With a view to preserving, protecting and improving human health and the environment, within the legal framework of Directive 2000/60/EC, the present Directive establishes provisions for: (a) the monitoring and classification of bathing water quality; (b) the management of bathing water quality; and (c) the provision of information to the public on bathing water quality. Member States are required to annually identify all bathing waters and define the length of the bathing season.