A North Sea Basin Checkpoint was set up to test for gaps and identify priorities in sea basin observations and data. The checkpoint consisted of a number of challenges that were carried out by the project consortium and presented on a GIS data portal linked to the EMODnet project. MEP led two of the seven challenges: Challenge 2: Marine Protected Areas – Tested if the North Sea Basin network of MPAs constitutes a representative and coherent network as described in article 13 in the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Challenge 5: Fisheries Management – Produced data tables for the whole sea-basin on landings and bycatch as far back as data allows and mapped the extent of fisheries impact of the sea floor over the last 10 years. MEP also contributed to challenges on windfarm setting and oil spills.
