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.

Between 2009 and 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 objective has been to know the natural and socio-economic values to complete the Natura 2000 network in the marine environment. As a result of this project, together with the marine LIFE IBA project, an inventory of important areas for the conservation of marine birds (IBAs), 39 Special Protection Areas (SPAs) were declared by Ministerial Order AAA/1260/2014 of 9 July. Article 4 of the Ministerial Order itself provides that MITECO shall approve the management plans for the 39 SPAs. Together with the management plans for the 39 SPAs, the management plans for a further 7 marine SPAs declared at the time by the Autonomous Community of Valencia and which have become the responsibility of the AGE will also be approved. In the period 2022-2027, work will be carried out to improve the draft management plans for SPAs and the participation process. In 2026, the processing and final approval of the plans will be finalised by means of the corresponding regulatory provision. These ZEPAS are as follows: • ES0000490 Espacio marina de la Ría de Mundaka-Cabo de Ogoño• ES0000492 Mar Space of the Isles of Portios-Island Condevory-Island of Mouro• ES0000494 Cabo Peñas Marine Space• ES0000495 Espacio marina de Candelaria-Ría de Ortigueira-Estaca de Bares• ES0000496 Seas de la Costa de Ferrolterra-Valdoviño• ES0000497 Espacio Mar de la Costa da Morte• ES0000498 ZEPA Banco de Galicia• ES0000499 Espacio marina de la Costa de Morte• ES0000500 ZEPA Banco de Galicia the Rías Baixas de Galicia• ES0000501 Golfo de Cádiz• ES0000502 Espacio Mar del Tinto y del Odiel• ES0000504 Espacio Mar de la Bahía de Cádiz• ES0000505 Bahía de Málaga-Cerro Gordo• ES0000506 Espacio Mar de la Isla de Alborán• ES0000507 Bahía de Almería• ES0000508 Mar Space of the Litoral Isles of Murcia and Almería• ES0000510 Espacio Maríca de Tabarca-Cabo de Palos• ES0000512 Mar Platform of the Sea Cabo de la Nao• ES0000513 Mar del Delta de l’Ebre-Illes Columbretes• ES0000514 Seas del Baix Llobregat-Garraf• ES0000515 Espacio marina de l’Empordà• ES0000516 Espacio Marina de Formentera y del Sur de Ibiza• ES0000517 Seas del ponente y Norte de Ibiza• ES0000518 Marche del levante de Ibiza• ES0000519 Espacio Mar del Sur de Mallorca y Cabrera• ES0000520 Espacio Mar del ponente de Mallorca• ES0000521 marine Space of the North of Mallorca• ES0000522 Marine Space of the North and West of Menorca• ES0000523 Marine Space of Southeast Menorca• ES0000524 Marine Space of the West of El Hierro• ES0000525 Seas de los Roques de Salmor• ES0000526 Marine Space of Northern La Palma• ES0000527 Mar Space of La Gomera-Teno• ES0000528 Space of the Acantilados de Santo Domingo and Roque de Garachico• ES0000529 Espacio Mar del Roque de la Playa• ES0000530 Anaga Marine Space• ES0000531 Mogán-La Aldea Marine Space• ES0000532 Espacio Marina de La Bocayna• ES0000535 Seas de la Islots de Lanzarote• ES ZEPA Banco de la Concepción

Between 2009 and 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 objective has been to know the natural and socio-economic values to complete the Natura 2000 network in the marine environment. As a result of this project, together with the marine LIFE IBA project, an inventory of important areas for the conservation of marine birds (IBAs), 39 Special Protection Areas (SPAs) were declared by Ministerial Order AAA/1260/2014 of 9 July. Article 4 of the Ministerial Order itself provides that MITECO shall approve the management plans for the 39 SPAs. Together with the management plans for the 39 SPAs, the management plans for a further 7 marine SPAs declared at the time by the Autonomous Community of Valencia and which have become the responsibility of the AGE will also be approved. In the period 2022-2027, work will be carried out to improve the draft management plans for SPAs and the participation process. In 2026, the processing and final approval of the plans will be finalised by means of the corresponding regulatory provision. These ZEPAS are as follows: • ES0000490 Espacio marina de la Ría de Mundaka-Cabo de Ogoño• ES0000492 Mar Space of the Isles of Portios-Island Condevory-Island of Mouro• ES0000494 Cabo Peñas Marine Space• ES0000495 Espacio marina de Candelaria-Ría de Ortigueira-Estaca de Bares• ES0000496 Seas de la Costa de Ferrolterra-Valdoviño• ES0000497 Espacio Mar de la Costa da Morte• ES0000498 ZEPA Banco de Galicia• ES0000499 Espacio marina de la Costa de Morte• ES0000500 ZEPA Banco de Galicia the Rías Baixas de Galicia• ES0000501 Golfo de Cádiz• ES0000502 Espacio Mar del Tinto y del Odiel• ES0000504 Espacio Mar de la Bahía de Cádiz• ES0000505 Bahía de Málaga-Cerro Gordo• ES0000506 Espacio Mar de la Isla de Alborán• ES0000507 Bahía de Almería• ES0000508 Mar Space of the Litoral Isles of Murcia and Almería• ES0000510 Espacio Maríca de Tabarca-Cabo de Palos• ES0000512 Mar Platform of the Sea Cabo de la Nao• ES0000513 Mar del Delta de l’Ebre-Illes Columbretes• ES0000514 Seas del Baix Llobregat-Garraf• ES0000515 Espacio marina de l’Empordà• ES0000516 Espacio Marina de Formentera y del Sur de Ibiza• ES0000517 Seas del ponente y Norte de Ibiza• ES0000518 Marche del levante de Ibiza• ES0000519 Espacio Mar del Sur de Mallorca y Cabrera• ES0000520 Espacio Mar del ponente de Mallorca• ES0000521 marine Space of the North of Mallorca• ES0000522 Marine Space of the North and West of Menorca• ES0000523 Marine Space of Southeast Menorca• ES0000524 Marine Space of the West of El Hierro• ES0000525 Seas de los Roques de Salmor• ES0000526 Marine Space of Northern La Palma• ES0000527 Mar Space of La Gomera-Teno• ES0000528 Space of the Acantilados de Santo Domingo and Roque de Garachico• ES0000529 Espacio Mar del Roque de la Playa• ES0000530 Anaga Marine Space• ES0000531 Mogán-La Aldea Marine Space• ES0000532 Espacio Marina de La Bocayna• ES0000535 Seas de la Islots de Lanzarote• ES ZEPA Banco de la Concepción

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.

El proyecto pretende crear una red de monitoreo y herramientas para una gestión sostenible de las tortugas marinas y sus hábitats en el Mediterráneo, mediante la implementación de protocolos de monitoreo armonizados con el Ecosystem Approach (EcAp), siguiendo un enfoque participativo para considerar el contexto socio-económico y el ambiental.

El proyecto pretende crear una red de monitoreo y herramientas para una gestión sostenible de las tortugas marinas y sus hábitats en el Mediterráneo, mediante la implementación de protocolos de monitoreo armonizados con el Ecosystem Approach (EcAp), siguiendo un enfoque participativo para considerar el contexto socio-económico y el ambiental.

This measure of the first cycle of marine strategies was designed with the main objective of addressing the problem of incidental capture or bycatch of certain endangered and protected taxa of marine birds and turtles, marine mammals and elasmobranchs in certain fisheries, through the adoption of the corresponding strategy to combat the main threats to marine biodiversity in accordance with Article 60. 3 of Law 42/2007 of 13 December on Natural Heritage and Biodiversity, or through other planning instruments. To this end, all available information was collected for each of the marine RBDs on the species most vulnerable to incidental catches, and the areas, times and fisheries with which they interact, as well as identifying knowledge gaps, establishing priority lines of research and exploring possible mitigation measures taking into account the interaction of different fisheries. This measure should also address advice on best practices aimed at increasing post-capture survival and actions aimed at training fishermen in the handling and release of specimens. Since the adoption of some mitigation measures may favour some of these vertebrate groups while damaging others, it was decided to adopt a multi-species approach and it was therefore considered to group the different groups in a single strategy. However, the volume of information on the topic may imply the approval of specific action plans for certain groups. In accordance with the purpose of this measure, the DGBBD, in collaboration with the SGP, has adopted the National Plan for the reduction of incidental catches in fishing activity. This planning instrument is intended to set out guidelines for identifying the impacts of fishing activity on protected species, fleets and risky gear for each demarcation and defining the steps and actions to be taken to reduce by-catches and their possible elimination, which should culminate in the introduction of specific measures in fisheries with an impact level deemed incompatible with the maintenance of stocks of these species in good condition. The draft plan is structured as follows: • Background and legal framework• Situation of species of mammals, birds and sea turtles. • Monitoring the status of species and safety limits. • Current knowledge of the impacts of fishing activity on protected species in the different waters in which the Spanish fleet operates. Risk analysis. • Methods to reduce incidental catches. • Strategic approach. • Strategic actions (including a proposal for coordination actions, improvement of knowledge, risk analysis, technical measures, pilot tests, etc.). • Financing. The plan was approved by the Council of Ministers on the proposal of MITECO and MAPA and was finally published in the Official State Gazette by the Resolution of 10 February 2022 of the Directorate-General for Biodiversity, Forests and Desertification and the Directorate-General for Sustainable Fisheries, publishing the Agreement of the Council of Ministers of 11 January 2022 adopting the National Plan to reduce incidental catches in fishing activities.

This measure of the first cycle of marine strategies was designed with the main objective of addressing the problem of incidental capture or bycatch of certain endangered and protected taxa of marine birds and turtles, marine mammals and elasmobranchs in certain fisheries, through the adoption of the corresponding strategy to combat the main threats to marine biodiversity in accordance with Article 60. 3 of Law 42/2007 of 13 December on Natural Heritage and Biodiversity, or through other planning instruments. To this end, all available information was collected for each of the marine RBDs on the species most vulnerable to incidental catches, and the areas, times and fisheries with which they interact, as well as identifying knowledge gaps, establishing priority lines of research and exploring possible mitigation measures taking into account the interaction of different fisheries. This measure should also address advice on best practices aimed at increasing post-capture survival and actions aimed at training fishermen in the handling and release of specimens. Since the adoption of some mitigation measures may favour some of these vertebrate groups while damaging others, it was decided to adopt a multi-species approach and it was therefore considered to group the different groups in a single strategy. However, the volume of information on the topic may imply the approval of specific action plans for certain groups. In accordance with the purpose of this measure, the DGBBD, in collaboration with the SGP, has adopted the National Plan for the reduction of incidental catches in fishing activity. This planning instrument is intended to set out guidelines for identifying the impacts of fishing activity on protected species, fleets and risky gear for each demarcation and defining the steps and actions to be taken to reduce by-catches and their possible elimination, which should culminate in the introduction of specific measures in fisheries with an impact level deemed incompatible with the maintenance of stocks of these species in good condition. The draft plan is structured as follows: • Background and legal framework• Situation of species of mammals, birds and sea turtles. • Monitoring the status of species and safety limits. • Current knowledge of the impacts of fishing activity on protected species in the different waters in which the Spanish fleet operates. Risk analysis. • Methods to reduce incidental catches. • Strategic approach. • Strategic actions (including a proposal for coordination actions, improvement of knowledge, risk analysis, technical measures, pilot tests, etc.). • Financing. The plan was approved by the Council of Ministers on the proposal of MITECO and MAPA and was finally published in the Official State Gazette by the Resolution of 10 February 2022 of the Directorate-General for Biodiversity, Forests and Desertification and the Directorate-General for Sustainable Fisheries, publishing the Agreement of the Council of Ministers of 11 January 2022 adopting the National Plan to reduce incidental catches in fishing activities.

This measure consists of the proposal to develop and approve conservation strategies for various endangered marine taxa listed in the Spanish Catalogue of Threatened Species, in the framework of Article 60 of the conservation strategies for endangered marine species. 3 of Law 42/2007 of 13 December on Natural Heritage and Biodiversity. Conservation strategies aim at establishing guidelines or guiding criteria for the relevant recovery or conservation plans and should include at least one diagnosis of the situation, the main threats to the species and the actions to be taken for their recovery. A number of conservation strategies for endangered seabirds are expected to be adopted in the relevant period between the second and third cycles of marine strategies (2022-2027): • Dogfish conservation strategy (Phalacrocorax aristotelis)• Strategy for the conservation of the shears: Balearic (Puffinus mauretanicus), Atlantic ash (Calonectris borealis), Mediterranean ash (Calocetris diomedea) and Mediterranean ash (Puffinus yelkouan). The Balearic shrimp already had its own conservation strategy, but it will be updated and integrated together with the other three species of shrimp mentioned. • A conservation strategy for Audouin Gaviota (Ichthyaetus audouinii) is also envisaged. Currently, three (Balearic Islands, Catalonia and Valencia) out of the five ACs. In which the Audouin gull is present as a breeder, a management plan is already in place, but it is considered necessary to draw up a strategy setting out guiding criteria and guidelines for the future preparation and review of the Autonomous Communities’ plans. With regard to marine reptiles, work is ongoing on the conservation strategy for species of sea turtles that use the coastline and marine waters under Spanish sovereignty or jurisdiction, in which the competent national and regional authorities are involved. Although of the six species of sea turtle for which there are records in Spanish waters, the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) is the only one included in the Spanish Catalogue of Threatened Species, the strategy aims to establish a protection and conservation framework for all species, bearing in mind that they are all considered to be threatened (IUCN Red List). The strategy also aims to integrate measures aimed at reducing the incidental capture of sea turtles in fishing gear adopted by the European Commission or regional fisheries organisations. In this sense, this measure now covers measure BIO02. Conservation strategy for sea turtles in Spain, from the first cycle, so that it is not excluded but merged with the general measure of conservation strategies, BIO06. The process of drawing up the strategy for the conservation of the native (Pinna nobilis), an endemic bivalve molluscs in the Mediterranean, which has suffered a dramatic decline in population in recent years, is also under way. This decline has been caused by the arrival and expansion of a parasite protozoa of the genus Haplosporidium, causing mortality of more than 99 % in Spanish waters since the first outbreak (2016), with the populations of nacra being reduced to two, one in the Ebro delta and the other in the Mar Menor, together with some isolated survivors in other parts of the Spanish Mediterranean. Therefore, its situation was declared ‘critical’ by Order TEC/1078/2018 and the species was included in the ‘endangered’ category of the Spanish Catalogue of Threatened Species, by means of Order TEC/596/2019. The strategy under preparation will represent a guiding framework for the preparation of recovery plans for birth in the ACs. The Mediterranean region includes, among other issues, guiding criteria for the delimitation of critical areas. As part of this strategy, campaigns will be carried out in the Cabrera archipelago to detect the presence of survivors and monitor the specimens. Finally, an update of the strategy for the conservation of ferruginea lapa (Patella ferruginea) is expected in the course of 2022, following the latest input from the working group set up for advice on this species of gastropod molluscs.

