All benthic habitats are currently degraded, with markedly lower quality in intensively and chronically disturbed areas. Bottom fishing in particular has a major impact on seabed integrity, as continuous disturbance prevents habitats from fully recovering. Although the overall richness of life forms remains stable in gravel beds, more than 85% of which are exposed to bottom trawling, several typical species are observed less frequently, have disappeared completely, or are still only rarely found in their adult stage. On soft sediment, fishing is also the main disturbing activity for biological communities. Although on soft sediment these are evaluated as in a moderate general condition, this contribution leads to an overall decline of benthic communities at the scale of the whole Belgian part of the North Sea. Disturbance levels fluctuated around the same values since 2010, although the space for fishing decreased due to the implantation of wind farms and associated infrastructure. The assessment is partly based on OSPAR approach applied at more detailed level and indicator (Margalev).

All benthic habitats are currently degraded, with markedly lower quality in intensively and chronically disturbed areas. Bottom fishing in particular has a major impact on seabed integrity, as continuous disturbance prevents habitats from fully recovering. Although the overall richness of life forms remains stable in gravel beds, more than 85% of which are exposed to bottom trawling, several typical species are observed less frequently, have disappeared completely, or are still only rarely found in their adult stage. On soft sediment, fishing is also the main disturbing activity for biological communities. Although on soft sediment these are evaluated as in a moderate general condition, this contribution leads to an overall decline of benthic communities at the scale of the whole Belgian part of the North Sea. Disturbance levels fluctuated around the same values since 2010, although the space for fishing decreased due to the implantation of wind farms and associated infrastructure. The assessment is partly based on OSPAR approach applied at more detailed level and indicator (Margalev).

All benthic habitats are currently degraded, with markedly lower quality in intensively and chronically disturbed areas. Bottom fishing in particular has a major impact on seabed integrity, as continuous disturbance prevents habitats from fully recovering. Although the overall richness of life forms remains stable in gravel beds, more than 85% of which are exposed to bottom trawling, several typical species are observed less frequently, have disappeared completely, or are still only rarely found in their adult stage. On soft sediment, fishing is also the main disturbing activity for biological communities. Although on soft sediment these are evaluated as in a moderate general condition, this contribution leads to an overall decline of benthic communities at the scale of the whole Belgian part of the North Sea. Disturbance levels fluctuated around the same values since 2010, although the space for fishing decreased due to the implantation of wind farms and associated infrastructure. The assessment is partly based on OSPAR approach applied at more detailed level and indicator (Margalev).

All benthic habitats are currently degraded, with markedly lower quality in intensively and chronically disturbed areas. Bottom fishing in particular has a major impact on seabed integrity, as continuous disturbance prevents habitats from fully recovering. Although the overall richness of life forms remains stable in gravel beds, more than 85% of which are exposed to bottom trawling, several typical species are observed less frequently, have disappeared completely, or are still only rarely found in their adult stage. On soft sediment, fishing is also the main disturbing activity for biological communities. Although on soft sediment these are evaluated as in a moderate general condition, this contribution leads to an overall decline of benthic communities at the scale of the whole Belgian part of the North Sea. Disturbance levels fluctuated around the same values since 2010, although the space for fishing decreased due to the implantation of wind farms and associated infrastructure. The assessment is partly based on OSPAR approach applied at more detailed level and indicator (Margalev).

All benthic habitats are currently degraded, with markedly lower quality in intensively and chronically disturbed areas. Bottom fishing in particular has a major impact on seabed integrity, as continuous disturbance prevents habitats from fully recovering. Although the overall richness of life forms remains stable in gravel beds, more than 85% of which are exposed to bottom trawling, several typical species are observed less frequently, have disappeared completely, or are still only rarely found in their adult stage. On soft sediment, fishing is also the main disturbing activity for biological communities. Although on soft sediment these are evaluated as in a moderate general condition, this contribution leads to an overall decline of benthic communities at the scale of the whole Belgian part of the North Sea. Disturbance levels fluctuated around the same values since 2010, although the space for fishing decreased due to the implantation of wind farms and associated infrastructure. The assessment is partly based on OSPAR approach applied at more detailed level and indicator (Margalev).

