22/07/2021 (Agence Europe) – The European Commission launched a public consultation on Thursday 22 July on how to make the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (2008/56/EC) more effective and geared towards the goals of the ‘Zero Pollution’ action plan and the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030. “Biodiversity loss and pollution continue to threaten marine life and habitats”, emphasised the Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Virginijus Sinkevičius. The revision of this directive is scheduled take place in the first quarter of 2023 (see EUROPE 12695/13). A report published in June 2020 on the implementation of this legislation had highlighted the need to strengthen it in order to address prevailing pressures such as overfishing and unsustainable fishing practices, plastic waste, excess nutrients, underwater noise and other types of pollution. The consultation will remain open until 22 October: https://bit.ly/3eJAAUK (AN)