SPA/RAC is seeking a qualified consultant to support the development of the IMAP Guidance Factsheets for Ecological Objective 6 (EO6) on Sea-floor Integrity.
EO6 aims to maintain sea-floor integrity, particularly in priority benthic habitats, and is assessed through two Common Indicators:
- Common Indicator 37: Extent of physical loss of natural habitat;
- Common Indicator 38: Extent of adverse effects on benthic habitat.
The consultancy will support the development of harmonized Guidance Factsheets for these two Common Indicators, building upon the work already undertaken under the Ecosystem Approach (EcAp) process, including the development of Good Environmental Status (GES) descriptions, environmental targets, assessment approaches and monitoring requirements for EO6.
The Guidance Factsheets shall provide practical and scientifically robust guidance on monitoring methodologies, assessment approaches, data requirements, reporting procedures, baseline considerations, and the use of assessment criteria and thresholds where applicable.
They shall also ensure coherence with other relevant Ecological Objectives under IMAP, particularly EO1 (Biodiversity), EO3 (Commercially Exploited Fish and Shellfish), EO5 (Eutrophication), EO7 (Hydrographical Conditions) and EO8 (Coastal Ecosystems and Landscapes).
The consultancy will contribute to the operational implementation of EO6 within the revised IMAP framework and support Contracting Parties in monitoring, assessing and reporting on sea-floor integrity across the Mediterranean region.