All benthic habitats are currently degraded, with markedly lower quality in intensively and chronically disturbed areas. Bottom fishing in particular has a major impact on seabed integrity, as continuous disturbance prevents habitats from fully recovering. Although the overall richness of life forms remains stable in gravel beds, more than 85% of which are exposed to bottom trawling, several typical species are observed less frequently, have disappeared completely, or are still only rarely found in their adult stage. On soft sediment, fishing is also the main disturbing activity for biological communities. Although on soft sediment these are evaluated as in a moderate general condition, this contribution leads to an overall decline of benthic communities at the scale of the whole Belgian part of the North Sea. Disturbance levels fluctuated around the same values since 2010, although the space for fishing decreased due to the implantation of wind farms and associated infrastructure. The assessment is partly based on OSPAR approach applied at more detailed level and indicator (Margalev).

All benthic habitats are currently degraded, with markedly lower quality in intensively and chronically disturbed areas. Bottom fishing in particular has a major impact on seabed integrity, as continuous disturbance prevents habitats from fully recovering. Although the overall richness of life forms remains stable in gravel beds, more than 85% of which are exposed to bottom trawling, several typical species are observed less frequently, have disappeared completely, or are still only rarely found in their adult stage. On soft sediment, fishing is also the main disturbing activity for biological communities. Although on soft sediment these are evaluated as in a moderate general condition, this contribution leads to an overall decline of benthic communities at the scale of the whole Belgian part of the North Sea. Disturbance levels fluctuated around the same values since 2010, although the space for fishing decreased due to the implantation of wind farms and associated infrastructure. The assessment is partly based on OSPAR approach applied at more detailed level and indicator (Margalev).

All benthic habitats are currently degraded, with markedly lower quality in intensively and chronically disturbed areas. Bottom fishing in particular has a major impact on seabed integrity, as continuous disturbance prevents habitats from fully recovering. Although the overall richness of life forms remains stable in gravel beds, more than 85% of which are exposed to bottom trawling, several typical species are observed less frequently, have disappeared completely, or are still only rarely found in their adult stage. On soft sediment, fishing is also the main disturbing activity for biological communities. Although on soft sediment these are evaluated as in a moderate general condition, this contribution leads to an overall decline of benthic communities at the scale of the whole Belgian part of the North Sea. Disturbance levels fluctuated around the same values since 2010, although the space for fishing decreased due to the implantation of wind farms and associated infrastructure. The assessment is partly based on OSPAR approach applied at more detailed level and indicator (Margalev).

All benthic habitats are currently degraded, with markedly lower quality in intensively and chronically disturbed areas. Bottom fishing in particular has a major impact on seabed integrity, as continuous disturbance prevents habitats from fully recovering. Although the overall richness of life forms remains stable in gravel beds, more than 85% of which are exposed to bottom trawling, several typical species are observed less frequently, have disappeared completely, or are still only rarely found in their adult stage. On soft sediment, fishing is also the main disturbing activity for biological communities. Although on soft sediment these are evaluated as in a moderate general condition, this contribution leads to an overall decline of benthic communities at the scale of the whole Belgian part of the North Sea. Disturbance levels fluctuated around the same values since 2010, although the space for fishing decreased due to the implantation of wind farms and associated infrastructure. The assessment is partly based on OSPAR approach applied at more detailed level and indicator (Margalev).

All benthic habitats are currently degraded, with markedly lower quality in intensively and chronically disturbed areas. Bottom fishing in particular has a major impact on seabed integrity, as continuous disturbance prevents habitats from fully recovering. Although the overall richness of life forms remains stable in gravel beds, more than 85% of which are exposed to bottom trawling, several typical species are observed less frequently, have disappeared completely, or are still only rarely found in their adult stage. On soft sediment, fishing is also the main disturbing activity for biological communities. Although on soft sediment these are evaluated as in a moderate general condition, this contribution leads to an overall decline of benthic communities at the scale of the whole Belgian part of the North Sea. Disturbance levels fluctuated around the same values since 2010, although the space for fishing decreased due to the implantation of wind farms and associated infrastructure. The assessment is partly based on OSPAR approach applied at more detailed level and indicator (Margalev).

