During the years 2009 to 2014, the LIFE INDEMARES project studied deep habitats, pelagic species and seabirds that represent the great biodiversity found in our seas, and analysed human uses of these areas. The aim was to know the natural and socio-economic values to complete the Natura 2000 network in the marine environment. As a result of this project, the inclusion of 10 Sites of Community Importance (SCI) was proposed to the European Commission by ministerial orders. Once these SCIs have been approved by the European Commission, they must be designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) as soon as possible and within six years at most, together with the approval of their corresponding management plans or instruments, as provided for in the Habitats Directive and Law 42/2007 on Natural Heritage and Biodiversity. The designation of these sites as Special Areas of Conservation, together with their corresponding management plans or instruments, shall be effected by the approval of a Ministerial Order, or Royal Decree, where appropriate, on the proposal of MITECO. Currently, within the framework of the LIFE INTEMARES project coordinated by the Biodiversity Foundation, it is planned to draw up and approve management plans and declaration of new sites, including support for the preparation of the management plans for the 10 ICTs declared during the LIFE INDEMARES project. The designation of 9 of the 10 INDEMARES SCIs was made in December 2014 and 1 in February 2015. All of them are expected to be approved in February 2025. The spaces are: These spaces are: • North Atlantic demarcation: SCI ESZZ12001 Banco de Galicia; SCI ESZZ12003 Avilés Submarine Years System. • South Atlantic demarcation: SCI ESZZ12002 Mud Volcanes in the Gulf of Cádiz. • Estrecho and Alboran demarcation: SCI ESZZ16003 Sur de Almería – Seco de los Olivos; SCI ESZZ16005 Alboran marine area. • Mild non-Balearic demarcation: SCI ESZZ16002 Canal de Menorca; SCI ESZZ16001 Western submarine barrel system in the Gulf of Lion. • Canary Islands district: SCI ESZZ15001 Banco de la Concepción; SCI ESZZ15002 Marine Space of the East and South of Lanzarote-Fuerteventura.

During the years 2009 to 2014, the LIFE INDEMARES project studied deep habitats, pelagic species and seabirds that represent the great biodiversity found in our seas, and analysed human uses of these areas. The aim was to know the natural and socio-economic values to complete the Natura 2000 network in the marine environment. As a result of this project, the inclusion of 10 Sites of Community Importance (SCI) was proposed to the European Commission by ministerial orders. Once these SCIs have been approved by the European Commission, they must be designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) as soon as possible and within six years at most, together with the approval of their corresponding management plans or instruments, as provided for in the Habitats Directive and Law 42/2007 on Natural Heritage and Biodiversity. The designation of these sites as Special Areas of Conservation, together with their corresponding management plans or instruments, shall be effected by the approval of a Ministerial Order, or Royal Decree, where appropriate, on the proposal of MITECO. Currently, within the framework of the LIFE INTEMARES project coordinated by the Biodiversity Foundation, it is planned to draw up and approve management plans and declaration of new sites, including support for the preparation of the management plans for the 10 ICTs declared during the LIFE INDEMARES project. The designation of 9 of the 10 INDEMARES SCIs was made in December 2014 and 1 in February 2015. All of them are expected to be approved in February 2025. The spaces are: These spaces are: • North Atlantic demarcation: SCI ESZZ12001 Banco de Galicia; SCI ESZZ12003 Avilés Submarine Years System. • South Atlantic demarcation: SCI ESZZ12002 Mud Volcanes in the Gulf of Cádiz. • Estrecho and Alboran demarcation: SCI ESZZ16003 Sur de Almería – Seco de los Olivos; SCI ESZZ16005 Alboran marine area. • Mild non-Balearic demarcation: SCI ESZZ16002 Canal de Menorca; SCI ESZZ16001 Western submarine barrel system in the Gulf of Lion. • Canary Islands district: SCI ESZZ15001 Banco de la Concepción; SCI ESZZ15002 Marine Space of the East and South of Lanzarote-Fuerteventura.

The measure originally designed consisted of carrying out a study, analysing the social and economic feasibility of putting in place an official brand for the products and services of marine Natura 2000 sites, with particular emphasis on the fisheries sector and, if feasible, the creation of the brand.

The measure originally designed consisted of carrying out a study, analysing the social and economic feasibility of putting in place an official brand for the products and services of marine Natura 2000 sites, with particular emphasis on the fisheries sector and, if feasible, the creation of the brand.

Article 3.3 of Law 41/2010 of 29 December provides that the authorisation of any activity that requires either the execution of works or installations in the marine waters, their bed or subsoil, or the placement or deposit of materials on the seabed, as well as the discharges regulated in Title IV of the Law, must have a favourable report from MITECO on the compatibility of the activity or discharge with the relevant marine strategy in accordance with the criteria to be laid down by regulation.

Article 3.3 of Law 41/2010 of 29 December provides that the authorisation of any activity that requires either the execution of works or installations in the marine waters, their bed or subsoil, or the placement or deposit of materials on the seabed, as well as the discharges regulated in Title IV of the Law, must have a favourable report from MITECO on the compatibility of the activity or discharge with the relevant marine strategy in accordance with the criteria to be laid down by regulation.

Nea panacea is an EU-funded project in which 8 partners from 5 OSPAR contracting parties (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands) work together to assess biodiversity elements contributing to the OSPAR 2023 Status of Quality Report (QSR), as well as for the initial assessment of the 2024 MSFD (third cycle). In particular, it focuses on pelagic habitats, benthic habitats, food webs and seabirds. The work consists of the development of new biodiversity indicators as well as the improvement of existing ones, for example in terms of data flow, operability of indicators, extension of geographical coverage or development of threshold values. In addition, the project will explore the best ways to integrate multiple indicators to provide a single integrated assessment of an ecosystem-specific component (e.g. pelagic habitats). Nea panacea also pays particular attention to consistency between assessments of status (biodiversity) and pressure (notably eutrophication and climate change). To this end, OSPAR biodiversity experts join forces in this project with OSPAR eutrophication modelling experts. The project, which is planned to last 2 years, will be coordinated by the Netherlands and will involve a total of 8 partners from different Member States. Spain will participate in the IEO. The work will be organised around 5 activities: • Activity 1: Habitat Pellagic• Activity 2: Eutrophication and physical conditions• Activity 3: Benthic habitats and integrity of the seabed• Activity 4: Seabirds• Activity 5: Coordination and integration

Nea panacea is an EU-funded project in which 8 partners from 5 OSPAR contracting parties (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands) work together to assess biodiversity elements contributing to the OSPAR 2023 Status of Quality Report (QSR), as well as for the initial assessment of the 2024 MSFD (third cycle). In particular, it focuses on pelagic habitats, benthic habitats, food webs and seabirds. The work consists of the development of new biodiversity indicators as well as the improvement of existing ones, for example in terms of data flow, operability of indicators, extension of geographical coverage or development of threshold values. In addition, the project will explore the best ways to integrate multiple indicators to provide a single integrated assessment of an ecosystem-specific component (e.g. pelagic habitats). Nea panacea also pays particular attention to consistency between assessments of status (biodiversity) and pressure (notably eutrophication and climate change). To this end, OSPAR biodiversity experts join forces in this project with OSPAR eutrophication modelling experts. The project, which is planned to last 2 years, will be coordinated by the Netherlands and will involve a total of 8 partners from different Member States. Spain will participate in the IEO. The work will be organised around 5 activities: • Activity 1: Habitat Pellagic• Activity 2: Eutrophication and physical conditions• Activity 3: Benthic habitats and integrity of the seabed• Activity 4: Seabirds• Activity 5: Coordination and integration

This measure covers a diverse set of activities, promoted by different public administrations, aimed at financing research studies and projects that improve knowledge of marine biodiversity and the impact of human activities on it.

This measure covers a diverse set of activities, promoted by different public administrations, aimed at financing research studies and projects that improve knowledge of marine biodiversity and the impact of human activities on it.

Some Spanish marine areas, inside and outside marine protected areas, are subject to a large influx of tourists, resulting in various types of anthropogenic pressures of a generally seasonal nature. These pressures cause significant impacts on marine habitats and species, so it is important to conduct studies of the carrying capacity of ecosystems to assess whether they are able to recover from these impacts and to withstand these pressures without their condition being irreversibly affected. To this end, scientific and technical studies must be carried out to enable this assessment to be carried out and measures to be taken accordingly in those areas. The following actions will be carried out: (...) Consult full text in published documents: https://www.miteco.gob.es/es/costas/temas/proteccion-medio-marino/estrategias-marinas/eemm_2dociclo_fase5.aspx

Some Spanish marine areas, inside and outside marine protected areas, are subject to a large influx of tourists, resulting in various types of anthropogenic pressures of a generally seasonal nature. These pressures cause significant impacts on marine habitats and species, so it is important to conduct studies of the carrying capacity of ecosystems to assess whether they are able to recover from these impacts and to withstand these pressures without their condition being irreversibly affected. To this end, scientific and technical studies must be carried out to enable this assessment to be carried out and measures to be taken accordingly in those areas. The following actions will be carried out: (...) Consult full text in published documents: https://www.miteco.gob.es/es/costas/temas/proteccion-medio-marino/estrategias-marinas/eemm_2dociclo_fase5.aspx

The regulatory regulation of recreational activities does not always cover all aspects that need to be considered in order to reduce the pressures on recreational activities. In order to increase the protection of the marine environment from these activities, it is of paramount importance that guides or codes of good practice are in place for each activity, so that seafarers can benefit from the activities with minimal impact. To this end, this measure is proposed, which seeks to compile the contents of existing guides and to develop new codes for activities for which they have not yet been drawn up. Thus, on the basis of the results of measure BIO63, and taking into account the guides already drawn up for some activities and in some areas, such as Illes Baleares, Catalunya, Galicia and the Canary Islands, a series of codes of good practice for recreational activities with the greatest impact on the marine environment will be drawn up, including at least the following: • Recreational nautical, in terms of anchoring, speed, approach to animals, nuisance to fauna, marine litter, etc.• Recreational fishing: for target species, incidental catch, fishing gear, marine litter, etc.• Allocation of cetaceans: in terms of speed, distance to animals, noise, etc.• Buceo and Snorickel: as regards damage to benthic habitats, species harvesting, nuisance to fauna, etc.• Nautical sports such as surf, windsurf and kite surf, and similar, in terms of nuisance to coastal birds and impact on coastal flora.

