Member State report / Art9 / 2012 / D6 / North East Atlantic

Report type Member State report to Commission
MSFD Article Art. 9 Determination of GES (and Art. 17 updates)
Report due 2012-10-15
GES Descriptor D6 Sea-floor integrity/D1 Benthic habitats
Region/subregion North East Atlantic
Reported by Member state
Member state
SE (https://water.europa.eu/marine/assessment-module/national-descriptors-assessments/se/ans/d6/art9/@@view-report-data-2012)
DK (https://water.europa.eu/marine/assessment-module/national-descriptors-assessments/dk/ans/d6/art9/@@view-report-data-2012)
DE (https://water.europa.eu/marine/assessment-module/national-descriptors-assessments/de/ans/d6/art9/@@view-report-data-2012)
NL (https://water.europa.eu/marine/assessment-module/national-descriptors-assessments/nl/ans/d6/art9/@@view-report-data-2012)
BE (https://water.europa.eu/marine/assessment-module/national-descriptors-assessments/be/ans/d6/art9/@@view-report-data-2012)
FR (https://water.europa.eu/marine/assessment-module/national-descriptors-assessments/fr/ans/d6/art9/@@view-report-data-2012, https://water.europa.eu/marine/assessment-module/national-descriptors-assessments/fr/acs/d6/art9/@@view-report-data-2012, https://water.europa.eu/marine/assessment-module/national-descriptors-assessments/fr/abi/d6/art9/@@view-report-data-2012)
UK (https://water.europa.eu/marine/assessment-module/national-descriptors-assessments/uk/ans/d6/art9/@@view-report-data-2012, https://water.europa.eu/marine/assessment-module/national-descriptors-assessments/uk/acs/d6/art9/@@view-report-data-2012)
IE (https://water.europa.eu/marine/assessment-module/national-descriptors-assessments/ie/acs/d6/art9/@@view-report-data-2012)
ES (https://water.europa.eu/marine/assessment-module/national-descriptors-assessments/es/abi/d6/art9/@@view-report-data-2012, https://water.europa.eu/marine/assessment-module/national-descriptors-assessments/es/ama/d6/art9/@@view-report-data-2012)
PT (https://water.europa.eu/marine/assessment-module/national-descriptors-assessments/pt/abi/d6/art9/@@view-report-data-2012, https://water.europa.eu/marine/assessment-module/national-descriptors-assessments/pt/ama/d6/art9/@@view-report-data-2012)
Marine reporting units Number used
17
1
1
1
1
3
10
1
30
73
Features Pressures
AcutePollutionEvents (4)
BioDisturb_other (10)
ChangeHydrology (2)
ChangeSalinity (1)
ChangeThermal (1)
ExtractSpeciesFishShellfish (10)
InputN_Psubst (21)
IntroHazSubstOther (24)
IntroNIS (9)
IntroNonSynthSubst (2)
IntroSynthComp (2)
Litter (3)
Noise (7)
NutrientOrgEnrich (2)
PhysDam (5)
PhysDisturbance (12)
PhysLoss (5)
Acidification (3)
AcutePollutionEvents (3)
BioDisturb_other (3)
ChangeHydrology (4)
ChangeSalinity (4)
ChangeThermal (4)
ExtractSpeciesAll (12)
InputN_Psubst (12)
InputOrganics (12)
IntroHazSubstOther (8)
IntroMicroPath (3)
IntroNIS (4)
IntroNonSynthSubst (8)
IntroRadioNuclides (8)
IntroSynthComp (8)
Litter (4)
Noise (6)
NutrientOrgEnrich (12)
PhysDam (4)
PhysDisturbance (3)
PhysLoss (4)
SystematicReleaseSubst (8)
Acidification (3)
AcutePollutionEvents (5)
ChangeHydrology (3)
ChangeThermal (3)
ExtractSpeciesFishShellfish (4)
IntroMicroPath (3)
IntroNIS (4)
IntroNonSynthSubst (6)
IntroRadioNuclides (2)
IntroSynthComp (7)
Litter (8)
Noise (4)
NutrientOrgEnrich (4)
PhysDam (3)
PhysLoss (3)
AcutePollutionEvents (1)
ChangeHydrology (3)
ExtractSpeciesFishShellfish (3)
InputN_Psubst (1)
IntroHazSubstOther (3)
IntroNIS (3)
IntroNonSynthSubst (2)
Litter (3)
Noise (3)
NutrientOrgEnrich (1)
PhysDam (4)
PhysLoss (3)
BioDisturb_other (3)
ChangeSalinity (3)
ChangeThermal (3)
ExtractSpeciesAll (3)
ExtractSpeciesFishShellfish (12)
InputN_Psubst (6)
InputOrganics (6)
IntroHazSubstOther (9)
IntroMicroPath (9)
IntroNIS (12)
IntroNonSynthSubst (9)
IntroRadioNuclides (9)
IntroSynthComp (9)
Litter (3)
Noise (3)
NutrientOrgEnrich (6)
PhysDam_abrasion (3)
PhysDam_extraction (9)
PhysDam_silt (3)
PhysLoss_Seal (3)
PhysLoss_Smother (3)
ChangeHydrology (1)
ChangeSalinity (1)
ChangeThermal (1)
IntroHazSubstOther (2)
IntroNIS (1)
Litter (1)
Noise (1)
NutrientOrgEnrich (1)
PhysDam_extraction (1)
ChangeHydrology (3)
ExtractSpeciesAll (7)
ExtractSpeciesFishShellfish (3)
IntroNIS (3)
IntroNonSynthSubst (6)
IntroSynthComp (6)
Litter (3)
Noise (6)
NutrientOrgEnrich (3)
GES description D6 Sea-floor integrity/D1 Benthic habitats
Havsbottnens integritet håller sig på en nivå som innebär att ekosystemens struktur och funktioner kan tryggas och att i synnerhet de bentiska ekosystemen inte påverkas negativt.