All benthic habitats are currently degraded, with markedly lower quality in intensively and chronically disturbed areas. Bottom fishing in particular has a major impact on seabed integrity, as continuous disturbance prevents habitats from fully recovering. Although the overall richness of life forms remains stable in gravel beds, more than 85% of which are exposed to bottom trawling, several typical species are observed less frequently, have disappeared completely, or are still only rarely found in their adult stage. On soft sediment, fishing is also the main disturbing activity for biological communities. Although on soft sediment these are evaluated as in a moderate general condition, this contribution leads to an overall decline of benthic communities at the scale of the whole Belgian part of the North Sea. Disturbance levels fluctuated around the same values since 2010, although the space for fishing decreased due to the implantation of wind farms and associated infrastructure. The assessment is partly based on OSPAR approach applied at more detailed level and indicator (Margalev).

All benthic habitats are currently degraded, with markedly lower quality in intensively and chronically disturbed areas. Bottom fishing in particular has a major impact on seabed integrity, as continuous disturbance prevents habitats from fully recovering. Although the overall richness of life forms remains stable in gravel beds, more than 85% of which are exposed to bottom trawling, several typical species are observed less frequently, have disappeared completely, or are still only rarely found in their adult stage. On soft sediment, fishing is also the main disturbing activity for biological communities. Although on soft sediment these are evaluated as in a moderate general condition, this contribution leads to an overall decline of benthic communities at the scale of the whole Belgian part of the North Sea. Disturbance levels fluctuated around the same values since 2010, although the space for fishing decreased due to the implantation of wind farms and associated infrastructure. The assessment is partly based on OSPAR approach applied at more detailed level and indicator (Margalev).

All benthic habitats are currently degraded, with markedly lower quality in intensively and chronically disturbed areas. Bottom fishing in particular has a major impact on seabed integrity, as continuous disturbance prevents habitats from fully recovering. Although the overall richness of life forms remains stable in gravel beds, more than 85% of which are exposed to bottom trawling, several typical species are observed less frequently, have disappeared completely, or are still only rarely found in their adult stage. On soft sediment, fishing is also the main disturbing activity for biological communities. Although on soft sediment these are evaluated as in a moderate general condition, this contribution leads to an overall decline of benthic communities at the scale of the whole Belgian part of the North Sea. Disturbance levels fluctuated around the same values since 2010, although the space for fishing decreased due to the implantation of wind farms and associated infrastructure. The assessment is partly based on OSPAR approach applied at more detailed level and indicator (Margalev).

All benthic habitats are currently degraded, with markedly lower quality in intensively and chronically disturbed areas. Bottom fishing in particular has a major impact on seabed integrity, as continuous disturbance prevents habitats from fully recovering. Although the overall richness of life forms remains stable in gravel beds, more than 85% of which are exposed to bottom trawling, several typical species are observed less frequently, have disappeared completely, or are still only rarely found in their adult stage. On soft sediment, fishing is also the main disturbing activity for biological communities. Although on soft sediment these are evaluated as in a moderate general condition, this contribution leads to an overall decline of benthic communities at the scale of the whole Belgian part of the North Sea. Disturbance levels fluctuated around the same values since 2010, although the space for fishing decreased due to the implantation of wind farms and associated infrastructure. The assessment is partly based on OSPAR approach applied at more detailed level and indicator (Margalev).

All benthic habitats are currently degraded, with markedly lower quality in intensively and chronically disturbed areas. Bottom fishing in particular has a major impact on seabed integrity, as continuous disturbance prevents habitats from fully recovering. Although the overall richness of life forms remains stable in gravel beds, more than 85% of which are exposed to bottom trawling, several typical species are observed less frequently, have disappeared completely, or are still only rarely found in their adult stage. On soft sediment, fishing is also the main disturbing activity for biological communities. Although on soft sediment these are evaluated as in a moderate general condition, this contribution leads to an overall decline of benthic communities at the scale of the whole Belgian part of the North Sea. Disturbance levels fluctuated around the same values since 2010, although the space for fishing decreased due to the implantation of wind farms and associated infrastructure. The assessment is partly based on OSPAR approach applied at more detailed level and indicator (Margalev).

