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)..

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.

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.

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