Sea-floor integrity is at a level that ensures that the structure and functions of the ecosystems are safeguarded and benthic ecosystems, in particular, are not adversely affected.
It can be said that good environmental status for D6 as a whole cannot yet be established, but the minimum requirement is that:... the coastal waters are in good ecological status and the whole territorial sea is in good chemical status in accordance with the WFD. ... the habitat types listed in Annex I (LRT 11xx) to the Habitats Directive which are relevant to the marine area of the North Sea are in a favourable conservation status... the species listed in Annex II to the Habitats Directive which are relevant to the marine area of the North Sea and the species listed in the Birds Directive which are relevant to the marine area of the North Sea are in a favourable conservation status, the species, species groups and habitats listed in the Wadden Sea Plan are in a good status. The list has been completed accordingly.
Sea-floor integrity is at a level that ensures that the structure and functions of the ecosystems are safeguarded and benthic ecosystems, in particular, are not adversely affected
Sea-floor integrity is at a level that ensures that the structure and functions of the ecosystems are safeguarded and benthic ecosystems, in particular, are not adversely affected.
Good environmental status is achieved when the following conditions are cumulatively met : - the rate of cover and the intensity of physical pressure exerted on the seabed do not exceed the levels set out in Annex 2 of the Order of 17 December 2012 on the definition of good environmental status of marine waters ; - the physical pressures exerted on the seabed do not generate significant impacts on the species richness, abundance and biomass of the ingenious species, bearers of biodiversity, identified by descriptors 1 (biodiversity) and 4 (marine trophic network); - the physical pressures exerted on the seabed do not generate significant impacts on the state of the benthic community.



Good environmental status is achieved when the following conditions are cumulatively met : - the rate of cover and the intensity of physical pressure exerted on the seabed do not exceed the levels set out in Annex 2 of the Order of 17 December 2012 on the definition of good environmental status of marine waters ; - the physical pressures exerted on the seabed do not give rise to significant impacts on the species richness, abundance and biomass of ingenious species, carriers of biodiversity, identified by descriptors 1 (biodiversity) and 4 (marine food web); - the physical pressures exerted on the seabed do not give rise to significant impacts on the state of the benthic community.
Sea-floor habitats (physically and structurally) are both productive and sufficiently extensive at the level of the MSFD sub-regions, to carry out natural functionality, including the necessary ecological processes which underpin ecosystem goods and services, and are capable of supporting a healthy and sustainable ecosystem for the long term.
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.
GES description D6C1 Physical loss of the seabed (6.1)
Den samlade fysiska påverkan på havsbottensubstratet från verksamheter ligger på en nivå som ger förutsättningar för bentiska samhällen och associerade arter att upprätthålla sina ekologiska strukturer och funktioner.

