This summer saw an important Court ruling against Ireland in Case C-444/21 on the absence of conservation measures for Natura 2000 sites. The ruling should deliver major biodiversity and marine resource recovery benefits if properly implemented. The presentation will unpack aspects of the court ruling which are particularly relevant to coastal habitats and species. It can thus also support the final wording and effectiveness of the MPA bill which is due to be published in December. The most important paragraph is 153  which clarifies that conservation measures must be established for each habitat type/species' habitats and each site based on ecological requirements. Ecological requirements correspond to the site structure and functions and also its typical species. Case-law  has established that conservation measures must be complete, clear and precise and based on conservation objectives. They also need to be binding on third parties.