The GES for D1 is defined, inter alia, as:
... the coastal waters in accordance with the Water Framework Directive are in good environmental status and in good chemical status.
... the habitat types of Annex I under the Habitats Directive(habitat type 11XX) that are relevant to the North Sea are in a favourable conservation status.
... the species of Annex II of the Habitats Directive that are relevant for the North Sea, as well as species of the Birds Directive relevant to the North Sea, are in favourable conservation status due to the quality of their feeding grounds.
... the species, species groups and habitats listed in the Wadden Sea Plan are in good condition.
... the objectives conventions specific to single species or groups of species(e.g. ASCOBANS, seaport)are met.
... the Ecological Quality Objectives (EcoQO) as defined by OSPAR are met.

The criteria for assessing GES for D1-birds set out in Commission Decision (EU) 2017/848 are as follows: D1C1, D1C2, D1C3, D1C4, D1C5. To date, only the assessment for criteria D1C2 and D1C3 could be carried out.

Explanation: Germany does not update the general description of good environmental status (GES) from 2012 at descriptor level in this reporting exercise. Over the reporting period, Germany has worked with the North Seas countries in the framework of the EU's MSFD process and in OSPAR to develop methodological standards (indicators, evaluation procedures). Specific aspects of criteria and indicators that contribute to a quantitative assessment of good environmental status are reported in the reporting scheme Art. 8_GES. For the assessment of the criteria set out in Commission Decision (EU) 2017/848, the relevant assessments under other EU directives are taken into account under Article 8_GES. Where possible, the regional assessments that have been coordinated so far are considered and complemented by national assessments on a case-by-case basis.

Biological diversity is conserved. The quality of habitats and their number, as well as the distribution and abundance of species are adapted to existing physiographic, geographic and climatic conditions (Directive 2008/56/EC).

D1C1: The levels of incidental catches should be anecdotal or not visible and in no case should negatively affect the population dynamics of the species concerned, taking into account the cumulative impact of all forms of fishing, periods and regions.

D1C2: If the present population (threshold value) is found above 80 % of its reference value in species that are single-egg, or 70 % in species that make more than one egg, the BEA is reached.

D1C3: Demographic characteristics of the population do not endanger its long-term viability, so that the reproductive parameters and adult survival values are indicated.

D1C4: No colonies/breeding units of the evaluated species are lost.

D1C5: This criterion has not been considered for the birds group because of the difficulty to properly assess the habitat of the different species assessed and to establish reference values.

D1C1 - The accidental capture of seabirds does not increase and / or is not frequent D1C2 - The average size of the population over a 6-year period does not suffer a significant decline compared to the previous 6-year period (taking into account natural fluctuations). D1C3 - Breeding success cannot be significantly reduced by comparing the average of the last 10 years, in at least 3 years in every 5 years. D1C3 - The average survival rate is not significantly less than 0.9. D1C4 - The distribution area (number of colonies) remains.


GES not determined at sub-regional level as laid down in Article 3 (5) (b) of the MSFD. Assessment under Article 8, which is based exclusively on D1C2 criterion in accordance with the method proposed in the OSPAR Convention, on the understanding that relative abundance is higher than 0,8 for species with one egg posture and of 0,7 for species with positions of two or more eggs and for all relative abundance is less than 1,3, the GES of the element is reached (the assessment at the level of the species group is not considered appropriate as the same species group together species with different ecological characteristics).

Mortality per species from by-catch is below levels that threaten the species in the long term.

The mortality rate per species from incidental by-catch is below levels which threaten the species, such that its long-term viability is ensured.

The incidental capture of seabirds does not increase.

OBS: There are no pop-release monitoring programmes, so it is not possible to measure a mortality rate, but only the accidental catch rate.

In relation to the population abundance of bird species, the criterion is assessed in good environmental condition, corresponding to a positive assessment of population size under the Article 12 report of the Birds Directive from 2013.

For each functional group, the population size of at least 75% of the species is above the 1992 threshold (OSPAR assessment value).

The population density of the species is not affected by anthropogenic loads, so the long-term viability of the species is guaranteed.

The average population size in a 6-year period is not significantly in decline compared with the previous 6-year period (taking into account natural fluctuations).

For each species, a lack of breeding success may not occur in more than three out of six years
(OSPAR assessment value).

The demographic characteristics of the population (eg body size or age structure, gender ratio, fertility and survival rates) of the species indicate a healthy population that is not harmed by anthropogenic pressures.

Breeding success is not significantly reduced compared to the average over the last 10 years, in at least 3 years of 5 years.

The average survival rate is not significantly below 0,9.

In relation to the population distribution of bird species, the criterion is assessed in good environmental condition, corresponding to a positive assessment of breeding area for breeding birds under the Article 12 report of the Birds Directive from 2013. The criterion is not assessed in relation to overwintering birds.

The distribution area and, if applicable, the distribution pattern of the species is in accordance with the prevailing physiographic, geographical and climatic conditions.

The distribution area is maintained.

The size and condition of the habitat of the species are suitable to support the different phases of the species life cycle.

Inadequate criterion for assessing GES in the subdivision of the Azores

D1.1: Based on current knowledge, bycatch (criterion D1C1) is not relevant for wading and grazing birds.

D1.1: Continent: All the primary criteria have been considered in the assessment of Article 8. However, the lack of thresholds or methodologies defined at sub-regional level, and the lack of information for some species, made it impossible to use them in the assessment of GES.


D1C1: FishDemersalShellf


D1C3: Establishment of GES established at the level of the Macaronesian biogeographic region through the PROJECTS SEAS II for marine mammals, birds and sea turtles. For commercially-exploited fish and cephalopods, see D3C3.


