Marine Strategy Framework Directive - Task Group 3 Report - Commercially exploited fish and shellfish

Abstract

The Marine Strategy Framework Directive (2008/56/EC) (MSFD) requires that the European\nCommission (by 15 July 2010) should lay down criteria and methodological standards to allow\nconsistency in approach in evaluating the extent to which Good Environmental Status (GES) is being\nachieved. ICES and JRC were contracted to provide scientific support for the Commission in meeting\nthis obligation.\nA total of 10 reports have been prepared relating to the descriptors of GES listed in Annex I of the\nDirective. Eight reports have been prepared by groups of independent experts coordinated by JRC\nand ICES in response to this contract. In addition, reports for two descriptors (Contaminants in fish\nand other seafood and Marine Litter) were written by expert groups coordinated by DG SANCO and\nIFREMER respectively.\nA Task Group was established for each of the qualitative Descriptors. Each Task Group consisted of\nselected experts providing experience related to the four marine regions (the Baltic Sea, the Northeast\nAtlantic, the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea) and an appropriate scope of relevant\nscientific expertise. Observers from the Regional Seas Conventions were also invited to each Task\nGroup to help ensure the inclusion of relevant work by those Conventions. This is the report of Task\nGroup 3 Commercially exploited fish and shellfish.