Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) GES Assessment 2024 - Descriptor 3

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.

This dataset displays the Good Environmental Status (GES) classification for Descriptor 3 (D3) – Commercially Exploited Fish and Shellfish, focusing on the Cycle 3 GES assessment results.

Descriptor 3 assesses whether populations of commercially exploited fish and shellfish species are within sustainable biological limits, with the objective that:

• Fish and shellfish stocks are harvested at levels that ensure long-term sustainability • Populations exhibit healthy age and size structures • Fishing pressure remains consistent with Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) principles

Assessments for Descriptor 3 are provided in a single Marine Reporting Unit (MRU): MSFD Assessment Area (ACS-IE-AA-001) which represents the full offshore assessment extent used for MSFD reporting.