implemented to minimise (unintentional) introduction. Emerging species will be identified in time to ensure that promising emergency measures can be implemented, if necessary. The signing and implementation of existing regulations and conventions are an important prerequisite for this. 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. The indicator "Trend and number of newly introduced non-native species", which is relevant to Article 10, is not included here, as it is already reported in detail under Article 8_GES (D2C1). Reference is made to Article 8_GES (D2C1).

The objective is "Seas without pressures from waste". The objective is implemented by means of the operational objectives UZO5.1, UZO5.2 and UZO5.3. 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 the state of achievement of the target, this will be reported in the Progress Assessment.

Continuous reduction of inputs and already present waste result in a significant reduction of waste with harmful effects on the marine environment on beaches, the sea surface, the water column and the seabed. The objective is "Seas without pressures from waste". 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 the state of achievement of the target, this will be reported in the Progress Assessment.

Hazardous waste proven to be present in marine organisms (in particular, microplastics) is approaching zero zero in the long term. The objective is "Seas without pressures from waste". 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 the state of achievement of the target, this will be reported in the Progress Assessment.

Other adverse environmental effects (such as entanglement and strangulation) are reduced to a minimum. The objective is "Seas without pressures from waste". 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 the state of achievement of the target, this will be reported in the Progress Assessment.