The Working Group on Seafloor Integrity (WGSI)

Over The Working Group on Seafloor Integrity (WGSI)

The Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD, 2008/56/EC) establishes a framework within which member states shall take the necessary measures to achieve, or maintain, good environmental status (GES) in the marine environment by the year 2020 at the latest. GES is determined on the basis of a set of 11 qualitative descriptors. Descriptor 6 is sea-floor integrity, for which the requirement is that: ‘Sea-floor integrity is at a level that ensures that the structure and functions of the ecosystems are safeguarded and benthic ecosystems, in particular, are not adversely affected.’

The dredging community is familiar with the other qualitative descriptors of importance for dredging works and marine construction (such as D7 Hydrographic conditions and D11 Underwater sound and other forms of energy) but there is more uncertainty around the descriptor sea-floor integrity. The CEDA Environment Commission (CEC) has therefore decided to set up a Working Group on Sea-floor Integrity (WGSI) to prepare a CEDA information paper on this MSFD Descriptor and its related criteria and methodological standards.

Trefwoorden

• Dredging
• Maritime
• Sea-Floor Integrity

Adres

• Hoofdkantoor

  CEDA Secretariat Radex Innovation Center Rotterdamseweg 183c2629 DelftZuid-Holland, Nederland