The Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) is responsible for maritime safety, hydrographic survey, maritime pollution monitoring, and approvals of offshore installations within the region of the German EEZ. The BSH is the authority for national and international implementation of various MSFD requirements (UZ6-03 Noise Mapping and UZ6-02 Establishment and Operation of the National Noise Register). Monitoring activities focus on the status of traditional marine physical variables like temperature, salinity, sea state, marine geology and underwater noise. Furthermore, BSH is a centre for marine geodata. Finally, BSH has a comprehensive experience in maritime shipping and maritime economy with a view to strengthening safety and environmental protection, as well as engages actively in regional and international negotiations related to shipping (e.g. IMO).
The BSH is responsible for the maritime spatial development plan and the area development plan as sectoral planning for the development of offshore wind energy in the EEZ.