This measure consists of the proposal to develop and approve conservation strategies for various endangered marine taxa listed in the Spanish Catalogue of Threatened Species, in the framework of Article 60 of the conservation strategies for endangered marine species. 3 of Law 42/2007 of 13 December on Natural Heritage and Biodiversity. Conservation strategies aim at establishing guidelines or guiding criteria for the relevant recovery or conservation plans and should include at least one diagnosis of the situation, the main threats to the species and the actions to be taken for their recovery. A number of conservation strategies for endangered seabirds are expected to be adopted in the relevant period between the second and third cycles of marine strategies (2022-2027): • Dogfish conservation strategy (Phalacrocorax aristotelis)• Strategy for the conservation of the shears: Balearic (Puffinus mauretanicus), Atlantic ash (Calonectris borealis), Mediterranean ash (Calocetris diomedea) and Mediterranean ash (Puffinus yelkouan). The Balearic shrimp already had its own conservation strategy, but it will be updated and integrated together with the other three species of shrimp mentioned. • A conservation strategy for Audouin Gaviota (Ichthyaetus audouinii) is also envisaged. Currently, three (Balearic Islands, Catalonia and Valencia) out of the five ACs. In which the Audouin gull is present as a breeder, a management plan is already in place, but it is considered necessary to draw up a strategy setting out guiding criteria and guidelines for the future preparation and review of the Autonomous Communities’ plans. With regard to marine reptiles, work is ongoing on the conservation strategy for species of sea turtles that use the coastline and marine waters under Spanish sovereignty or jurisdiction, in which the competent national and regional authorities are involved. Although of the six species of sea turtle for which there are records in Spanish waters, the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) is the only one included in the Spanish Catalogue of Threatened Species, the strategy aims to establish a protection and conservation framework for all species, bearing in mind that they are all considered to be threatened (IUCN Red List). The strategy also aims to integrate measures aimed at reducing the incidental capture of sea turtles in fishing gear adopted by the European Commission or regional fisheries organisations. In this sense, this measure now covers measure BIO02. Conservation strategy for sea turtles in Spain, from the first cycle, so that it is not excluded but merged with the general measure of conservation strategies, BIO06. The process of drawing up the strategy for the conservation of the native (Pinna nobilis), an endemic bivalve molluscs in the Mediterranean, which has suffered a dramatic decline in population in recent years, is also under way. This decline has been caused by the arrival and expansion of a parasite protozoa of the genus Haplosporidium, causing mortality of more than 99 % in Spanish waters since the first outbreak (2016), with the populations of nacra being reduced to two, one in the Ebro delta and the other in the Mar Menor, together with some isolated survivors in other parts of the Spanish Mediterranean. Therefore, its situation was declared ‘critical’ by Order TEC/1078/2018 and the species was included in the ‘endangered’ category of the Spanish Catalogue of Threatened Species, by means of Order TEC/596/2019. The strategy under preparation will represent a guiding framework for the preparation of recovery plans for birth in the ACs. The Mediterranean region includes, among other issues, guiding criteria for the delimitation of critical areas. As part of this strategy, campaigns will be carried out in the Cabrera archipelago to detect the presence of survivors and monitor the specimens. Finally, an update of the strategy for the conservation of ferruginea lapa (Patella ferruginea) is expected in the course of 2022, following the latest input from the working group set up for advice on this species of gastropod molluscs.

In accordance with the provisions of Article 59 of Law 42/2007 of 13 December 2007 on Natural Heritage and Biodiversity, recovery and conservation plans for endangered marine species included in the Spanish Catalogue of Threatened Species which currently do not have such plans in the coming years are planned to be drawn up and approved. The aim of these plans is to reduce the threat posed to catalogued species and will be drawn up and approved by the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge and the ACs. AA. within the framework of their respective competences as laid down in Law 42/2007 of 13 December. Multi-species plans may be approved for those taxa or populations that share the same conservation problems or geographical areas. The plans may include measures to regulate certain activities in order to reduce threat factors for the species or populations covered by the plan, as well as measures to ensure the good conservation status of the essential habitats of these species/populations. They may also include training or awareness-raising measures aimed at different sectors and the general public. The plans must also incorporate measures for these species/stocks adopted in the framework of international agreements and conventions to which Spain is a contracting party. MITECO plans to approve the following plans: • Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) conservation plan. • Conservation plans for catalogued cetaceans grouped into: misticettes, deep diving cetaceans and small cetaceans. • Recovery plan for harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). • Recovery plan for Angelot in the Canary Islands (Squatina squatina), for which the DGBBD is supported and financed by the Government of the Canary Islands. • Conservation plan for the shrimps (Puffinus assimilis Baroli and Puffinus puffinus) in the marine environment. As regards the regional plans: • In the Canary Islands, plans are being drawn up for the following catalogued marine species: Panulirus echinatus, Cymodocea nodosa, Munidopsis polymorpha, Speleonectes ondinae. In addition, preliminary studies are launched to draw up plans for catalogued species of the genus Cystoseira. A conservation plan will also be drawn up for the fishing eagle, which has been reclassified as being in danger of extinction. In addition, in addition to MITECO’s conservation plans, the Canary Islands Government is drawing up conservation plans for the shrimps for the earth faction. • The Government of Cantabria is in the process of drawing up the Phalacrocorax aristotelis (Phalacrocorax aristotelis) conservation plan, which is classified as vulnerable in Cantabria, and the Hydrobates pelagicus (Hydrobates pelagicus) recovery plan, which is classified as being at risk in Cantabria. • The Generalitat de Catalunya is drafting the update of the recovery plan for the Audouin gaviota.

In accordance with the provisions of Article 59 of Law 42/2007 of 13 December 2007 on Natural Heritage and Biodiversity, recovery and conservation plans for endangered marine species included in the Spanish Catalogue of Threatened Species which currently do not have such plans in the coming years are planned to be drawn up and approved. The aim of these plans is to reduce the threat posed to catalogued species and will be drawn up and approved by the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge and the ACs. AA. within the framework of their respective competences as laid down in Law 42/2007 of 13 December. Multi-species plans may be approved for those taxa or populations that share the same conservation problems or geographical areas. The plans may include measures to regulate certain activities in order to reduce threat factors for the species or populations covered by the plan, as well as measures to ensure the good conservation status of the essential habitats of these species/populations. They may also include training or awareness-raising measures aimed at different sectors and the general public. The plans must also incorporate measures for these species/stocks adopted in the framework of international agreements and conventions to which Spain is a contracting party. MITECO plans to approve the following plans: • Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) conservation plan. • Conservation plans for catalogued cetaceans grouped into: misticettes, deep diving cetaceans and small cetaceans. • Recovery plan for harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). • Recovery plan for Angelot in the Canary Islands (Squatina squatina), for which the DGBBD is supported and financed by the Government of the Canary Islands. • Conservation plan for the shrimps (Puffinus assimilis Baroli and Puffinus puffinus) in the marine environment. As regards the regional plans: • In the Canary Islands, plans are being drawn up for the following catalogued marine species: Panulirus echinatus, Cymodocea nodosa, Munidopsis polymorpha, Speleonectes ondinae. In addition, preliminary studies are launched to draw up plans for catalogued species of the genus Cystoseira. A conservation plan will also be drawn up for the fishing eagle, which has been reclassified as being in danger of extinction. In addition, in addition to MITECO’s conservation plans, the Canary Islands Government is drawing up conservation plans for the shrimps for the earth faction. • The Government of Cantabria is in the process of drawing up the Phalacrocorax aristotelis (Phalacrocorax aristotelis) conservation plan, which is classified as vulnerable in Cantabria, and the Hydrobates pelagicus (Hydrobates pelagicus) recovery plan, which is classified as being at risk in Cantabria. • The Generalitat de Catalunya is drafting the update of the recovery plan for the Audouin gaviota.

Risk analyses and maps will be carried out based on the spatio-temporal overlap of the distribution of taxa of birds, turtles and cetaceans that could be accidentally caught and the spatio-temporal effort data from fisheries likely to catch them, to identify those fleet sector/area/species/times combinations that pose a higher risk to the populations of these vertebrates. This measure would include analysis of the fishing footprint in areas of importance for these taxa by analysing VMS data from the fleet (feeding and concentration areas, corridors, breeding and farming areas, etc.), strengthening on-board observer programmes, and collecting and analysing information from oceanographic surveys and other sampling programmes. This risk analysis will take into account the results of the CetAMBICion project financed by Community funds (see measure BIO58). The workpackage number 3 of the project will include the preparation of a risk analysis of incidental catches in the Bay of Biscay sub-region and Iberian coasts, covering waters under Spanish, French and Portuguese jurisdiction. With regard to the analysis of the risk of incidental catches, it is worth noting the strategic lines of action set out in section 7 of the National Plan for the reduction of incidental catches in fishing activity, adopted in January 2022 (see measure BIO03). In particular, strategic action 7.2 calls for increased knowledge of the interaction between fishing activity and species in areas where there is insufficient information available and where there is a potential risk; this is the case for the impacts of gillnets on cetaceans and diving birds in the North Atlantic area, the trawler around the Ebro Delta on turtles, or the impact of longliners on seabirds in the Gran Sol fishing ground.

Risk analyses and maps will be carried out based on the spatio-temporal overlap of the distribution of taxa of birds, turtles and cetaceans that could be accidentally caught and the spatio-temporal effort data from fisheries likely to catch them, to identify those fleet sector/area/species/times combinations that pose a higher risk to the populations of these vertebrates. This measure would include analysis of the fishing footprint in areas of importance for these taxa by analysing VMS data from the fleet (feeding and concentration areas, corridors, breeding and farming areas, etc.), strengthening on-board observer programmes, and collecting and analysing information from oceanographic surveys and other sampling programmes. This risk analysis will take into account the results of the CetAMBICion project financed by Community funds (see measure BIO58). The workpackage number 3 of the project will include the preparation of a risk analysis of incidental catches in the Bay of Biscay sub-region and Iberian coasts, covering waters under Spanish, French and Portuguese jurisdiction. With regard to the analysis of the risk of incidental catches, it is worth noting the strategic lines of action set out in section 7 of the National Plan for the reduction of incidental catches in fishing activity, adopted in January 2022 (see measure BIO03). In particular, strategic action 7.2 calls for increased knowledge of the interaction between fishing activity and species in areas where there is insufficient information available and where there is a potential risk; this is the case for the impacts of gillnets on cetaceans and diving birds in the North Atlantic area, the trawler around the Ebro Delta on turtles, or the impact of longliners on seabirds in the Gran Sol fishing ground.

In order to comply with Community legislation on fisheries (Common Fisheries Policy Regulation, technical measures regulations, etc.), biodiversity (Habitats and Birds Directives) and protection of the sea (MSFD), and, on the basis of available scientific evidence, technical devices and instruments will be incorporated into the fishing fleet, as well as spatial and temporary management measures, which increase the selectivity of fishing gear or reduce incidental catches of marine species threatened or considered to be of Community interest by the European Union. To this end, the aim is to encourage the administration (mainly the various competent units of MAPA and MITECO) to launch studies and research projects to determine what type of mitigation measures and mechanisms are most appropriate to avoid incidental catches depending on each fishing gear and species affected. In addition, the Biodiversity Foundation has various funding lines for demonstrative projects to mitigate and reduce incidental catches of protected turtles, birds, mammals and elasmobranchs and other non-target species by different fishing gears. These projects contribute to developing or introducing new technical or organisational knowledge to reduce the impact of fishing activities on the environment, through improved fishing techniques and gear selectivity, achieving a more sustainable use of marine biological resources and coexistence with protected predators and ultimately contributing to the protection and restoration of marine biodiversity. For the new funding period 2021-2027, through the European Maritime and Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund, the BF has planned to further develop these projects, within activity type 1.1.2. Reduction of the impact of fishing on the environment.’ This measure is closely linked to the new measure in the second cycle ‘BIO58’. CetAMBICion project: Coordinated strategy for the assessment, monitoring and management of cetaceans in the Bay of Biscay sub-region and Iberian coasts’, including technical and management measures to reduce incidental catches in the Bay of Biscay sub-region and Iberian coast. Furthermore, with reference to the measures to mitigate incidental catches, this measure falls under one of the strategic lines of action set out in section 7 of the National Plan for the Reduction of incidental catches in fishing activity, adopted in January 2022 (see measure BIO03). Specifically, in the strategic action “7.4 Analysis of measures to reduce fishing mortality in risk fleets” and “7.5 Action 5 – Pilot testing of mitigation measures in risk fleets”.