All benthic habitats are currently degraded, with markedly lower quality in intensively and chronically disturbed areas. Bottom fishing in particular has a major impact on seabed integrity, as continuous disturbance prevents habitats from fully recovering. Although the overall richness of life forms remains stable in gravel beds, more than 85% of which are exposed to bottom trawling, several typical species are observed less frequently, have disappeared completely, or are still only rarely found in their adult stage. On soft sediment, fishing is also the main disturbing activity for biological communities. Although on soft sediment these are evaluated as in a moderate general condition, this contribution leads to an overall decline of benthic communities at the scale of the whole Belgian part of the North Sea. Disturbance levels fluctuated around the same values since 2010, although the space for fishing decreased due to the implantation of wind farms and associated infrastructure. The assessment is partly based on OSPAR approach applied at more detailed level and indicator (Margalev).

All benthic habitats are currently degraded, with markedly lower quality in intensively and chronically disturbed areas. Bottom fishing in particular has a major impact on seabed integrity, as continuous disturbance prevents habitats from fully recovering. Although the overall richness of life forms remains stable in gravel beds, more than 85% of which are exposed to bottom trawling, several typical species are observed less frequently, have disappeared completely, or are still only rarely found in their adult stage. On soft sediment, fishing is also the main disturbing activity for biological communities. Although on soft sediment these are evaluated as in a moderate general condition, this contribution leads to an overall decline of benthic communities at the scale of the whole Belgian part of the North Sea. Disturbance levels fluctuated around the same values since 2010, although the space for fishing decreased due to the implantation of wind farms and associated infrastructure. The assessment is partly based on OSPAR approach applied at more detailed level and indicator (Margalev).

All benthic habitats are currently degraded, with markedly lower quality in intensively and chronically disturbed areas. Bottom fishing in particular has a major impact on seabed integrity, as continuous disturbance prevents habitats from fully recovering. Although the overall richness of life forms remains stable in gravel beds, more than 85% of which are exposed to bottom trawling, several typical species are observed less frequently, have disappeared completely, or are still only rarely found in their adult stage. On soft sediment, fishing is also the main disturbing activity for biological communities. Although on soft sediment these are evaluated as in a moderate general condition, this contribution leads to an overall decline of benthic communities at the scale of the whole Belgian part of the North Sea. Disturbance levels fluctuated around the same values since 2010, although the space for fishing decreased due to the implantation of wind farms and associated infrastructure. The assessment is partly based on OSPAR approach applied at more detailed level and indicator (Margalev).

All benthic habitats are currently degraded, with markedly lower quality in intensively and chronically disturbed areas. Bottom fishing in particular has a major impact on seabed integrity, as continuous disturbance prevents habitats from fully recovering. Although the overall richness of life forms remains stable in gravel beds, more than 85% of which are exposed to bottom trawling, several typical species are observed less frequently, have disappeared completely, or are still only rarely found in their adult stage. On soft sediment, fishing is also the main disturbing activity for biological communities. Although on soft sediment these are evaluated as in a moderate general condition, this contribution leads to an overall decline of benthic communities at the scale of the whole Belgian part of the North Sea. Disturbance levels fluctuated around the same values since 2010, although the space for fishing decreased due to the implantation of wind farms and associated infrastructure. The assessment is partly based on OSPAR approach applied at more detailed level and indicator (Margalev).

All benthic habitats are currently degraded, with markedly lower quality in intensively and chronically disturbed areas. Bottom fishing in particular has a major impact on seabed integrity, as continuous disturbance prevents habitats from fully recovering. Although the overall richness of life forms remains stable in gravel beds, more than 85% of which are exposed to bottom trawling, several typical species are observed less frequently, have disappeared completely, or are still only rarely found in their adult stage. On soft sediment, fishing is also the main disturbing activity for biological communities. Although on soft sediment these are evaluated as in a moderate general condition, this contribution leads to an overall decline of benthic communities at the scale of the whole Belgian part of the North Sea. Disturbance levels fluctuated around the same values since 2010, although the space for fishing decreased due to the implantation of wind farms and associated infrastructure. The assessment is partly based on OSPAR approach applied at more detailed level and indicator (Margalev).

