MSFD2018 - D5C6: Abundance of opportunistic macroalgae from benthic habitats in marine subregion assessment geographic units (2010-2015)

Coastal abundances of opportunistic macroalgae are one of the criteria for defining eutrophication under the MSFD (D5C6). Three indices, each composed of different metrics, which depend on the type of substrate on which the macroalgae develop and fail, are involved in the assessment of the achievement of good ecological status for this criterion. They were developed by CEVA (Centre d'Etude et de Valorisation des Algues). These three types of substrate are: type 1 - opportunistic algae growing in sandy bays and with mobile deposits, type 2 - opportunistic algae having a growth phase fixed on rocky flats before being torn off and coming to a beach failure, type 3 - opportunistic algae growing on mostly muddy substrate with poorly mobile deposits. The indices are calculated by geographical unit of assessment and for the period of the MSFD cycle (2010-2016). The geographical units of assessment in which this criterion is assessed are water bodies DCE (MEC) between 0 and 1 nautical mile of the baseline, this criterion is not relevant for waters further offshore. The data is presented in the form of georeferenced files of type shp. The criterion of good condition is that the concentrations are not at levels indicating adverse effects. - For the MMN MRS: of the 24 CEMs, 17 were assessed and 3 do not meet the EEB for this criterion. - For the SRM MC: of the 15 CEMs, 9 were assessed and 4 do not meet the EEB for this criterion. - For the SRM GdG: of the 34 CEMs, 21 were assessed and 3 do not meet the EEB for this criterion (7 CEMs are not relevant for this criterion). The assessment of this criterion is not relevant in the MO MRS.