RAGES

The RAGES project is a 2-year project funded by DG Environment to support the implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). The project began in January 2019 and comprises of a consortium partners authorities from Ireland, France, Spain, and Portugal. These include the competent authorities from each country. The project aims to produce a Risk-based Approach Framework, which systematically combines international standards in the management of risk (ISO 31000) with the mandatory steps in the MSFD implementation process.  The framework will then be applied to two MSFD descriptors, D2 (Non-Indigenous Species) and D11 (Underwater Noise).

Work Package 1. To ensure timely economic and efficient implementation of the overall project.

Work Package 2. To develop and refine a standardized approach to the incorporation of risk into the regional assessment, monitoring, and programme of measures.

Work Package 3. Apply the RBA at the sub-regional scale to the problem of non-indigenous species.

Work Package 4. Apply the RBA at the sub-regional scale to the problem of underwater noise.

Work Package 5.Develop a validated methodology for common implementation of the MSFD tailored to Large Marine Ecosystems.

Work Package 6. Uptake and transfer of project results to facilitate coordinated approaches to regional MSFD implementation.

D1.1 Financial reporting                                        

D1.2 Technical reporting  

D2.1 Report on the technical process for the initial risk-based approach.

D2.2 Report on the institutions, governance structures, and recommendations for regional coordination structures.

D2.3. Final methodology for standardised approach to risk-based MSFD implementation

D3.1 Sub-regional data of non-indigenous species     

D3.2 Shortlist of regional specific criteria and elements and integration rules.

D3.3 Report on risk criteria and significance levels                      

D3.4: Sub regional risk assessment for Descriptor 2                    

D3.5: Report coordinated sub-regional approaches to risk management and recommendations for sub-regional monitoring and measures.

D4.1 Sub-regional databases of underwater noise

D4.2 Shortlist of regional specific criteria and elements and integration rules.    

D4.3 Report on risk criteria and significance levels                      

D4.4 Sub-regional risk assessment for Descriptor 11                   

D4.5: Report coordinated sub-regional approaches to risk management and recommendations for sub-regional measures

D5.1 Standard operating procedure for Risk-Based Assessment

D5.2 Recommendations for joint implementation

D6.1 Website and electronic communications infrastructure

D6.2 Policy Brief on institutions governance structures and recommendations for regional coordination structures.

D6.3 Policy brief on Standard RBA operating procedure

D6.4 Policy brief on a regional recommendation for joint implementation

Verling et al, in prep. Application of a risk-based approach to continuous underwater noise at regional and sub-regional scales for the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.

A webpage has been set up for the project at the following address www.msfd.eu/rages, along with a Twitter handle @msfdrages. Communication with policymakers and decision-makers will also be a focus and a series of policy briefs will be established to summarise the main findings and policy-relevant outputs of the project. Three dissemination events with relevant Regional Seas Commissions will take place throughout the project to facilitate regional dissemination and communicate the results and progress.

Emma Verling –  ei.ccu@gnilrev.amme

Tim Higgins – ei.ccu@sniggihot