Marine strategy framework directive: A comprehensive cost assessment for the Italian seas

In 2008, the EU launched the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) to protect European waters and achieve Good Environmental Status (GES) of marine ecosystems. The implementation of the strategy requires Member States to assess the costs associated with the realization of MSFD measures to determine their feasibility and cost-effectiveness. Here we conducted a comprehensive analysis along 8300 km of the Italian coastline, to provide a cost analysis of the 23 new measures proposed for the second cycle of MSFD implementation in Italy. We used “unit-transfer” methodology to estimate the costs of each measure, grouping them into three categories: a) prevention, b) management, and c) monitoring and control. The “management” group included 12 measures and accounted for 65 % of total costs, followed by the “monitoring and control” group (5 measures, 28 % of total costs) and the “prevention” group (5 measures, 7 % of total costs). One measure had a double goal, and its implementation was attributed both to “prevention” and “monitoring and control”. The cost of implementing all the measures in Italy is approximately € 1.5 billion (∼0.07 % of Italian GDP in 2023). These results provide, for the first time, comprehensive and detailed quantitative information useful for policy makers to enable efficient financial planning for future actions required to achieve the GES in marine ecosystems. The approach developed here could also serve as a standard framework for assessing the costs of future measures under the MSFD, providing a benchmark or a methodological term of reference for all interested EU Member States. • MSFD, launched by the EU in 2008, aims to protect European waters and achieve Good Environmental Status of marine ecosystems. • EU States must assess the costs associated with implementing measures, going towards sustainable marine resource management. • Cost analysis of 23 MSFD Measures was conducted for the first time on Italy's 8300 km coastline using unit-transfer methodology. • The estimated total cost for implementing these measures in Italy is around €1.5 billion, about 0.07 % of national GDP in 2023. • The approach developed can becomea standard framework for assessing costs of MSFD implementation across EU Member States.