Biodiversity

Different species perform diverse roles within an ecosystem, and more species-rich ecosystems generally have higher production, consumption and biogeochemical fluxes and are more resilient to disturbances. Marine systems and their biodiversity provide us with a range of valuable ecosystem services, including food supply, storage of heat and CO2, production of oxygen, as well as recreation and tourism.

Life in our oceans is suffering increasing pressures from human influences, including overexploitation, industry and pollution, eutrophication, habitat destruction, climate warming and introduction of non-indigenous species. This combination of factors is globally leading to a decline in marine biodiversity, resulting in a reduction in the functioning of marine ecosystems and the valuable services they provide. Species richness is therefore an important indicator of ecosystem health. Based on long-term plankton biodiversity series built up within the VLIZ, the overall status and health of the Belgian part of the North Sea can be monitored and evaluated.