Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) GES Assessment 2024 - Descriptor 2

The Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) is a European legislation which “aims to achieve Good Environment Status (GES) for all marine waters in Europe and protect the resource base for marine related economic and social activities” (DHLGH). The MSFD was adopted in 2008 and is implemented in six-year cycles. It is currently in cycle 3 (2023-2028), with EU Member States required to report to the EU every two years. It is structured around 11 descriptors, which describe the state of the marine environment, as well as anthropogenic (manmade) pressures on the marine environment.

Descriptor 2 assesses the introduction and spread of non-indigenous species in the marine environment, with the objective that:

• The number of newly introduced non-indigenous species is minimised or reduced to acceptable levels • Established non-indigenous species do not adversely alter ecosystem structure or function • The impacts of invasive species on native biodiversity and ecosystem services are limited

This dataset displays the Good Environmental Status (GES) classification for Descriptor 2 (D2) – Non-indigenous species, focussing on the Cycle 3 GES assessment results.

Assessments for Descriptor 2 are provided in a single Marine Reporting Unit (MRU): WFD - Coastal water bodies (ACS-IE-SD-003).