On unequal footing: Stakeholder perspectives on the marine strategy framework directive as a mechanism of the ecosystem-based approach to marine management

► Article concentrates on five sectors active in the marine environment and eNGOs. ► It explores how the sectors have engaged in the MSFD stakeholder consultation process. ► Three central themes emerge as challenges in relation to implementing the MSFD, (a) from political to ecological boundaries; (b) achieve truly political coordination, (c) balancing values and user conflicts.