The status of the Baltic Sea Coastal Fish Community is assessed on the basis of HELCOM recommendations using 4 key indicators reflecting the state of the fish communities: the Community Diversity Index (Shannon Index) (Indicator 1.6.1.), the Community Size Index (high fish abundance) (indicator 1.7.1), the Community abundance index (predators) and the Community trophic index (indicators 4.2.1.). Methodological recommendations for the calculation of these indicators and data collection have been developed by HELCOM experts. For calculation purposes, the data shall be collected as part of the monitoring programme. The use of standardised studies over a number of years makes it possible to assess natural variations and to determine (expertly) the extent of anthropogenic exposure (variation of indicators and status depending on the intensity of known factors).

The status of the Baltic Sea Coastal Fish Community is assessed on the basis of HELCOM recommendations using 4 key indicators reflecting the state of the fish communities: the Community Diversity Index (Shannon Index) (Indicator 1.6.1.), the Community Size Index (high fish abundance) (indicator 1.7.1), the Community abundance index (predators) and the Community trophic index (indicators 4.2.1.). Methodological recommendations for the calculation of these indicators and data collection have been developed by HELCOM experts. For calculation purposes, the data shall be collected as part of the monitoring programme. The use of standardised studies over a number of years makes it possible to assess natural variations and to determine (expertly) the extent of anthropogenic exposure (variation of indicators and status depending on the intensity of known factors).

The results of the monitoring (covering the monitoring of the species composition, abundance and biomass of macrozoobenthos, point studies) will be sufficient for their use to assess the state of the marine environment on the basis of the HPI (minimum quality index) index. The index is suitable for soft soil habitats. The collection of long-term zoobenthos data will allow the monitoring of long-term developments and progress towards GES. This will contribute to the status assessment under Descriptor D6. The objectives and associated indicators under Descriptors D1,4,6 will be reviewed and updated by the end of 2015, which will allow for an assessment of the data needs and appropriate monitoring planning. The results of macrophytobenthos monitoring can still be used to assess the status of shallow solid soil habitats. However, so far, monitoring provides point-specific data on the status of individual elements of the ecosystem and information on the distribution, distributional characteristics, etc. of habitats is not available. However, in order to assess D1 status 4 it is necessary to plan for the monitoring of solid soil habitats. Insufficient data to assess whether changes in habitat status due to natural factors and climate change impacts or anthropogenic effects are insufficient. This requires an in-depth analysis of existing data in order to assess changes and their nature, and there is no evidence so far. Climate change baseline indicators (temperatures, salinity) are monitored and their assessment is based on analysis of long-term data. There are no standard methods to distinguish climate effects from anthropogenic effects, and therefore most often rely on a case-by-case assessment of the status according to a specific indicator. It is almost impossible to distinguish between anthropogenic and natural change: E.g. in the flue-water dispersion zone, where the effects of increased food and organic substances (anthropogenic) and salinity (climate) are combined. In such cases, the sensitivity of the indicators to the impact in those areas is limited and abandoned.