Marine Strategy Framework Directive

We assess the condition of fish populations and the wider fish community to understand ecosystem health. This includes both commercially exploited stocks and non-commercial species.

Our work contributes to the assessment of over 140 fish stocks under the EU Common Fisheries Policy. We combine advice from ICES, ICCAT, and our own national assessments to produce a broader picture of fish community status.

For MSFD and OSPAR, we use multi-year averages to reflect longer-term trends rather than short-term fluctuations. We also include indicators on sensitive and recovering species to capture ecosystem resilience. Added to this is the status of various non-commercial species are included. Some of these are assessed using OSPAR’s common indicator for the recovery of sensitive fish species.

The commercial stocks exploited by Ireland are assessed and advised upon by either ICES, ICCAT or, for inshore stocks, the Marine Institute’s own Shellfish Stocks and Fisheries Review. These results are combined to produce Irelands fish community assessment. The results are also used in OSPAR’s first ever assessment of the health of fish communities in the North Atlantic.

Marine food webs describe how species interact through feeding relationships across the ecosystem. Understanding these links is essential for assessing ecosystem stability, but it remains complex and incomplete.

Currently, the status of marine food webs in Ireland is classified as “unknown.” However, there is strong supporting evidence of change. For example, large predators such as some shark species have declined, while shifts in certain zooplankton communities have been linked to climate change.

These changes can affect the availability of food for fish and other species, with wider implications for ecosystem function and fisheries. Improving our understanding of food webs is a priority for future assessments.

Contaminants can affect both ecosystem health and human health. The MSFD assesses their impact by measuring chemical levels, monitoring biological effects, and checking concentrations in seafood.

Most contaminants originate from land-based sources, so monitoring focuses on coastal and transitional waters where risk is highest. We compare results against EU and international standards and track trends over time.

These assessments are coordinated through OSPAR and contribute directly to Ireland’s MSFD reporting, supporting environmental regulation and food safety policy.

Underwater noise can disrupt marine animals by affecting communication, navigation and behaviour. It can also cause physical harm in some cases.

We assess two main types of noise:

• continuous noise, such as from shipping
• impulsive noise, such as from seismic surveys or construction

Data on impulsive noise are compiled from activities licensed by MARA and are compiled and available internationally at the OSPAR impulsive noise register. Work is ongoing to develop monitoring of continuous noise, including through national research projects IMAP Project and SMARTBAY. There are also studies that have been done elsewhere which have been incorporated into Ireland MSFD assessment. These include the JONAS Project.

With the IMAP Project and collaboration between relevant agencies, we are developing the underwater noise assessment for Ireland’s next assessment in 2030 and informs regulation of marine activities.

Climate change is a key driver of change in the marine environment, but its effects often interact with other pressures such as fishing.

We observe clear trends around Ireland, including warming seas, increasing ocean acidity and rising sea levels. These changes can affect habitats, species distribution and ecosystem functioning.

Our climate science work supports the integration of climate considerations into MSFD assessments, ensuring that future policy is informed by long-term environmental change.