In order to comply with Community legislation on fisheries (Common Fisheries Policy Regulation, technical measures regulations, etc.), biodiversity (Habitats and Birds Directives) and protection of the sea (MSFD), and, on the basis of available scientific evidence, technical devices and instruments will be incorporated into the fishing fleet, as well as spatial and temporary management measures, which increase the selectivity of fishing gear or reduce incidental catches of marine species threatened or considered to be of Community interest by the European Union. To this end, the aim is to encourage the administration (mainly the various competent units of MAPA and MITECO) to launch studies and research projects to determine what type of mitigation measures and mechanisms are most appropriate to avoid incidental catches depending on each fishing gear and species affected. In addition, the Biodiversity Foundation has various funding lines for demonstrative projects to mitigate and reduce incidental catches of protected turtles, birds, mammals and elasmobranchs and other non-target species by different fishing gears. These projects contribute to developing or introducing new technical or organisational knowledge to reduce the impact of fishing activities on the environment, through improved fishing techniques and gear selectivity, achieving a more sustainable use of marine biological resources and coexistence with protected predators and ultimately contributing to the protection and restoration of marine biodiversity. For the new funding period 2021-2027, through the European Maritime and Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund, the BF has planned to further develop these projects, within activity type 1.1.2. Reduction of the impact of fishing on the environment.’ This measure is closely linked to the new measure in the second cycle ‘BIO58’. CetAMBICion project: Coordinated strategy for the assessment, monitoring and management of cetaceans in the Bay of Biscay sub-region and Iberian coasts’, including technical and management measures to reduce incidental catches in the Bay of Biscay sub-region and Iberian coast. Furthermore, with reference to the measures to mitigate incidental catches, this measure falls under one of the strategic lines of action set out in section 7 of the National Plan for the Reduction of incidental catches in fishing activity, adopted in January 2022 (see measure BIO03). Specifically, in the strategic action “7.4 Analysis of measures to reduce fishing mortality in risk fleets” and “7.5 Action 5 – Pilot testing of mitigation measures in risk fleets”.

This measure aims to improve the problems identified by experts and organisations working on the ground in relation to incidental catches of non-target species. The measure therefore aims to address the problem of incidental catches by developing the appropriate regulatory framework in each of the fisheries involved. 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 aims to improve the problems identified by experts and organisations working on the ground in relation to incidental catches of non-target species. The measure therefore aims to address the problem of incidental catches by developing the appropriate regulatory framework in each of the fisheries involved. 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 all actions aimed at improving existing knowledge of the procedures to be followed in the event of incidental catches of cetaceans, birds, turtles and elasmobranchs and, in general, protected or threatened species of other taxa, depending on the various fishing gear, which serve as a basis for drawing up action protocols to improve post-capture survival. In this regard, the SGP has drawn up a ‘Protocol of good practice for the management of incidental catches of cetaceans on fishing vessels’, which includes a collection of good practices with regard to post-capture survival depending on the different fishing gear. It is expected that in the coming years this protocol will be improved and extended for circulation among the stakeholders of the fishing industry concerned. As regards fleets fishing for highly migratory species, the purse seine fleet’s action protocol includes a Code of Good Practice, which indicates release procedures for sharks, rays, turtles and birds, in accordance with the provisions of Community legislation. In any case, the longline fleet must comply with the requirements laid down in the applicable legislation on the handling and release of birds and sea turtles accidentally caught (see Article 19 of Order APA 658/2014 and Regulation (EU) No 2107/2017), as contained in the Temporary Fishing Permit. In addition, under the LIFE IP INTEMARES project, coordinated by the Biodiversity Foundation, two knowledge-enhancing actions have been launched aimed at increasing the viability of post-capture survival of sea turtles: • Action A.2.4 Improvement of species knowledge for management. 10 turtle specimens (caught in trammel nets or with amputations due to gillnets, in particular) will be tagged and rehabilitated in wildlife recovery centres in order to know the degree of success of the techniques used in the centres and therefore their contribution to the conservation of the species. This will make it possible to tally the protocol for stranding turtles in recovery centres and to assess the rehabilitation of individuals accidentally caught in bottom trawling fisheries. • Action C.1.1 Habitats and species conservation projects: Evaluation of the effectiveness of rehabilitation of individuals of the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) accidentally caught in trawls by remote monitoring. Rehabilitation of loggerhead turtles from nerve areas caught in bottom trawling fisheries operating on the continental shelf of the Iberian Levant shall be assessed. To this end, a minimum of 10 rehabilitated specimens from recovery centres in Valencia and Catalonia will be monitored by satellite telemetry. The behaviour of rehabilitated specimens at sea will be compared with that of 10 healthy control specimens captured from the natural environment in the same nertic area, and also marked with satellite transmitters. The control specimens shall also provide information on habitat use patterns and distribution of the loggerhead turtle nertic phase. The results of the action will demonstrate the feasibility of the policy protocol.

This measure covers all actions aimed at improving existing knowledge of the procedures to be followed in the event of incidental catches of cetaceans, birds, turtles and elasmobranchs and, in general, protected or threatened species of other taxa, depending on the various fishing gear, which serve as a basis for drawing up action protocols to improve post-capture survival. In this regard, the SGP has drawn up a ‘Protocol of good practice for the management of incidental catches of cetaceans on fishing vessels’, which includes a collection of good practices with regard to post-capture survival depending on the different fishing gear. It is expected that in the coming years this protocol will be improved and extended for circulation among the stakeholders of the fishing industry concerned. As regards fleets fishing for highly migratory species, the purse seine fleet’s action protocol includes a Code of Good Practice, which indicates release procedures for sharks, rays, turtles and birds, in accordance with the provisions of Community legislation. In any case, the longline fleet must comply with the requirements laid down in the applicable legislation on the handling and release of birds and sea turtles accidentally caught (see Article 19 of Order APA 658/2014 and Regulation (EU) No 2107/2017), as contained in the Temporary Fishing Permit. In addition, under the LIFE IP INTEMARES project, coordinated by the Biodiversity Foundation, two knowledge-enhancing actions have been launched aimed at increasing the viability of post-capture survival of sea turtles: • Action A.2.4 Improvement of species knowledge for management. 10 turtle specimens (caught in trammel nets or with amputations due to gillnets, in particular) will be tagged and rehabilitated in wildlife recovery centres in order to know the degree of success of the techniques used in the centres and therefore their contribution to the conservation of the species. This will make it possible to tally the protocol for stranding turtles in recovery centres and to assess the rehabilitation of individuals accidentally caught in bottom trawling fisheries. • Action C.1.1 Habitats and species conservation projects: Evaluation of the effectiveness of rehabilitation of individuals of the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) accidentally caught in trawls by remote monitoring. Rehabilitation of loggerhead turtles from nerve areas caught in bottom trawling fisheries operating on the continental shelf of the Iberian Levant shall be assessed. To this end, a minimum of 10 rehabilitated specimens from recovery centres in Valencia and Catalonia will be monitored by satellite telemetry. The behaviour of rehabilitated specimens at sea will be compared with that of 10 healthy control specimens captured from the natural environment in the same nertic area, and also marked with satellite transmitters. The control specimens shall also provide information on habitat use patterns and distribution of the loggerhead turtle nertic phase. The results of the action will demonstrate the feasibility of the policy protocol.

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.

The aim of the action is to bring the regulatory framework for recreational fishing in external waters into line with the latest recommendations of the international fisheries bodies, as well as with the CFP rules, by improving control through a clearer licensing system, reducing the impact on use by reducing the authorised catch limit and creating a data collection framework for this segment of activity. To this end, the process of processing a new Royal Decree regulating recreational sea fishing in external waters has been launched, recasting and repealing all the previous legislation on this subject, essentially Royal Decree 347/2011. The aim of this regulatory provision is to provide an adequate response to the considerable increase in activity in recreational sea fishing in recent decades, by clarifying the licensing system, establishing limitations to promote the conservation of species and specifying the reporting and control obligations for catches. Among the most notable new features of this Royal Decree are: • Fishing licences, which must be personal and non-transferable, rather than per vessel. • The list of gear permitted by each licence and the limitation or prohibition of instruments specific to professional fishing. • Authorised species, minimum sizes and catch volumes. • The obligation to mark catches with a cut that removes part of the lower lobe from the caudal fin. • The flow of data on recreational catch volumes, to be collected by the ACs. A. with the information sent by the fishermen and sent to the SGP on an annual basis. • Creation of a register of licences and authorisations for recreational sea fishing. With the entry into force of this Royal Decree, the CoCs. AAs will have to adapt the regional legislation on recreational fisheries in their respective scopes to determine, inter alia, the licensing system and the mechanism for collecting catch data and reporting them to the SGP.

The aim of the action is to bring the regulatory framework for recreational fishing in external waters into line with the latest recommendations of the international fisheries bodies, as well as with the CFP rules, by improving control through a clearer licensing system, reducing the impact on use by reducing the authorised catch limit and creating a data collection framework for this segment of activity. To this end, the process of processing a new Royal Decree regulating recreational sea fishing in external waters has been launched, recasting and repealing all the previous legislation on this subject, essentially Royal Decree 347/2011. The aim of this regulatory provision is to provide an adequate response to the considerable increase in activity in recreational sea fishing in recent decades, by clarifying the licensing system, establishing limitations to promote the conservation of species and specifying the reporting and control obligations for catches. Among the most notable new features of this Royal Decree are: • Fishing licences, which must be personal and non-transferable, rather than per vessel. • The list of gear permitted by each licence and the limitation or prohibition of instruments specific to professional fishing. • Authorised species, minimum sizes and catch volumes. • The obligation to mark catches with a cut that removes part of the lower lobe from the caudal fin. • The flow of data on recreational catch volumes, to be collected by the ACs. A. with the information sent by the fishermen and sent to the SGP on an annual basis. • Creation of a register of licences and authorisations for recreational sea fishing. With the entry into force of this Royal Decree, the CoCs. AAs will have to adapt the regional legislation on recreational fisheries in their respective scopes to determine, inter alia, the licensing system and the mechanism for collecting catch data and reporting them to the SGP.

This measure covers the updating of the electronic logbook referred to in Article 15 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009 establishing a Community control system for ensuring compliance with the rules of the common fisheries policy. The update consists of the insertion in the logbook of mandatory fields in which incidental catch events are recorded, so as to allow the subsequent exploitation of the data, as there is a unification in the input format of the data. This information, the collection of which requires the collaboration and involvement of the fishing fleet, is of vital importance in order to ensure proper monitoring of bycatch (incidental catches), as required by European and international standards for the protection of the marine environment.

This measure covers the updating of the electronic logbook referred to in Article 15 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009 establishing a Community control system for ensuring compliance with the rules of the common fisheries policy. The update consists of the insertion in the logbook of mandatory fields in which incidental catch events are recorded, so as to allow the subsequent exploitation of the data, as there is a unification in the input format of the data. This information, the collection of which requires the collaboration and involvement of the fishing fleet, is of vital importance in order to ensure proper monitoring of bycatch (incidental catches), as required by European and international standards for the protection of the marine environment.

In accordance with Article 3 (4) of Law 41/2010 of 29 December on the protection of the marine environment, a number of voluntary measures (participation in scientific monitoring, collaboration with conservation programmes, etc.) to be carried out during these cetacean observation activities (including tourism fishing) will be included as part of the future regulation on the mandatory minimum conditions for carrying out recreational activities for cetaceans, which will enable a quality label to be obtained (such as the use of the ACCOBAMS/Pelagos High Quality Whale watching label in Spanish waters within the geographical scope of this international agreement).

In accordance with Article 3 (4) of Law 41/2010 of 29 December on the protection of the marine environment, a number of voluntary measures (participation in scientific monitoring, collaboration with conservation programmes, etc.) to be carried out during these cetacean observation activities (including tourism fishing) will be included as part of the future regulation on the mandatory minimum conditions for carrying out recreational activities for cetaceans, which will enable a quality label to be obtained (such as the use of the ACCOBAMS/Pelagos High Quality Whale watching label in Spanish waters within the geographical scope of this international agreement).

The Spanish Catalogue of Threatened Species (EAEC) established by Law 42/2007 of 13 December 1995 on Natural Heritage and Biodiversity includes the taxa or populations of threatened biodiversity, which must be subject to specific protection depending on their degree of threat. Marine species are currently underrepresented in this catalogue compared to terrestrial ones, partly due to the lack of information to determine their conservation status. As the monitoring programmes are progressing and there is greater knowledge of their conservation status, the inclusion of those species that meet the guiding criteria for the inclusion of taxa and populations in the Spanish Catalogue of Threatened Species will be processed in order to promote their protection in order to improve their conservation status. The inclusion of these species in the EAEC entails the need to draw up a conservation or recovery plan. This measure includes the inclusion of several marine species in the EAEC, namely: • Green turtle (Chelonia mydas) in the category “vulnerable” (VU) in the Canary Islands.• cachalote (Physeter macrocephalus) in the category “endangered” in the Mediterranean. In addition, the procedures necessary for the modification in the EAEC of the threat categories of certain seabirds species will be promoted, based on scientific updates on the status of populations, and provided that the changes in category are in line with the guiding criteria for the inclusion of taxa and populations in the EAEC, as could be the case for pichonet (Puffinus puffinus), the Mediterranean shrimp (Puffinus yelkouan), the shrimp (Puffinus Baroli), the pechialbo country (Pelagodroma marina) and the tridactyla gaviot (Rissa tridactyla).

