Updating the MSFD monitoring networks
When establishing the monitoring programme, the government applied a number of principles so that monitoring activities can be carried out as efficiently as possible
This means that the monitoring programme ties in as closely as possible with the existing monitoring activities. Moreover, efforts are increasingly being directed towards gathering monitoring data once only for multiple use. There is also scope for optimising the efficiency of the monitoring networks by using new and innovative monitoring methods.
This may mean that the monitoring plan will be adjusted. The Marine Information and Data Centre annually evaluates with the MSFD (Marine Strategy Framework Directive) monitoring network managers whether any adjustments are expected for the following monitoring period. The IHM (Informatiehuis Marien) is responsible for assessing the proposed adjustments based on the need for information and any consequences for other monitoring networks.
For the procedure relating to the annual update round of the MSFD monitoring networks, see Section 3.4 of the MSFD Timetable.