Changes in feeding areas due to food availability can be important information for assessment of marine environment. Monitoring of the breeding areas (which only exists) cannot give information on food availability and mortality of sea birds (such information can be obtained using telemetric methods). Due to that, in the next period a telemetric monitoring method for certain marine bird species has to be developed and referential data established. The main goal is to find the basic feeding areas and home-range during breeding period and subsequently track changes in distribution of targeted species. Existing monitoring programme allows the collection of sufficient data for GES assessment under previously stated Commission Decision criteria and indicators (except for criteria 1.3), where methodology for estimation of number of birds accidentally (bycatch) in fishing nets and longlines, and assessment of feeding and resting areas on the sea, still have to be developed.

The future status of all fish species groups is difficult to predict given the wide range of pressures on them and our lack of knowledge on species interactions. The proportion of large fish may improve if relevant measures are taken, for example under the reformed Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and through effective implementation of area-based protection measures (e.g. marine protected areas), but the rate of improvement will depend upon life-history characteristics particular to each species and there may be time lags in responses beyond 2030. It is likely also that there will be continued shifts in the depth, distribution, migration and spawning behaviours of fish species in response to climate-driven warming of the sea which may have profound consequences for commercial and recreational fisheries and for the achievement of stated conservation objectives.

Mammals: It is necessary to re-asses the effectiveness of proposed monitoring methods and indicators in the future, potentially allowing detailed refinement and/or a change of indicators and possible ways of monitoring status. A proposed course of action includes carrying out aerial surveys in the colder part of the year as well, in order to ascertain the distribution patterns, abundance and possible migration patterns of selected species. In order to additionally asses the anthropogenic impact on the status of cetacean populations in the Adriatic and to determine appropriate management measures, additional research should be carried out. It is necessary to determine the population structure on a finer genetic level as well as to determine dispersion mechanisms and the size of distribution areas. Population sub-structuring indicates that conservation measures should be developed not only for the Adriatic as a sub-region but on a regional and local level as well. In order to carry out such an assessment, local populations should be biopsied and biological material for molecular analysis should be obtained. In addition, effort should be devoted to determining the cumulative impacts of anthropogenic activities on species (naval traffic, transit, fishing, seismic research, hydrocarbon exploitation, pollution, etc.). Photoidentification data should be additionally analysed to determine detailed population parameters (birth rate, mortality, acceptable mortality due to anthropogenic impacts, etc.). In order to achieve successful monitoring, it is vital that the activities are carried out throughout the entire Adriatic Sea in collaboration with other countries. Reptiles: There is a need to: develop methodology for population abundance assessment based on aerial survey; determine reference state of the population size; identify sites for wintering aggregation by combining CPUE demersal trawlers and satellite telemetry; because of the time- lag problems in monitoring of population size there should be determined indicators for demographic characteristics a) distribution in the relation to age / size (southern and northern Adriatic), b) size-at-recruitment (southern and northern Adriatic). It is necessary to determine the applicable indicators and limit values for monitoring of mortality caused by the accidental catch and ingestion of marine litter.

Mammals: It is necessary to re-asses the effectiveness of proposed monitoring methods and indicators in the future, potentially allowing detailed refinement and/or a change of indicators and possible ways of monitoring status. A proposed course of action includes carrying out aerial surveys in the colder part of the year as well, in order to ascertain the distribution patterns, abundance and possible migration patterns of selected species. In order to additionally asses the anthropogenic impact on the status of cetacean populations in the Adriatic and to determine appropriate management measures, additional research should be carried out. It is necessary to determine the population structure on a finer genetic level as well as to determine dispersion mechanisms and the size of distribution areas. Population sub-structuring indicates that conservation measures should be developed not only for the Adriatic as a sub-region but on a regional and local level as well. In order to carry out such an assessment, local populations should be biopsied and biological material for molecular analysis should be obtained. In addition, effort should be devoted to determining the cumulative impacts of anthropogenic activities on species (naval traffic, transit, fishing, seismic research, hydrocarbon exploitation, pollution, etc.). Photoidentification data should be additionally analysed to determine detailed population parameters (birth rate, mortality, acceptable mortality due to anthropogenic impacts, etc.). In order to achieve successful monitoring, it is vital that the activities are carried out throughout the entire Adriatic Sea in collaboration with other countries. Reptiles: There is a need to: develop methodology for population abundance assessment based on aerial survey; determine reference state of the population size; identify sites for wintering aggregation by combining CPUE demersal trawlers and satellite telemetry; because of the time- lag problems in monitoring of population size there should be determined indicators for demographic characteristics a) distribution in the relation to age / size (southern and northern Adriatic), b) size-at-recruitment (southern and northern Adriatic). It is necessary to determine the applicable indicators and limit values for monitoring of mortality caused by the accidental catch and ingestion of marine litter.