The Spanish Catalogue of Threatened Species (EAEC) established by Law 42/2007 of 13 December 1995 on Natural Heritage and Biodiversity includes the taxa or populations of threatened biodiversity, which must be subject to specific protection depending on their degree of threat. Marine species are currently underrepresented in this catalogue compared to terrestrial ones, partly due to the lack of information to determine their conservation status. As the monitoring programmes are progressing and there is greater knowledge of their conservation status, the inclusion of those species that meet the guiding criteria for the inclusion of taxa and populations in the Spanish Catalogue of Threatened Species will be processed in order to promote their protection in order to improve their conservation status. The inclusion of these species in the EAEC entails the need to draw up a conservation or recovery plan. This measure includes the inclusion of several marine species in the EAEC, namely: • Green turtle (Chelonia mydas) in the category “vulnerable” (VU) in the Canary Islands.• cachalote (Physeter macrocephalus) in the category “endangered” in the Mediterranean. In addition, the procedures necessary for the modification in the EAEC of the threat categories of certain seabirds species will be promoted, based on scientific updates on the status of populations, and provided that the changes in category are in line with the guiding criteria for the inclusion of taxa and populations in the EAEC, as could be the case for pichonet (Puffinus puffinus), the Mediterranean shrimp (Puffinus yelkouan), the shrimp (Puffinus Baroli), the pechialbo country (Pelagodroma marina) and the tridactyla gaviot (Rissa tridactyla).

The aim of this measure is to create and strengthen networks for stranding and rescue marine species, enabling adequate attention to be paid to live stranded animals for recovery or subsequent release or maintenance, if they cannot be released, in suitable centres to ensure their survival and welfare, and to collect the necessary data, both of live and dead stranded specimens. This is intended to increase scientific and technical knowledge of the state of the populations of the different species in order to implement correct and well-founded management and protection of these species. Under this measure, a number of lines of action will be carried out. MITECO will carry out the following actions: • Training workshops for stranded network staff agreed with MITECO (IEO via assignment with DGCM). The organisation and scope of these workshops will vary according to the characteristics of the network and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. These workshops will be held by various entities along the coastline. Support, support and even support for stranding will be provided where this is required by exceptional circumstances (e.g. mass stranded animals, live animals, whales, etc.). • Analysis of samples of life history, trofism, contaminants and genetic identification (IEO via contract with DGCM): o Reception, storage and creation of a bank of samples from cetaceans accidentally caught and sampled by IEO or SGP observers. This activity will be extended to samples of cetaceans and turtles stranded in the North Atlantic RBD, and even from other sources such as biopsies of live animals or water samples (e.g. eDNA). To this end, cooperation will be established with the networks for varamities and/or analysis of samples of both incidental catches and stranded animals, in collaboration with stranding nets, to obtain the biological parameters necessary to characterise the populations• Support and strengthen care for stranding by investing PRTR funds. • Support for funding for the consolidation of the stranding network through the Biodiversity Foundation’s calls for proposals for this task, as part of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (hereinafter PRTR), specifically through the leverage policy number 2, ‘Resilient infrastructures and ecosystems’, which incorporates as component 4 ‘Conservation and restoration of ecosystems and their biodiversity’, and on the basis of which Order TED/1017/2021 has been published, of 20 September approving the regulatory bases for the award of subsidies from the Foundation Biodiversity, F.S.P., for the reinforcement of networks for stranding and rescue marine species, under the PRTR, and approving the call for applications for 2021. Brief description of progress has started one of the assignments with the IEO for conducting training workshops and sampling and analysis. FB call published: Order TED/1017/2021 of 20 September approving the regulatory bases for the award of subsidies from the Foundation Biodiversity, F.S.P., for the reinforcement of networks for stranding and rescue marine species, as part of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, and approving the call for applications for 2021. 25 applications were received, for a total amount of EUR 8.254.132,74 and a total amount of aid requested of EUR 7.562.490,36. The award decision, signed on 19 May 2022, finally included 16 beneficiary projects for which a total amount of EUR 4.250.000,00 is allocated, covering all coastal regions and autonomous cities. The timetable for most projects runs from 01/07/2022 to 31/12/2025.

The aim of this measure is to create and strengthen networks for stranding and rescue marine species, enabling adequate attention to be paid to live stranded animals for recovery or subsequent release or maintenance, if they cannot be released, in suitable centres to ensure their survival and welfare, and to collect the necessary data, both of live and dead stranded specimens. This is intended to increase scientific and technical knowledge of the state of the populations of the different species in order to implement correct and well-founded management and protection of these species. Under this measure, a number of lines of action will be carried out. MITECO will carry out the following actions: • Training workshops for stranded network staff agreed with MITECO (IEO via assignment with DGCM). The organisation and scope of these workshops will vary according to the characteristics of the network and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. These workshops will be held by various entities along the coastline. Support, support and even support for stranding will be provided where this is required by exceptional circumstances (e.g. mass stranded animals, live animals, whales, etc.). • Analysis of samples of life history, trofism, contaminants and genetic identification (IEO via contract with DGCM): o Reception, storage and creation of a bank of samples from cetaceans accidentally caught and sampled by IEO or SGP observers. This activity will be extended to samples of cetaceans and turtles stranded in the North Atlantic RBD, and even from other sources such as biopsies of live animals or water samples (e.g. eDNA). To this end, cooperation will be established with the networks for varamities and/or analysis of samples of both incidental catches and stranded animals, in collaboration with stranding nets, to obtain the biological parameters necessary to characterise the populations• Support and strengthen care for stranding by investing PRTR funds. • Support for funding for the consolidation of the stranding network through the Biodiversity Foundation’s calls for proposals for this task, as part of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (hereinafter PRTR), specifically through the leverage policy number 2, ‘Resilient infrastructures and ecosystems’, which incorporates as component 4 ‘Conservation and restoration of ecosystems and their biodiversity’, and on the basis of which Order TED/1017/2021 has been published, of 20 September approving the regulatory bases for the award of subsidies from the Foundation Biodiversity, F.S.P., for the reinforcement of networks for stranding and rescue marine species, under the PRTR, and approving the call for applications for 2021. Brief description of progress has started one of the assignments with the IEO for conducting training workshops and sampling and analysis. FB call published: Order TED/1017/2021 of 20 September approving the regulatory bases for the award of subsidies from the Foundation Biodiversity, F.S.P., for the reinforcement of networks for stranding and rescue marine species, as part of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, and approving the call for applications for 2021. 25 applications were received, for a total amount of EUR 8.254.132,74 and a total amount of aid requested of EUR 7.562.490,36. The award decision, signed on 19 May 2022, finally included 16 beneficiary projects for which a total amount of EUR 4.250.000,00 is allocated, covering all coastal regions and autonomous cities. The timetable for most projects runs from 01/07/2022 to 31/12/2025.

The six species of sea turtles registered in marine waters under Spanish sovereignty or jurisdiction are included in the List of Wild Species under Special Protection Regime (LESRPE, implemented by Royal Decree 139/2011 of 4 February 2007). As provided for in Article 9 of this Royal Decree, a periodic assessment of its conservation status must be carried out. In this regard, a lot of information is generated on various aspects related to the conservation of these species, such as sighting data, captures (marking and identification photo), censuses, strandings, incidental catches, nesting events, etc. However, all this knowledge is scattered, and there is currently no systematisation in terms of obtaining this information, nor a common storage space for that already generated, so that it can be analysed together. Thus, given the variety and amount of data generated, it is necessary to standardise, standardise and compile all this information, so that it is interoperable, can be exploited and ultimately serve as a basis for decision-making on the management and conservation of these species, as well as for identifying knowledge gaps. Based on the reference to existing databases managed by different entities, such as the Spanish Herpetological Association (AHE) and the Neotropic Foundation, a State database will be developed to collect and integrate all this information, as well as that obtained and managed by MITECO, the ACs. AA. and other bodies, all in coordination with the coastal Autonomous Communities.

The six species of sea turtles registered in marine waters under Spanish sovereignty or jurisdiction are included in the List of Wild Species under Special Protection Regime (LESRPE, implemented by Royal Decree 139/2011 of 4 February 2007). As provided for in Article 9 of this Royal Decree, a periodic assessment of its conservation status must be carried out. In this regard, a lot of information is generated on various aspects related to the conservation of these species, such as sighting data, captures (marking and identification photo), censuses, strandings, incidental catches, nesting events, etc. However, all this knowledge is scattered, and there is currently no systematisation in terms of obtaining this information, nor a common storage space for that already generated, so that it can be analysed together. Thus, given the variety and amount of data generated, it is necessary to standardise, standardise and compile all this information, so that it is interoperable, can be exploited and ultimately serve as a basis for decision-making on the management and conservation of these species, as well as for identifying knowledge gaps. Based on the reference to existing databases managed by different entities, such as the Spanish Herpetological Association (AHE) and the Neotropic Foundation, a State database will be developed to collect and integrate all this information, as well as that obtained and managed by MITECO, the ACs. AA. and other bodies, all in coordination with the coastal Autonomous Communities.

The presence of predators entering seabird breeding colonies – especially cats and other carnivores (American mink, ferrets, etc.) – and anthropophilic opportunists such as mice and black rat poses a serious threat to the breeding populations of different bird taxa, some of which are highly threatened. The main impact is produced by carnivores introduced by depreading adults, affecting adult survival. In addition, predation on eggs and chickens reduces productivity in colonies. This can lead to reductions in population sizes and in the range of colonies and even local extinctions, especially in island environments, which are much more vulnerable to species introduction processes. Action is therefore needed to prevent, detect early, control and, where possible, eradicate these predators when they pose a threat to seabird populations. These actions include: Early detection and control of predators introduced in the vicinity of breeding colonies of Procellariiformes de La Graciosa (OAPN) – Eradication or at least black rat control in the Chafarinas Islands to prevent predation of eggs and chickens of breeding species such as Mediterranean ash (Calonectris diomedea) and Atlantic ash (C. borealis) and Audouin gaviot (Ichthyaetus audouinii) (OAPN). Control of caring of domesticated species (cats) for the protection of Procellariiformes colonies and control of colonies of Atlantic ash predators (Calonectris borealis) on the islands of Gran Canaria and Tenerife, Lanzarote and the archipelago Chinijo (Government of the Canary Islands). Actions to catch rats in islets to protect the European country in Asturias (Hydrobates pelagicus) (Asturias). Actions in the Galician Atlantic Islands National Maritime and Terrestrial Park for the control of rats, the eradication of American mink and the monitoring, control and withdrawal of cats colonies (Xunta de Galicia). Actions for the killing of Balearic islets (e.g. Tagomago) and removal of non-indigenous oficides. Establishment of a consolidated programme for the control of islets, based on the information gathered in the inventory of islets with the presence of rats. It is planned to draw up and implement a biosecurity protocol for islets, aimed at preventing the arrival and dispersion of rodents, ofids and other non-indigenous vertebrates with invasive and predatory potential, including prevention (quarantine), surveillance (detection) and implementation of responses to incursions (contingency) (Govern of the Balearic Islands). Preventive monitoring of rat colonies on Columbretes and on the island of Benidorm. Approach to eradication measures in the colony of the ‘illa de Portixol’ (Autonomous Community of Valencia). — Through the INTEMARES project: o Reproductive monitoring and control of carnivores introduced into the Balearic Spardela Colony (Puffinus mauretanicus) of Mola de Maologi. or Pilot Project to protect the largest Balearic brown colony (Puffinus mauretanicus) in Menorca against predation by carnivores introduced by designing and installing an anti-predatory barrier and monitoring the colony through webcams and control traps.

The presence of predators entering seabird breeding colonies – especially cats and other carnivores (American mink, ferrets, etc.) – and anthropophilic opportunists such as mice and black rat poses a serious threat to the breeding populations of different bird taxa, some of which are highly threatened. The main impact is produced by carnivores introduced by depreading adults, affecting adult survival. In addition, predation on eggs and chickens reduces productivity in colonies. This can lead to reductions in population sizes and in the range of colonies and even local extinctions, especially in island environments, which are much more vulnerable to species introduction processes. Action is therefore needed to prevent, detect early, control and, where possible, eradicate these predators when they pose a threat to seabird populations. These actions include: Early detection and control of predators introduced in the vicinity of breeding colonies of Procellariiformes de La Graciosa (OAPN) – Eradication or at least black rat control in the Chafarinas Islands to prevent predation of eggs and chickens of breeding species such as Mediterranean ash (Calonectris diomedea) and Atlantic ash (C. borealis) and Audouin gaviot (Ichthyaetus audouinii) (OAPN). Control of caring of domesticated species (cats) for the protection of Procellariiformes colonies and control of colonies of Atlantic ash predators (Calonectris borealis) on the islands of Gran Canaria and Tenerife, Lanzarote and the archipelago Chinijo (Government of the Canary Islands). Actions to catch rats in islets to protect the European country in Asturias (Hydrobates pelagicus) (Asturias). Actions in the Galician Atlantic Islands National Maritime and Terrestrial Park for the control of rats, the eradication of American mink and the monitoring, control and withdrawal of cats colonies (Xunta de Galicia). Actions for the killing of Balearic islets (e.g. Tagomago) and removal of non-indigenous oficides. Establishment of a consolidated programme for the control of islets, based on the information gathered in the inventory of islets with the presence of rats. It is planned to draw up and implement a biosecurity protocol for islets, aimed at preventing the arrival and dispersion of rodents, ofids and other non-indigenous vertebrates with invasive and predatory potential, including prevention (quarantine), surveillance (detection) and implementation of responses to incursions (contingency) (Govern of the Balearic Islands). Preventive monitoring of rat colonies on Columbretes and on the island of Benidorm. Approach to eradication measures in the colony of the ‘illa de Portixol’ (Autonomous Community of Valencia). — Through the INTEMARES project: o Reproductive monitoring and control of carnivores introduced into the Balearic Spardela Colony (Puffinus mauretanicus) of Mola de Maologi. or Pilot Project to protect the largest Balearic brown colony (Puffinus mauretanicus) in Menorca against predation by carnivores introduced by designing and installing an anti-predatory barrier and monitoring the colony through webcams and control traps.

