The “Vlakte van de Raan” Special Area for Conservation has recently been spatially extended in the framework of a revision of the Belgian marine spatial plan (2020-2026). To ascertain a proper management of the MPA, an updated scientific assessment of the habitats and species is needed. Within this project, an up-to-date and comprehensive scientific description of the natural value of the area will be provided to determine the conservation status of the prevailing habitats and species (Annexes I and II of the Habitats Directive) and to propose conservation objectives for the management of the “Vlakte van de Raan” MPA.