According to conclusions of MSFD Task Group 6, classes of indicators that are effective at reflecting pollution-related pressures are not necessarily effective at reflecting pressures due to physical disturbances from fishing activities. For the assessment of environmental status on soft bottoms in the areas of bottom trawling in the eastern Adriatic Sea, the new index based on characteristics of epifaunal species of macroinvertebrates in benthic communities is under development. Posidonia beds: It is necessary to map Posidonia meadows and develop a method for monitoring distribution and covered areas within the Habitat Directive. In terms of conservation, there is a need for: reduction of anthropogenic eutrophication, mooring regulation in places where it is frequent, prohibition of gravel dumping and construction in Posidonia meadows, control of fishing by trawling, application of regulative concerning ballast waters. Photophilic algal communities and Cystoseira amentacea: Settlements of photophilic algae and species Cystoseira amentacea inhabit the shallowest area of infralittoral exposed rocky areas, and are widely distributed in the Mediterranean and the Adriatic Sea (the predominant habitat type). They are listed in national (Nature Conservation Act) and international legislation and directives (Habitat directive, Barcelona Convention). For this type of habitat and species, bioindicator methods have been developed in the framework of the WFD. It is necessary to initiate research on methods for restoration of destroyed Cystoseira settlement as well as to understand biological elements which cause excessive expansion of sea urchins. But also, to reduce human made eutrophication and pollution, regulate coastal construction, start a program of restoration of the shallow-water Cystoseira settlements. Coralligenous and species Coralium rubrum: As outlined by the Action plan for the conservation of the coralligenous and other calcareous bio-concretions in the Mediterranean Sea (UNEP-RAC/SPA 2008), measures aimed at protecting the coralligenous environment (applicable to many other coastal benthic habitats) should include the following: wastewater dumping should be banned over coralligenous bottoms, and in their vicinity; trawling prohibition by Council Regulation (EC) No 1967/2006 (Article 4.2) must be rigorously enforced in areas with coralligenous outcrops and in their vicinity, aiming to avoid not only the physical damage to this habitat but also the indirect effects due to increased turbidity and silting; any other anthropogenic activity involving an increase in water turbidity and/or sediment removal (e.g., coastline modification, beach regeneration) should be avoided in the vicinity of coralligenous outcrops. Adequate management of traditional and recreational fisheries must be implemented in order to prevent stock depletion of target fish and crustaceans. Diving should be managed in the manner not to interfere with the normal functioning and conservation of the coralligenous environment. For Corallium rubrum only total ban of harvesting at the moment can lead to species repopulation. A suitable legislation concerning the introduction of alien species should be urgently enacted.

According to conclusions of MSFD Task Group 6, classes of indicators that are effective at reflecting pollution-related pressures are not necessarily effective at reflecting pressures due to physical disturbances from fishing activities. For the assessment of environmental status on soft bottoms in the areas of bottom trawling in the eastern Adriatic Sea, the new index based on characteristics of epifaunal species of macroinvertebrates in benthic communities is under development. Posidonia beds: It is necessary to map Posidonia meadows and develop a method for monitoring distribution and covered areas within the Habitat Directive. In terms of conservation, there is a need for: reduction of anthropogenic eutrophication, mooring regulation in places where it is frequent, prohibition of gravel dumping and construction in Posidonia meadows, control of fishing by trawling, application of regulative concerning ballast waters. Photophilic algal communities and Cystoseira amentacea: Settlements of photophilic algae and species Cystoseira amentacea inhabit the shallowest area of infralittoral exposed rocky areas, and are widely distributed in the Mediterranean and the Adriatic Sea (the predominant habitat type). They are listed in national (Nature Conservation Act) and international legislation and directives (Habitat directive, Barcelona Convention). For this type of habitat and species, bioindicator methods have been developed in the framework of the WFD. It is necessary to initiate research on methods for restoration of destroyed Cystoseira settlement as well as to understand biological elements which cause excessive expansion of sea urchins. But also, to reduce human made eutrophication and pollution, regulate coastal construction, start a program of restoration of the shallow-water Cystoseira settlements. Coralligenous and species Coralium rubrum: As outlined by the Action plan for the conservation of the coralligenous and other calcareous bio-concretions in the Mediterranean Sea (UNEP-RAC/SPA 2008), measures aimed at protecting the coralligenous environment (applicable to many other coastal benthic habitats) should include the following: wastewater dumping should be banned over coralligenous bottoms, and in their vicinity; trawling prohibition by Council Regulation (EC) No 1967/2006 (Article 4.2) must be rigorously enforced in areas with coralligenous outcrops and in their vicinity, aiming to avoid not only the physical damage to this habitat but also the indirect effects due to increased turbidity and silting; any other anthropogenic activity involving an increase in water turbidity and/or sediment removal (e.g., coastline modification, beach regeneration) should be avoided in the vicinity of coralligenous outcrops. Adequate management of traditional and recreational fisheries must be implemented in order to prevent stock depletion of target fish and crustaceans. Diving should be managed in the manner not to interfere with the normal functioning and conservation of the coralligenous environment. For Corallium rubrum only total ban of harvesting at the moment can lead to species repopulation. A suitable legislation concerning the introduction of alien species should be urgently enacted.

