The marine environment of Cyprus is considered to be in good environmental status by the year 2020 if the structure and function of the ecosystem are safeguarded and not adversely affected. Specifically, diversity and productivity are maintained, and any pressures do not hinder the ecosystem components to recover and/or retain their natural diversity, productivity and dynamic ecological processes. Given the available data, the determination of the GES of this descriptor relies heavily on criterion 6.2, which in turn is based on indicator 6.2.2. Indicator 6.2.2 is calculated using the various multimetric indices that have been developed in the framework of the Water-Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) for angiosperms, macroalgae and macrobenthos (and presently assigned a value of 0.9875).

Spatial extent and distribution of physical loss (permanent change) of the natural seabed.

The length of permanently altered coastline and estimated 100 m wide coastal water band have increased by 44% and 8% between 2012 and 2019. However, the actual fraction of affected coastline remains relatively low. A value of 0.75 is ascribed to this criterion.

Spatial extent and distribution of physical disturbance pressures on the seabed.

Percent change from 2012 to 2019. Based on the information compiled for this reporting, a conservative overall score of 0.75 is ascribed to this criterion.

Spatial extent of each habitat type which is adversely affected, through change in its biotic and abiotic structure and its functions (e.g. through changes in species composition and their relative abundance, absence of particularly sensitive or fragile species or species providing a key function, size structure of species), by physical disturbance.

Assuming that the above indicators contribute equally to criterion D6C3, an average value of 0.8 can be ascribed to the criterion itself.

The extent of loss of the habitat type, resulting from anthropogenic pressures, does not exceed a specified proportion of the natural extent of the habitat type in the assessment area.

The extent of adverse effects from anthropogenic pressures on the condition of the habitat type, including alteration to its biotic and abiotic structure and its functions (e.g. its typical species composition and their relative abundance, absence of particularly sensitive or fragile species or species providing a key function, size structure of species), does not exceed a specified proportion of the natural extent of the habitat type in the assessment area.