The regulatory regulation of recreational activities does not always cover all aspects that need to be considered in order to reduce the pressures on recreational activities. In order to increase the protection of the marine environment from these activities, it is of paramount importance that guides or codes of good practice are in place for each activity, so that seafarers can benefit from the activities with minimal impact. To this end, this measure is proposed, which seeks to compile the contents of existing guides and to develop new codes for activities for which they have not yet been drawn up. Thus, on the basis of the results of measure BIO63, and taking into account the guides already drawn up for some activities and in some areas, such as Illes Baleares, Catalunya, Galicia and the Canary Islands, a series of codes of good practice for recreational activities with the greatest impact on the marine environment will be drawn up, including at least the following: • Recreational nautical, in terms of anchoring, speed, approach to animals, nuisance to fauna, marine litter, etc.• Recreational fishing: for target species, incidental catch, fishing gear, marine litter, etc.• Allocation of cetaceans: in terms of speed, distance to animals, noise, etc.• Buceo and Snorickel: as regards damage to benthic habitats, species harvesting, nuisance to fauna, etc.• Nautical sports such as surf, windsurf and kite surf, and similar, in terms of nuisance to coastal birds and impact on coastal flora.

Human activities affecting populations of marine species include the increasing intensity of recreational activity, especially in areas of high tourist influx, such as large areas of the NON-Balearic marine districts, Estrecho and Alboran or the Canary Islands; however, this pressure is to a greater or lesser extent found in all Spanish marine districts. The input of noise, litter and pollutants, the disturbance of the seabed caused by uncontrolled anchoring, or the risk of collisions due to high maritime traffic are some of the pressures resulting from this activity, and it is essential to reduce its impact on marine fauna. This measure summarises some of the actions that seek to achieve this objective, mainly through: • Promotion of projects, through the calls of the Biodiversity Foundation’s pleamamar programme (priority 1. Of the EMFAF 2021-2027) contributing to improving scientific and technical knowledge in the marine environment, on habitats, species, populations and communities, activities and impacts, serving to optimise decision-making, in collaboration with the sector. Support may include evaluating, monitoring and improving the collection and analysis of data and their time series, improving and developing predictive knowledge and including uncertainty or sampling of species through genomic data, among others. Tmay support actions contributing to the protection and restoration of aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems, including in inland waters. • In the framework of the LIFE IP INTEMARES project, projects are planned to demonstrate the effectiveness of six measures for the mitigation and control of impacts produced by recreational activities carried out in Marine RN 2000: The installation of regulated anchoring buoys for recreational vessels that affect the conservation status of habitats 1110, 1120 * and 1170 in the Canary Islands, and the removal of illegal anchors. Restrictions on access to caves for diving agents to reduce the impact on habitat 8330 in the Canary Islands. Regulating the carrying capacity of the presence of recreational vessels in key areas for cetaceans in Estrecho and the Canary Islands. Promotion of actions aimed at promoting quality and good practices in cetacean observation recreational activities. Development of a pilot project to minimise interactions between orchards and recreational navigation. Establishment of regulation of recreational activities in some SACs in Andalusia.

Human activities affecting populations of marine species include the increasing intensity of recreational activity, especially in areas of high tourist influx, such as large areas of the NON-Balearic marine districts, Estrecho and Alboran or the Canary Islands; however, this pressure is to a greater or lesser extent found in all Spanish marine districts. The input of noise, litter and pollutants, the disturbance of the seabed caused by uncontrolled anchoring, or the risk of collisions due to high maritime traffic are some of the pressures resulting from this activity, and it is essential to reduce its impact on marine fauna. This measure summarises some of the actions that seek to achieve this objective, mainly through: • Promotion of projects, through the calls of the Biodiversity Foundation’s pleamamar programme (priority 1. Of the EMFAF 2021-2027) contributing to improving scientific and technical knowledge in the marine environment, on habitats, species, populations and communities, activities and impacts, serving to optimise decision-making, in collaboration with the sector. Support may include evaluating, monitoring and improving the collection and analysis of data and their time series, improving and developing predictive knowledge and including uncertainty or sampling of species through genomic data, among others. Tmay support actions contributing to the protection and restoration of aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems, including in inland waters. • In the framework of the LIFE IP INTEMARES project, projects are planned to demonstrate the effectiveness of six measures for the mitigation and control of impacts produced by recreational activities carried out in Marine RN 2000: The installation of regulated anchoring buoys for recreational vessels that affect the conservation status of habitats 1110, 1120 * and 1170 in the Canary Islands, and the removal of illegal anchors. Restrictions on access to caves for diving agents to reduce the impact on habitat 8330 in the Canary Islands. Regulating the carrying capacity of the presence of recreational vessels in key areas for cetaceans in Estrecho and the Canary Islands. Promotion of actions aimed at promoting quality and good practices in cetacean observation recreational activities. Development of a pilot project to minimise interactions between orchards and recreational navigation. Establishment of regulation of recreational activities in some SACs in Andalusia.

Title III of Law 41/2010 of 29 December on the protection of the marine environment, on the ‘Network of Marine Protected Areas and the Conservation of Marine Species and Habitats’, establishes RAMPE, defines its objectives, the types of areas included in the Network and provides, in Article 29, that the RAMPE Master Plan will be the basic coordination tool for achieving the objectives of RAMPE. RAMPE must form a coherent and well-managed network of marine protected areas in Spanish waters, with the aim of ensuring the protection, conservation and restoration of Spain’s natural heritage and marine biodiversity. RAMPE shall consist of protected areas located in the Spanish marine environment, representative of the marine natural heritage, irrespective of whether its declaration and management are regulated by international, Community and State rules. Similarly, areas whose declaration and management are regulated by Autonomous Community rules may be included in the network if there is ecological continuity between the marine ecosystem and the terrestrial nature area to be protected. According to the law, the RAMPE Master Plan shall include at least: a. The strategic objectives of the Network of Marine Protected Areas for the duration of the Master Plan (10 years), as well as the programming of the actions to be carried out by the Network to achieve them. b. The objectives to be achieved in terms of cooperation and cooperation with other administrations or bodies, both at national and international level. The guidelines for the planning and conservation of Marine Protected Areas. d. The network’s common actions programme, and the procedures for its continuous monitoring and evaluation. The Master Plan must be approved by royal decree. This measure corresponds to measure PB2 of the Maritime Spatial Planning Plans (BP2). Approval and development of the Spanish Marine Protected Areas Network).

Title III of Law 41/2010 of 29 December on the protection of the marine environment, on the ‘Network of Marine Protected Areas and the Conservation of Marine Species and Habitats’, establishes RAMPE, defines its objectives, the types of areas included in the Network and provides, in Article 29, that the RAMPE Master Plan will be the basic coordination tool for achieving the objectives of RAMPE. RAMPE must form a coherent and well-managed network of marine protected areas in Spanish waters, with the aim of ensuring the protection, conservation and restoration of Spain’s natural heritage and marine biodiversity. RAMPE shall consist of protected areas located in the Spanish marine environment, representative of the marine natural heritage, irrespective of whether its declaration and management are regulated by international, Community and State rules. Similarly, areas whose declaration and management are regulated by Autonomous Community rules may be included in the network if there is ecological continuity between the marine ecosystem and the terrestrial nature area to be protected. According to the law, the RAMPE Master Plan shall include at least: a. The strategic objectives of the Network of Marine Protected Areas for the duration of the Master Plan (10 years), as well as the programming of the actions to be carried out by the Network to achieve them. b. The objectives to be achieved in terms of cooperation and cooperation with other administrations or bodies, both at national and international level. The guidelines for the planning and conservation of Marine Protected Areas. d. The network’s common actions programme, and the procedures for its continuous monitoring and evaluation. The Master Plan must be approved by royal decree. This measure corresponds to measure PB2 of the Maritime Spatial Planning Plans (BP2). Approval and development of the Spanish Marine Protected Areas Network).

MITECO, through the Directorate-General for Biodiversity, Forests and Desertification (formerly through the Directorate-General for the Sustainability of the Coast and the Sea), in compliance with its responsibilities for declaring and managing marine protected areas, made the commitment under the Convention on Biological Diversity (Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020, Aichi Target 11) that the Contracting Parties should protect at least 10 % of their marine and coastal ecosystems by 2020. Spain was one of the contracting parties to the Convention that achieved the objective, as at the end of 2020 the percentage of the Spanish sea area covered by some form of protection was over 12 %. Recently, the European Union’s 2030 Biodiversity Strategy has been adopted at EU level, which sets the objective of achieving 30 % of the marine area protected by 2030. This objective has been endorsed by Spain in the Government Declaration on the climate and environmental emergency, point 26 of which aims to ‘achieve the target of 30 % of marine protected area by 2030 through the planning, declaration and management of marine protected areas, ensuring the conservation of marine biodiversity’. In order to move towards this objective, studies will be carried out in the framework of the INTEMARES project, coordinated by the Biodiversity Foundation, in various marine areas with potential environmental value for future protection such as Site of Community Importance or Special Protection Area for Birds in the Natura 2000 Network because of their importance for marine species or habitats. This measure includes oceanographic campaigns for the designation of PME• Given their importance for habitats of Community interest: — In the area of Cap Breton. In the area of the Seco de Palos. In the submarine mountains of Mallorca, these campaigns will be carried out by the IEO. • Because of the importance for species of Community interest: In the Strait of Gibraltar – East of the current SCI Marine Space in the East and South of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura – In the banks and throat of the Alboran Sea. — On the Barcelona coast These campaigns will be carried out by the DGBBD, the FB and SEO-Birdlife.

MITECO, through the Directorate-General for Biodiversity, Forests and Desertification (formerly through the Directorate-General for the Sustainability of the Coast and the Sea), in compliance with its responsibilities for declaring and managing marine protected areas, made the commitment under the Convention on Biological Diversity (Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020, Aichi Target 11) that the Contracting Parties should protect at least 10 % of their marine and coastal ecosystems by 2020. Spain was one of the contracting parties to the Convention that achieved the objective, as at the end of 2020 the percentage of the Spanish sea area covered by some form of protection was over 12 %. Recently, the European Union’s 2030 Biodiversity Strategy has been adopted at EU level, which sets the objective of achieving 30 % of the marine area protected by 2030. This objective has been endorsed by Spain in the Government Declaration on the climate and environmental emergency, point 26 of which aims to ‘achieve the target of 30 % of marine protected area by 2030 through the planning, declaration and management of marine protected areas, ensuring the conservation of marine biodiversity’. In order to move towards this objective, studies will be carried out in the framework of the INTEMARES project, coordinated by the Biodiversity Foundation, in various marine areas with potential environmental value for future protection such as Site of Community Importance or Special Protection Area for Birds in the Natura 2000 Network because of their importance for marine species or habitats. This measure includes oceanographic campaigns for the designation of PME• Given their importance for habitats of Community interest: — In the area of Cap Breton. In the area of the Seco de Palos. In the submarine mountains of Mallorca, these campaigns will be carried out by the IEO. • Because of the importance for species of Community interest: In the Strait of Gibraltar – East of the current SCI Marine Space in the East and South of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura – In the banks and throat of the Alboran Sea. — On the Barcelona coast These campaigns will be carried out by the DGBBD, the FB and SEO-Birdlife.

The Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, through the Directorate-General for Biodiversity, Forests and Desertification (formerly through the Directorate-General for the Sustainability of the Coast and the Sea), in compliance with its responsibilities for declaring and managing marine protected areas, made the commitment under the Convention on Biological Diversity (Strategic Plan for Biological Diversity 2011-2020, Aichi Target 11) that the Contracting Parties should protect at least 10 % of their marine and coastal ecosystems by 2020. Spain was one of the contracting parties to the Convention that achieved the objective, as at the end of 2020 the percentage of the Spanish sea area covered by some form of protection was over 12 %. Recently, the European Union’s 2030 Biodiversity Strategy has been adopted at EU level, which sets the objective of achieving 30 % of the marine area protected by 2030. This objective has been endorsed by Spain in the Government Declaration on the climate and environmental emergency, point 26 of which aims to ‘achieve the target of 30 % of marine protected area by 2030 through the planning, declaration and management of marine protected areas, ensuring the conservation of marine biodiversity’. In order to achieve this target of 30 % in 2030, and on the basis of the results of the studies carried out under measure EMP12 (oceanographic surveys in various marine areas with a potential environmental value), and of measure EMP18 (Identification of new proposals for designation of marine protected areas that will enable progress towards the objective of achieving protection of 30 % of marine surface area by 2030), new sites will be designated as marine protected areas by means of an appropriate legal instrument. The protection figures used will be Site of Community Importance or Special Protection Area for Birds in the Natura 2000 network. In particular, consideration is being given to: • In the North Atlantic FD: Proposed SCI in the Cap Breton area• In the South Atlantic DM: Designation as SPA of the Mar IBA ES404 “Estrecho de Gibraltar”• In the Estrecho y Alboran DM: or proposed SCIs in the marine area formed by the banks and throat of the Alborán. Sea, or proposed SCIs in the marine area west of the Strait of Gibraltar. • In levantino-Balearic DM: o Proposal for SCIs in the Mallorca submarine mountains area or SCI proposal in the Cabo de Palos-Cabo Tiñoso area or designation of the coastal zone north of Barcelona as an SPA• In the Canary Islands FD: proposed SCI to the east of the current SCI Marine Area of the East and South of Lanzaro- Fuerteventura.

The Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, through the Directorate-General for Biodiversity, Forests and Desertification (formerly through the Directorate-General for the Sustainability of the Coast and the Sea), in compliance with its responsibilities for declaring and managing marine protected areas, made the commitment under the Convention on Biological Diversity (Strategic Plan for Biological Diversity 2011-2020, Aichi Target 11) that the Contracting Parties should protect at least 10 % of their marine and coastal ecosystems by 2020. Spain was one of the contracting parties to the Convention that achieved the objective, as at the end of 2020 the percentage of the Spanish sea area covered by some form of protection was over 12 %. Recently, the European Union’s 2030 Biodiversity Strategy has been adopted at EU level, which sets the objective of achieving 30 % of the marine area protected by 2030. This objective has been endorsed by Spain in the Government Declaration on the climate and environmental emergency, point 26 of which aims to ‘achieve the target of 30 % of marine protected area by 2030 through the planning, declaration and management of marine protected areas, ensuring the conservation of marine biodiversity’. In order to achieve this target of 30 % in 2030, and on the basis of the results of the studies carried out under measure EMP12 (oceanographic surveys in various marine areas with a potential environmental value), and of measure EMP18 (Identification of new proposals for designation of marine protected areas that will enable progress towards the objective of achieving protection of 30 % of marine surface area by 2030), new sites will be designated as marine protected areas by means of an appropriate legal instrument. The protection figures used will be Site of Community Importance or Special Protection Area for Birds in the Natura 2000 network. In particular, consideration is being given to: • In the North Atlantic FD: Proposed SCI in the Cap Breton area• In the South Atlantic DM: Designation as SPA of the Mar IBA ES404 “Estrecho de Gibraltar”• In the Estrecho y Alboran DM: or proposed SCIs in the marine area formed by the banks and throat of the Alborán. Sea, or proposed SCIs in the marine area west of the Strait of Gibraltar. • In levantino-Balearic DM: o Proposal for SCIs in the Mallorca submarine mountains area or SCI proposal in the Cabo de Palos-Cabo Tiñoso area or designation of the coastal zone north of Barcelona as an SPA• In the Canary Islands FD: proposed SCI to the east of the current SCI Marine Area of the East and South of Lanzaro- Fuerteventura.

The EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 is a comprehensive and ambitious long-term plan to protect nature and combat ecosystem degradation. Among the measures envisaged by the strategy, it is worth noting that 30 % of the EU’s marine area is protected. Currently, more than 12 % of Spanish marine waters are under some protection instrument. In order to achieve this objective, it is necessary to identify which areas are most suitable for protection because of the existence of habitats or species that require it. In this context, as part of the INTEMARES project, an analysis of the sufficiency of the marine Natura 2000 network has been carried out to ensure that the objectives set are met and to achieve a coherent ecological network. The results of this analysis will help to identify further proposals for designation of marine protected areas to address the insufficient representativeness of habitats and species to ensure favourable conservation status of HCIs and CIEs and to reach the target set to achieve the 30 % protection of sea area by 2030. In particular, the following results have been achieved: • Weaknesses in the marine Natura 2000 network have been identified. • There has been a proposal to adapt Natura 2000 sites to under-represented marine habitats and species and identified areas where scientific information needs to be expanded. This measure therefore includes carrying out oceanographic surveys in certain areas. A methodology has been developed for analysing the coherence of the Marine Natura Network in terms of representativeness, replication, adequacy and connectivity between sites, so that the additional sites contribute to improving the coherence of the network and thus to ensuring the conservation of marine species and habitats. For the time being, a roadmap has been developed with a number of deadlines: • Reach 15 % protection in 2023. • Reach 18 % protection in 2025. • Reach 30 % protection in 2030. As regards the 10 % strict protection also established by the Biodiversity Strategy, it is important for the Commission to define the concept more clearly. In any case, the establishment of the strict level of protection in marine protected areas should be addressed not at the time of the designation of the sites, but in the definition of their management plans (e.g. by selecting specific areas within the different marine protected areas).

The EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 is a comprehensive and ambitious long-term plan to protect nature and combat ecosystem degradation. Among the measures envisaged by the strategy, it is worth noting that 30 % of the EU’s marine area is protected. Currently, more than 12 % of Spanish marine waters are under some protection instrument. In order to achieve this objective, it is necessary to identify which areas are most suitable for protection because of the existence of habitats or species that require it. In this context, as part of the INTEMARES project, an analysis of the sufficiency of the marine Natura 2000 network has been carried out to ensure that the objectives set are met and to achieve a coherent ecological network. The results of this analysis will help to identify further proposals for designation of marine protected areas to address the insufficient representativeness of habitats and species to ensure favourable conservation status of HCIs and CIEs and to reach the target set to achieve the 30 % protection of sea area by 2030. In particular, the following results have been achieved: • Weaknesses in the marine Natura 2000 network have been identified. • There has been a proposal to adapt Natura 2000 sites to under-represented marine habitats and species and identified areas where scientific information needs to be expanded. This measure therefore includes carrying out oceanographic surveys in certain areas. A methodology has been developed for analysing the coherence of the Marine Natura Network in terms of representativeness, replication, adequacy and connectivity between sites, so that the additional sites contribute to improving the coherence of the network and thus to ensuring the conservation of marine species and habitats. For the time being, a roadmap has been developed with a number of deadlines: • Reach 15 % protection in 2023. • Reach 18 % protection in 2025. • Reach 30 % protection in 2030. As regards the 10 % strict protection also established by the Biodiversity Strategy, it is important for the Commission to define the concept more clearly. In any case, the establishment of the strict level of protection in marine protected areas should be addressed not at the time of the designation of the sites, but in the definition of their management plans (e.g. by selecting specific areas within the different marine protected areas).

Governance consists of the set of mechanisms, processes and rules through which individuals or sectors and their different interests are regulated, promoting fairness, participation, pluralism, transparency and accountability. Optimal management of protected areas is that in which the main stakeholders are involved, can actively participate and are represented in decision-making, thus making management more legitimate and effective. Only with an effective governance approach will real protection of marine protected areas be achieved, given that the management measures agreed through this type of process are better accepted and implemented, thus ensuring progress towards good environmental status of the areas. There is a need to move towards more inclusive and participatory marine protected areas management models that enable the environmental objectives pursued by the declaration of these areas to be achieved. To achieve this objective, this measure envisages different actions: At State level: Priority 1 of Regulation 1139/2021 on the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund provides for this. Promoting sustainable fisheries and the restoration and conservation of aquatic biological resources, implementing actions that contribute to the objective of improving the protection and restoration of aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems (Specific Objective 1.6). Under this priority, the EMFAF provides for the launch of activities aimed at promoting marine resource research and governance systems (type of activity 1.6.3). Within this type of activity and in the field of governance and knowledge exchange, partnerships between fishermen, researchers, and other groups involved will be supported. In particular, it will support: (a) the creation of networks, partnership agreements or partnerships between the different groups of actors involved, scientists and fishermen or one or more organisations of fishermen, in which technical bodies may participate; (b) activities carried out in the framework of the networks, association agreements or associations referred to in point (a). The Biodiversity Foundation will encourage the implementation of these actions through the co-financing of projects through the pleammar programme, during the period 2021-2027. In addition, in the framework of the LIFE IP INTEMARES project coordinated by the Biodiversity Foundation, a Governance Strategy and a Participatory Processes Guide have been developed to improve the management of marine protected areas, including RN 2000 sites. This strategy provides the basis for the implementation of more inclusive models to ensure the BEA in the areas, giving a voice to the main actors, including regional and national administrations responsible for sectoral planning, and being transparent in decision-making and its motivations. In the coming years (...) Consult full text in published documents: https://www.miteco.gob.es/es/costas/temas/proteccion-medio-marino/estrategias-marinas/eemm_2dociclo_fase5.aspx

