Adriatic Sea

Challenges of integrated planning in the Northern Adriatic Sea

The Northern Adriatic Sea, shaped by the interplay of fresh and saltwater influences, supports a growing blue economy, including fisheries and aquaculture. Despite multiple EU directives (WFD, MSFD, MSPD) and sectoral policies, biodiversity considerations often remain insufficiently addressed. This case study engages basin authorities, regional administrations, environmental agencies, and NGOs to pinpoint governance gaps and strengthen coordination. The goal is to ensure sustainability, protect biodiversity, and support the EU Green Deal’s environmental objectives in this sensitive coastal region.

 

CASE STUDY LEAD PARTNER

Emiliano Ramieri

Research Manager emiliano.ramieri(at).cnr.it

Ginevra Capurso

Research Assistant ginevra.capurso(at)ve.ismar.cnr.it

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Objective

Analyse whether and how MSFD, WFD and MSPD are coherently implemented through planning processes, coordination mechanisms and SPSI

Evaluate the coherent contribution of MSFD, WFD and MSPD planning processes to EDG biodiversity and protection goals and specification towards sustainability of sectoral policies (fisheries and aquaculture)

Investigate the level of consideration of biodiversity protection goals by sectoral policies (fisheries and aquaculture)

Policy focus

Integrated implementation of WFD, MSFD and MSP through plans and links to EGD biodiversity protection goals.

Implementation of fisheries and aquaculture sectoral policies through plans.

Geographic focus

Italian Northern Adriatic Sea

Stakeholders

Po River District Basin Authority, Eastern Alps District Basin Authority, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Emilia Romagna Region, Veneto Region, Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, NGOs

Strategic impact assessment

Not applicable

Environmental impact assessment

Not applicable

Planning

Identify common problems and opportunities addressed by the MSFD, WFD and MSPD-related plans

Analyse coherence among objectives and actions/measures foreseen by the plans of the three EU directives, with specific concern for those supporting EGD issues related to nature conservation

Role of the plans (vision, objectives and measures) in supporting sustainable fisheries and aquaculture 

Role of the sectoral plans (fisheries and aquaculture) in supporting the mitigation of environmental impact and biodiversity conservation 

Implementation

Role of formal and informal governance mechanisms and SPIs in fostering coherent planning processes and cross-compliance towards reaching the EGD goals related to biodiversity conservation