This document outlines the results of a broad stakeholder consultation process carried out by the STAGES project to identify the needs for further research to improve the scientific underpinning for the implementation of the MSFD, i.e. to improve the scientific answers to the following key questions: • What are the key pressures on marine environments? • What are the impacts on marine ecosystems and services resulting from these pressures? • Where are the main accumulations of impacts and major needs for response identified? • How should the interactions between ecosystems and socio-economic activities be addressed?