Governance consists of the set of mechanisms, processes and rules through which individuals or sectors and their different interests are regulated, promoting fairness, participation, pluralism, transparency and accountability. Optimal management of protected areas is that in which the main stakeholders are involved, can actively participate and are represented in decision-making, thus making management more legitimate and effective. Only with an effective governance approach will real protection of marine protected areas be achieved, given that the management measures agreed through this type of process are better accepted and implemented, thus ensuring progress towards good environmental status of the areas. There is a need to move towards more inclusive and participatory marine protected areas management models that enable the environmental objectives pursued by the declaration of these areas to be achieved. To achieve this objective, this measure envisages different actions: At State level: Priority 1 of Regulation 1139/2021 on the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund provides for this. Promoting sustainable fisheries and the restoration and conservation of aquatic biological resources, implementing actions that contribute to the objective of improving the protection and restoration of aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems (Specific Objective 1.6). Under this priority, the EMFAF provides for the launch of activities aimed at promoting marine resource research and governance systems (type of activity 1.6.3). Within this type of activity and in the field of governance and knowledge exchange, partnerships between fishermen, researchers, and other groups involved will be supported. In particular, it will support: (a) the creation of networks, partnership agreements or partnerships between the different groups of actors involved, scientists and fishermen or one or more organisations of fishermen, in which technical bodies may participate; (b) activities carried out in the framework of the networks, association agreements or associations referred to in point (a). The Biodiversity Foundation will encourage the implementation of these actions through the co-financing of projects through the pleammar programme, during the period 2021-2027. In addition, in the framework of the LIFE IP INTEMARES project coordinated by the Biodiversity Foundation, a Governance Strategy and a Participatory Processes Guide have been developed to improve the management of marine protected areas, including RN 2000 sites. This strategy provides the basis for the implementation of more inclusive models to ensure the BEA in the areas, giving a voice to the main actors, including regional and national administrations responsible for sectoral planning, and being transparent in decision-making and its motivations. In the coming years (...) Consult full text in published documents: https://www.miteco.gob.es/es/costas/temas/proteccion-medio-marino/estrategias-marinas/eemm_2dociclo_fase5.aspx

Within this measure, a strategy will be developed for communication, stakeholder involvement and public awareness in the framework of marine strategies. To this end, work will be carried out on visibility at national level, promoting awareness of these through: • Web dissemination plan, social media, digital platforms or other forms of communication, including institutional image design. • Quarterly newsletter containing news on actions to protect the sea (marine strategies, Maritime Spatial Planning Plans (MEPOs), actions by the ACs. Projects from the Biodiversity Foundation’s PLEAMAR programme, etc.). • Design of digital dissemination material for Marine Strategies: logo, technical summaries, social media outreach graphic material, etc.• Graphic editing of official documents from the 5 stages of marine strategies for publication in digital format. • Creation of a photo library, which will include at least the photographs obtained in the campaigns funded by MITECO. • Videos on specific aspects of marine strategy phases: Monitoring programmes? Concrete measures. Coastal peripheral services will be available for the implementation of the measure, in order to make the visibility and dissemination strategy more effective to coastal areas.

Dentro de esta medida, se desarrollará una estrategia dirigida a la comunicación, participación de los interesados y concienciación del público en el marco de las estrategias marinas. Para ello se trabajará en la visibilidad en el ámbito nacional, promoviendo el conocimiento de las mismas a través de: • Plan de difusión a través de la web, redes sociales, plataformas digitales u otras formas de comunicación, incluyendo diseño de imagen institucional. • Boletín trimestral (newsletter) que incluya noticias sobre actuaciones de protección del mar (estrategias marinas, Planes de Ordenación del Espacio Marítimo (POEM), actuaciones de las CC. AA., proyectos del programa PLEAMAR de la Fundación Biodiversidad, etc.). • Diseño de material divulgativo digital de Estrategias Marinas: logo, resúmenes técnicos, material gráfico de divulgación en redes sociales, etc. • Edición gráfica de los documentos oficiales de las 5 fases de estrategias marinas para su publicación en formato digital. • Creación de fototeca, que incluirá al menos las fotografías obtenidas en las campañas financiadas por el MITECO. • Vídeos sobre aspectos concretos de las fases de estrategias marinas:  Programas de seguimiento  Medidas concretas. Se contará con los servicios periféricos de costas para la implementación de la medida, con el objeto de hacer llegar de forma más eficaz la estrategia de visibilidad y difusión a las zonas costeras.

This measure aims to enhance education in marine environmental aspects, making it accessible to the school population. To this end, the following work will be carried out: Review and adaptation of existing educational material and creation of new educational material: there is a great diversity of information and educational material relating to the marine environment, the exploitation and use of which should be strengthened. A review of all existing material from various online sources, including the REEDUCAMAR portal, will be carried out with a view to selecting the most suitable for a school campaign. If a lack of educational material is detected in relation to a particular topic of interest, the design of the material will be carried out. Campaign development: a campaign for schoolchildren will be carried out, with a fair distribution throughout Spain. In addition, an annual school competition related to the protection of the marine environment will be held to support the campaign.

A través de esta medida se pretende potenciar la educación en los aspectos ambientales marinos, de manera que sea accesible para la población escolar. Para ello se realizarán los siguientes trabajos:  Revisión y adaptación de material educativo existente, y creación de nuevo material educativo: existe gran diversidad de material divulgativo y educativo relativo al medio marino, cuya explotación y utilización debe reforzarse. Se realizará una revisión del conjunto de material existente en diversas fuentes online, incluido el portal REEDUCAMAR, con vistas a seleccionar el más adecuado para la realización de una campaña de escolares. En caso de detectarse la falta de material educativo en relación a algún tema en particular que sea de interés se llevará a cabo el diseño del mismo.  Desarrollo de campaña: se desarrollará una campaña para escolares, con un reparto equitativo en la totalidad del territorio español. Además, se llevará a cabo un concurso escolar anual relacionado con la protección del medio marino para dar soporte a la campaña.

The aim of this measure is to bring together a series of training activities which are intended to be carried out in different economic and social sectors and which have a twofold objective: • Improving existing knowledge of the marine environment in sectors which are users of the marine environment and which, through its actions, can make a significant contribution to improving the environmental status of the marine environment. • Preparation and technical development of staff, from the administration or from the private sector, who perform routine tasks related to the protection of the marine environment (training of managers). Therefore, on the basis of the two priority objectives to be achieved under this measure, it is planned to carry out awareness-raising and awareness-raising activities specifically aimed at: • Training of workers in the sector as fishermen and on-board observers on protocols and good practices aimed at reducing the impacts of incidental catches (reduction of post-release mortality, proper implementation of protocols, etc.) (Action 1, related to measures BIO09, BIO12 and BIO58). • Training of managers on emerging issues in the field of marine environmental protection, both stranding network staff, coastal guards, environmental agents, AGE and CC officials. AA. (Action 2). Under this measure: Consult full text in published documents: https://www.miteco.gob.es/es/costas/temas/proteccion-medio-marino/estrategias-marinas/eemm_2dociclo_fase5.aspx

The aim of this measure is to bring together a series of training activities which are intended to be carried out in different economic and social sectors and which have a twofold objective: • Improving existing knowledge of the marine environment in sectors which are users of the marine environment and which, through its actions, can make a significant contribution to improving the environmental status of the marine environment. • Preparation and technical development of staff, from the administration or from the private sector, who perform routine tasks related to the protection of the marine environment (training of managers). Therefore, on the basis of the two priority objectives to be achieved under this measure, it is planned to carry out awareness-raising and awareness-raising activities specifically aimed at: • Training of workers in the sector as fishermen and on-board observers on protocols and good practices aimed at reducing the impacts of incidental catches (reduction of post-release mortality, proper implementation of protocols, etc.) (Action 1, related to measures BIO09, BIO12 and BIO58). • Training of managers on emerging issues in the field of marine environmental protection, both stranding network staff, coastal guards, environmental agents, AGE and CC officials. AA. (Action 2). Under this measure: Consult full text in published documents: https://www.miteco.gob.es/es/costas/temas/proteccion-medio-marino/estrategias-marinas/eemm_2dociclo_fase5.aspx

The need to raise civil society’s awareness of the main marine environmental problems has been recognised in different fora, as well as the desirability of targeted actions for different economic sectors operating at sea: fishermen, nautical and recreational enterprises, diving boats, beach users, etc. This measure provides for a set of awareness-raising actions focusing on issues such as the conservation of marine biodiversity, the impact of fishing and recreational activities on the marine environment, marine litter, etc. to facilitate the involvement of society and the collective users of the marine environment. This measure will include, inter alia, the DGCM to carry out the following activities. Consult full text in published documents: https://www.miteco.gob.es/es/costas/temas/proteccion-medio-marino/estrategias-marinas/eemm_2dociclo_fase5.aspx

The need to raise civil society’s awareness of the main marine environmental problems has been recognised in different fora, as well as the desirability of targeted actions for different economic sectors operating at sea: fishermen, nautical and recreational enterprises, diving boats, beach users, etc. This measure provides for a set of awareness-raising actions focusing on issues such as the conservation of marine biodiversity, the impact of fishing and recreational activities on the marine environment, marine litter, etc. to facilitate the involvement of society and the collective users of the marine environment. This measure will include, inter alia, the DGCM to carry out the following activities. Consult full text in published documents: https://www.miteco.gob.es/es/costas/temas/proteccion-medio-marino/estrategias-marinas/eemm_2dociclo_fase5.aspx

The necessary training materials will be developed to ensure that future sea-going workers or skippers are properly aware of the problem of marine litter and of good environmental practices aimed at reducing it, as well as the importance of ensuring respect for and protection of protected cetaceans, turtles, seabirds, and elasmobranchs on official boat masters’ courses in the recreational and fishing sectors. This module will be proposed as part of the official training courses for boatmasters in the recreational and fisheries sector.

The necessary training materials will be developed to ensure that future sea-going workers or skippers are properly aware of the problem of marine litter and of good environmental practices aimed at reducing it, as well as the importance of ensuring respect for and protection of protected cetaceans, turtles, seabirds, and elasmobranchs on official boat masters’ courses in the recreational and fishing sectors. This module will be proposed as part of the official training courses for boatmasters in the recreational and fisheries sector.

Fishing and aquaculture are activities subject to a broad and strict environmental regulatory framework, which ensures that environmentally friendly procedures and processes are in place in fields as diverse as the management of fishery resources, by-catches and the management of escapes, the management of waste generated by the activity itself and those collected by operators in the course of their activity, the use of alien species, fish health and welfare, food processes or water use among many others. For the period 2021-2027, the Biodiversity Foundation, through the pleammar programme, will encourage the launch of projects to reduce the impact of fisheries on the marine environment and to improve knowledge on sustainable aquaculture as a basis for decision-making. A high number of CA is expected. AA. also provide similar lines aimed at reducing the impact of fisheries and improving knowledge in aquaculture with a regional character. This measure covers the first cycle measure BM4. Promotion of innovative projects and initiatives in the environmental aspect of technologies and processes in the fisheries and aquaculture sector, so that this is not excluded but merged with H13.

