BRUSSELS, Sept. 1 (UPI) -- Revisions may be needed to a measure adopted in Europe on marine biodiversity if the union is to meet environmental goals, the European Commission said.
The European Commission adopted a marine biodiversity strategy Wednesday outlining steps needed to achieve good environmental status for European waters.
"We want our seas to be healthy and productive," said European Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik. "Today's decision is a starting point in establishing precise objectives for the achievement of good environmental status."
The measure outlines steps needed to improve marine ecosystems, fish populations and responses to environmental pollution in European waters.
The European Commission in its Wednesday announcement said some criteria referenced in the measure may require "further refinement."
"A revision of the criteria will therefore be necessary to take account of new scientific knowledge," the announcement read.
The commission said European member states need to develop marine action plans that pave the way for good environmental status for all marine waters by 2020.
