Big Insights From a Small Country: The Added Value of Integrated Assessment in the Marine Environmental Status Evaluation of Malta

摘要: In the last few years, concept of ecosystem-based approach has led to need for developing integrative assessments that consider different ecosystem components all together. Europe, Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) aims at achieving Good Environmental Status regional seas. This requires Member States (MS) implement monitoring networks and assess status in six-years management cycles, based on 11 qualitative descriptors, ranging from biodiversity noise. For assessment MS must apply criteria methodological standards, following certain specifications. However, number which have undertaken quantitative assessments, or aggregated and/or descriptors holistic remains low. is probably due available tools enable aggregation information scales (spatial, temporal) integration a diverse range indicators. order identify main constraints tied data indicators, this study involved comparative analysis national official marine reported by Malta with Nested Assessment Tool (NEAT). total, we used 282 24 criteria, 7 12 components. The results showed good agreement indicator level (as applied assessment) threw light advantages integrating descriptor component levels, when using NEAT. Such allows global Malta’s waters whilst allowing identification measures spatial levels Lessons learnt case are applicable remaining other European MS.