Fishing and aquaculture are activities subject to a broad and strict environmental regulatory framework, which ensures that environmentally friendly procedures and processes are in place in fields as diverse as the management of fishery resources, by-catches and the management of escapes, the management of waste generated by the activity itself and those collected by operators in the course of their activity, the use of alien species, fish health and welfare, food processes or water use among many others. For the period 2021-2027, the Biodiversity Foundation, through the pleammar programme, will encourage the launch of projects to reduce the impact of fisheries on the marine environment and to improve knowledge on sustainable aquaculture as a basis for decision-making. A high number of CA is expected. AA. also provide similar lines aimed at reducing the impact of fisheries and improving knowledge in aquaculture with a regional character. This measure covers the first cycle measure BM4. Promotion of innovative projects and initiatives in the environmental aspect of technologies and processes in the fisheries and aquaculture sector, so that this is not excluded but merged with H13.

The Biodiversity Foundation (BF), through the Green Jobs Programme, boosts innovative entrepreneurship and the creation of new green businesses. The FB is the intermediate body for the Operational Programme Employment, Training and Education (POEFE) of the European Social Fund 2014-2020 and, among its objectives, aims to boost employment and green entrepreneurship. Between 2017 and 2023, the programme manages EUR 47 million. Work is ongoing to make the Biodiversity Foundation a new Intermediate Body in the new programming period 2021-2027 and the type of actions to be taken for the new period under the ESF is currently being defined. The Green Employment Programme is implemented mainly through two mechanisms: Annual calls for support aimed, inter alia, at improving the skills of entrepreneurs and encouraging the creation of new businesses and self-employment initiatives in sectors related to the blue economy (fisheries, tourism, waste, industry, etc.), as well as in the environment of Natura 2000 sites. All of this, through training courses, mentors and social innovation actions to encourage the creation of viable businesses in activities linked to the environment. They may include visits to established initiatives, attendance at fairs or meetings involving reference companies from the marine sector, stays in pre-incubators, incubators and accelerators with support services. Face-to-face learning meetings are also envisaged to encourage the transfer of knowledge, the sharing of experience and the channelling of investment between entrepreneurs, sectoral experts and investors from the Member States involved in the project. On the other hand, the Green Entrepreneurship Network, a green entrepreneurship support community with more than 10.000 users, carries out innovative actions specialised in supporting the creation of new businesses such as training pathways, mentoring and online advice for new entrepreneurial projects that want to contribute to green recovery and preserve biodiversity. In addition, to support them in increasing their network of contacts and to give visibility and dissemination to their business. All actions are targeted at entrepreneurs, as both workers and unemployed people who want to set up a business are considered as entrepreneurs and particular attention will be paid to the following priority social groups: women, people living in rural areas or protected areas, young people up to 35, over 45 years of age, immigrants and people with disabilities. Under Action C10 to Promote Entrepreneurship in Marine RN 2000 of the LIFE INTEMARES project coordinated by the Biodiversity Foundation, an analysis of the situation of green entrepreneurship in the marine environment and support for its promotion has been carried out, with the aim of promoting sustainable business initiatives in a blue economy, based on the potential offered by marine Natura 2000 sites. To this end, the following has been carried out: • Identification of initiatives supporting marine green entrepreneurship at international and national level: identify which initiatives exist at international and national level to support green entrepreneurship linked to the marine environment or which have the potential to be able to support initiatives in this area in Spain. • SWOT analysis of the ecosystem supporting green entrepreneurship in the marine environment in Spain. • Design of a roadmap to support green entrepreneurship in the marine environment in Spain. • List of proposals for green entrepreneurship activities at local level for areas adjacent to marine Natura 2000 sites in Spain

The Biodiversity Foundation (BF), through the Green Jobs Programme, boosts innovative entrepreneurship and the creation of new green businesses. The FB is the intermediate body for the Operational Programme Employment, Training and Education (POEFE) of the European Social Fund 2014-2020 and, among its objectives, aims to boost employment and green entrepreneurship. Between 2017 and 2023, the programme manages EUR 47 million. Work is ongoing to make the Biodiversity Foundation a new Intermediate Body in the new programming period 2021-2027 and the type of actions to be taken for the new period under the ESF is currently being defined. The Green Employment Programme is implemented mainly through two mechanisms: Annual calls for support aimed, inter alia, at improving the skills of entrepreneurs and encouraging the creation of new businesses and self-employment initiatives in sectors related to the blue economy (fisheries, tourism, waste, industry, etc.), as well as in the environment of Natura 2000 sites. All of this, through training courses, mentors and social innovation actions to encourage the creation of viable businesses in activities linked to the environment. They may include visits to established initiatives, attendance at fairs or meetings involving reference companies from the marine sector, stays in pre-incubators, incubators and accelerators with support services. Face-to-face learning meetings are also envisaged to encourage the transfer of knowledge, the sharing of experience and the channelling of investment between entrepreneurs, sectoral experts and investors from the Member States involved in the project. On the other hand, the Green Entrepreneurship Network, a green entrepreneurship support community with more than 10.000 users, carries out innovative actions specialised in supporting the creation of new businesses such as training pathways, mentoring and online advice for new entrepreneurial projects that want to contribute to green recovery and preserve biodiversity. In addition, to support them in increasing their network of contacts and to give visibility and dissemination to their business. All actions are targeted at entrepreneurs, as both workers and unemployed people who want to set up a business are considered as entrepreneurs and particular attention will be paid to the following priority social groups: women, people living in rural areas or protected areas, young people up to 35, over 45 years of age, immigrants and people with disabilities. Under Action C10 to Promote Entrepreneurship in Marine RN 2000 of the LIFE INTEMARES project coordinated by the Biodiversity Foundation, an analysis of the situation of green entrepreneurship in the marine environment and support for its promotion has been carried out, with the aim of promoting sustainable business initiatives in a blue economy, based on the potential offered by marine Natura 2000 sites. To this end, the following has been carried out: • Identification of initiatives supporting marine green entrepreneurship at international and national level: identify which initiatives exist at international and national level to support green entrepreneurship linked to the marine environment or which have the potential to be able to support initiatives in this area in Spain. • SWOT analysis of the ecosystem supporting green entrepreneurship in the marine environment in Spain. • Design of a roadmap to support green entrepreneurship in the marine environment in Spain. • List of proposals for green entrepreneurship activities at local level for areas adjacent to marine Natura 2000 sites in Spain

Inter-administrative coordination is essential in order to optimise the results of the efforts invested in the monitoring and management of the marine environment, as there are a number of competences assigned to different State and Autonomous Community bodies. Marine strategies and maritime specialty management plans are the result of intense inter-administrative coordination, for which the official tools of the Interministerial Committee on Marine Strategies and the Marine Strategies Monitoring Committees have been used. However, in order to speed up this coordination at technical level, it is considered necessary to facilitate and speed up communication between the authorities’ technicians. To this end, it is proposed to set up a series of thematic working groups to meet regularly, with a dedicated online communication system allowing interaction through forums and consultation of documentation in ad hoc repositories. These themes will be: D1/D6.Hábitats – D1. Species – D2. Non-indigenous Invasoras Species – D3. Commercial species. — D5. Eutrophication – D8. Pollution – D10. Marine litter – Human activities and associated pressures. Furthermore, in the context of the implementation of Directive 2014/89/EU (Directive establishing a framework for maritime spatial planning), with a view to drawing up Spanish Maritime Spatial Planning Plans (MEPP), a series of ad hoc working groups were established with representatives of both the AGE and the ACs. AA. to address issues such as underwater cultural heritage; protected marine spaces, marine renewable energy, nautical and recreational activities and benthic habitats, port activity, navigation and collisions with cetaceans. Once the MEPPs have been approved, and for their correct implementation, it is hoped to continue those of these groups considered necessary, as well as to create new groups according to the needs identified. To this end, the MEOP includes measure OEM5: setting up working groups to address planning issues with appropriate detail and scale. The platform shall in any case be open to the establishment of other possible thematic working groups, at state or demarcation level, or at more specific geographical levels if deemed necessary.

Inter-administrative coordination is essential in order to optimise the results of the efforts invested in the monitoring and management of the marine environment, as there are a number of competences assigned to different State and Autonomous Community bodies. Marine strategies and maritime specialty management plans are the result of intense inter-administrative coordination, for which the official tools of the Interministerial Committee on Marine Strategies and the Marine Strategies Monitoring Committees have been used. However, in order to speed up this coordination at technical level, it is considered necessary to facilitate and speed up communication between the authorities’ technicians. To this end, it is proposed to set up a series of thematic working groups to meet regularly, with a dedicated online communication system allowing interaction through forums and consultation of documentation in ad hoc repositories. These themes will be: D1/D6.Hábitats – D1. Species – D2. Non-indigenous Invasoras Species – D3. Commercial species. — D5. Eutrophication – D8. Pollution – D10. Marine litter – Human activities and associated pressures. Furthermore, in the context of the implementation of Directive 2014/89/EU (Directive establishing a framework for maritime spatial planning), with a view to drawing up Spanish Maritime Spatial Planning Plans (MEPP), a series of ad hoc working groups were established with representatives of both the AGE and the ACs. AA. to address issues such as underwater cultural heritage; protected marine spaces, marine renewable energy, nautical and recreational activities and benthic habitats, port activity, navigation and collisions with cetaceans. Once the MEPPs have been approved, and for their correct implementation, it is hoped to continue those of these groups considered necessary, as well as to create new groups according to the needs identified. To this end, the MEOP includes measure OEM5: setting up working groups to address planning issues with appropriate detail and scale. The platform shall in any case be open to the establishment of other possible thematic working groups, at state or demarcation level, or at more specific geographical levels if deemed necessary.

A public mobile application shall be developed with which information on elements of the physical environment, marine ecosystems, uses of the sea and their restrictions and existing management provisions can be accessed in an easy and accessible manner by sea users and any citizen. The application will be linked to INFOMAR, a consultation tool or access to information on various aspects of the marine environment generated by Spanish entities (see measure H24), and will consist of a viewer that makes it possible to visualise general maps on bathymetry, coastlines, elements of the Public Maritime Domain, etc. The application will also display geo-referenced information collected as part of marine strategy monitoring programmes, such as benthic habitats, marine species, non-indigenous species or the main pressures on the marine environment (pollution, nutrient input, etc.). The application will also collect information on uses and activities in the marine environment obtained in the MEOP process. Accessibility of information to all stakeholders is one of the keys to facilitating planning, increasing certainty for developers and users, and also facilitating compliance with the provisions of the MEOP.

