Benthic Ecosystem Fisheries Impact Study (BENTHIS)

BENTHIS is a 5-year pan-European research project to study the impact of bottom trawling on the sea bed and all the animals living on or in the seabed. Benthic ecosystems play an important role in the functioning of marine ecosystems. There is serious concern about the adverse impact of fisheries which may negatively affect the fisheries yield and integrity of the sea bed. The Common Fisheries Policy and the Strategy Framework Directive call for an improved scientific basis to integrate the role of marine benthic ecosystems in fisheries management.