The amount of derived heat does not lead to a significant reduction in the natural habitats in the area.

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.

Underwater noise is at a level that does not adversely affects species.

A HELCOM register shall be used to ensure that the presence and frequency of the noise does not endanger the presence of sensitive species and the functionality of habitats. The threshold will be developed through HELCOM cooperation.


The amount of derived heat does not lead to a significant reduction in the natural habitats in the area.

The spatial distribution, temporal extent, and levels of man-made impulse sounds do not exceed levels that negatively affect populations of marine animals.

The amount of continuous 125 Hz man-made noise will decrease from the baseline in 2014-2016, especially in nature reserves and habitats where the species are sensitive. For high frequency noise and low levels of natural noise.


The amount of continuous 2000 Hz noise produced by man is decreasing from the baseline of 2014–2016, especially in nature reserves and habitats where the species are sensitive. for high frequency noise and low levels of natural noise.


The amount of man-made continuous noise at 63 Hz will decrease from the baseline of 2014-2016, especially in nature reserves and habitats where the species are sensitive. for high frequency noise and low levels of natural noise.

The spatial distribution, temporal extent, and levels of man-made sustained low-frequency sound do not exceed levels that negatively affect marine animal populations.

D11C1: Preliminary data have assessed existing and potential sources of underwater noise, noise sensitive areas and the potential impact of some noise sources (e.g. military explosions) on species. Criteria D11C1 and D11C2 do not have GES thresholds, no known effects on species, no GES thresholds and no EU level.


D11C2: Preliminary data have assessed existing and potential sources of underwater noise, noise sensitive areas and the potential impact of some noise sources (e.g. military explosions) on species. Due to the lack of data for criteria D11C1 and D11C2, no GES thresholds, no known effects on species, no GES thresholds at EU level.

D11C1: Preliminary data have assessed existing and potential sources of underwater noise, noise sensitive areas and the potential impact of some noise sources (e.g. military explosions) on species. Criteria D11C1 and D11C2 do not have GES thresholds, no known effects on species, no GES thresholds and no EU level. In 2019, the procedure for recording underwater impulsive noise and submitting that data to the register of underwater impulsive noise administered by ICES was approved. Due to the confidentiality of the information, the register does not provide data on the use of low frequency sonar, nor does the register contain data on sonar and seismic equipment used in research.


D11C2: Preliminary data have assessed existing and potential sources of underwater noise, noise sensitive areas and the potential impact of some noise sources (e.g. military explosions) on species. Due to the lack of data for criteria D11C1 and D11C2, no GES thresholds, no known effects on species, no GES thresholds at EU level.

D11: During the reporting period, regional cooperation has focused on the development of methodological standards to assess the various aspects of stress and resilience on the basis of Commission Decision 2010/477/EU. The indicators are variable and require further development or testing. Commission Decision (EU) 2017/848 gives, for the first time, an explicit obligation for EU Member States to agree on evaluation elements, thresholds and integration rules in the framework of the EU MSFD (for underwater noise through TG Noise) and through regional or subregional cooperation. Germany is actively working with the countries bordering the Baltic Sea in the framework of the ongoing work programmes of the EU MSFD and the HELCOM bodies to establish a coordinated definition where it is still missing.

D11: There are no thresholds yet for which levels of underwater noise are compatible with good environmental conditions, either nationally or internationally.


D11C1: There are no thresholds yet for which levels of underwater noise are compatible with good environmental conditions, either nationally or internationally.


D11C2: There are no thresholds yet for which levels of underwater noise are compatible with good environmental conditions, either nationally or internationally.