Main navigation

Land and Sea Interaction and Processes

Alteration of hydrographic conditions does not adversely affect coastal and marine ecosystems.

The location and extent of the habitats impacted directly by hydrographic alterations (CI 15) reviewed existing information on marine habitats which may be affected or disturbed by changes in hydrographic conditions (currents, waves, suspended sediment loads) due to new developments. [...]
The EO7 CI 15 considers marine habitats which may be affected or disturbed by changes in hydrographic conditions (currents, waves, suspended sediment loads) due to new developments. [...]
The national monitoring in Mediterranean countries regarding EO7 has not been initiated yet (except for the Contracting Parties that are EU member states, and their obligation of implementing Descriptor 7 of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive), or it is just being initiated. [...]
Assessments that estimate the extent of hydrographic alterations (knowing conditions before and after construction) and its intersection with marine habitats are currently rare in the Mediterranean, except for some local studies of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) /Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). [...]

The natural dynamics of coastal areas are maintained and coastal ecosystems and landscapes are preserved.

Mediterranean coastal areas are threatened by intensive construction of buildings and other infrastructure that can impact landscapes, habitats and biodiversity. [...]
The length of coastline subject to physical disturbance due to the influence of man-made structures (CI 16) has not been systematically monitored [...]
Targets, GES thresholds, measures and interpretation of results regarding this indicator should be left to the countries due to strong nation-specific socio-economic, historic and cultural dimensions and geographical conditions.
It is a choice of a fixed reference coastline that each Contracting Party should select in order to assure comparability of results between successive reporting exercises. [...]

Guidance Factsheets for Biodiversity and Ecosystems (English | French)
Common Indicator 15: Location and extent of the habitats impacted directly by hydrographic alterations