All benthic habitats are currently degraded, with markedly lower quality in intensively and chronically disturbed areas. Bottom fishing in particular has a major impact on seabed integrity, as continuous disturbance prevents habitats from fully recovering. Although the overall richness of life forms remains stable in gravel beds, more than 85% of which are exposed to bottom trawling, several typical species are observed less frequently, have disappeared completely, or are still only rarely found in their adult stage. On soft sediment, fishing is also the main disturbing activity for biological communities. Although on soft sediment these are evaluated as in a moderate general condition, this contribution leads to an overall decline of benthic communities at the scale of the whole Belgian part of the North Sea. Disturbance levels fluctuated around the same values since 2010, although the space for fishing decreased due to the implantation of wind farms and associated infrastructure. The assessment is partly based on OSPAR approach applied at more detailed level and indicator (Margalev).

All benthic habitats are currently degraded, with markedly lower quality in intensively and chronically disturbed areas. Bottom fishing in particular has a major impact on seabed integrity, as continuous disturbance prevents habitats from fully recovering. Although the overall richness of life forms remains stable in gravel beds, more than 85% of which are exposed to bottom trawling, several typical species are observed less frequently, have disappeared completely, or are still only rarely found in their adult stage. On soft sediment, fishing is also the main disturbing activity for biological communities. Although on soft sediment these are evaluated as in a moderate general condition, this contribution leads to an overall decline of benthic communities at the scale of the whole Belgian part of the North Sea. Disturbance levels fluctuated around the same values since 2010, although the space for fishing decreased due to the implantation of wind farms and associated infrastructure. The assessment is partly based on OSPAR approach applied at more detailed level and indicator (Margalev).

All benthic habitats are currently degraded, with markedly lower quality in intensively and chronically disturbed areas. Bottom fishing in particular has a major impact on seabed integrity, as continuous disturbance prevents habitats from fully recovering. Although the overall richness of life forms remains stable in gravel beds, more than 85% of which are exposed to bottom trawling, several typical species are observed less frequently, have disappeared completely, or are still only rarely found in their adult stage. On soft sediment, fishing is also the main disturbing activity for biological communities. Although on soft sediment these are evaluated as in a moderate general condition, this contribution leads to an overall decline of benthic communities at the scale of the whole Belgian part of the North Sea. Disturbance levels fluctuated around the same values since 2010, although the space for fishing decreased due to the implantation of wind farms and associated infrastructure. The assessment is partly based on OSPAR approach applied at more detailed level and indicator (Margalev).

All benthic habitats are currently degraded, with markedly lower quality in intensively and chronically disturbed areas. Bottom fishing in particular has a major impact on seabed integrity, as continuous disturbance prevents habitats from fully recovering. Although the overall richness of life forms remains stable in gravel beds, more than 85% of which are exposed to bottom trawling, several typical species are observed less frequently, have disappeared completely, or are still only rarely found in their adult stage. On soft sediment, fishing is also the main disturbing activity for biological communities. Although on soft sediment these are evaluated as in a moderate general condition, this contribution leads to an overall decline of benthic communities at the scale of the whole Belgian part of the North Sea. Disturbance levels fluctuated around the same values since 2010, although the space for fishing decreased due to the implantation of wind farms and associated infrastructure. The assessment is partly based on OSPAR approach applied at more detailed level and indicator (Margalev).

All benthic habitats are currently degraded, with markedly lower quality in intensively and chronically disturbed areas. Bottom fishing in particular has a major impact on seabed integrity, as continuous disturbance prevents habitats from fully recovering. Although the overall richness of life forms remains stable in gravel beds, more than 85% of which are exposed to bottom trawling, several typical species are observed less frequently, have disappeared completely, or are still only rarely found in their adult stage. On soft sediment, fishing is also the main disturbing activity for biological communities. Although on soft sediment these are evaluated as in a moderate general condition, this contribution leads to an overall decline of benthic communities at the scale of the whole Belgian part of the North Sea. Disturbance levels fluctuated around the same values since 2010, although the space for fishing decreased due to the implantation of wind farms and associated infrastructure. The assessment is partly based on OSPAR approach applied at more detailed level and indicator (Margalev).

