D2

2.1 Abundance and state characterisation of non-indigenous species, in particular invasive species

2.1.1 Trends in abundance of NIS

2.2 Environmental impact of invasive non-indigenous species

2.2.1 Ratio invasive to native species

2.2.2 Impacts of NIS

MIC-MT-MS: The Good Environmental Status identified for each descriptor constitutes a qualitative description of
the desired status. For some descriptors, more than one statement is being proposed, to reflect the MSFD criteria and indicators. Reference to existing environmental thresholds/limits was made in relation to Descriptor 8 (contaminants) and Descriptor 9 (contaminants in fish and seafood), however no quantitative GES is being put forward for the first reporting cycle.

MIC-MT-MS: The Good Environmental Status identified for each descriptor constitutes a qualitative description of
the desired status. For some descriptors, more than one statement is being proposed, to reflect the MSFD criteria and indicators. Reference to existing environmental thresholds/limits was made in relation to Descriptor 8 (contaminants) and Descriptor 9 (contaminants in fish and seafood), however no quantitative GES is being put forward for the first reporting cycle.

MIC-MT-MS: The Good Environmental Status identified for each descriptor constitutes a qualitative description of
the desired status. For some descriptors, more than one statement is being proposed, to reflect the MSFD criteria and indicators. Reference to existing environmental thresholds/limits was made in relation to Descriptor 8 (contaminants) and Descriptor 9 (contaminants in fish and seafood), however no quantitative GES is being put forward for the first reporting cycle.

• Ad-hoc areas based on risk based approach
• Assessment area
• Assessment areas
• Assessment areas/ad-hoc risk based areas
• Descriptor 3 Assessment area
• Geographical Sub Area 15 (GFCM)
• MIC-MT-MS
• Malta Gozo Channel Assessment area
• NIS Assessment area
• West Gozo Cliffs Assessment area
• West Malta Cliffs Assessment area

• Ad-hoc areas based on risk based approach
• Assessment area
• Assessment areas
• Assessment areas/ad-hoc risk based areas
• Descriptor 3 Assessment area
• Geographical Sub Area 15 (GFCM)
• MIC-MT-MS
• Malta Gozo Channel Assessment area
• NIS Assessment area
• West Gozo Cliffs Assessment area
• West Malta Cliffs Assessment area

• Ad-hoc areas based on risk based approach
• Assessment area
• Assessment areas
• Assessment areas/ad-hoc risk based areas
• Descriptor 3 Assessment area
• Geographical Sub Area 15 (GFCM)
• MIC-MT-MS
• Malta Gozo Channel Assessment area
• NIS Assessment area
• West Gozo Cliffs Assessment area
• West Malta Cliffs Assessment area

• Ad-hoc areas based on risk based approach
• Assessment area
• Assessment areas
• Assessment areas/ad-hoc risk based areas
• Descriptor 3 Assessment area
• Geographical Sub Area 15 (GFCM)
• MIC-MT-MS
• Malta Gozo Channel Assessment area
• NIS Assessment area
• West Gozo Cliffs Assessment area
• West Malta Cliffs Assessment area

• Ad-hoc areas based on risk based approach
• Assessment area
• Assessment areas
• Assessment areas/ad-hoc risk based areas
• Descriptor 3 Assessment area
• Geographical Sub Area 15 (GFCM)
• MIC-MT-MS
• Malta Gozo Channel Assessment area
• NIS Assessment area
• West Gozo Cliffs Assessment area
• West Malta Cliffs Assessment area

• Ad-hoc areas based on risk based approach
• Assessment area
• Assessment areas
• Assessment areas/ad-hoc risk based areas
• Descriptor 3 Assessment area
• Geographical Sub Area 15 (GFCM)
• MIC-MT-MS
• Malta Gozo Channel Assessment area
• NIS Assessment area
• West Gozo Cliffs Assessment area
• West Malta Cliffs Assessment area

• IntroNIS

• IntroNIS

• IntroNIS

D2

2.1

2.1.1

2.2

2.2.1

2.2.2

The introduction and establishment of new invasive non-indigenous species as a result of human activities is in so far as practicable prevented.

The introduction and establishment of new invasive non-indigenous species as a result of human activities is in so far as practicable prevented.

Assessment Areas

Assessment Areas

Assessment areas

Number of invasive non-indigenous species currently present in Maltese waters

Number of invasive non-indigenous species currently present in Maltese waters

Number of invasive non-indigenous species currently present in Maltese waters

Number of documented invasive non-indigenous species (to be confirmed by the MSFD monitoring programme).

Number of documented invasive non-indigenous species (to be confirmed by the MSFD monitoring programme).

Achievement of this GES would require sound knowledge with respect to the number of invasive non-indigenous species and links to human activities , which knowledge is currently limited. Further knowledge is thus needed and this GES is expected to be operational by 2018 (if adopted).

Achievement of this GES would require sound knowledge with respect to the number of invasive non-indigenous species and links to human activities , which knowledge is currently limited. Further knowledge is thus needed and this GES is expected to be operational by 2018 (if adopted).

Justification for not adressing the Descriptor/Criterion: The MSFD Initial Assessment on NIS clearly indicates that with the exception of recently published literature on two non-indigenous species, the current data scenario with respect to NIS impacts is very limited, thus limiting the determination of Good Environmental Status in relation to criterion 2.2 (Environmental Impact of Invasive non-indigenous species). Determination of GES on NIS impacts based on the current data scenario would be premature. Such GES should be determined as soon as knowledge of NIS impacts is adequate enough to allow articulation of a realistic desirable state with respect to levels of NIS impacts.