This dataset is part of the 2024 Belgian submission for the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) linked to descriptor 9, criterion 1. The dataset contains the results of analyses on raw fish, molluscs and crustacean samples originating from the southern North Sea and the Channel and taken as part of the control programme by the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain in the period 2016-2021. The analyzed substances are metals (cadmium, mercury and lead), dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs, PCBs, PAHs, PFAS, Cesium 134 and Cesium 137.

This dataset represents the exact location of active telecommunication cables (verified in 2010) installed in the Belgian Part of the North Sea.

The Royal Decree of 20 March 2026 establishing the marine spatial plan for the period 2026 to 2034 in the Belgian marine areas defines 1 commercial and industrial zones: Zone C for commercial and industrial activities (Art. 27§1). It replaces the 2020 Marine Spatial Plan. Please refer to the Belgian official gazette ("Moniteur belgeBelgisch Staatsblad") for official reference information.

This dataset represents the exact location of gas pipelines installed in the Belgian Part of the North Sea.

This dataset is part of the 2024 Belgian submission for the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) linked to descriptor 1, criterion 2. This dataset reports the population abundance (number of individuals, biomass) of benthic-feeding, pelagic-feeding, surface-feeding and wading birds in Belgian waters, combining yearly breeding-colony nest counts along the Belgian coast with ship-based at-sea seabird counts.

This dataset is part of the 2024 Belgian submission for the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) linked to descriptor 7, criterion 1. This dataset describes the zones that are subject to noticeable permanent alteration of the hydrographic conditions due to human activities and man-made infrastructures for the time period 1992-2022. The data format is shapefiles and includes the zone area (m²) as attribute.

This dataset represents the exact location of the wind turbines in the Belgian Part of the North Sea.

UNDER EMBARGO - This dataset contains marine organic matter source samples, suspended partiluate matter trap samples, and compound-specific nitrogen stable isotope data of amino acids (δ¹⁵N-AA). Source materials include phytoplankton, zooplankton, and faecal pellets from the marine fouling species Mytilus edulis, Jassa herdmani and Metridium senile. Compound-specific nitrogen isotope ratios of individual amino acids were measured using stable isotope analysis. The dataset includes isotopic measurements for all source samples and sediment trap samples.

This dataset represents the exact location of electrical cables installed in the Belgian Part of the North Sea, including these for for the wind farms.

This dataset is part of the 2024 Belgian submission for the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) linked to descriptor 1, criterion 1. It reports the mortality rate of marine mammals, in particular harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), from incidental bycatch in the Belgian part of the North Sea, combining strandings investigations, reported incidental catches and aerial abundance surveys.