All benthic habitats are currently degraded, with markedly lower quality in intensively and chronically disturbed areas. Bottom fishing in particular has a major impact on seabed integrity, as continuous disturbance prevents habitats from fully recovering. Although the overall richness of life forms remains stable in gravel beds, more than 85% of which are exposed to bottom trawling, several typical species are observed less frequently, have disappeared completely, or are still only rarely found in their adult stage. On soft sediment, fishing is also the main disturbing activity for biological communities. Although on soft sediment these are evaluated as in a moderate general condition, this contribution leads to an overall decline of benthic communities at the scale of the whole Belgian part of the North Sea. Disturbance levels fluctuated around the same values since 2010, although the space for fishing decreased due to the implantation of wind farms and associated infrastructure. The assessment is partly based on OSPAR approach applied at more detailed level and indicator (Margalev).

All benthic habitats are currently degraded, with markedly lower quality in intensively and chronically disturbed areas. Bottom fishing in particular has a major impact on seabed integrity, as continuous disturbance prevents habitats from fully recovering. Although the overall richness of life forms remains stable in gravel beds, more than 85% of which are exposed to bottom trawling, several typical species are observed less frequently, have disappeared completely, or are still only rarely found in their adult stage. On soft sediment, fishing is also the main disturbing activity for biological communities. Although on soft sediment these are evaluated as in a moderate general condition, this contribution leads to an overall decline of benthic communities at the scale of the whole Belgian part of the North Sea. Disturbance levels fluctuated around the same values since 2010, although the space for fishing decreased due to the implantation of wind farms and associated infrastructure. The assessment is partly based on OSPAR approach applied at more detailed level and indicator (Margalev).

All benthic habitats are currently degraded, with markedly lower quality in intensively and chronically disturbed areas. Bottom fishing in particular has a major impact on seabed integrity, as continuous disturbance prevents habitats from fully recovering. Although the overall richness of life forms remains stable in gravel beds, more than 85% of which are exposed to bottom trawling, several typical species are observed less frequently, have disappeared completely, or are still only rarely found in their adult stage. On soft sediment, fishing is also the main disturbing activity for biological communities. Although on soft sediment these are evaluated as in a moderate general condition, this contribution leads to an overall decline of benthic communities at the scale of the whole Belgian part of the North Sea. Disturbance levels fluctuated around the same values since 2010, although the space for fishing decreased due to the implantation of wind farms and associated infrastructure. The assessment is partly based on OSPAR approach applied at more detailed level and indicator (Margalev).

All benthic habitats are currently degraded, with markedly lower quality in intensively and chronically disturbed areas. Bottom fishing in particular has a major impact on seabed integrity, as continuous disturbance prevents habitats from fully recovering. Although the overall richness of life forms remains stable in gravel beds, more than 85% of which are exposed to bottom trawling, several typical species are observed less frequently, have disappeared completely, or are still only rarely found in their adult stage. On soft sediment, fishing is also the main disturbing activity for biological communities. Although on soft sediment these are evaluated as in a moderate general condition, this contribution leads to an overall decline of benthic communities at the scale of the whole Belgian part of the North Sea. Disturbance levels fluctuated around the same values since 2010, although the space for fishing decreased due to the implantation of wind farms and associated infrastructure. The assessment is partly based on OSPAR approach applied at more detailed level and indicator (Margalev).

