Member State report / Art11 / 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 2020-10-15
GES Descriptor D1 Mammals
Member State Belgium
Region/subregion NE Atlantic: Greater North Sea
Reported by FPS Science Policy, Management Unit of the North Sea Mathematical Models (Scientific Service MUMM, R
Report date 2020-10-29
Report 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
  • D1.T1
  • D1.T2
  • D1.T1
  • D1.T2
  • D1.T1
  • D1.T2
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
  • 1 - 'Report on Environmental Impacts (REI) and Adapted Evaluation (AE)'
  • 11A - 'Ban on recreational fishing with tangled nets at sea (species protection RD 21/12/2001)'
  • 11B - 'Ban of gillnetting and beach tangled nets in the whole Flemish beach area'
  • 11C - 'Ban on fishing and by-catch of marine species, obligation to immediately release the animals still alive and unhurt and obligation of notification (law on marine environment)'
  • 2 - 'Definition targets to maintain MPAs. Development of the policy and management plans for the MPAs and their associated measures'
  • 22 - 'Fishing for litter'
  • 24 - 'Monitoring of compliance with the ban on recreational fishing with tangled nets on the beach'
  • 30 - 'Implementation of non-technical measures to limit the disturbance of marine mammals due to military activities'
  • 31 - 'Dialogue and raising awareness about the measures taken in the shipping sector in order to limit the underwater effects of noise on cetaceans'
  • 3F - 'Follow-up during the construction and operation (hard substrates introduction, sub-marine noise, benthos, etc.)'
  • 1 - 'Report on Environmental Impacts (REI) and Adapted Evaluation (AE)'
  • 11A - 'Ban on recreational fishing with tangled nets at sea (species protection RD 21/12/2001)'
  • 11B - 'Ban of gillnetting and beach tangled nets in the whole Flemish beach area'
  • 11C - 'Ban on fishing and by-catch of marine species, obligation to immediately release the animals still alive and unhurt and obligation of notification (law on marine environment)'
  • 2 - 'Definition targets to maintain MPAs. Development of the policy and management plans for the MPAs and their associated measures'
  • 22 - 'Fishing for litter'
  • 24 - 'Monitoring of compliance with the ban on recreational fishing with tangled nets on the beach'
  • 30 - 'Implementation of non-technical measures to limit the disturbance of marine mammals due to military activities'
  • 31 - 'Dialogue and raising awareness about the measures taken in the shipping sector in order to limit the underwater effects of noise on cetaceans'
  • 3F - 'Follow-up during the construction and operation (hard substrates introduction, sub-marine noise, benthos, etc.)'
  • 1 - 'Report on Environmental Impacts (REI) and Adapted Evaluation (AE)'
  • 11A - 'Ban on recreational fishing with tangled nets at sea (species protection RD 21/12/2001)'
  • 11B - 'Ban of gillnetting and beach tangled nets in the whole Flemish beach area'
  • 11C - 'Ban on fishing and by-catch of marine species, obligation to immediately release the animals still alive and unhurt and obligation of notification (law on marine environment)'
  • 2 - 'Definition targets to maintain MPAs. Development of the policy and management plans for the MPAs and their associated measures'
  • 22 - 'Fishing for litter'
  • 24 - 'Monitoring of compliance with the ban on recreational fishing with tangled nets on the beach'
  • 30 - 'Implementation of non-technical measures to limit the disturbance of marine mammals due to military activities'
  • 31 - 'Dialogue and raising awareness about the measures taken in the shipping sector in order to limit the underwater effects of noise on cetaceans'
  • 3F - 'Follow-up during the construction and operation (hard substrates introduction, sub-marine noise, benthos, etc.)'
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
  • ANSBE-P4-Mammals
  • ANSBE-P4-Mammals
  • ANSBE-P4-Mammals
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
  • ANSBE-D1-4-Mammals-SP4
  • ANSBE-D1-4-Mammals-SP4
  • ANSBE-D1-4-Mammals-SP4
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
  • Effectiveness of measures
  • Environmental state and impacts
  • Pressures in the marine environment
  • Effectiveness of measures
  • Environmental state and impacts
  • Pressures in the marine environment
  • Effectiveness of measures
  • Environmental state and impacts
  • Pressures in the marine environment
Other policies and conventions
  • Data Collection Framework Multi-Annual Plan (Common Fisheries Policy)
  • Habitats Directive
  • OSPAR Coordinated Environmental Monitoring Programme
  • Data Collection Framework Multi-Annual Plan (Common Fisheries Policy)
  • Habitats Directive
  • OSPAR Coordinated Environmental Monitoring Programme
  • Data Collection Framework Multi-Annual Plan (Common Fisheries Policy)
  • Habitats Directive
  • OSPAR Coordinated Environmental Monitoring Programme
Regional cooperation - coordinating body
  • OSPAR
  • OSPAR
  • OSPAR
Regional cooperation - countries involved
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
Small toothed cetaceans
Seals
Elements
  • Phocoena phocoena
  • Phocoena phocoena
  • Halichoerus grypus
  • Phoca vitulina
GES criteria
D1C1
D1C2
D1C2
Parameters
  • Mortality (weight/volume; number of individuals)
  • Mortality rate
  • Abundance (number of individuals)
  • Abundance (number of individuals)
Parameter Other
Spatial scope
  • Coastal waters (WFD)
  • EEZ (or similar)
  • Territorial waters
  • Coastal waters (WFD)
  • EEZ (or similar)
  • Territorial waters
  • Coastal waters (WFD)
  • EEZ (or similar)
  • Territorial waters
Marine reporting units
  • ANS-BE-MS-1
  • ANS-BE-MS-1
  • ANS-BE-MS-1
Temporal scope (start date - end date)
1995-9999
1995-9999
1995-9999
Monitoring frequency
Weekly
Weekly
Weekly
Monitoring type
  • Other
  • Remote surveillance
  • Other
  • Remote surveillance
  • Other
  • Remote surveillance
Monitoring method
  • Other monitoring method
  • Other monitoring method
  • Other monitoring method
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
Unknown
Unknown
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
Related indicator/name
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