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.

This measure will bring together actions to improve the monitoring of recreational fishing and to reduce its impact, to be put in place at national and Autonomous Community level. The following actions will be considered: • Constraints and limitations on obtaining recreational fishing licences (training, aptitude tests, etc.). • Constraints and limitations in fishing competitions. • Organisation of workshops and courses on aspects related to law enforcement and the proper conservation of marine biological resources: endangered species, minimum sizes, sensitive habitats, etc.• Application of technical measures to reduce incidental catches in recreational fisheries. • Implementation of innovative systems for reporting and exchanging information on catches from recreational fisheries in inland and external waters. • In general, technical, monitoring, training, etc. measures contributing to the development of the future legislation to be repealed by Royal Decree 347/2011. • Characterisation study of recreational fisheries in Spain. As a background, in March 2021, the SGP commissioned a study from a technical services company which was sub-contracted by a private foundation leading marine research. This study, entitled ‘Characterisation of catches made by the recreational fisheries sector and comparison with the commercial sector’, focuses on the design of a possible methodology for the collection of data on recreational fisheries in relation to the provisions of the European Data Collection Framework. This involves the analysis of licences and species affected by recreational fisheries in Spain, using surveys and following a scientific methodology. The content of the Royal Decree on recreational sea fishing will be decisive for the implementation of this type of action at Autonomous Community level. Some Autonomous Communities are already working on this type of action: (...) 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 will bring together actions to improve the monitoring of recreational fishing and to reduce its impact, to be put in place at national and Autonomous Community level. The following actions will be considered: • Constraints and limitations on obtaining recreational fishing licences (training, aptitude tests, etc.). • Constraints and limitations in fishing competitions. • Organisation of workshops and courses on aspects related to law enforcement and the proper conservation of marine biological resources: endangered species, minimum sizes, sensitive habitats, etc.• Application of technical measures to reduce incidental catches in recreational fisheries. • Implementation of innovative systems for reporting and exchanging information on catches from recreational fisheries in inland and external waters. • In general, technical, monitoring, training, etc. measures contributing to the development of the future legislation to be repealed by Royal Decree 347/2011. • Characterisation study of recreational fisheries in Spain. As a background, in March 2021, the SGP commissioned a study from a technical services company which was sub-contracted by a private foundation leading marine research. This study, entitled ‘Characterisation of catches made by the recreational fisheries sector and comparison with the commercial sector’, focuses on the design of a possible methodology for the collection of data on recreational fisheries in relation to the provisions of the European Data Collection Framework. This involves the analysis of licences and species affected by recreational fisheries in Spain, using surveys and following a scientific methodology. The content of the Royal Decree on recreational sea fishing will be decisive for the implementation of this type of action at Autonomous Community level. Some Autonomous Communities are already working on this type of action: (...) Consult full text in published documents: https://www.miteco.gob.es/es/costas/temas/proteccion-medio-marino/estrategias-marinas/eemm_2dociclo_fase5.aspx

The European Union’s Roadmap 2050 sets ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 % by 2050 with a view to full decarbonisation by the third century. These Community commitments inevitably entail a significant development of renewable energy installations in Spain. Thus, the integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) foresees a doubling of energy from renewable sources over the next decade. The Maritime Spatial Plans (MEPP) have developed a proposal for high potential and priority use areas for offshore wind energy. These areas have been located on the basis of a set of technical criteria and in order to avoid as far as possible affecting the natural values of marine ecosystems and the different uses and activities taking place there. In any case, it is foreseeable that the future installation of floating commercial wind farms could have an impact on biological communities (seabirds, cetaceans and turtles, icthiofauna including fish stocks, benthic habitats) and on fishing activity, depending on the types of gear that may be considered incompatible with the establishment of offshore infrastructure. This impact has been analysed in the environmental assessment of the MEOP, based on the best available information, but it is understood that knowledge on these aspects needs to be improved in the coming years. As regards the impact on biological communities, DGBBD will develop a methodological guide for the assessment of renewable energy projects in the marine environment, covering all aspects related to the conduct of studies on fauna and habitats in the environmental assessment procedure, from planning, assessment, analysis of cumulative impact, proposing environmental measures and the environmental monitoring or monitoring programme. The assessment of electrical lines for the evacuation of the energy generated is excluded from this guide because it is another type of impact that is currently the subject of specific projects. For its part, the DGCM will carry out a detailed analysis of the impact on fishing activity and stocks. This will be done by identifying the types of gear and base ports concerned in each of the offshore wind energy polygons proposed in the MEOP; each polygon will be characterised from the point of view of its fishing intensity, including fishing activity in the waters between each polygon and the coast, in order to identify the possible impact of evacuation infrastructure. The cofradías directly affected by each of the offshore wind energy polygons will also be identified. The most exploited fish stocks in the proposed wind zones will also be analysed, and estimates will be made of the volume of stock biomass that would no longer be exploited, as well as an assessment of the economic impact of non-extraction, if possible using a calculation at district level (by base port, district, etc.). With all this information, possible spatial planning measures will be considered within each polygon, suggestions for land-based evacuation routes that have the least impact on fishing activity (including closed areas, marine reserves, and areas with high fishing effort), as well as on marine biodiversity (protected areas, valuable areas due to the presence of habitats or species, etc.); suggestions for possible coexistence measures between commercial wind fields and different fishing gear, and suggestions for corrective or compensatory measures in the event that limitations or prohibitions on fishing are adopted due to the presence of a wind farm. Account will be taken of the relevant initiatives already underway by the regional fisheries administrations, such as the Galician Marine Wind Observatory, whose main objective is to serve as a forum for dialogue, meeting and analysis in order to seek the coexistence and compatibility of the potential development of offshore wind in Galicia with all existing activities, with a particular focus on maritime and fishing activities.

The European Union’s Roadmap 2050 sets ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 % by 2050 with a view to full decarbonisation by the third century. These Community commitments inevitably entail a significant development of renewable energy installations in Spain. Thus, the integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) foresees a doubling of energy from renewable sources over the next decade. The Maritime Spatial Plans (MEPP) have developed a proposal for high potential and priority use areas for offshore wind energy. These areas have been located on the basis of a set of technical criteria and in order to avoid as far as possible affecting the natural values of marine ecosystems and the different uses and activities taking place there. In any case, it is foreseeable that the future installation of floating commercial wind farms could have an impact on biological communities (seabirds, cetaceans and turtles, icthiofauna including fish stocks, benthic habitats) and on fishing activity, depending on the types of gear that may be considered incompatible with the establishment of offshore infrastructure. This impact has been analysed in the environmental assessment of the MEOP, based on the best available information, but it is understood that knowledge on these aspects needs to be improved in the coming years. As regards the impact on biological communities, DGBBD will develop a methodological guide for the assessment of renewable energy projects in the marine environment, covering all aspects related to the conduct of studies on fauna and habitats in the environmental assessment procedure, from planning, assessment, analysis of cumulative impact, proposing environmental measures and the environmental monitoring or monitoring programme. The assessment of electrical lines for the evacuation of the energy generated is excluded from this guide because it is another type of impact that is currently the subject of specific projects. For its part, the DGCM will carry out a detailed analysis of the impact on fishing activity and stocks. This will be done by identifying the types of gear and base ports concerned in each of the offshore wind energy polygons proposed in the MEOP; each polygon will be characterised from the point of view of its fishing intensity, including fishing activity in the waters between each polygon and the coast, in order to identify the possible impact of evacuation infrastructure. The cofradías directly affected by each of the offshore wind energy polygons will also be identified. The most exploited fish stocks in the proposed wind zones will also be analysed, and estimates will be made of the volume of stock biomass that would no longer be exploited, as well as an assessment of the economic impact of non-extraction, if possible using a calculation at district level (by base port, district, etc.). With all this information, possible spatial planning measures will be considered within each polygon, suggestions for land-based evacuation routes that have the least impact on fishing activity (including closed areas, marine reserves, and areas with high fishing effort), as well as on marine biodiversity (protected areas, valuable areas due to the presence of habitats or species, etc.); suggestions for possible coexistence measures between commercial wind fields and different fishing gear, and suggestions for corrective or compensatory measures in the event that limitations or prohibitions on fishing are adopted due to the presence of a wind farm. Account will be taken of the relevant initiatives already underway by the regional fisheries administrations, such as the Galician Marine Wind Observatory, whose main objective is to serve as a forum for dialogue, meeting and analysis in order to seek the coexistence and compatibility of the potential development of offshore wind in Galicia with all existing activities, with a particular focus on maritime and fishing activities.

Public aid for the permanent cessation of fishing activity. The EMFAF may support compensation for the permanent cessation of fishing activities with the aim of promoting the adjustment of fishing capacity to fishing opportunities. Such support may only be provided under the following conditions (a) cessation is foreseen as a tool of one of the action plans referred to in Article 22(4) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013; (b) cessation is achieved through the scrapping of the fishing vessel or its withdrawal and retrofitting to activities other than commercial fishing, in line with the objectives of the CFP and the multiannual plans referred to in Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013; (c) the fishing vessel is registered as active and has carried out fishing activities at sea at least 90 days per year during the last two calendar years preceding the date of submission of the aid application; (D) the equivalent fishing capacity has been permanently removed from the Union fishing fleet register and the fishing licences and authorisations have been permanently withdrawn in accordance with Article 22 (5) and (6) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013; and (e) the beneficiary shall not register any fishing vessel within five years of receiving the support. The objective of this measure is determined by the annual reports of the Spanish fishing fleet and the evolution of the balance of its segments/metiers. To articulate this measure, important coordination with the sector and commitment by all those involved are needed to achieve the objectives set. Therefore, and as it also depends on the assessment of the balance of segments/metiers, an initial forecast has been planned in order to dispose of the open line until the scope is coordinated and planned. The fleet withdrawal target in the coming years is 829 GT until 2029. It should be stressed that the main challenge in the Mediterranean is to reduce fishing effort, and that although the segments mostly affected by the Mediterranean Management Plan are currently in balance, it is necessary to consider changes as their implementation progresses, setting specific targets to cover any imbalances that may arise. No action will be taken outside Spanish territory to achieve this measure.

Public aid for the permanent cessation of fishing activity. The EMFAF may support compensation for the permanent cessation of fishing activities with the aim of promoting the adjustment of fishing capacity to fishing opportunities. Such support may only be provided under the following conditions (a) cessation is foreseen as a tool of one of the action plans referred to in Article 22(4) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013; (b) cessation is achieved through the scrapping of the fishing vessel or its withdrawal and retrofitting to activities other than commercial fishing, in line with the objectives of the CFP and the multiannual plans referred to in Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013; (c) the fishing vessel is registered as active and has carried out fishing activities at sea at least 90 days per year during the last two calendar years preceding the date of submission of the aid application; (D) the equivalent fishing capacity has been permanently removed from the Union fishing fleet register and the fishing licences and authorisations have been permanently withdrawn in accordance with Article 22 (5) and (6) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013; and (e) the beneficiary shall not register any fishing vessel within five years of receiving the support. The objective of this measure is determined by the annual reports of the Spanish fishing fleet and the evolution of the balance of its segments/metiers. To articulate this measure, important coordination with the sector and commitment by all those involved are needed to achieve the objectives set. Therefore, and as it also depends on the assessment of the balance of segments/metiers, an initial forecast has been planned in order to dispose of the open line until the scope is coordinated and planned. The fleet withdrawal target in the coming years is 829 GT until 2029. It should be stressed that the main challenge in the Mediterranean is to reduce fishing effort, and that although the segments mostly affected by the Mediterranean Management Plan are currently in balance, it is necessary to consider changes as their implementation progresses, setting specific targets to cover any imbalances that may arise. No action will be taken outside Spanish territory to achieve this measure.