All benthic habitats are currently degraded, with markedly lower quality in intensively and chronically disturbed areas. Bottom fishing in particular has a major impact on seabed integrity, as continuous disturbance prevents habitats from fully recovering. Although the overall richness of life forms remains stable in gravel beds, more than 85% of which are exposed to bottom trawling, several typical species are observed less frequently, have disappeared completely, or are still only rarely found in their adult stage. On soft sediment, fishing is also the main disturbing activity for biological communities. Although on soft sediment these are evaluated as in a moderate general condition, this contribution leads to an overall decline of benthic communities at the scale of the whole Belgian part of the North Sea. Disturbance levels fluctuated around the same values since 2010, although the space for fishing decreased due to the implantation of wind farms and associated infrastructure. The assessment is partly based on OSPAR approach applied at more detailed level and indicator (Margalev).

All benthic habitats are currently degraded, with markedly lower quality in intensively and chronically disturbed areas. Bottom fishing in particular has a major impact on seabed integrity, as continuous disturbance prevents habitats from fully recovering. Although the overall richness of life forms remains stable in gravel beds, more than 85% of which are exposed to bottom trawling, several typical species are observed less frequently, have disappeared completely, or are still only rarely found in their adult stage. On soft sediment, fishing is also the main disturbing activity for biological communities. Although on soft sediment these are evaluated as in a moderate general condition, this contribution leads to an overall decline of benthic communities at the scale of the whole Belgian part of the North Sea. Disturbance levels fluctuated around the same values since 2010, although the space for fishing decreased due to the implantation of wind farms and associated infrastructure. The assessment is partly based on OSPAR approach applied at more detailed level and indicator (Margalev).

All benthic habitats are currently degraded, with markedly lower quality in intensively and chronically disturbed areas. Bottom fishing in particular has a major impact on seabed integrity, as continuous disturbance prevents habitats from fully recovering. Although the overall richness of life forms remains stable in gravel beds, more than 85% of which are exposed to bottom trawling, several typical species are observed less frequently, have disappeared completely, or are still only rarely found in their adult stage. On soft sediment, fishing is also the main disturbing activity for biological communities. Although on soft sediment these are evaluated as in a moderate general condition, this contribution leads to an overall decline of benthic communities at the scale of the whole Belgian part of the North Sea. Disturbance levels fluctuated around the same values since 2010, although the space for fishing decreased due to the implantation of wind farms and associated infrastructure. The assessment is partly based on OSPAR approach applied at more detailed level and indicator (Margalev).

All benthic habitats are currently degraded, with markedly lower quality in intensively and chronically disturbed areas. Bottom fishing in particular has a major impact on seabed integrity, as continuous disturbance prevents habitats from fully recovering. Although the overall richness of life forms remains stable in gravel beds, more than 85% of which are exposed to bottom trawling, several typical species are observed less frequently, have disappeared completely, or are still only rarely found in their adult stage. On soft sediment, fishing is also the main disturbing activity for biological communities. Although on soft sediment these are evaluated as in a moderate general condition, this contribution leads to an overall decline of benthic communities at the scale of the whole Belgian part of the North Sea. Disturbance levels fluctuated around the same values since 2010, although the space for fishing decreased due to the implantation of wind farms and associated infrastructure. The assessment is partly based on OSPAR approach applied at more detailed level and indicator (Margalev).

All benthic habitats are currently degraded, with markedly lower quality in intensively and chronically disturbed areas. Bottom fishing in particular has a major impact on seabed integrity, as continuous disturbance prevents habitats from fully recovering. Although the overall richness of life forms remains stable in gravel beds, more than 85% of which are exposed to bottom trawling, several typical species are observed less frequently, have disappeared completely, or are still only rarely found in their adult stage. On soft sediment, fishing is also the main disturbing activity for biological communities. Although on soft sediment these are evaluated as in a moderate general condition, this contribution leads to an overall decline of benthic communities at the scale of the whole Belgian part of the North Sea. Disturbance levels fluctuated around the same values since 2010, although the space for fishing decreased due to the implantation of wind farms and associated infrastructure. The assessment is partly based on OSPAR approach applied at more detailed level and indicator (Margalev).

