Good environmental status shall be achieved when "(1) the sound budget of the German Baltic Sea does not adversely affect the living conditions of the animals concerned. All human noise activities should therefore not have a significant impact on the marine environment of the Baltic Sea. (2) light input does not adversely affect marine species. (3) the emission of electromagnetic fields does not adversely affect the movement or sense of orientation of marine species. This is currently assumed to be achieved if at direct current the values measured at the sediment surface do not exceed the strength of the earth's magnetic field. (4) the temperature rise does not result in negative impacts on the marine environment. For the assessment of GES for underwater noise, the following criteria are used in in accordance with Commission Decision (EU) 2017/848: D11C1, D11C2. Explanation: Germany does not update the general description of good environmental status (GES) from 2012 at descriptor level in this reporting exercise. During the reporting period, Germany has worked with the countries bordering the Baltic Sea in the framework of the EU MSC CIS process and in HELCOM to develop methodological standards (indicators, evaluation procedures). Specific aspects of criteria and indicators that contribute to a quantitative assessment of good environmental status are reported in the reporting scheme Art. 8_GES. For the assessment of the criteria in accordance with Commission Decision (EU) 2017/848 under Article 8_GES, assessments under other EU directives will be taken into account where relevant. Where possible, the regional assessments that have been agreed on to date will be taken into account and complemented by national assessments on a case by case basis.