D1C4: The species of megafauna of the waters of Macaronesia are highly migratory and present extensive distribution limits, which often extend to the coastal waters of several islands and ocean waters, to a scale greater than the biogeographical region. For these highly mobile, the area and the pattern of distribution are difficult to determine and quantify precisely. Establishing thresholds, benchmarks, measurable targets and interpreting trends in the distribution of these populations to assess GES appears unrealistic. D1C4 is considered unsuitable for assessing cetacean and sea turtles in Macaronesia, although monitoring of the distribution extension could be part of the surveillance of D1C2 (MISIC SERAS II consortium, 2018).


D1C5: The extent and quality of the Azores Sea habitat do not seem to limit the large fauna to GES but there are several species whose life cycle does not entirely follow in the subdivision of the Azores. An assessment of the habitat condition requires an appropriate mapping, either in distance to the coast or in depth, and an integrated understanding of the state of the associated communities and species. Additional efforts for a coherent classification of marine habitats, supported by an appropriate mapping, are essential for a habitat assessment, taking into account variations over the gradient of coast and depth (coastal, platform and deep-sea habitat). For these reasons and the explanation also presented for D1C4, this criterion was considered inadequate to assess GES in the subdivision of the Azores.

D1C1: No mortality threshold per species has yet been set as a result of incidental by-catch at regional level. Only for porpoises is the by-catch threshold used by Marine Strategy I.


D1C2: Thresholds are set for several of the HELCOM species groups and for certain OSPAR groups. However, for most species, the thresholds must be in accordance with favourable reference population values established by the Member State under Directive 92/43/EEC. As these values do not correspond to those determined regionally, the assessment carried out under Article 17 of the Habitats Directive and Article 12 of the Birds Directive is used where possible.


D1C4: There are no threshold values but only trends for birds. For marine mammals, the state assessment for Article 17 of the Habitats Directive is reproduced.

D1.1: During the reporting period, regional cooperation focused on the the development of methodological standards to assess the various aspects of stress and resilience on the basis of Commission Decision 2010/477/EU was developed. The OSPAR regional cooperation has failed to agree on thresholds for all indicators. Commission Decision (EU) 2017/848 establishes an obligation for evaluation elements, thresholds and integration rules to be agreed upon in the framework of the EU MSFD and through regional or subregional cooperation. Germany is actively working with the North Sea littoral states in the framework of the EU MSC and OSPAR bodies, where a coordinated definition is still missing.
For seabirds, criteria D1C2 and D1C3 have been assessed so far through OSPAR indicators and completed from the national level. Assessment was not yet possible for D1C1, D1C4 and D1C5.

D1C1: For birds: under development at the regional level. The ICES / OSPAR / HELCOM JWGBirds evaluated the EU Action Plan for Reducing Incidental Catches or Seabirds in Fishing Gears in 2016 and carried out an analysis of the gaps that currently exist to implement this plan. 13 recommendations have been identified, including that Member States should invest more in the monitoring of by-catches of seabirds. In Belgium, no monitoring is currently foreseen and no quantitative data is available on bycatch of seabirds.


D1C2: Member States establish a set of representative species from each species group (Table 1 from EU 2017/848), which are selected according to the criteria in 'specifications for the selection of species and habitats' (EU 2017/848). This, as well as the establishment of threshold values for each species, is done through regional or sub-regional cooperation.


D1C3: For fish in development within OSPAR.


D1C4: Member States shall establish a set of representative species from each species group as listed in Table 1 (EU2017 / 848), selected in accordance with the criteria in 'Specification for species and habitats' specifications (EU 2017/848). This, as well as the setting of threshold values, is done through regional or sub-regional cooperation.


D1C5: Member States shall establish a set of representative species from each species group as listed in Table 1 (EU2017 / 848), selected in accordance with the criteria in 'Specification for species and habitats' specifications (EU 2017/848). This, as well as the setting of threshold values, is done through regional or sub-regional cooperation.

D1.1: Criterion D1C1 could not be filled in for any seabird species during this assessment mainly due to the lack of data. The status of criterion D1C2 could not be reported during this assessment despite the use of OSPAR indicator B1. Indeed, methodological developments (protocols, thresholds, indicators) and the acquisition of additional data are necessary to be able to conclude on the status of criterion D1C2 for each species considered. The methodological standards relating to criteria D1C1 and D1C2 for seabird species will therefore be specified following further studies, as provided for in Ministerial Order 2019 on the definition of good environmental status of marine waters.



D1.1: Criterion D1C1 could not be used for any species of seabirds in this assessment mainly due to the lack of data. The status of D1C2 could not be completed during this evaluation, despite the use of the OSPAR 1 indicator and/or the OM_Abond indicator. In fact, methodological developments (protocols, thresholds, indicators) and the acquisition of additional data are necessary in order to be able to conclude on the status of D1C2 of each species in question. The methodological standards for D1C1 and D1C2 for seabird species will therefore be specified following further studies, as foreseen in the Ministerial Decision 2019 on the definition of good environmental status of marine waters.

D1.1: Under discussion at MSFD expert network on Biological Diversity where PT participates.
Wood: I have obtained short time series of data, which are not sufficient to determine thresholds, trends, and robust benchmarks.
Some parameters established with reference values had to be reformulated for the purpose of obtaining standard methodologies between the Member States and between the management units of each species. As a result, the reference values of some management units/species have been abandoned as they were incompatible for future comparisons with standard methodologies used in MSII.