All benthic habitats are currently degraded, with markedly lower quality in intensively and chronically disturbed areas. Bottom fishing in particular has a major impact on seabed integrity, as continuous disturbance prevents habitats from fully recovering. Although the overall richness of life forms remains stable in gravel beds, more than 85% of which are exposed to bottom trawling, several typical species are observed less frequently, have disappeared completely, or are still only rarely found in their adult stage. On soft sediment, fishing is also the main disturbing activity for biological communities. Although on soft sediment these are evaluated as in a moderate general condition, this contribution leads to an overall decline of benthic communities at the scale of the whole Belgian part of the North Sea. Disturbance levels fluctuated around the same values since 2010, although the space for fishing decreased due to the implantation of wind farms and associated infrastructure. The assessment is partly based on OSPAR approach applied at more detailed level and indicator (Margalev).

All benthic habitats are currently degraded, with markedly lower quality in intensively and chronically disturbed areas. Bottom fishing in particular has a major impact on seabed integrity, as continuous disturbance prevents habitats from fully recovering. Although the overall richness of life forms remains stable in gravel beds, more than 85% of which are exposed to bottom trawling, several typical species are observed less frequently, have disappeared completely, or are still only rarely found in their adult stage. On soft sediment, fishing is also the main disturbing activity for biological communities. Although on soft sediment these are evaluated as in a moderate general condition, this contribution leads to an overall decline of benthic communities at the scale of the whole Belgian part of the North Sea. Disturbance levels fluctuated around the same values since 2010, although the space for fishing decreased due to the implantation of wind farms and associated infrastructure. The assessment is partly based on OSPAR approach applied at more detailed level and indicator (Margalev).

All benthic habitats are currently degraded, with markedly lower quality in intensively and chronically disturbed areas. Bottom fishing in particular has a major impact on seabed integrity, as continuous disturbance prevents habitats from fully recovering. Although the overall richness of life forms remains stable in gravel beds, more than 85% of which are exposed to bottom trawling, several typical species are observed less frequently, have disappeared completely, or are still only rarely found in their adult stage. On soft sediment, fishing is also the main disturbing activity for biological communities. Although on soft sediment these are evaluated as in a moderate general condition, this contribution leads to an overall decline of benthic communities at the scale of the whole Belgian part of the North Sea. Disturbance levels fluctuated around the same values since 2010, although the space for fishing decreased due to the implantation of wind farms and associated infrastructure. The assessment is partly based on OSPAR approach applied at more detailed level and indicator (Margalev).

All benthic habitats are currently degraded, with markedly lower quality in intensively and chronically disturbed areas. Bottom fishing in particular has a major impact on seabed integrity, as continuous disturbance prevents habitats from fully recovering. Although the overall richness of life forms remains stable in gravel beds, more than 85% of which are exposed to bottom trawling, several typical species are observed less frequently, have disappeared completely, or are still only rarely found in their adult stage. On soft sediment, fishing is also the main disturbing activity for biological communities. Although on soft sediment these are evaluated as in a moderate general condition, this contribution leads to an overall decline of benthic communities at the scale of the whole Belgian part of the North Sea. Disturbance levels fluctuated around the same values since 2010, although the space for fishing decreased due to the implantation of wind farms and associated infrastructure. The assessment is partly based on OSPAR approach applied at more detailed level and indicator (Margalev).

All benthic habitats are currently degraded, with markedly lower quality in intensively and chronically disturbed areas. Bottom fishing in particular has a major impact on seabed integrity, as continuous disturbance prevents habitats from fully recovering. Although the overall richness of life forms remains stable in gravel beds, more than 85% of which are exposed to bottom trawling, several typical species are observed less frequently, have disappeared completely, or are still only rarely found in their adult stage. On soft sediment, fishing is also the main disturbing activity for biological communities. Although on soft sediment these are evaluated as in a moderate general condition, this contribution leads to an overall decline of benthic communities at the scale of the whole Belgian part of the North Sea. Disturbance levels fluctuated around the same values since 2010, although the space for fishing decreased due to the implantation of wind farms and associated infrastructure. The assessment is partly based on OSPAR approach applied at more detailed level and indicator (Margalev).

Since 1992, physical disturbance, mainly by bottom trawling fisheries, exceeded 90 % for all habitat types (excluding littoral sediment) with a small decrease offshore due to exclusion of fisheries in wind farms.

Since 1992, physical loss of each habitat type remained below 2 % of its natural extent.