The EMFAF may support compensation for the temporary cessation of fishing activities. Such support may only be provided in the following cases: (a) conservation measures as referred to in points (a), (b), (c) and (j) of Article 7(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 or, where applicable to the Union, equivalent conservation measures adopted by regional fisheries management organisations; (b) Commission measures in the event of a serious threat to marine biological resources adopted pursuant to Article 12 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013; (c) Member States’ emergency measures taken pursuant to Article 13 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013; (D) an interruption, due to force majeure, of the implementation of a Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement or protocol thereto, or (e) natural disasters, environmental incidents or health crises, which have been officially recognised as such by the competent authorities of the Member State concerned. Such support may be granted if the fishing activities of the vessel or fisherman concerned are interrupted for at least 30 days in a given calendar year. The support referred to in point (a) should only be granted where, on the basis of scientific advice, a reduction in fishing effort is necessary to achieve the objectives referred to in Article 2(2) and Article 2(5)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013. Such support may only be granted to: • Owners or operators of fishing vessels that are registered as active and have carried out fishing activities at sea for at least 120 days in the two calendar years preceding the year of submission of the application for support; • Fishermen who have worked at sea on board a Union fishing vessel affected by the temporary cessation for at least 120 days during the two calendar years preceding the year of submission of the application for support, or• fishermen on foot who have carried out fishing activities for at least 120 days in the last two calendar years preceding the year of submission of the application for support. The reference to the number of days at sea in this paragraph shall not apply to eel fisheries. This support may be granted for a maximum duration of 12 months per vessel during the programming period. Temporary stops have a clearly regionalised forecast and objectives. In this regard, they are initially concentrated in the Mediterranean and the Gulf of Cádiz. The aim is to be able to support and compensate fishermen and crew members as a result of the implementation of the Mediterranean Management Plan for demersal species, but also purse seine and other gear regulated at national level. They also extend to the Gulf of Cádiz, where there is also an application of closed areas established in management plans, so it is expected that fishermen will be compensated for limiting their activity in order to support compliance with the plans. For the Atlantic, temporary stops in external waters are not initially planned in the EMFAF Operational Programme. They have been planned to be made in inland waters, intended for fishermen on foot, in accordance with the management plans for shellfishing. Although it is not excluded that it is necessary throughout the programme to implement management plans or specific measures related to sardine or southern hake, among others, they may be planned and articulated. There are 4 working groups in the SGP and CC. AA., for the 4 existing fishing grounds: Mediterranean (DM Estrecho and Alboran and levantino-Balearic DM); South Atlantic, North Atlantic and Canary Islands. Each working group is responsible for proposing to the Sectoral Conference the stops to be financed the following year. MAPA will assume the support resulting from the non-renewal of SFPAs or protocols thereto, as well as those specifically agreed upon by the Sectoral Conference. Similarly, MAPA will finance aid for other temporary stops carried out by fleets fishing simultaneously in internal and external waters or exclusively in external waters, while the management of the aid will be the responsibility of the Autonomous Communities, unless specifically agreed by the Sectoral Conference. The temporary stops of the shellfish fleet, which operates exclusively in inland waters and that based in ports of the Basque Country, will be responsible, both for funding and management, for the Autonomous Communities.

The EMFAF may support compensation for the temporary cessation of fishing activities. Such support may only be provided in the following cases: (a) conservation measures as referred to in points (a), (b), (c) and (j) of Article 7(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 or, where applicable to the Union, equivalent conservation measures adopted by regional fisheries management organisations; (b) Commission measures in the event of a serious threat to marine biological resources adopted pursuant to Article 12 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013; (c) Member States’ emergency measures taken pursuant to Article 13 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013; (D) an interruption, due to force majeure, of the implementation of a Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement or protocol thereto, or (e) natural disasters, environmental incidents or health crises, which have been officially recognised as such by the competent authorities of the Member State concerned. Such support may be granted if the fishing activities of the vessel or fisherman concerned are interrupted for at least 30 days in a given calendar year. The support referred to in point (a) should only be granted where, on the basis of scientific advice, a reduction in fishing effort is necessary to achieve the objectives referred to in Article 2(2) and Article 2(5)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013. Such support may only be granted to: • Owners or operators of fishing vessels that are registered as active and have carried out fishing activities at sea for at least 120 days in the two calendar years preceding the year of submission of the application for support; • Fishermen who have worked at sea on board a Union fishing vessel affected by the temporary cessation for at least 120 days during the two calendar years preceding the year of submission of the application for support, or• fishermen on foot who have carried out fishing activities for at least 120 days in the last two calendar years preceding the year of submission of the application for support. The reference to the number of days at sea in this paragraph shall not apply to eel fisheries. This support may be granted for a maximum duration of 12 months per vessel during the programming period. Temporary stops have a clearly regionalised forecast and objectives. In this regard, they are initially concentrated in the Mediterranean and the Gulf of Cádiz. The aim is to be able to support and compensate fishermen and crew members as a result of the implementation of the Mediterranean Management Plan for demersal species, but also purse seine and other gear regulated at national level. They also extend to the Gulf of Cádiz, where there is also an application of closed areas established in management plans, so it is expected that fishermen will be compensated for limiting their activity in order to support compliance with the plans. For the Atlantic, temporary stops in external waters are not initially planned in the EMFAF Operational Programme. They have been planned to be made in inland waters, intended for fishermen on foot, in accordance with the management plans for shellfishing. Although it is not excluded that it is necessary throughout the programme to implement management plans or specific measures related to sardine or southern hake, among others, they may be planned and articulated. There are 4 working groups in the SGP and CC. AA., for the 4 existing fishing grounds: Mediterranean (DM Estrecho and Alboran and levantino-Balearic DM); South Atlantic, North Atlantic and Canary Islands. Each working group is responsible for proposing to the Sectoral Conference the stops to be financed the following year. MAPA will assume the support resulting from the non-renewal of SFPAs or protocols thereto, as well as those specifically agreed upon by the Sectoral Conference. Similarly, MAPA will finance aid for other temporary stops carried out by fleets fishing simultaneously in internal and external waters or exclusively in external waters, while the management of the aid will be the responsibility of the Autonomous Communities, unless specifically agreed by the Sectoral Conference. The temporary stops of the shellfish fleet, which operates exclusively in inland waters and that based in ports of the Basque Country, will be responsible, both for funding and management, for the Autonomous Communities.

Under priority 1 of Regulation (EU) No 1139/2021 on the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund, which aims to promote sustainable fisheries and the recovery and conservation of aquatic biological resources, partnerships between fishermen, researchers and other groups involved will be supported through governance and knowledge sharing. In particular, it provides for the possibility of supporting the creation of networks, partnership agreements or partnerships between the different groups of actors involved, scientists and fishermen or one or more fishermen’s organisations, in which technical bodies may participate. The Biodiversity Foundation, in the framework of the pleammar programme (initiative to strengthen the sustainability of the Spanish fisheries and aquaculture sector under the 2014-2020 EMFF Operational Programme and the EMFAF 2021-2027), will co-finance networking projects and transfer within activity type 1.6.3 ‘Promoting research on marine resources and governance systems’. In addition, under the LIFE INTEMARES project, which coordinates the Biodiversity Foundation, action A.7 is foreseen: Preparation and approval of management plans and declaration of new sites, which provides for the declaration of new sites and the implementation of participatory processes for the drawing up and updating of 89 management plans for marine sites in the Natura network under the responsibility of the General State Administration. During these participatory processes, the aim is, as far as possible, to establish ways of working together among all the actors involved in each marine area, including the fisheries sector and the people involved in the field of research.

Under priority 1 of Regulation (EU) No 1139/2021 on the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund, which aims to promote sustainable fisheries and the recovery and conservation of aquatic biological resources, partnerships between fishermen, researchers and other groups involved will be supported through governance and knowledge sharing. In particular, it provides for the possibility of supporting the creation of networks, partnership agreements or partnerships between the different groups of actors involved, scientists and fishermen or one or more fishermen’s organisations, in which technical bodies may participate. The Biodiversity Foundation, in the framework of the pleammar programme (initiative to strengthen the sustainability of the Spanish fisheries and aquaculture sector under the 2014-2020 EMFF Operational Programme and the EMFAF 2021-2027), will co-finance networking projects and transfer within activity type 1.6.3 ‘Promoting research on marine resources and governance systems’. In addition, under the LIFE INTEMARES project, which coordinates the Biodiversity Foundation, action A.7 is foreseen: Preparation and approval of management plans and declaration of new sites, which provides for the declaration of new sites and the implementation of participatory processes for the drawing up and updating of 89 management plans for marine sites in the Natura network under the responsibility of the General State Administration. During these participatory processes, the aim is, as far as possible, to establish ways of working together among all the actors involved in each marine area, including the fisheries sector and the people involved in the field of research.

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.

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.

The recreational activity of observing cetaceans is regulated in Spain by Royal Decree 1727/2007 of 21 December 2007 laying down measures for the protection of cetaceans. In order to carry out this activity, an authorisation is required from MITECO (Article 3 (4) of Law 41/2010). Due to the high number of vessels carrying out this activity in some areas, as a result of the presence of resident populations of cetaceans, it is necessary to carry out loading capacity studies to determine the maximum number of vessels, their typology and other regulatory measures so that the development of this activity does not have negative effects on these cetacean populations. Specifically, these studies will be carried out in the Franja Marina de Teno-Rasca SAC, where there is already a moratorium on issuing new authorisations to carry out AROC, in the Franja Marina de Mogán SAC and in the area of the Strait of Gibraltar and the Gulf of Cádiz.

The recreational activity of observing cetaceans is regulated in Spain by Royal Decree 1727/2007 of 21 December 2007 laying down measures for the protection of cetaceans. In order to carry out this activity, an authorisation is required from MITECO (Article 3 (4) of Law 41/2010). Due to the high number of vessels carrying out this activity in some areas, as a result of the presence of resident populations of cetaceans, it is necessary to carry out loading capacity studies to determine the maximum number of vessels, their typology and other regulatory measures so that the development of this activity does not have negative effects on these cetacean populations. Specifically, these studies will be carried out in the Franja Marina de Teno-Rasca SAC, where there is already a moratorium on issuing new authorisations to carry out AROC, in the Franja Marina de Mogán SAC and in the area of the Strait of Gibraltar and the Gulf of Cádiz.

The nesting of sea turtles along our coastline has hitherto been considered anecdotal. However, although we do not currently have stable laying beaches, cases of attempts to nest Caretta caretta loggerhead turtle in the Spanish Mediterranean have increased over the last decade. However, various environmental factors (located in floodable areas of beaches, inadequate temperature and humidity of the substrate, etc.) and social factors (discomfort to females during nesting, use of heavy machinery for cleaning beaches, etc.) have compromised or frustrated some of the attempts to spawn turtles on the Spanish coast. On the other hand, on many occasions these events have not been registered or have not been properly managed, as they are very recent and many of the administrations involved do not have sufficient technical information, experience and adequately trained staff. Thus, the absence of clear technical criteria on how to act on many occasions requires a commonly agreed protocol for action to be taken in order to take the most appropriate decisions. The Protocol on action in the event of sea turtles nesting events along the Spanish coast aims to coordinate the actions of the various administrations and other actors involved, in order to take the necessary measures to ensure the success of attempts at nesting on beaches on the Spanish coast, the effective management of the release of neonates up to the emergency and the care of neonates until they are released. This protocol may include issues such as: recommendations to improve the detection of traces and beaches, guidelines for beach management and information to users on potential nesting sections, setting up an alert network for early intervention in cases of nesting, guidelines and measures to be taken to avoid nuisance and ensure the success of nesting, criteria to be followed when deciding on transfers of laying, monitoring of beaches, care and maintenance of pups until they are released, training programmes, etc. On the other hand, protective measures are envisaged on those sections of beaches that are well preserved and which have been identified as presenting optimal conditions for the incubation of pots (natural nesting/ex situ conservation) in order to preserve their natural conditions and prevent their degradation.

The nesting of sea turtles along our coastline has hitherto been considered anecdotal. However, although we do not currently have stable laying beaches, cases of attempts to nest Caretta caretta loggerhead turtle in the Spanish Mediterranean have increased over the last decade. However, various environmental factors (located in floodable areas of beaches, inadequate temperature and humidity of the substrate, etc.) and social factors (discomfort to females during nesting, use of heavy machinery for cleaning beaches, etc.) have compromised or frustrated some of the attempts to spawn turtles on the Spanish coast. On the other hand, on many occasions these events have not been registered or have not been properly managed, as they are very recent and many of the administrations involved do not have sufficient technical information, experience and adequately trained staff. Thus, the absence of clear technical criteria on how to act on many occasions requires a commonly agreed protocol for action to be taken in order to take the most appropriate decisions. The Protocol on action in the event of sea turtles nesting events along the Spanish coast aims to coordinate the actions of the various administrations and other actors involved, in order to take the necessary measures to ensure the success of attempts at nesting on beaches on the Spanish coast, the effective management of the release of neonates up to the emergency and the care of neonates until they are released. This protocol may include issues such as: recommendations to improve the detection of traces and beaches, guidelines for beach management and information to users on potential nesting sections, setting up an alert network for early intervention in cases of nesting, guidelines and measures to be taken to avoid nuisance and ensure the success of nesting, criteria to be followed when deciding on transfers of laying, monitoring of beaches, care and maintenance of pups until they are released, training programmes, etc. On the other hand, protective measures are envisaged on those sections of beaches that are well preserved and which have been identified as presenting optimal conditions for the incubation of pots (natural nesting/ex situ conservation) in order to preserve their natural conditions and prevent their degradation.

The measure provides for the approval of the corresponding Raw Conservation Plan (Orcinus orca) in the Estrecho y Gulf of Cádiz (UG18 management unit), included in the Spanish Catalogue of Threatened Species (Royal Decree 139/2011 of 4 February) in the category of ‘vulnerable’. The main objective of the plan is to boost actions aimed at eliminating the threat factors faced by this SGU and thus reducing its level of threat through: reducing non-natural mortality, ensuring that population size is maintained or increased; habitat protection and improvement; ensuring the availability of dams, in particular bluefin tuna; the promotion of applied research for conservation and the implementation of awareness-raising and participation actions. The plan was approved by Order APM/427/2017 of 4 May approving the protection measures and the Plan for the Conservation of Straits and Gulf of Cádiz.

The measure provides for the approval of the corresponding Raw Conservation Plan (Orcinus orca) in the Estrecho y Gulf of Cádiz (UG18 management unit), included in the Spanish Catalogue of Threatened Species (Royal Decree 139/2011 of 4 February) in the category of ‘vulnerable’. The main objective of the plan is to boost actions aimed at eliminating the threat factors faced by this SGU and thus reducing its level of threat through: reducing non-natural mortality, ensuring that population size is maintained or increased; habitat protection and improvement; ensuring the availability of dams, in particular bluefin tuna; the promotion of applied research for conservation and the implementation of awareness-raising and participation actions. The plan was approved by Order APM/427/2017 of 4 May approving the protection measures and the Plan for the Conservation of Straits and Gulf of Cádiz.

