The structural biodiversity of the hyperbenthos of subtidal sandbanks on the BCS is studied. Furthermore, ecological indicator species are determined which can be usefull parameters for policy makers.

The hyperbenthic community of subtidal sandbanks is described (density, species composition) and related to abiotic variables in order to get an idea about the habitats and the biota of the sandbanks.

Spatial and temporal distribution patterns of the epi- and hyperbenthic community were studied at the monitoring stations on the Belgian Continental Shelf.