Good environmental status for the descriptor "non-indigenous species" is achieved "if the introduction of new species approaches zero, and if non-indigenous species do not have a negative impact on populations of native species and habitats. As with the WFD, non-indigenous species should not be an exclusion criterion for achieving the GES as a whole. Currently, only criterion D2C1, as set out in Commission Decision (EU) 2017/848, is used to determine GES for D2. Future use of criteria D2C2 and D2C3 is dependent on scientific progress. Existing assessment methods are not sufficient for a MSFD specific assessment of the specific effects on populations of native species (secondary criterion D2C2) and natural habitats (secondary criterion D2C3). There is a need for research. Explanation: Germany does not update the general description of good environmental status (GES) from 2012 at descriptor level in this reporting exercise. Over the reporting period, Germany has worked with the North Seas countries in the framework of the EU's MSFD process and OSPAR 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 set out in Commission Decision (EU) 2017/848, the relevant assessments under other EU directives shall be taken into account under Article 8_GES, taking into account, as far as possible, the regional assessments that have been coordinated so far and, on a case-by-case basis, supplemented by national assessments.