D6

1.4 Habitat distribution

1.4.1 Distributional range

1.4.2 Distributional pattern

1.5 Habitat extent

1.5.1 Habitat area

1.6 Habitat condition

1.6.1 Condition typical species

1.6.2 Relative abundance

1.6.3 Habitat condition

6.1 Physical damage, having regard to substrate characteristics

6.1 Physical damage, having regard to substrate characteristics

6.1.1 Biogenic substrata

6.1.2 Extent of seabed affected

6.2 Condition of benthic community

6.2.1 Presence of sensitive species

6.2.2 Benthic multi-metric indexes

6.2.3 Proportion of individuals above specified size

6.2.4 Size spectrum of benthic community

Ireland has utilised the information sharing facilitated by OSPAR on existing methodologies and future developments for determining GES and environmental targets and indicators. The non-binding OSPAR ‘Advice Documents’ use the benefit of OSPAR expertise to set out common approaches for expressing GES and potential methodologies for developing targets and indicators. The OSPAR countries implementing the MSFD have collectively analysed and shared their emerging GES determinations and associated targets and indicators through the creation of an inventory of emerging national proposals. For the biodiversity Descriptors (including 1, 2, 4 and 6) OSPAR countries are sharing expertise on common approaches. An intensive programme of work is still continuing to coordinate national approaches to biodiversity targets and indicators, including the ongoing development of a proposed set of common OSPAR biodiversity indicators for MSFD. Ireland has also participated in EU coordination through the EU CIS process.

• Irish Assesment Area

• Irish Assesment Area

• Irish Assesment Area

• Irish Assesment Area

• Irish Assesment Area

• Irish Assesment Area

• Irish Assesment Area

• Irish Assesment Area

• Irish Assesment Area

• Irish Assesment Area

• Irish Assesment Area

• Irish Assesment Area

• Irish Assesment Area

• Irish Assesment Area

• Irish Assesment Area

• Irish Assesment Area

• Irish Assesment Area

• Irish Assesment Area

• Irish Assesment Area

• SeabedHabitatsAll

D6

1.4

1.4.1

1.4.2

1.5

1.5.1

1.6

1.6.1

1.6.2

1.6.3

6.1

6.1

6.1.1

6.1.2

6.2

6.2.1

6.2.2

6.2.3

6.2.4

Sea-floor integrity is safeguarded in such a way that:- • The extent and diversity of sea-floor habitats is maintained in line with prevailing physiographic, geographic and climate conditions. • Sea-floor habitats (physically and structurally) are sufficiently productive and extensive to support natural functionality and a healthy and sustainable ecosystem for the long term. • Sea-floor habitats and their constituent species identified as needing protection under national or international agreements are effectively protected or conserved through the appropriate national, regional or international mechanisms.

• Irish Assesment Area = Not relevant

GES has not been quantitatively defined/agreed

Further development needed (expected to be operational by 2018 if adopted).