A public mobile application shall be developed with which information on elements of the physical environment, marine ecosystems, uses of the sea and their restrictions and existing management provisions can be accessed in an easy and accessible manner by sea users and any citizen. The application will be linked to INFOMAR, a consultation tool or access to information on various aspects of the marine environment generated by Spanish entities (see measure H24), and will consist of a viewer that makes it possible to visualise general maps on bathymetry, coastlines, elements of the Public Maritime Domain, etc. The application will also display geo-referenced information collected as part of marine strategy monitoring programmes, such as benthic habitats, marine species, non-indigenous species or the main pressures on the marine environment (pollution, nutrient input, etc.). The application will also collect information on uses and activities in the marine environment obtained in the MEOP process. Accessibility of information to all stakeholders is one of the keys to facilitating planning, increasing certainty for developers and users, and also facilitating compliance with the provisions of the MEOP.

Strengthening surveillance and monitoring in the marine environment with the launch of 10 teams of 4-5 people with access to vessels to monitor and raise information on the marine environment for better management. This monitoring will focus on human activities taking place in the coastal and marine environment, and monitoring of regulations by sea users. This plan to strengthen monitoring, coordinated with the work of the environmental agents of DGBBD and the environmental agents in the coastal districts of MITECO, will promote compliance with the legislation on the protection of the marine environment, as well as increase knowledge of the intensity and location of human activities at sea and the pressures that they generate, information that may be used for the implementation of European directives and national and regional legislation relating to the protection of the sea. These teams shall be located on the coast, in particular in the following districts: North Atlantic demarcation (3 teams); South Atlantic demarcation and Estrecho and Alboran (1 equipment), levantno-Balearic demarcation (4 equipment), Canary Islands demarcation (1 equipment). The coordination of the actions of these teams and agents shall be organised by means of internal instructions for the monitoring and surveillance of matters governed by Law 41/2010 of 29 December 1995 on the protection of the marine environment.

Strengthening surveillance and monitoring in the marine environment with the launch of 10 teams of 4-5 people with access to vessels to monitor and raise information on the marine environment for better management. This monitoring will focus on human activities taking place in the coastal and marine environment, and monitoring of regulations by sea users. This plan to strengthen monitoring, coordinated with the work of the environmental agents of DGBBD and the environmental agents in the coastal districts of MITECO, will promote compliance with the legislation on the protection of the marine environment, as well as increase knowledge of the intensity and location of human activities at sea and the pressures that they generate, information that may be used for the implementation of European directives and national and regional legislation relating to the protection of the sea. These teams shall be located on the coast, in particular in the following districts: North Atlantic demarcation (3 teams); South Atlantic demarcation and Estrecho and Alboran (1 equipment), levantno-Balearic demarcation (4 equipment), Canary Islands demarcation (1 equipment). The coordination of the actions of these teams and agents shall be organised by means of internal instructions for the monitoring and surveillance of matters governed by Law 41/2010 of 29 December 1995 on the protection of the marine environment.

Royal Decree 363/2017 of 8 April 2007 establishing a framework for maritime spatial planning provides that MEPPs must consider ‘the elements included among the lists or additional ones that must form part of the green infrastructure referred to in Article 15 of Law 42/2007 of 13 December 1992 on Natural Heritage and Biodiversity’. Once the National Strategy for Green Infrastructure and Ecological Connectivity and Restoration (EIV) had been approved, the DGCM carried out a specific study to define the set of elements that make up marine green infrastructure, taking into account the provisions of that strategy. On the basis of this preliminary identification, work will be carried out, with the support of scientific institutions, on their identification, mapping, and incorporation into the upcoming spatial analyses carried out in the field of MEOP. This measure is also provided for in the Maritime Spatial Planning Plans, as measure OEM3.

Royal Decree 363/2017 of 8 April 2007 establishing a framework for maritime spatial planning provides that MEPPs must consider ‘the elements included among the lists or additional ones that must form part of the green infrastructure referred to in Article 15 of Law 42/2007 of 13 December 1992 on Natural Heritage and Biodiversity’. Once the National Strategy for Green Infrastructure and Ecological Connectivity and Restoration (EIV) had been approved, the DGCM carried out a specific study to define the set of elements that make up marine green infrastructure, taking into account the provisions of that strategy. On the basis of this preliminary identification, work will be carried out, with the support of scientific institutions, on their identification, mapping, and incorporation into the upcoming spatial analyses carried out in the field of MEOP. This measure is also provided for in the Maritime Spatial Planning Plans, as measure OEM3.

The main purpose of Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP), regulated by Directive 2014/89/EU and transposed into Spanish law by Royal Decree 363/2017 of 8 April 2007 establishing a framework for maritime spatial planning, is to promote the sustainable growth of maritime economies, the sustainable development of marine areas and the sustainable use of marine resources, through the development of spatial plans. In Spain, the Maritime Spatial Planning Plans (MEPP) have been developed in close coordination with marine strategies, given the synergies between the two planning tools. The Royal Decree governing the MEPP itself has been conceived as a normative implementation of Article 4 (2) (f) of Law 41/2010. These plans constitute a guideline common to all Marine Strategies and therefore share environmental objectives and certain measures. In addition to the measures, the MEOP establish zoning of marine space for the prioritisation of activities, as well as criteria associated with such zoning, so as to ensure the compatibility of the conservation and development of the various sectors of the blue economy.

The main purpose of Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP), regulated by Directive 2014/89/EU and transposed into Spanish law by Royal Decree 363/2017 of 8 April 2007 establishing a framework for maritime spatial planning, is to promote the sustainable growth of maritime economies, the sustainable development of marine areas and the sustainable use of marine resources, through the development of spatial plans. In Spain, the Maritime Spatial Planning Plans (MEPP) have been developed in close coordination with marine strategies, given the synergies between the two planning tools. The Royal Decree governing the MEPP itself has been conceived as a normative implementation of Article 4 (2) (f) of Law 41/2010. These plans constitute a guideline common to all Marine Strategies and therefore share environmental objectives and certain measures. In addition to the measures, the MEOP establish zoning of marine space for the prioritisation of activities, as well as criteria associated with such zoning, so as to ensure the compatibility of the conservation and development of the various sectors of the blue economy.

There is a clear need to increase the involvement of civil society in the design and development of environmental policies. The involvement of stakeholders and stakeholders affected by these policies not only helps to raise awareness of environmental problems and challenges, but also substantially improves the effectiveness of the measures adopted, given that society is more likely to accept them, as they have taken part in their proposal. This measure therefore proposes a strategy for participation in the implementation of the maritime spatial planning directives and the marine strategy, focusing on the various economic sectors operating at sea and on civil society. Under this measure, the DGCM will carry out activities such as participatory workshops, meetings, dissemination and outreach days, surveys, among others, as well as the creation of a common participatory online platform for marine strategies and maritime spatial planning, which will also support the inter-administrative coordination of both plans. During the preparation of the strategy, the activities to be finally developed and their timetable will be identified in detail. In addition, peripheral coastal services will be available for the implementation of the measure, with the aim of adopting a more appropriate approach in each area.

There is a clear need to increase the involvement of civil society in the design and development of environmental policies. The involvement of stakeholders and stakeholders affected by these policies not only helps to raise awareness of environmental problems and challenges, but also substantially improves the effectiveness of the measures adopted, given that society is more likely to accept them, as they have taken part in their proposal. This measure therefore proposes a strategy for participation in the implementation of the maritime spatial planning directives and the marine strategy, focusing on the various economic sectors operating at sea and on civil society. Under this measure, the DGCM will carry out activities such as participatory workshops, meetings, dissemination and outreach days, surveys, among others, as well as the creation of a common participatory online platform for marine strategies and maritime spatial planning, which will also support the inter-administrative coordination of both plans. During the preparation of the strategy, the activities to be finally developed and their timetable will be identified in detail. In addition, peripheral coastal services will be available for the implementation of the measure, with the aim of adopting a more appropriate approach in each area.

The measure will be to promote projects to support networks for the exchange of information and experience, through calls for grants. In addition, the use of existing knowledge will be encouraged through the exchange of experience in coordination with the Nature Data Bank and through a call for tenders complementing the scope of the milestones of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (component 4 and investment 1) for the implementation of the biodiversity knowledge management and monitoring system. The EMFAF, under priority P1 – Promoting sustainable fisheries and the recovery and conservation of aquatic biological resources, provides for the implementation of actions linked to the type of activity 1.6.3 Promoting research on marine resources and governance systems, within which the possibility of supporting, in the area of governance and knowledge exchange, partnerships between fishermen, researchers and other groups involved is considered. In particular, support will be given to: (c) the creation of networks, partnership agreements or partnerships between the different groups of actors involved, scientists and fishermen or one or more organisations of fishermen, in which technical bodies may participate; (D) activities carried out in the framework of the networks, association agreements or associations referred to in point (a).

The measure will be to promote projects to support networks for the exchange of information and experience, through calls for grants. In addition, the use of existing knowledge will be encouraged through the exchange of experience in coordination with the Nature Data Bank and through a call for tenders complementing the scope of the milestones of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (component 4 and investment 1) for the implementation of the biodiversity knowledge management and monitoring system. The EMFAF, under priority P1 – Promoting sustainable fisheries and the recovery and conservation of aquatic biological resources, provides for the implementation of actions linked to the type of activity 1.6.3 Promoting research on marine resources and governance systems, within which the possibility of supporting, in the area of governance and knowledge exchange, partnerships between fishermen, researchers and other groups involved is considered. In particular, support will be given to: (c) the creation of networks, partnership agreements or partnerships between the different groups of actors involved, scientists and fishermen or one or more organisations of fishermen, in which technical bodies may participate; (D) activities carried out in the framework of the networks, association agreements or associations referred to in point (a).

Protecting the marine environment requires increasing our knowledge of it, gathering as much information as possible on its bathymetry, geology, ecosystems, processes and relationships between its elements. Data collection in the marine environment is costly, most of which is carried out by different institutions and administrative and scientific organisations, through regular monitoring and ad hoc projects. It is essential that existing information is accessible to public administration bodies using marine data for the exercise of their competences, in order to avoid duplication of expenditure and effort, and to optimise the cost-effectiveness of the data for preservation and science. Much of this information can also be useful for maritime sectors and sea users. This is why a common strategy for the management, storage and accessibility of information obtained through research projects is proposed, which, in addition to helping to bring together and consolidate collaboration between institutions, is essential in order to boost the quality of science and provide services to society. The main objective of this strategy will be the creation of a Marine Data Infrastructure (MDI). The general objective is to respond to the needs of the implementation of the MSFD in Spain by harmonising and integrating for the time being the existing marine data infrastructures in the IEO (CSIC), UTM, SOCIB and other research institutions or centres to converge in creating a single, distributed and multidisciplinary infrastructure for marine spatial data. In order to meet this general objective, the following specific objectives are defined: • Analyse existing information and harmonise the life cycles of each institution’s data, in line with the standards and best practices included in the data management plans at European and international level. • Creation of a web portal that includes a complete catalogue of national marine data that distributes existing data in each institution and allows data of different kinds to be integrated while preserving their possible source interrelationship. • Drawing up plans for the management and preservation of data for each institution, including the institutional data policy following international standards. • Creation of mechanisms to allow the distribution of data to the main international portals. This will be a common interface for searching for and accessing marine data acquired on different platforms, integrating the main marine data management infrastructures of the IEO Data Centres, the UTM and ICTS SOCIB in order to capitalise on and showcase what already exists. This ensures integration at the level of data resources and IT resources that can include data from other institutions. In addition, this task will enable the development of the Marine Data Infrastructure concept that has been proposed and agreed within the ICES Working Group on Marine Data (Interministerial Commission on Marine Strategies), coordinated by the IEO-CSIC.

