In the framework of the EU Common Fisheries Policy, MARECO is responsible for the design and implementation of the national monitoring program on the evaluation of the effectiveness of bottom-disturbing fisheries measures. The goals are a baseline monitoring survey for three areas in Belgian waters wherein fisheries exclusion measures will take place, and a monitoring plan to follow up on their effectiveness. The program targets the evaluation of the ecological status of conservation priority natural gravel bed, Abra alba, and Lanice habitats (i.e., 1110 and 1170). A combination of seafloor mapping, grab sampling and underwater photography are used for the assessment.