Evaluation and integration of the monitoring results in the Scheldt-estuary

As a data supplier to the Flemish Institute for the Sea (VLIZ), INBO provides all MONEOS data of living environment (habitats), fauna & flora and ecological functioning to a third party for the execution of the Evaluation Methodology Scheldt estuary (EMS). However, there is no concrete test of the INBO data according to the prescribed methodology and no further concrete interpretation (explanatory / cause-effect analysis) and feedback of the INBO MONEOS monitoring data for policy and management. A second-line analysis of the observed data with an application of the evaluation method and an integrated interpretation is absent. Performing such analyses including reporting has to be an added value for the development of future evaluation protocols and has to guarantee the smooth application and interpretation (including knowledge of error margins) of the INBO monitoring data in the system evaluation cycles. There is a need for a better integration of the impact of the implementation of the SIGMA projects in the evaluation of the system functioning. The knowledge and reporting can provide an important input for future evaluation assignments.