Protecting the marine environment requires increasing our knowledge of it, gathering as much information as possible on its bathymetry, geology, ecosystems, processes and relationships between its elements. Data collection in the marine environment is costly, most of which is carried out by different institutions and administrative and scientific organisations, through regular monitoring and ad hoc projects. It is essential that existing information is accessible to public administration bodies using marine data for the exercise of their competences, in order to avoid duplication of expenditure and effort, and to optimise the cost-effectiveness of the data for preservation and science. Much of this information can also be useful for maritime sectors and sea users. This is why a common strategy for the management, storage and accessibility of information obtained through research projects is proposed, which, in addition to helping to bring together and consolidate collaboration between institutions, is essential in order to boost the quality of science and provide services to society. The main objective of this strategy will be the creation of a Marine Data Infrastructure (MDI). The general objective is to respond to the needs of the implementation of the MSFD in Spain by harmonising and integrating for the time being the existing marine data infrastructures in the IEO (CSIC), UTM, SOCIB and other research institutions or centres to converge in creating a single, distributed and multidisciplinary infrastructure for marine spatial data. In order to meet this general objective, the following specific objectives are defined: • Analyse existing information and harmonise the life cycles of each institution’s data, in line with the standards and best practices included in the data management plans at European and international level. • Creation of a web portal that includes a complete catalogue of national marine data that distributes existing data in each institution and allows data of different kinds to be integrated while preserving their possible source interrelationship. • Drawing up plans for the management and preservation of data for each institution, including the institutional data policy following international standards. • Creation of mechanisms to allow the distribution of data to the main international portals. This will be a common interface for searching for and accessing marine data acquired on different platforms, integrating the main marine data management infrastructures of the IEO Data Centres, the UTM and ICTS SOCIB in order to capitalise on and showcase what already exists. This ensures integration at the level of data resources and IT resources that can include data from other institutions. In addition, this task will enable the development of the Marine Data Infrastructure concept that has been proposed and agreed within the ICES Working Group on Marine Data (Interministerial Commission on Marine Strategies), coordinated by the IEO-CSIC.

Infomar is a Marine Environment Information System launched by the DGCM in collaboration with CEDEX-CEPYC, which serves as a tool for consultation or access to information on various aspects of the marine environment generated by Spanish entities. INFOMAR’s publicly accessible website is divided into four blocks: • A cartographic viewer that makes it possible to visualise spatial data sets collected in compliance with European directives (Marine Strategies, Maritime Spatial Planning, Habitats, Birds) and international conventions relating to the marine environment (OSPAR, Barcelona), among other instruments. • Metadata catalogue of marine datasets collected by different administrations and other organisations. • Datasets generated for the initial assessment of marine strategies and data sets emanating from the monitoring programmes defined under this management tool. • Access to forms created to enable the entry of data on the marine environment between the different competent authorities. The purpose of INFOMAR is to support the DGCM in managing data on the marine environment, updating it and displaying it through the map viewer, as well as in reporting the data to the European Commission and the EEA, as well as making available to the general public the environmental information generated to comply with European directives (MSFD, Habitats Directive, MSP Directive, etc.) and international conventions (OSPAR and Barcelona). CEDEX-CEPYC, under the leadership of the DGCM, started developing INFOMAR in 2019 and is currently working on improving and fully developing the platform’s website. It is planned that the most relevant technical barriers will have been resolved during this six-year cycle and that all the functionalities required by the DGCM will have been developed. As regards the last block, the data entry forms, it is envisaged that forms will be added throughout this cycle so that the authorities (Autonomous Community or State) responsible for marine strategy monitoring programmes provide information falling within their remit directly to INFOMAR. In this way, the aim is to facilitate the two-way exchange of information and access to data for the various authorities, and to make it easier for the DGCM to centralise and report the data to the European Commission, in compliance with the MSFD.

Infomar is a Marine Environment Information System launched by the DGCM in collaboration with CEDEX-CEPYC, which serves as a tool for consultation or access to information on various aspects of the marine environment generated by Spanish entities. INFOMAR’s publicly accessible website is divided into four blocks: • A cartographic viewer that makes it possible to visualise spatial data sets collected in compliance with European directives (Marine Strategies, Maritime Spatial Planning, Habitats, Birds) and international conventions relating to the marine environment (OSPAR, Barcelona), among other instruments. • Metadata catalogue of marine datasets collected by different administrations and other organisations. • Datasets generated for the initial assessment of marine strategies and data sets emanating from the monitoring programmes defined under this management tool. • Access to forms created to enable the entry of data on the marine environment between the different competent authorities. The purpose of INFOMAR is to support the DGCM in managing data on the marine environment, updating it and displaying it through the map viewer, as well as in reporting the data to the European Commission and the EEA, as well as making available to the general public the environmental information generated to comply with European directives (MSFD, Habitats Directive, MSP Directive, etc.) and international conventions (OSPAR and Barcelona). CEDEX-CEPYC, under the leadership of the DGCM, started developing INFOMAR in 2019 and is currently working on improving and fully developing the platform’s website. It is planned that the most relevant technical barriers will have been resolved during this six-year cycle and that all the functionalities required by the DGCM will have been developed. As regards the last block, the data entry forms, it is envisaged that forms will be added throughout this cycle so that the authorities (Autonomous Community or State) responsible for marine strategy monitoring programmes provide information falling within their remit directly to INFOMAR. In this way, the aim is to facilitate the two-way exchange of information and access to data for the various authorities, and to make it easier for the DGCM to centralise and report the data to the European Commission, in compliance with the MSFD.

In recent years, it has become clear that climate change must be taken into account when developing the different stages of marine strategies in a clearer and more specific way, so a horizontal chapter is being considered to consider climate change in the assessment of the marine environment in the Article 8 guide for the third cycle. As part of this requirement, the DGCM will encourage the monitoring of changes in environmental conditions and biodiversity indicators selected to assess their effects and to integrate them into the assessment of the MSFD, through cooperation with the IEO and other CSIC centres. The evolution of climate change in the ocean and its consequences on marine ecosystems and human activity require systematic and long-term observation systems and programmes. One of the main challenges of such observations is to sustain them over time, both due to continuing funding problems and to material and human resources. At the level of the General State Administration and within the Spanish districts, systematic long-term ocean monitoring has been developed for years, and in some cases decades, by various institutions such as CSIC (mainly through the IEO), Puertos del Estado and ITCs SOCIB and PLOCAN. Consult full text in published documents: https://www.miteco.gob.es/es/costas/temas/proteccion-medio-marino/estrategias-marinas/eemm_2dociclo_fase5.aspx https://www.miteco.gob.es/es/costas/temas/proteccion-medio-marino/estrategias-marinas/eemm_2dociclo_fase5.aspx

In recent years, it has become clear that climate change must be taken into account when developing the different stages of marine strategies in a clearer and more specific way, so a horizontal chapter is being considered to consider climate change in the assessment of the marine environment in the Article 8 guide for the third cycle. As part of this requirement, the DGCM will encourage the monitoring of changes in environmental conditions and biodiversity indicators selected to assess their effects and to integrate them into the assessment of the MSFD, through cooperation with the IEO and other CSIC centres. The evolution of climate change in the ocean and its consequences on marine ecosystems and human activity require systematic and long-term observation systems and programmes. One of the main challenges of such observations is to sustain them over time, both due to continuing funding problems and to material and human resources. At the level of the General State Administration and within the Spanish districts, systematic long-term ocean monitoring has been developed for years, and in some cases decades, by various institutions such as CSIC (mainly through the IEO), Puertos del Estado and ITCs SOCIB and PLOCAN. Consult full text in published documents: https://www.miteco.gob.es/es/costas/temas/proteccion-medio-marino/estrategias-marinas/eemm_2dociclo_fase5.aspx https://www.miteco.gob.es/es/costas/temas/proteccion-medio-marino/estrategias-marinas/eemm_2dociclo_fase5.aspx

Citizen science is a powerful, innovative and effective tool to promote the changes needed in our society to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, because it improves our observation capacity, raises awareness of environmental issues affecting the marine environment, promotes dialogue between society, the scientific community and the administration (Fritz et al. 2019, Vohland et al. 2021). Sea Observers is a citizen science platform dedicated to the conservation of the marine environment, which has promoted collaboration between citizens and the scientific community since 2012. The platform proposes challenges and provides direct and simple scientific protocols to be able to answer questions and bring science closer to citizens. The observations provided through the platform contribute to understanding the extent of the effects of processes such as global change, introduction of alien species, episodes of species mortality, pressure from human activities on the marine environment, among others. Consult full text in published documents: https://www.miteco.gob.es/es/costas/temas/proteccion-medio-marino/estrategias-marinas/eemm_2dociclo_fase5.aspx

Citizen science is a powerful, innovative and effective tool to promote the changes needed in our society to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, because it improves our observation capacity, raises awareness of environmental issues affecting the marine environment, promotes dialogue between society, the scientific community and the administration (Fritz et al. 2019, Vohland et al. 2021). Sea Observers is a citizen science platform dedicated to the conservation of the marine environment, which has promoted collaboration between citizens and the scientific community since 2012. The platform proposes challenges and provides direct and simple scientific protocols to be able to answer questions and bring science closer to citizens. The observations provided through the platform contribute to understanding the extent of the effects of processes such as global change, introduction of alien species, episodes of species mortality, pressure from human activities on the marine environment, among others. Consult full text in published documents: https://www.miteco.gob.es/es/costas/temas/proteccion-medio-marino/estrategias-marinas/eemm_2dociclo_fase5.aspx