6.1 The aggregate physical impact of human activities on the seabed substrate is at a level that provides conditions for the benthic community and associated species to maintain their ecological structure and functions.
Impacts on sea-floor substrates, including biogenic substrates, do not involve significant and irreversible damage (Criterion D6.1.1) which threatens the sea-floor integrity (Criterion D6.1.2).
Physical disturbance of the seafloor is minimised to a sustainable level, taking account of the relative sensitivity of habitat types.
GES description D6C2 Physical disturbance to the seabed (6.1)
Den samlade fysiska påverkan på havsbottensubstratet från verksamheter ligger på en nivå som ger förutsättningar för bentiska samhällen och associerade arter att upprätthålla sina ekologiska strukturer och funktioner.

6.1 The aggregate physical impact of human activities on the seabed substrate is at a level that provides conditions for the benthic community and associated species to maintain their ecological structure and functions.
Impacts on sea-floor substrates, including biogenic substrates, do not involve significant and irreversible damage (Criterion D6.1.1) which threatens the sea-floor integrity (Criterion D6.1.2).
Physical disturbance of the seafloor is minimised to a sustainable level, taking account of the relative sensitivity of habitat types.
GES description D6C3 Adverse effects from physical disturbance (6.1.2)
Los efectos adversos derivados de las actividades humanas no alcanzan una extensión espacial y/o intensidad que comprometa el mantenimiento de los hábitats bentónicos
GES description D6C4 Benthic habitat extent (1.4, 1.4.1, 1.4.2, 1.5, 1.5.1, 6.1.1)
1.5A Djuputbredning av makrovegetation i kustvatten (samma som 5.3A)
En nivå som minst motsvarar god status för makrovegetation enligt gällande bedömningsgrund för makroalger och gömfröiga växter i kustvatten (NFS 2008:1, Bilaga 4, kap. 2.4).


Livsmiljöernas utsträckning överensstämmer med rådande geomorfologiska, geografiska och klimatiska villkor. Förlust av utsträckning minimeras men rymmer en långsiktigt hållbar nivå av nyttjande.

1.5 The extent of the habitats is in line with prevailing geomorphological, geographical, and climatic conditions. The loss of extent is minimised, but accommodates a long-term sustainable level of use.


Utbredning av livsmiljöer och livsmiljöbildande arter överensstämmer med rådande geomorfologiska, geografiska och klimatiska villkor. Utbredningsområden som förändrats på grund av mänsklig störning är återställda till en långsiktigt hållbar nivå.

1.4 The distribution of habitats and habitat-forming species is in line with prevailing geomorphological, geographical, and climatic conditions. Distribution areas previously changed, owing to human activities, are restored to a long-term sustainable level.
Predominant habitats and habitats of special biological interest have a distribution and extent which ensures that they will continue to perform their functions in the ecosystem (Criteria D1.4.1 and D1.4.2).


Predominant habitats and habitats of special biological interest have a distribution and extent which ensures that they will continue to perform their functions in the ecosystem (Criteria D1.5.1 and D1.5.2).
1) Good conditions according to the Water Framework Directive (i.e. good ecological status), Habitats and Birds Directives (i.e. favourable conservation status) and OSPAR (i.e. ecological quality objectives) are attained. Rare and threatened habitat types and species, included in existing legislation and conventions, are protected to the level envisaged by that legislation or convention. 2) The habitat types and constituting species’ populations extent, distribution and condition minimally reflect the conditions described in the Initial Assessment of Belgian waters (2012).
Good ecological status is achieved when the spatial distributions of naturally occurring habitats are adapted to existing natural environmental conditions and when spatial and functional connectivity is maintained, especially for species habitats.
El área de distribución de los hábitats biogénicos y/o hábitats protegidos mantienen tendencias positivas o estables de manera que se asegura su conservación


Se mantiene o incrementa la distribución y la extensión de los hábitats protegidos. Los hábitats predominantes presentan valores de distribución y extensión que garantizan su conservación
GES description D6C5 Benthic habitat condition (1.6, 1.6.1, 1.6.2, 1.6.3, 6.2, 6.2.1, 6.2.2, 6.2.3, 6.2.4)
1.6C Bottenfaunaindex (BQI) för kustvatten (samma som 5.3E och 6.2A)
En nivå som minst motsvarar god status för bottenfauna enligt gällande bedömningsgrund för bottenfauna i kustvatten och vatten i övergångszon (NFS 2008:1, Bilaga 4, kap. 1.4).