According to conclusions of MSFD Task Group 6, classes of indicators that are effective at reflecting pollution-related pressures are not necessarily effective at reflecting pressures due to physical disturbances from fishing activities. For the assessment of environmental status on soft bottoms in the areas of bottom trawling in the eastern Adriatic Sea, the new index based on characteristics of epifaunal species of macroinvertebrates in benthic communities is under development. Posidonia beds: It is necessary to map Posidonia meadows and develop a method for monitoring distribution and covered areas within the Habitat Directive. In terms of conservation, there is a need for: reduction of anthropogenic eutrophication, mooring regulation in places where it is frequent, prohibition of gravel dumping and construction in Posidonia meadows, control of fishing by trawling, application of regulative concerning ballast waters. Photophilic algal communities and Cystoseira amentacea: Settlements of photophilic algae and species Cystoseira amentacea inhabit the shallowest area of infralittoral exposed rocky areas, and are widely distributed in the Mediterranean and the Adriatic Sea (the predominant habitat type). They are listed in national (Nature Conservation Act) and international legislation and directives (Habitat directive, Barcelona Convention). For this type of habitat and species, bioindicator methods have been developed in the framework of the WFD. It is necessary to initiate research on methods for restoration of destroyed Cystoseira settlement as well as to understand biological elements which cause excessive expansion of sea urchins. But also, to reduce human made eutrophication and pollution, regulate coastal construction, start a program of restoration of the shallow-water Cystoseira settlements. Coralligenous and species Coralium rubrum: As outlined by the Action plan for the conservation of the coralligenous and other calcareous bio-concretions in the Mediterranean Sea (UNEP-RAC/SPA 2008), measures aimed at protecting the coralligenous environment (applicable to many other coastal benthic habitats) should include the following: wastewater dumping should be banned over coralligenous bottoms, and in their vicinity; trawling prohibition by Council Regulation (EC) No 1967/2006 (Article 4.2) must be rigorously enforced in areas with coralligenous outcrops and in their vicinity, aiming to avoid not only the physical damage to this habitat but also the indirect effects due to increased turbidity and silting; any other anthropogenic activity involving an increase in water turbidity and/or sediment removal (e.g., coastline modification, beach regeneration) should be avoided in the vicinity of coralligenous outcrops. Adequate management of traditional and recreational fisheries must be implemented in order to prevent stock depletion of target fish and crustaceans. Diving should be managed in the manner not to interfere with the normal functioning and conservation of the coralligenous environment. For Corallium rubrum only total ban of harvesting at the moment can lead to species repopulation. A suitable legislation concerning the introduction of alien species should be urgently enacted.

According to conclusions of MSFD Task Group 6, classes of indicators that are effective at reflecting pollution-related pressures are not necessarily effective at reflecting pressures due to physical disturbances from fishing activities. For the assessment of environmental status on soft bottoms in the areas of bottom trawling in the eastern Adriatic Sea, the new index based on characteristics of epifaunal species of macroinvertebrates in benthic communities is under development. Posidonia beds: It is necessary to map Posidonia meadows and develop a method for monitoring distribution and covered areas within the Habitat Directive. In terms of conservation, there is a need for: reduction of anthropogenic eutrophication, mooring regulation in places where it is frequent, prohibition of gravel dumping and construction in Posidonia meadows, control of fishing by trawling, application of regulative concerning ballast waters. Photophilic algal communities and Cystoseira amentacea: Settlements of photophilic algae and species Cystoseira amentacea inhabit the shallowest area of infralittoral exposed rocky areas, and are widely distributed in the Mediterranean and the Adriatic Sea (the predominant habitat type). They are listed in national (Nature Conservation Act) and international legislation and directives (Habitat directive, Barcelona Convention). For this type of habitat and species, bioindicator methods have been developed in the framework of the WFD. It is necessary to initiate research on methods for restoration of destroyed Cystoseira settlement as well as to understand biological elements which cause excessive expansion of sea urchins. But also, to reduce human made eutrophication and pollution, regulate coastal construction, start a program of restoration of the shallow-water Cystoseira settlements. Coralligenous and species Coralium rubrum: As outlined by the Action plan for the conservation of the coralligenous and other calcareous bio-concretions in the Mediterranean Sea (UNEP-RAC/SPA 2008), measures aimed at protecting the coralligenous environment (applicable to many other coastal benthic habitats) should include the following: wastewater dumping should be banned over coralligenous bottoms, and in their vicinity; trawling prohibition by Council Regulation (EC) No 1967/2006 (Article 4.2) must be rigorously enforced in areas with coralligenous outcrops and in their vicinity, aiming to avoid not only the physical damage to this habitat but also the indirect effects due to increased turbidity and silting; any other anthropogenic activity involving an increase in water turbidity and/or sediment removal (e.g., coastline modification, beach regeneration) should be avoided in the vicinity of coralligenous outcrops. Adequate management of traditional and recreational fisheries must be implemented in order to prevent stock depletion of target fish and crustaceans. Diving should be managed in the manner not to interfere with the normal functioning and conservation of the coralligenous environment. For Corallium rubrum only total ban of harvesting at the moment can lead to species repopulation. A suitable legislation concerning the introduction of alien species should be urgently enacted.