Member State report / Art11 / 2014-2020 / D1-M / Belgium / NE Atlantic: Greater North Sea
| Report type | Member State report to Commission |
| MSFD Article | Art. 11 Monitoring programmes (and Art. 17 updates) |
| Report due | 2014-10-15; 2020-10-15 |
| GES Descriptor | D1 Mammals |
| Member State | Belgium |
| Region/subregion | NE Atlantic: Greater North Sea |
| Reported by | Reporter not found |
| Report date | -; 2020-10-29 |
| Report access |
2014 data
2020 data
| Monitoring programme | Monitoring programme name |
|---|---|
| Monitoring programme | Reference existing programme |
| Monitoring programme | Marine Unit ID |
| Q4e - Programme ID | |
| Q4f - Programme description | |
| Q5e - Natural variability | |
| Q5d - Adequacy for assessment of GES | Q5d - Adequate data |
| Q5d - Adequacy for assessment of GES | Q5d - Established methods |
| Q5d - Adequacy for assessment of GES | Q5d - Adequate understanding of GES |
| Q5d - Adequacy for assessment of GES | Q5d - Adequate capacity |
| Q5f - Description of programme for GES assessment | |
| Q5g - Gap-filling date for GES assessment | |
| Q5h - Plans to implement monitoring for GES assessment | |
| Q6a -Relevant targets | Q6a - Environmental target |
| Q6a -Relevant targets | Q6a - Associated indicator |
| Q6b - Adequacy for assessment of targets | Q6b_SuitableData |
| Q6b - Adequacy for assessment of targets | Q6b_EstablishedMethods |
| Q6b - Adequacy for assessment of targets | Q6d_AdequateCapacity |
| Q6c - Target updating | |
| Q6d - Description of programme for targets assessment | |
| Q6e - Gap-filling date for targets assessment | |
| Q6f - Plans to implement monitoring for targets assessment | |
| Q7a - Relevant activities | |
| Q7b - Description of monitoring of activities | |
| Q7c - Relevant measures | |
| Q7e - Adequacy for assessment of measures | Q7d - Adequate data |
| Q7e - Adequacy for assessment of measures | Q7d - Established methods |
| Q7e - Adequacy for assessment of measures | Q7d - Adequate understanding of GES |
| Q7e - Adequacy for assessment of measures | Q7d - Adequate capacity |
| Q7e - Adequacy for assessment of measures | Q7d - Addresses activities and pressures |
| Q7e - Adequacy for assessment of measures | Q7d - Addresses effectiveness of measures |
| Q7d - Description of monitoring for measures | |
| Q7f - Gap-filling date for activities and measures | |
| Q8a - Links to existing Monitoring Programmes | |
| Reference sub-programme | Sub-programme ID |
| Reference sub-programme | Sub-programme name |
| Q4g - Sub-programmes | Sub-programme ID |
| Q4g - Sub-programmes | Sub-programme name |
| Q4k - Monitoring purpose | |
| Q4l - Links of monitoring programmes of other Directives and Conventions | |
| Q5c - Features | Q5c - Habitats |
| Q5c - Features | Q5c - Species list |
| Q5c - Features | Q5c - Physical/Chemical features |
| Q5c - Features | Q5c - Pressures |
| Q9a - Elements | |
| Q5a - GES criteria | Relevant GES criteria |
| Q5b - GES indicators | Relevant GES indicators |
| Q9b - Parameters monitored (state/impact) | Species distribution |
| Q9b - Parameters monitored (state/impact) | Species population size |
| Q9b - Parameters monitored (state/impact) | Species population characteristics |
| Q9b - Parameters monitored (state/impact) | Species impacts |
| Q9b - Parameters monitored (state/impact) | Habitat distribution |
| Q9b - Parameters monitored (state/impact) | Habitat extent |
| Q9b - Parameters monitored (state/impact) | Habitat condition (physical-chemical) |
| Q9b - Parameters monitored (state/impact) | Habitat condition (biological) |
| Q9b - Parameters monitored (state/impact) | Habitat impacts |
| Q9b - Parameters monitored (pressures) | Pressure input |
| Q9b - Parameters monitored (pressures) | Pressure output |
| Q9b - Parameters monitored (activity) | Activity |
| Q9b Parameters monitored (other) | Other |
| Q41 Spatial scope | |
| Q4j - Description of spatial scope | |
| Marine Unit IDs | |
| Q4h - Temporal scope | Start date- End date |
| Q9h - Temporal resolution of sampling | |
| Q9c - Monitoring method | |
| Q9d - Description of alteration to method | |
| Q9e - Quality assurance | |
| Q9f - Quality control | |
| Q9g - Spatial resolution of sampling | Q9g - Proportion of area covered % |
| Q9g - Spatial resolution of sampling | Q9g - No. of samples |
| Q9i - Description of sample representivity | |
| Q10a - Scale for aggregation of data | |
| Q10b - Other scale for aggregation of data | |
| Q10c - Access to monitoring data | Q10c - Data type |
| Q10c - Access to monitoring data | Q10c - Data access mechanism |
| Q10c - Access to monitoring data | Q10c - Data access rights |
| Q10c - Access to monitoring data | Q10c - INSPIRE standard |
| Q10c - Access to monitoring data | Q10c Date data are available |
| Q10c - Access to monitoring data | Q10c - Data update frequency |
| Q10d - Description of data access | |
Descriptor |
D1.2 |
D1.2 |
D1.2 |
|---|---|---|---|
Monitoring strategy description |
The abundance and distribution of harbour porpoises is monitored using an internationally standardised methodology. Distribution feeds into information on possible effects of offshore construction and where needed and feasible, appropriate preventive or mitigative measures are taken.
