The Southern North Sea, characterized by its biodiversity and extensive human activity, is a critical marine region intersecting the territorial waters of five European countries. With increasing pressures from shipping, fishing, and offshore wind farms, understanding the relationship between the physical environment and anthropogenic activities is paramount for ensuring long-term marine resource sustainability. This study evaluates the effectiveness of five benthic indicators (BEnthos Sensitivity Index to Trawling Operations (BESITO), Trawling disturbance Index (TDI), Margalef diversity, Median longevity as measured by the working group for Fisheries Benthic Impact and Trade – offs (WGFBIT)[1] and OSPAR’s (Olso-Paris convention)[2] and Broad- Habitat 3 indicator (BH3)) in assessing the impact of bottom trawl fishing on benthic ecosystems, addressing objectives outlined in Descriptor 6 (Seabed Integrity) and Descriptor 1 (Benthic Habitats) of the Marine Strategic Framework Directive established by the EU. Utilising infauna data collected from monitoring surveys conducted between 2009 and 2019 by Belgium, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, indicator outcomes were compared and tested for responsiveness to trawl fishing. Results reveal significant differences in indicator outcome across habitat classifications, suggesting a need for habitat-specific indicator application. Spatial comparisons highlight shared sensitivities along certain coastal areas. This study underscores the importance of considering community dynamics, environmental variability, and indicator responsiveness for accurate benthic assessment in the Southern North Sea. Such insights are essential for informing sustainable fisheries management practices and the development of a comprehensive benthic sensitivity map.
[1] WGFBIT evaluates ways of modelling the sensitivity of seabed habitats to disturbances such as bottom fishing, and produces maps and indicators for measuring what effects such human activities have on the seabed.
[2] OSPAR – OSPAR is the mechanism by which 15 Governments & the EU cooperate to protect the marine environment of the North-East Atlantic. OSPAR started in 1972 with the Oslo Convention against dumping and was broadened to cover land-based sources of marine pollution and the offshore industry by the Paris Convention of 1974
