The global objective is: "Seas with sustainably and carefully used resources". The objective is implemented by means of the operational objectives UZN4.1, UZN4.2, UZN4.3, UZN4.4, UZN4.5 and UZN4.6. The environmental objectives established in 2012 and their description under the 2012 MSFD report continue to apply. They are the basis for the 2016-2021 programme of measures notified to the European Commission in 2016. Since the implementation of the measures was only started in 2016, an assessment of the progress and effectiveness of the measures as a basis for updating the environmental objectives is often not yet possible. Where possible, the text report shows the achievement of objectives and/or the state of implementation of the measures. Only in individual cases where an indicator assessment is available on progress towards achieving the target will this be reported in the Progress Assessment.

Within the protected areas in the German North Sea, the protection objectives and purposes are a priority. Particular attention should be paid to the specific public interests of coastal protection in the interest of exploiting non-living resources, and are only to be considered after careful assessment of alternatives. The environmental objectives established by Germany in 2012 are the basis for the 2016-2021 programme of measures notified to the European Commission in 2016. Since the implementation of the measures was only started in 2016, an assessment of the progress and effectiveness of the measures as a basis for updating the environmental objectives is often not yet possible. Where possible, the text report shows the achievement of objectives and/or the state of implementation of the measures. Only in individual cases where an indicator assessment is available on progress towards achieving the target will this be reported in the Progress Assessment. However, in relation to birds, it was found that the environmental objective was not achieved.

Through the exploitation or exploration of non-living resources, the ecosystem components of the German North Sea, in particular the fragile, declining and protected species and habitats, will not be damaged or disrupted significantly. Breeding, rearing, moulting, hibernation and migration periods, as well as the breeding, resting and feeding sites of the species concerned, shall be particularly taken into account. The environmental objectives established by Germany in 2012 are the basis for the 2016-2021 programme of measures notified to the European Commission in 2016. Since the implementation of the measures was only started in 2016, an assessment of the progress and effectiveness of the measures as a basis for updating the environmental objectives is often not yet possible. Where possible, the text report shows the achievement of objectives and/or the state of implementation of the measures. Only in individual cases where an indicator assessment is available on progress towards achieving the target will this be reported in the Progress Assessment. However, in relation to birds, it was found that the environmental objective was not achieved.

The objective is "seas without interference from anthropogenic energy inputs". The objective is implemented by means of the operational objectives UZ6.1, UZN6.2, UZN6.3, UZN6.4 and UZN6.5. The environmental objectives established in 2012 and their description under the 2012 MSFD report continue to apply. They are the basis for the 2016-2021 programme of measures notified to the European Commission in 2016. Since the implementation of the measures was only started in 2016, an assessment of the progress and effectiveness of the measures as a basis for updating the environmental objectives is often not yet possible. Where possible, the text report describes the achievement of objectives and the state of implementation of the measures respectively. Only in individual cases where an indicator assessment on progress towards achieving the target is available, will this be reported in the Progress Assessment.

The anthropogenic heat input does not have negative geographic and temporal impacts or does not exceed the agreed limit values. The Wadden Sea does not exceed a temperature increase in sediment of 2 K at a depth of 30 cm and does not exceed a temperature increase of 2 K in the EEZ of 20 cm. The environmental objectives established by Germany in 2012 are the basis for the 2016-2021 programme of measures notified to the European Commission in 2016. Since the implementation of the measures was only started in 2016, an assessment of the progress and effectiveness of the measures as a basis for updating the environmental objectives is often not yet possible. Where possible, the text report describes the achievement of objectives and the state of implementation of the measures respectively. Only in individual cases where an indicator assessment on progress towards achieving the target is available, will this be reported in the Progress Assessment.

The objective is "seas with natural hydro-morphological characteristics". The objective is implemented by means of the operational objectives UZN7.1, UZN7.2 and UZN7.3. The environmental objectives established in 2012 and their description under the 2012 MSFD report continue to apply. They are the basis for the 2016-2021 programme of measures notified to the European Commission in 2016. Since the implementation of the measures was only started in 2016, an assessment of the progress and effectiveness of the measures as a basis for updating the environmental objectives is often not yet possible. Where possible, the text report shows the achievement of objectives and/or the state of implementation of the measures. The indicator evaluation on progress towards achieving targets is reported in the Progress Report on operational objectives.

The (sub) catchments of mudflat areas are in natural balance. The existing substrates are present in their typical proportions shaped by dynamic equilibrium. There is a natural variability of the salt content.

The (sub) catchments of mudflat areas are in natural balance. The existing substrates are present in their typical proportions shaped by dynamic equilibrium. There is a natural variability of the salt content.

The (sub) catchments of mudflat areas are in natural balance. The existing substrates are present in their typical proportions shaped by dynamic equilibrium. There is a natural variability of the salt content.

The (sub) catchments of mudflat areas are in natural balance. The existing substrates are present in their typical proportions shaped by dynamic equilibrium. There is a natural variability of the salt content.

The sum of the influences of hydrological processes does not adversely affect marine ecosystems.

The sum of the influences of hydrological processes does not adversely affect marine ecosystems.

The sum of the influences of hydrological processes does not adversely affect marine ecosystems.

Changes in habitats and, in particular, habitat functions (e.g. spawning, nursery and feeding grounds, or migration routes of fish, birds and mammals) due to man-made alterations of the hydrographical situation do not lead, alone or cumulatively, to a risk to species or habitats or to the loss of populations respectively.