1.6D Bottenfaunaindex (BQI) för utsjövatten (samma som 5.3F och 6.2B)
En nivå som minst motsvarar god status för bottenfauna för de utsjövatten som angränsar till de yttre typområdena enligt gällande bedömningsgrund för bottenfauna i kustvatten och vatten i övergångszon (NFS 2008:1, Bilaga 4, kap. 1.4).


6.2A Bottenfaunaindex (BQI) för kustvatten (samma som 1.6C och 5.3E)
En nivå som minst motsvarar god status för bottenfauna enligt gällande bedömningsgrund för bottenfauna i kustvatten och vatten i övergångszon (NFS 2008:1, Bilaga 4, kap. 1.4).


6.2B Bottenfaunaindex (BQI) för utsjövatten (samma som 1.6D och 5.3F)
En nivå som minst motsvarar god status för bottenfauna för de utsjövatten som angränsar till de yttre typområdena enligt gällande bedömningsgrund för bottenfauna i kustvatten och vatten i övergångszon (NFS 2008:1, Bilaga 4, kap. 1.4).


Det bentiska samhällets ekologiska funktioner, artdiversitet och förekomst av arter upprätthålls.

6.2 The ecological functions, species diversity, and presence of species in the benthic community are maintained.


Livsmiljön är i ett tillstånd som stödjer dess ekologiska funktioner samt diversiteten i associerade samhällen.

1.6 The habitat is in a condition that supports its ecological functions and the diversity of associated communities.
Ecological functions, biological diversity and species abundance in the benthic community generally demonstrate a natural diversity and productivity (Criteria 6.2.1, D6.2.2, D6.2.3 and 6.2.4).


The physical, hydrological and chemical conditions support the functionality of the habitat (Criteria D1.6.1, D1.6.2 and D1.6.3).
1) Good conditions according to the Water Framework Directive (i.e. good ecological status), Habitats and Birds Directives (i.e. favourable conservation status) and OSPAR (i.e. ecological quality objectives) are attained. Rare and threatened habitat types and species, included in existing legislation and conventions, are protected to the level envisaged by that legislation or convention. 2) Viable species populations are maintained for the key long-lived, slowly reproducing species, as well as for the top predator species in all habitat types. 3) The habitat types and constituting species’ populations extent, distribution and condition minimally reflect the conditions described in the Initial Assessment of Belgian waters (2012).


Good conditions according to the Water Framework Directive (i.e. good ecological status), Habitats and Birds Directives (i.e. favourable conservation status) and OSPAR (i.e. ecological quality objectives) are attained. Rare and threatened habitat types and species, included in existing legislation and conventions, are protected to the level envisaged by that legislation or convention.
Good ecological status is achieved when the quality of basic habitats, described by biotic (such as the specific composition and abundance of the naturally associated biological community) and abiotic (structural and environmental conditions) parameters, is at a sufficient level to ensure the integrity of naturally associated ecological functions.
El estado de las comunidades bentónicas, evaluado en términos de biomasa de la especie estructurante, riqueza / diversidad, u otros indicadores relacionados, se mantiene dentro de valores que garanticen su perdurabilidad y funcionamiento, y el mantenimiento de las especies características y especies clave asociadas


El estado de los hábitats, evaluado  términos  estado de las especies y comunidades típicas (1.6.1), o de abundancia y/o biomasa relativa (1.6.2), o en función de sus condiciones físicas, hidrológicas y químicas  (1.6.3), se mantiene dentro de valores que
garanticen su perdurabilidad y funcionamiento, y el mantenimiento de las especies características y especies clave asociadas
Threshold values % of criteria with values (no. of criteria)
100.0% (11)
0.0% (5)
100.0% (1)
0.0% (1)
0.0% (6)
0.0% (12)
100.0% (2)
100.0% (1)
0.0% (16)
0.0% (0)
Proportion of area to achieve threshold values % of criteria with values (range of values reported)
54.5% (100 - 100)
0.0% (0 - 0)
0.0% (0 - 0)
0.0% (0 - 0)
0.0% (0 - 0)
0.0% (0 - 0)
100.0% (Not relevant - Not relevant)
100.0% (GES has not been quantitatively defined/agreed - GES has not been quantitatively defined/agreed)
0.0% (0 - 0)
0.0% (0 - 0)