La medida pretende abordar la amenaza que supone para determinadas poblaciones de cetáceos, y en concreto para el cachalote (Physeter macrocephalus), la mortalidad por colisión con grandes embarcaciones que se produce en zonas de intenso tráfico marítimo del archipiélago canario, del Estrecho y el área de Illes Balears. Entre las actuaciones a llevar a cabo se prevé: • La modelización del uso del hábitat (distribución espacio-temporal) de las principales poblaciones de cetáceos afectadas por las colisiones con embarcaciones y la obtención de mapas de tráfico marítimo (rutas y densidad). • La obtención de mapas de riesgo de colisión y la identificación de zonas de alta probabilidad de colisión. • El testado y selección de medidas de mitigación adaptadas a las características del tipo de tráfico marítimo y al patrón de distribución de los cetáceos en las zonas de alto riesgo de colisión. • El análisis de la viabilidad socioeconómica de las diferentes medidas de mitigación seleccionadas. • La implementación de medidas que permitan reducir las colisiones al mínimo posible, de forma que se logre alcanzar una tasa sostenible para las poblaciones de cetáceos afectadas.

La medida pretende abordar la amenaza que supone para determinadas poblaciones de cetáceos, y en concreto para el cachalote (Physeter macrocephalus), la mortalidad por colisión con grandes embarcaciones que se produce en zonas de intenso tráfico marítimo del archipiélago canario, del Estrecho y el área de Illes Balears. Entre las actuaciones a llevar a cabo se prevé: • La modelización del uso del hábitat (distribución espacio-temporal) de las principales poblaciones de cetáceos afectadas por las colisiones con embarcaciones y la obtención de mapas de tráfico marítimo (rutas y densidad). • La obtención de mapas de riesgo de colisión y la identificación de zonas de alta probabilidad de colisión. • El testado y selección de medidas de mitigación adaptadas a las características del tipo de tráfico marítimo y al patrón de distribución de los cetáceos en las zonas de alto riesgo de colisión. • El análisis de la viabilidad socioeconómica de las diferentes medidas de mitigación seleccionadas. • La implementación de medidas que permitan reducir las colisiones al mínimo posible, de forma que se logre alcanzar una tasa sostenible para las poblaciones de cetáceos afectadas.

Las reservas marinas son, tal como se recoge en el artículo 14 de la Ley 41/2010, de protección del medio marino, zonas que por sus especiales características se consideran adecuadas para la regeneración de los recursos pesqueros. La especial protección de la gozan estas zonas contribuye a la preservación de su riqueza natural, la conservación de las diferentes especies marinas y a la recuperación de los ecosistemas, lo que al largo plazo comporta un beneficio en el ejercicio de la pesca profesional que se practique en ellas. Estas áreas, para cuya selección se tiene en cuenta su estado de conservación, deben reunir determinadas características que permitan la mejora de las condiciones de reproducción de las especies de interés pesquero y la supervivencia de sus formas juveniles. En el período 2021-2027, la Red de Reservas Marinas será una de las prioridades dentro de la gestión pesquera, poniendo énfasis en sus tres pilares de funcionamiento: control y vigilancia, seguimiento científico y divulgación. Se seguirán realizando estudios para su ampliación que permitirán valorar nuevas incorporaciones la red a la luz de sus resultados y la disponibilidad de medios humanos y materiales.

Las reservas marinas son, tal como se recoge en el artículo 14 de la Ley 41/2010, de protección del medio marino, zonas que por sus especiales características se consideran adecuadas para la regeneración de los recursos pesqueros. La especial protección de la gozan estas zonas contribuye a la preservación de su riqueza natural, la conservación de las diferentes especies marinas y a la recuperación de los ecosistemas, lo que al largo plazo comporta un beneficio en el ejercicio de la pesca profesional que se practique en ellas. Estas áreas, para cuya selección se tiene en cuenta su estado de conservación, deben reunir determinadas características que permitan la mejora de las condiciones de reproducción de las especies de interés pesquero y la supervivencia de sus formas juveniles. En el período 2021-2027, la Red de Reservas Marinas será una de las prioridades dentro de la gestión pesquera, poniendo énfasis en sus tres pilares de funcionamiento: control y vigilancia, seguimiento científico y divulgación. Se seguirán realizando estudios para su ampliación que permitirán valorar nuevas incorporaciones la red a la luz de sus resultados y la disponibilidad de medios humanos y materiales.

En el marco de la gestión de las reservas marinas de interés pesquero gestionadas por la Administración General del Estado, se ha detectado la necesidad e impulsar actividades de sensibilización y divulgación, que permitan por un lado un conocimiento general de la sociedad sobre la figura de la reserva marina y el apoyo a las pesquerías artesanales, y por otro conocer y respetar el acervo pesquero tradicional y el medio ambiente marino. La divulgación es uno de los 3 pilares de las Reservas Marinas, que se ejecuta a través de los respectivos encargos de seguimiento y divulgación, además de a través publicaciones y acciones en la SGP: • charlas escolares en Colegios de Educación Infantil y Primaria; • participación en voluntariados; • jornadas de puertas abiertas, aniversarios y días señalados; • campamentos de verano con contenidos didácticos en línea, y volcados en el CENEAM - portal REEDUCAMAR; • atención a medios de comunicación; • colaboración con universidades (prácticas, charlas); • boletín de noticias y otros contenidos de la web www.reservasmarinas.net; • colaboración con actores: centros de buceo y criterios de buceo responsables, Grupo de Acción Local de Pesca, ayuntamientos, CC. AA., cofradías de pesca; • proyectos PLEAMAR como “Garantía de futuro” o “PESCARES” I, II, III. En esta misma línea, el nuevo Fondo Europeo Marítimo de la Pesca y la Acuicultura (FEMPA), contempla distintas medidas en las que tendrá cabida la puesta en marcha de acciones de sensibilización y/o divulgación, especialmente en aquellas relacionadas con la contaminación marina y la acuicultura sostenible. Asimismo, en este periodo se pondrán en marcha actuaciones de información y divulgación, cofinanciadas dentro del Programa Pleamar de la Fundación Biodiversidad, que pongan en valor la importancia de conservar y proteger el medio marino, especialmente a través de la Red Natura 2000 marina, en la que están también integradas las Reservas Marinas que gestiona la SGP, en algunos casos, en régimen compartido con las CC. AA. Breve descripción de los progresos En el periodo 2016-2021 la SGP y las CC. AA., en sus respectivos ámbitos competenciales, han continuado las campañas y actividades de sensibilización y divulgación en Reservas Marinas. En lo que se refiere al trabajo realizado en el marco de la AGE en los últimos años, se puede citar la publicación de la revista de la Red de Reservas Marinas, la elaboración de trípticos y folletos (Folleto Reservas Marinas de España 2021, Tríptico del Faro de Fuencaliente, etc.), publicaciones como Nueva Tabarca, editado por el MAPA, y contenido didáctico dirigido al público infantil, como la Mini Guía de los peces, moluscos y crustáceos del Mediterráneo o el cómic “El viaje del chanquete”. Entre los años 2017 y 2019, el CENEAM y la SGP celebraron la exposición itinerante “Reservas Marinas: en beneficio de todos”, en la que se mostraban las características, planes de gestión, medios, resultados e imágenes de estos espacios protegidos.

En el marco de la gestión de las reservas marinas de interés pesquero gestionadas por la Administración General del Estado, se ha detectado la necesidad e impulsar actividades de sensibilización y divulgación, que permitan por un lado un conocimiento general de la sociedad sobre la figura de la reserva marina y el apoyo a las pesquerías artesanales, y por otro conocer y respetar el acervo pesquero tradicional y el medio ambiente marino. La divulgación es uno de los 3 pilares de las Reservas Marinas, que se ejecuta a través de los respectivos encargos de seguimiento y divulgación, además de a través publicaciones y acciones en la SGP: • charlas escolares en Colegios de Educación Infantil y Primaria; • participación en voluntariados; • jornadas de puertas abiertas, aniversarios y días señalados; • campamentos de verano con contenidos didácticos en línea, y volcados en el CENEAM - portal REEDUCAMAR; • atención a medios de comunicación; • colaboración con universidades (prácticas, charlas); • boletín de noticias y otros contenidos de la web www.reservasmarinas.net; • colaboración con actores: centros de buceo y criterios de buceo responsables, Grupo de Acción Local de Pesca, ayuntamientos, CC. AA., cofradías de pesca; • proyectos PLEAMAR como “Garantía de futuro” o “PESCARES” I, II, III. En esta misma línea, el nuevo Fondo Europeo Marítimo de la Pesca y la Acuicultura (FEMPA), contempla distintas medidas en las que tendrá cabida la puesta en marcha de acciones de sensibilización y/o divulgación, especialmente en aquellas relacionadas con la contaminación marina y la acuicultura sostenible. Asimismo, en este periodo se pondrán en marcha actuaciones de información y divulgación, cofinanciadas dentro del Programa Pleamar de la Fundación Biodiversidad, que pongan en valor la importancia de conservar y proteger el medio marino, especialmente a través de la Red Natura 2000 marina, en la que están también integradas las Reservas Marinas que gestiona la SGP, en algunos casos, en régimen compartido con las CC. AA. Breve descripción de los progresos En el periodo 2016-2021 la SGP y las CC. AA., en sus respectivos ámbitos competenciales, han continuado las campañas y actividades de sensibilización y divulgación en Reservas Marinas. En lo que se refiere al trabajo realizado en el marco de la AGE en los últimos años, se puede citar la publicación de la revista de la Red de Reservas Marinas, la elaboración de trípticos y folletos (Folleto Reservas Marinas de España 2021, Tríptico del Faro de Fuencaliente, etc.), publicaciones como Nueva Tabarca, editado por el MAPA, y contenido didáctico dirigido al público infantil, como la Mini Guía de los peces, moluscos y crustáceos del Mediterráneo o el cómic “El viaje del chanquete”. Entre los años 2017 y 2019, el CENEAM y la SGP celebraron la exposición itinerante “Reservas Marinas: en beneficio de todos”, en la que se mostraban las características, planes de gestión, medios, resultados e imágenes de estos espacios protegidos.

A raíz de debates surgidos en varios foros, entre ellos el seminario sobre medidas de las Estrategias Marinas que tuvo lugar en octubre de 2021, se plantea la posible conveniencia de ajustar la frecuencia de los ferrys interinsulares a la demanda real en determinadas temporadas en las que estos realizan el recorrido entre islas con una ocupación muy por debajo de su capacidad. Esta opción tendría el objeto de reducir el potencial impacto sobre las poblaciones de cetáceos de estas zonas y disminuir las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero a la atmósfera. Sin embargo, es determinante, en primer lugar, evaluar el impacto real de estas líneas sobre los cetáceos, y en segundo lugar, evaluar el ajuste oferta-demanda, como fase previa a cualquier propuesta de actuación en este sentido, si esta resultara necesaria. La medida consistirá en la realización de un análisis de impactos de los ferrys de línea sobre los hábitats y especies marinas en las zonas de alta densidad y frecuencia de tráfico, a partir de estudios ya realizados, proyectos concretos e información estadística. En función de los resultados de este análisis, se estudiará la posibilidad de optimizar el tráfico marítimo de personas y mercancías entre las islas, adaptando la oferta a la demanda de una forma que sea satisfactoria para los habitantes de las islas, y al mismo tiempo sostenible desde el punto de vista de la reducción del aporte de ruido y contaminantes, además de una disminución del riesgo de colisión con mamíferos marinos. Para ello se realizará un estudio de mercado sobre la oferta-demanda, horarios más frecuentados, número de personas que utilizan el servicio en cada horario, día de la semana, época del año, etc., así como de las mercancías que se transportan.

A raíz de debates surgidos en varios foros, entre ellos el seminario sobre medidas de las Estrategias Marinas que tuvo lugar en octubre de 2021, se plantea la posible conveniencia de ajustar la frecuencia de los ferrys interinsulares a la demanda real en determinadas temporadas en las que estos realizan el recorrido entre islas con una ocupación muy por debajo de su capacidad. Esta opción tendría el objeto de reducir el potencial impacto sobre las poblaciones de cetáceos de estas zonas y disminuir las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero a la atmósfera. Sin embargo, es determinante, en primer lugar, evaluar el impacto real de estas líneas sobre los cetáceos, y en segundo lugar, evaluar el ajuste oferta-demanda, como fase previa a cualquier propuesta de actuación en este sentido, si esta resultara necesaria. La medida consistirá en la realización de un análisis de impactos de los ferrys de línea sobre los hábitats y especies marinas en las zonas de alta densidad y frecuencia de tráfico, a partir de estudios ya realizados, proyectos concretos e información estadística. En función de los resultados de este análisis, se estudiará la posibilidad de optimizar el tráfico marítimo de personas y mercancías entre las islas, adaptando la oferta a la demanda de una forma que sea satisfactoria para los habitantes de las islas, y al mismo tiempo sostenible desde el punto de vista de la reducción del aporte de ruido y contaminantes, además de una disminución del riesgo de colisión con mamíferos marinos. Para ello se realizará un estudio de mercado sobre la oferta-demanda, horarios más frecuentados, número de personas que utilizan el servicio en cada horario, día de la semana, época del año, etc., así como de las mercancías que se transportan.

