Regional action plan for benthic habitats
We’re delighted to announce the publication of the OSPAR Regional Action Plan for Benthic Habitats (RAP-Benthic) 2026–2035 — a major milestone in our shared efforts to protect, conserve and restore the habitats and ecosystems on the seabed of the North-East Atlantic. Developed through years of collaboration, expertise and stakeholder engagement, the Action Plan sets out an ambitious programme for regional action and provides a strong foundation for healthier, more resilient benthic ecosystems for the decade ahead.
Benthic habitats — the ecosystems found on and within the seabed — are fundamental to healthy and resilient marine ecosystems. They provide feeding, nursery and shelter grounds for marine life, support food webs, contribute to water and sediment quality, and play an important role in carbon storage.
Yet many benthic habitats remain under pressure from human activities. OSPAR’s Quality Status Report 2023 highlighted continued degradation and decline in parts of the OSPAR Maritime Area, despite improvements in some areas and advances in monitoring, assessment and marine protection. The Benthic Habitats Thematic Assessment, and the OSPAR benthic indicators referenced within, gives the latest overview of the status of benthic habitats in the OSPAR Maritime Area’ (or similar!).
The new RAP-Benthic turns this evidence into a programme for coordinated regional action.
FULL TEXT: Regional Action Plan for Benthic Habitats (RAP-Benthic) (OSPAR Agreement 2026-02e)
BRIEFING NOTE: Regional action plan for benthic habitats – phase one
