Institutional ambiguity in implementing the European Union Marine Strategy Framework Directive

► Member States are faced with institutional ambiguity in implementing the MSFD. ► Institutional ambiguity is caused by the unclear role of Regional Sea Conventions. ► A low level of institutional ambiguity exists for the Baltic and North Sea States. ► Moderate and high levels exist for the Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea, respectively. ► Lack of coordination at EU level causes a moderate level of institutional ambiguity.