El objetivo de esta medida era abordar la gestión de la flota de palangre del Mediterráneo a partir de la creación de un adecuado marco normativo en esta pesquería. Para ello, se debía recopilar toda la información disponible sobre la flota de palangre en el Mediterráneo, obteniendo datos detallados de la pesquería, y así poder plantear medidas específicas de gestión. El fin último era obtener una regulación que incluyese paquetes de medidas para que la pesquería analizada sea sostenible desde el punto de vista ambiental y socioeconómico. El plan de gestión de este tipo debía integrar, entre otras, medidas de reducción de las capturas accidentales, y todas aquellas adoptadas en el marco de la Comisión Europea y las Organizaciones Regionales de Pesca de las que España y/o la Unión Europea es Parte Contratante.

El objetivo de esta medida era abordar la gestión de la flota de palangre del Mediterráneo a partir de la creación de un adecuado marco normativo en esta pesquería. Para ello, se debía recopilar toda la información disponible sobre la flota de palangre en el Mediterráneo, obteniendo datos detallados de la pesquería, y así poder plantear medidas específicas de gestión. El fin último era obtener una regulación que incluyese paquetes de medidas para que la pesquería analizada sea sostenible desde el punto de vista ambiental y socioeconómico. El plan de gestión de este tipo debía integrar, entre otras, medidas de reducción de las capturas accidentales, y todas aquellas adoptadas en el marco de la Comisión Europea y las Organizaciones Regionales de Pesca de las que España y/o la Unión Europea es Parte Contratante.

El principal objetivo de este proyecto es apoyar el desarrollo de planes de acción regionales y buenas prácticas para programas de muestreo integrados y programas de medidas coordinados, así como cubrir carencias de información, en las aguas marinas Mediterráneas, y de esta forma mejorar la implementación de las siguientes fases de DMEM. Concretamente, los trabajos se centran en la revisión de la evaluación inicial, la definición del BEA y los objetivos ambientales establecidos en dicha Directiva para el 2018, incluyendo planes financieros, así como en la gestión de la integración de datos. Los objetivos específicos son: a. Tratar las cuestiones más relevantes de la DMEM a nivel regional, permitiendo así abordar la solución sistemáticas de las actuales lagunas de conocimiento y carencias en relación a los artículos 8, 9 y 10 de la DMEM, basándola en actividades ya en marcha a nivel regional y de la UE. b. Desarrollar estrategias/metodologías para el asesoramiento ya iniciado de los indicadores de Biodiversidad. c. Sentar las bases para un diseño coherente e implementación de los programas de seguimiento de la DMEM. d. Asesorar a los Estados miembros de la UE en el Mediterráneo en sus trabajos sobre los programas de medidas y, donde fuera necesario, desarrollar proyectos y planes de inversión. e. Establecer un sistema de gestión de información que permita que los datos y conocimientos relevantes sean actualizados de forma regular, y usados de forma efectiva por las Organizaciones Regionales, la Agencia Europea de Medio Ambiente (EEA) y otros actores interesados para sus fines. La propuesta se estructura en 5 Actividades: • Actividad 1- Solución sistemática para las actuales carencias y necesidades en relación a los artículos 8, 9 y 10 de la DMEM, centrándose en la cuestión de la Biodiversidad • Actividad 2-Identificación de carencias, necesidades y acciones a llevar a cabo en los programas de muestreo nacionales y regionales en relación a los planes nacionales de seguimiento en el marco de la DMEM (Artículo 11). • Actividad 3-Asesoramiento en la preparación de Programas de Medidas, dirigiéndose a carencias concretas identificadas tanto a nivel nacional como regional, uniendo los trabajos de los Programas de Medidas (PoM) de la DMEM y los auspiciados por la Convención de Barcelona (UNEP-MAP) • Actividad 4-Desarrollo del Sistema de gestión de Información para actualización de conocimientos y datos • Actividad 5-Coordinación, gestión, comunicación, diseminación y sostenibilidad del Proyecto. El proyecto ActionMed es llevado a cabo por 10 instituciones: UNEP/MAP (Dr T. Hema & Dr G. Gurban) y su organización internacional afiliada Plan Blue, Instituto Español de Oceanografía (Dr Francisco Alemany), Univ. Del Salento, Italia (Dr Alberto Basset), ISOTECH Ltd/ de Chipre (Dr Xenia Loizidou), Univ. of Athens/Greece (Prof. Manos Dassenakis), CORILA (Dr Pierpaolo Campostrini) and its affiliated CNR ISMAR and OGS, National Institute of Biology, Eslovenia (Dr Borut Mavric), Univ. de Tesalia (Prof. H. Kokkossis), y el Instituto de Oceanografía de Grecia (HCMR), como coordinador del proyecto (Dr Kalliopi Pagou).

El principal objetivo de este proyecto es apoyar el desarrollo de planes de acción regionales y buenas prácticas para programas de muestreo integrados y programas de medidas coordinados, así como cubrir carencias de información, en las aguas marinas Mediterráneas, y de esta forma mejorar la implementación de las siguientes fases de DMEM. Concretamente, los trabajos se centran en la revisión de la evaluación inicial, la definición del BEA y los objetivos ambientales establecidos en dicha Directiva para el 2018, incluyendo planes financieros, así como en la gestión de la integración de datos. Los objetivos específicos son: a. Tratar las cuestiones más relevantes de la DMEM a nivel regional, permitiendo así abordar la solución sistemáticas de las actuales lagunas de conocimiento y carencias en relación a los artículos 8, 9 y 10 de la DMEM, basándola en actividades ya en marcha a nivel regional y de la UE. b. Desarrollar estrategias/metodologías para el asesoramiento ya iniciado de los indicadores de Biodiversidad. c. Sentar las bases para un diseño coherente e implementación de los programas de seguimiento de la DMEM. d. Asesorar a los Estados miembros de la UE en el Mediterráneo en sus trabajos sobre los programas de medidas y, donde fuera necesario, desarrollar proyectos y planes de inversión. e. Establecer un sistema de gestión de información que permita que los datos y conocimientos relevantes sean actualizados de forma regular, y usados de forma efectiva por las Organizaciones Regionales, la Agencia Europea de Medio Ambiente (EEA) y otros actores interesados para sus fines. La propuesta se estructura en 5 Actividades: • Actividad 1- Solución sistemática para las actuales carencias y necesidades en relación a los artículos 8, 9 y 10 de la DMEM, centrándose en la cuestión de la Biodiversidad • Actividad 2-Identificación de carencias, necesidades y acciones a llevar a cabo en los programas de muestreo nacionales y regionales en relación a los planes nacionales de seguimiento en el marco de la DMEM (Artículo 11). • Actividad 3-Asesoramiento en la preparación de Programas de Medidas, dirigiéndose a carencias concretas identificadas tanto a nivel nacional como regional, uniendo los trabajos de los Programas de Medidas (PoM) de la DMEM y los auspiciados por la Convención de Barcelona (UNEP-MAP) • Actividad 4-Desarrollo del Sistema de gestión de Información para actualización de conocimientos y datos • Actividad 5-Coordinación, gestión, comunicación, diseminación y sostenibilidad del Proyecto. El proyecto ActionMed es llevado a cabo por 10 instituciones: UNEP/MAP (Dr T. Hema & Dr G. Gurban) y su organización internacional afiliada Plan Blue, Instituto Español de Oceanografía (Dr Francisco Alemany), Univ. Del Salento, Italia (Dr Alberto Basset), ISOTECH Ltd/ de Chipre (Dr Xenia Loizidou), Univ. of Athens/Greece (Prof. Manos Dassenakis), CORILA (Dr Pierpaolo Campostrini) and its affiliated CNR ISMAR and OGS, National Institute of Biology, Eslovenia (Dr Borut Mavric), Univ. de Tesalia (Prof. H. Kokkossis), y el Instituto de Oceanografía de Grecia (HCMR), como coordinador del proyecto (Dr Kalliopi Pagou).

En abril de 1991, el Archipiélago de Cabrera, juntamente con 8.703 hectáreas marinas, fue declarado parque nacional mediante la Ley 14/1991, de 29 de abril, de creación del Parque Nacional Marítimo Terrestre del Archipiélago de Cabrera, abarcando una superficie total de 10.021 ha. Este espacio ha sido también declarado Zona de Especial Protección para las Aves (ZEPA) y Lugar de Interés Comunitario (LIC). Mediante Decreto 47/2015, de 22 de mayo, por el que se aprueba el Plan de Gestión Natura 2000 del Archipiélago de Cabrera, adquirió la categoría de Zona Especial de Conservación (ZEC). Así mismo está incluido en la Lista de Zonas de Especial Protección de Importancia para el Mediterráneo, o ZEPIM, figura de conservación panmediterránea creada en el marco del Convenio de Barcelona. La iniciativa de ampliar la parte marina del Parque Nacional Marítimo-Terrestre del Archipiélago de Cabrera tomó impulso con una petición realizada por el Govern Balear a la Administración General del Estado en agosto de 2015. Ante esta realidad, y dando respuesta a las demandas de la comunidad científica, de la Comunidad Autónoma de Illes Balears y de la sociedad en general, se crea una comisión para la ampliación del Parque Nacional Marítimo Terrestre del Archipiélago de Cabrera (en lo sucesivo PNMT del Archipiélago de Cabrera) con representación paritaria de miembros de la administración de la comunidad autónoma y de la administración estatal, con la finalidad de definir la ampliación del parque nacional.

En abril de 1991, el Archipiélago de Cabrera, juntamente con 8.703 hectáreas marinas, fue declarado parque nacional mediante la Ley 14/1991, de 29 de abril, de creación del Parque Nacional Marítimo Terrestre del Archipiélago de Cabrera, abarcando una superficie total de 10.021 ha. Este espacio ha sido también declarado Zona de Especial Protección para las Aves (ZEPA) y Lugar de Interés Comunitario (LIC). Mediante Decreto 47/2015, de 22 de mayo, por el que se aprueba el Plan de Gestión Natura 2000 del Archipiélago de Cabrera, adquirió la categoría de Zona Especial de Conservación (ZEC). Así mismo está incluido en la Lista de Zonas de Especial Protección de Importancia para el Mediterráneo, o ZEPIM, figura de conservación panmediterránea creada en el marco del Convenio de Barcelona. La iniciativa de ampliar la parte marina del Parque Nacional Marítimo-Terrestre del Archipiélago de Cabrera tomó impulso con una petición realizada por el Govern Balear a la Administración General del Estado en agosto de 2015. Ante esta realidad, y dando respuesta a las demandas de la comunidad científica, de la Comunidad Autónoma de Illes Balears y de la sociedad en general, se crea una comisión para la ampliación del Parque Nacional Marítimo Terrestre del Archipiélago de Cabrera (en lo sucesivo PNMT del Archipiélago de Cabrera) con representación paritaria de miembros de la administración de la comunidad autónoma y de la administración estatal, con la finalidad de definir la ampliación del parque nacional.

Una Zona Marítima Especialmente Sensible (ZMES) en el marco de la Organización Marítima Internacional (OMI) es un área que, debido a la reconocida importancia de su características ecológicas, socioeconómicas o científicas, y su posible vulnerabilidad al daño causado por las actividades de transporte marítimo internacional, debe ser objeto de protección especial, a través de medidas puestas en marcha a través de la OMI. Se ha identificado una zona con dichas características, debido a la presencia de importantes poblaciones de cetáceos, entre las aguas de Francia, Italia, Mónaco y España, susceptible de ser catalogada como ZMES, y por cuya designación como tal los 4 países adoptaron su compromiso conjunto en la séptima reunión de las Partes de ACCOBAMS. Esta designación tiene el objeto de reducir el riesgo de colisión para los cetáceos, especialmente con el rorcual común, a lo largo de la costa mediterránea, así como reducir el ruido ambiente. Ya se está trabajando conjuntamente para identificar el espacio y medidas de mitigación a proponer. Se prevé que el ámbito geográfico incluya, dentro de las aguas españolas, al menos el AMP Corredor de migración de cetáceos.

Una Zona Marítima Especialmente Sensible (ZMES) en el marco de la Organización Marítima Internacional (OMI) es un área que, debido a la reconocida importancia de su características ecológicas, socioeconómicas o científicas, y su posible vulnerabilidad al daño causado por las actividades de transporte marítimo internacional, debe ser objeto de protección especial, a través de medidas puestas en marcha a través de la OMI. Se ha identificado una zona con dichas características, debido a la presencia de importantes poblaciones de cetáceos, entre las aguas de Francia, Italia, Mónaco y España, susceptible de ser catalogada como ZMES, y por cuya designación como tal los 4 países adoptaron su compromiso conjunto en la séptima reunión de las Partes de ACCOBAMS. Esta designación tiene el objeto de reducir el riesgo de colisión para los cetáceos, especialmente con el rorcual común, a lo largo de la costa mediterránea, así como reducir el ruido ambiente. Ya se está trabajando conjuntamente para identificar el espacio y medidas de mitigación a proponer. Se prevé que el ámbito geográfico incluya, dentro de las aguas españolas, al menos el AMP Corredor de migración de cetáceos.

Este proyecto ha sido realizado por el Observatorio Socioambiental de Menorca (OBSAM), y ha tenido por objetivo evaluar las presiones y amenazas existentes en el litoral y en el medio marino de la Reserva de Biosfera de Menorca, con el fin de cuantificar las presiones y detectar los impactos existentes, las acciones a llevar a cabo para revertir y restaurar los hábitats afectados y determinar los costes para ello.

Este proyecto ha sido realizado por el Observatorio Socioambiental de Menorca (OBSAM), y ha tenido por objetivo evaluar las presiones y amenazas existentes en el litoral y en el medio marino de la Reserva de Biosfera de Menorca, con el fin de cuantificar las presiones y detectar los impactos existentes, las acciones a llevar a cabo para revertir y restaurar los hábitats afectados y determinar los costes para ello.