Marine strategies should be addressed using an ecosystem-based approach; in other words, taking into account all factors and elements of the ecosystem as well as the relationships between them, including human activities and pressures on species and habitats. These relationships should be considered at all stages, from the assessment and monitoring of the marine environment, which should monitor activities and pressures identified in the MSFD, in addition to the pressure descriptors (pollution, marine litter, eutrophication, noise, etc.), to the environmental objectives and measures to be implemented to achieve the BEA. In order to better identify what action is needed to reduce the intensity of human activities, it is very important to know the areas where pressures accumulate, and also taking into account the vulnerability of the habitats and species predominant in these areas. This makes it possible to anticipate potential impacts and to better identify the policy and regulatory needs of the activities that cause them. Based on information gathered in monitoring programmes for species and habitats, as well as food networks, and programmes for monitoring human activities and anthropogenic pressures, a method of analysing cumulative pressures and impacts will be developed, taking into account the type of effects produced by pressures occurring in a given area and identifying the potential impacts that will result from them, based on existing habitats and species, and taking into account their vulnerability and sensitivity. The idea is to use models that allow all variables to be used to produce as reliable an outcome as possible, which can serve as a basis for the assessment of the status of the different descriptors and for decision-making on the measures to be taken. This measure will be implemented by the DGCM through contracts with scientific and technical bodies, specifically IEO and other CSIC and CEDEX-CEPYC centres. In developing this measure, account will be taken of the methodologies and approximations developed in the regional conventions; specifically to the documents generated in the OSPAR Convention so far, through the ICG-EcOc working group. The work shall consist of at least the following tasks: • Spatial analysis of cumulative pressures resulting from the spatial concentration of certain uses and activities. Development of a mapping of accumulated pressures based on information on their location and intensity of human activities• benthic habitats: based on the study of the fishing footprint, as well as the intensity and location of other pressures affecting the seabed, and the results of the D6 assessment, an analysis will be made of the areas affected by the accumulation of pressures and impacts affecting benthic habitats• Non-indigenous species: carry out a risk assessment of non-indigenous species introduced by human activity, identifying pressures and analysing the impacts they can produce. • Contamination: analysis of the relationship between the results of D8 assessment with the main sources of pollutants in each marine RBD. Study of pollutant reduction scenarios to achieve BEA in hot spots. Possibility to include ad-hoc analysis in problem areas. • Eutrophication: aggregated analysis at demarcation or assessment area level of the amounts of nutrients contributed to the marine environment. The potential impact of this pollution load on the nutrient concentration in the water column shall be assessed. • Pelagic habitats: the assessment of cumulative impacts on pelagic habitats will also be carried out. This measure is also provided for in the Maritime Spatial Planning Plans, as measure OEM1.

Marine strategies should be addressed using an ecosystem-based approach; in other words, taking into account all factors and elements of the ecosystem as well as the relationships between them, including human activities and pressures on species and habitats. These relationships should be considered at all stages, from the assessment and monitoring of the marine environment, which should monitor activities and pressures identified in the MSFD, in addition to the pressure descriptors (pollution, marine litter, eutrophication, noise, etc.), to the environmental objectives and measures to be implemented to achieve the BEA. In order to better identify what action is needed to reduce the intensity of human activities, it is very important to know the areas where pressures accumulate, and also taking into account the vulnerability of the habitats and species predominant in these areas. This makes it possible to anticipate potential impacts and to better identify the policy and regulatory needs of the activities that cause them. Based on information gathered in monitoring programmes for species and habitats, as well as food networks, and programmes for monitoring human activities and anthropogenic pressures, a method of analysing cumulative pressures and impacts will be developed, taking into account the type of effects produced by pressures occurring in a given area and identifying the potential impacts that will result from them, based on existing habitats and species, and taking into account their vulnerability and sensitivity. The idea is to use models that allow all variables to be used to produce as reliable an outcome as possible, which can serve as a basis for the assessment of the status of the different descriptors and for decision-making on the measures to be taken. This measure will be implemented by the DGCM through contracts with scientific and technical bodies, specifically IEO and other CSIC and CEDEX-CEPYC centres. In developing this measure, account will be taken of the methodologies and approximations developed in the regional conventions; specifically to the documents generated in the OSPAR Convention so far, through the ICG-EcOc working group. The work shall consist of at least the following tasks: • Spatial analysis of cumulative pressures resulting from the spatial concentration of certain uses and activities. Development of a mapping of accumulated pressures based on information on their location and intensity of human activities• benthic habitats: based on the study of the fishing footprint, as well as the intensity and location of other pressures affecting the seabed, and the results of the D6 assessment, an analysis will be made of the areas affected by the accumulation of pressures and impacts affecting benthic habitats• Non-indigenous species: carry out a risk assessment of non-indigenous species introduced by human activity, identifying pressures and analysing the impacts they can produce. • Contamination: analysis of the relationship between the results of D8 assessment with the main sources of pollutants in each marine RBD. Study of pollutant reduction scenarios to achieve BEA in hot spots. Possibility to include ad-hoc analysis in problem areas. • Eutrophication: aggregated analysis at demarcation or assessment area level of the amounts of nutrients contributed to the marine environment. The potential impact of this pollution load on the nutrient concentration in the water column shall be assessed. • Pelagic habitats: the assessment of cumulative impacts on pelagic habitats will also be carried out. This measure is also provided for in the Maritime Spatial Planning Plans, as measure OEM1.

This measure comprises a diverse set of activities, aimed at funding research and demonstration projects that improve knowledge of marine biodiversity, as well as the impact of human activities on it and the possible actions that can be taken to reduce it. The actions will consist of projects to increase knowledge on matters related to marine biodiversity, and anthropogenic pressures affecting it, and may be financed through various national and European programmes and funds, to which scientific institutions, universities, research institutes, organisations and associations of various kinds, etc. Regulation 1139/2021 on the European Maritime Fund for Fisheries and Aquaculture (EMFAF) provides, within its priority 1 on promoting sustainable fishing and the recovery and conservation of aquatic biological resources, for the possibility of launching activities to boost research on marine resources and governance systems (type of activity 1.6.3). Consult full text in published documents: https://www.miteco.gob.es/es/costas/temas/proteccion-medio-marino/estrategias-marinas/eemm_2dociclo_fase5.aspx

This measure comprises a diverse set of activities, aimed at funding research and demonstration projects that improve knowledge of marine biodiversity, as well as the impact of human activities on it and the possible actions that can be taken to reduce it. The actions will consist of projects to increase knowledge on matters related to marine biodiversity, and anthropogenic pressures affecting it, and may be financed through various national and European programmes and funds, to which scientific institutions, universities, research institutes, organisations and associations of various kinds, etc. Regulation 1139/2021 on the European Maritime Fund for Fisheries and Aquaculture (EMFAF) provides, within its priority 1 on promoting sustainable fishing and the recovery and conservation of aquatic biological resources, for the possibility of launching activities to boost research on marine resources and governance systems (type of activity 1.6.3). Consult full text in published documents: https://www.miteco.gob.es/es/costas/temas/proteccion-medio-marino/estrategias-marinas/eemm_2dociclo_fase5.aspx

This measure covers a diverse set of activities, promoted by different public administrations, aimed at financing research studies and projects that improve knowledge of marine biodiversity and the impact of human activities on it. The measure would not include monitoring programmes for marine strategies, which should be regular and meet specific criteria, but rather research projects that advance on knowledge of new elements of the marine environment, or on pressures from emerging and booming activities, new polluting substances, etc. The results of these projects can contribute to the assessment of the marine environment in the framework of marine strategies and could serve to reorient monitoring programmes for future cycles. The Ministry of Science and Innovation, the Spanish Research Agency, as well as various scientific institutions, such as the CSIC and the IEO (CSIC) and regional research institutes and universities, will collectively participate in increasing knowledge of matters relating to marine biodiversity and the pressures affecting them, such as pollutants, eutrophication, marine litter, underwater noise or invasive alien species. Projects may be financed through different programmes and funds, both national and European. It is not currently possible to foresee all initiatives to improve marine knowledge that will take place under this measure during the period 2022-2027, as they depend on calls that are published year by year, but some research priorities and examples can be mentioned, such as: Consult full text in published documents: https://www.miteco.gob.es/es/costas/temas/proteccion-medio-marino/estrategias-marinas/eemm_2dociclo_fase5.aspx

This measure covers a diverse set of activities, promoted by different public administrations, aimed at financing research studies and projects that improve knowledge of marine biodiversity and the impact of human activities on it. The measure would not include monitoring programmes for marine strategies, which should be regular and meet specific criteria, but rather research projects that advance on knowledge of new elements of the marine environment, or on pressures from emerging and booming activities, new polluting substances, etc. The results of these projects can contribute to the assessment of the marine environment in the framework of marine strategies and could serve to reorient monitoring programmes for future cycles. The Ministry of Science and Innovation, the Spanish Research Agency, as well as various scientific institutions, such as the CSIC and the IEO (CSIC) and regional research institutes and universities, will collectively participate in increasing knowledge of matters relating to marine biodiversity and the pressures affecting them, such as pollutants, eutrophication, marine litter, underwater noise or invasive alien species. Projects may be financed through different programmes and funds, both national and European. It is not currently possible to foresee all initiatives to improve marine knowledge that will take place under this measure during the period 2022-2027, as they depend on calls that are published year by year, but some research priorities and examples can be mentioned, such as: Consult full text in published documents: https://www.miteco.gob.es/es/costas/temas/proteccion-medio-marino/estrategias-marinas/eemm_2dociclo_fase5.aspx

Having detected the need, for organisational and control purposes, for certain technical and statistical data to be available on a regular basis for the correct analysis of the situation regarding the processing of files relating to ports (State and Autonomous Community) and minor maritime facilities, berths and anchorages, it is necessary to have tools to maintain the correct organisation and updating of the files and, ultimately, to follow them up. Provision is made for prior work to draw up lists that will serve as a basis for drawing up the relevant statistics: updated lists of the files of ports and smaller sea facilities entered in the register of the various Subdirectorates General and showing the province and municipality concerned; file reference and title; related files; records and plans defining the occupations; and other relevant information such as the date of issue of the report and the favourable or unfavourable nature of the report, the type of report or, where appropriate, the tasks to be resolved or remedied.

Having detected the need, for organisational and control purposes, for certain technical and statistical data to be available on a regular basis for the correct analysis of the situation regarding the processing of files relating to ports (State and Autonomous Community) and minor maritime facilities, berths and anchorages, it is necessary to have tools to maintain the correct organisation and updating of the files and, ultimately, to follow them up. Provision is made for prior work to draw up lists that will serve as a basis for drawing up the relevant statistics: updated lists of the files of ports and smaller sea facilities entered in the register of the various Subdirectorates General and showing the province and municipality concerned; file reference and title; related files; records and plans defining the occupations; and other relevant information such as the date of issue of the report and the favourable or unfavourable nature of the report, the type of report or, where appropriate, the tasks to be resolved or remedied.