D1

1.5.2 Habitat volume

1.6 Habitat condition

1.6.1 Condition typical species

1.6.2 Relative abundance

1.6.3 Habitat condition

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

• WaterColumnHabitatsAll

• WaterColumnHabitatsAll

D1

1.5.2

1.6

1.6.1

1.6.2

1.6.3

GES is a qualitative description of the desired status at the habitat and species level. Statements describing this GES are being defined for specific MSFD criteria.

The structure and function of marine habitats ensure their long-term viability

Assessment Areas

Assessment Areas

To be established through the MSFD monitoring programme

To be established through the MSFD monitoring programme

Given the current state of knowledge which is limited for specific habitat types and/or marine species, the proposed GES is expected to be operational by 2018 subject to the generation of the required data through the implementation of the MSFD monitoring programme or other necessary research activities.

Current state of knowledge on habitat distribution and extent of particular habitat types is limited. Therefore the proposed GES is expected to be operational by 2018 subject to the generation of the required data through the implementation of the MSFD monitoring programme or other necessary research activities.