Scalar reorganisation of marine governance in Europe? The implementation of the marine strategy framework directive in Spain, Portugal and Germany

► Marine policy in Germany is driven bottom up, in Portugal top down. ► EU is a main driver of strengthening environmental dimension of marine policy in EU member states. ► State structure and use pressures have implications for reorganisation of marine governance in EU. ► Competencies for marine governance were clarified and formalised as a result of the implementation of the EU Directive. ► Opposition to environmentally oriented reorganisation is greatest in Germany.