The cause of death of stranded marine mammals (including bycatch) is being investigated. There are only few Belgian fishing vessels using static gear, the types of net where bycatch mainly occurs, so on-board monitoring does not contribute significantly to the estimation of bycatch at population level (CFP – DCF). Fishermen are encouraged to report bycatch.
Abundance of harbour seals at the more or less permanently used haul-out sites is monitored since 2019. Since no colonies are present in Belgian waters, this monitoring is not relevant for population size estimation but gives an indication of occurrence and suitability of resting places.
Regional cooperation exists for the assessment of abundance and distribution of harbour porpoise (SCANS projects and SCANS-type national surveys) and seals (ICES database). |
The abundance and distribution of harbour porpoises is monitored using an internationally standardised methodology. Distribution feeds into information on possible effects of offshore construction and where needed and feasible, appropriate preventive or mitigative measures are taken.
The cause of death of stranded marine mammals (including bycatch) is being investigated. There are only few Belgian fishing vessels using static gear, the types of net where bycatch mainly occurs, so on-board monitoring does not contribute significantly to the estimation of bycatch at population level (CFP – DCF). Fishermen are encouraged to report bycatch.
Abundance of harbour seals at the more or less permanently used haul-out sites is monitored since 2019. Since no colonies are present in Belgian waters, this monitoring is not relevant for population size estimation but gives an indication of occurrence and suitability of resting places.
Regional cooperation exists for the assessment of abundance and distribution of harbour porpoise (SCANS projects and SCANS-type national surveys) and seals (ICES database). |
The abundance and distribution of harbour porpoises is monitored using an internationally standardised methodology. Distribution feeds into information on possible effects of offshore construction and where needed and feasible, appropriate preventive or mitigative measures are taken.
The cause of death of stranded marine mammals (including bycatch) is being investigated. There are only few Belgian fishing vessels using static gear, the types of net where bycatch mainly occurs, so on-board monitoring does not contribute significantly to the estimation of bycatch at population level (CFP – DCF). Fishermen are encouraged to report bycatch.
Abundance of harbour seals at the more or less permanently used haul-out sites is monitored since 2019. Since no colonies are present in Belgian waters, this monitoring is not relevant for population size estimation but gives an indication of occurrence and suitability of resting places.
Regional cooperation exists for the assessment of abundance and distribution of harbour porpoise (SCANS projects and SCANS-type national surveys) and seals (ICES database). |
Coverage of GES criteria |
Adequate monitoring was in place in 2014 |
Adequate monitoring was in place in 2014 |
Adequate monitoring was in place in 2014 |
Gaps and plans |
International coordination is required to fully implement bycatch and abundance targets, given the mobility of marine mammals, their area of distribution and the surface of Belgian waters. Due to the very low number of Belgian vessels using static gear and/or logistic limitations for additional observers, bycatch monitoring onboard for this type of fisheries is not possible. |
International coordination is required to fully implement bycatch and abundance targets, given the mobility of marine mammals, their area of distribution and the surface of Belgian waters. Due to the very low number of Belgian vessels using static gear and/or logistic limitations for additional observers, bycatch monitoring onboard for this type of fisheries is not possible. |
International coordination is required to fully implement bycatch and abundance targets, given the mobility of marine mammals, their area of distribution and the surface of Belgian waters. Due to the very low number of Belgian vessels using static gear and/or logistic limitations for additional observers, bycatch monitoring onboard for this type of fisheries is not possible. |
Related targets |
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Coverage of targets |
Adequate monitoring was in place in 2014 |
Adequate monitoring was in place in 2014 |
Adequate monitoring was in place in 2014 |
Related measures |
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Coverage of measures |
Adequate monitoring was in place in 2014 |
Adequate monitoring was in place in 2014 |
Adequate monitoring was in place in 2014 |
Related monitoring programmes |
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Programme code |
ANSBE-P4-Mammals |
ANSBE-P4-Mammals |
ANSBE-P4-Mammals |
Programme name |
Mammals – population abundance & strandings |
Mammals – population abundance & strandings |
Mammals – population abundance & strandings |
Update type |
Modified from 2014 |
Modified from 2014 |
Modified from 2014 |
Old programme codes |
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Programme description |
The programme combines data from different sources to estimate trends in bycatch. It uses data from:
- The assessment of the cause of death of stranded animals (seals and cetaceans);
- Reported incidental catches;
- Average number of harbour porpoises present in Belgian waters throughout the year estimated on the basis of aerial surveys;
- Use of rest areas along the coast by seals.
This programme contributes to environmental targets D1.1 and D1.2. (Former programme ANSBE-D1-4-Mammals-SP4) |
The programme combines data from different sources to estimate trends in bycatch. It uses data from:
- The assessment of the cause of death of stranded animals (seals and cetaceans);
- Reported incidental catches;
- Average number of harbour porpoises present in Belgian waters throughout the year estimated on the basis of aerial surveys;
- Use of rest areas along the coast by seals.
This programme contributes to environmental targets D1.1 and D1.2. (Former programme ANSBE-D1-4-Mammals-SP4) |
The programme combines data from different sources to estimate trends in bycatch. It uses data from:
- The assessment of the cause of death of stranded animals (seals and cetaceans);
- Reported incidental catches;
- Average number of harbour porpoises present in Belgian waters throughout the year estimated on the basis of aerial surveys;
- Use of rest areas along the coast by seals.
This programme contributes to environmental targets D1.1 and D1.2. (Former programme ANSBE-D1-4-Mammals-SP4) |
Monitoring purpose |
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Other policies and conventions |
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Regional cooperation - coordinating body |
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Regional cooperation - countries involved |
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Regional cooperation - implementation level |
Joint data collection |
Joint data collection |
Joint data collection |
Monitoring details |
Marine mammal general:
- Strandings investigation (a.o. for cause of death)
(cooperation in the preparation of an international database on strandings in the North Sea basin)
Harbour porpoise:
- Aerial surveys for the determination of distribution, abundance and effects of human activities (since 2008)
(cooperation to collate data with those of other countries for an assessment on a wider scale; this is possible as the same methodology is used)
- Decadal survey to determine the distribution and numbers in a wider area (SCANS I – II - III)
Seals:
- Abundance estimate at only regularly used haul-out site – contribution to ICES seal database
Frequency: weekly till 6-monthly.
Note: the list of species below is not exhaustive. |
Marine mammal general:
- Strandings investigation (a.o. for cause of death)
(cooperation in the preparation of an international database on strandings in the North Sea basin)
Harbour porpoise:
- Aerial surveys for the determination of distribution, abundance and effects of human activities (since 2008)
(cooperation to collate data with those of other countries for an assessment on a wider scale; this is possible as the same methodology is used)
- Decadal survey to determine the distribution and numbers in a wider area (SCANS I – II - III)
Seals:
- Abundance estimate at only regularly used haul-out site – contribution to ICES seal database
Frequency: weekly till 6-monthly.
Note: the list of species below is not exhaustive. |
Marine mammal general:
- Strandings investigation (a.o. for cause of death)
(cooperation in the preparation of an international database on strandings in the North Sea basin)
Harbour porpoise:
- Aerial surveys for the determination of distribution, abundance and effects of human activities (since 2008)
(cooperation to collate data with those of other countries for an assessment on a wider scale; this is possible as the same methodology is used)
- Decadal survey to determine the distribution and numbers in a wider area (SCANS I – II - III)
Seals:
- Abundance estimate at only regularly used haul-out site – contribution to ICES seal database
Frequency: weekly till 6-monthly.
Note: the list of species below is not exhaustive. |
Features |
Small toothed cetaceans
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Small toothed cetaceans
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Seals
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Small toothed cetaceans
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Small toothed cetaceans
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Seals
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Small toothed cetaceans
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Small toothed cetaceans
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Seals
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Small toothed cetaceans
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Small toothed cetaceans
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Seals
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Elements |
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GES criteria |
D1C1 |
D1C2 |
D1C2 |
Parameters |
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Parameter Other |
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Spatial scope |
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Marine reporting units |
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Temporal scope (start date - end date) |
1995-9999 |
1995-9999 |
1995-9999 |
Monitoring frequency |
Weekly |
Weekly |
Weekly |
Monitoring type |
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Monitoring method |
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Monitoring method other |
- Aerial surveys: line transect distance methodology (cfr. SCANS)
- Necropsies performed using well established protocols |
- Aerial surveys: line transect distance methodology (cfr. SCANS)
- Necropsies performed using well established protocols |
- Aerial surveys: line transect distance methodology (cfr. SCANS)
- Necropsies performed using well established protocols |
Quality control |
Unknown
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Unknown
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Unknown
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Data management |
The data is registered in ICES' seal database and transmitted annually via BMDC's Data Tracking System, which makes it publicly accessible via RBINS' metadata catalogue (http://metadata.naturalsciences.be). |
The data is registered in ICES' seal database and transmitted annually via BMDC's Data Tracking System, which makes it publicly accessible via RBINS' metadata catalogue (http://metadata.naturalsciences.be). |
The data is registered in ICES' seal database and transmitted annually via BMDC's Data Tracking System, which makes it publicly accessible via RBINS' metadata catalogue (http://metadata.naturalsciences.be). |
Data access |
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Related indicator/name |
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Contact |
Jan Haelters, Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Science (RBINS) |
Jan Haelters, Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Science (RBINS) |
Jan Haelters, Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Science (RBINS) |
References |