ICES Vulnerable Marine Ecosystem (VME) indicators and habitats data

VME data portal is a central portal for data on the distribution and abundance of Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs), (and organisms considered to be indicators of VMEs) across the North Atlantic that has been set up by the Joint ICES/NAFO Working Group on Deep-water Ecology (WGDEC) and is hosted by ICES. The database is comprised of 'VME habitats' and 'VME indicators' records. The VME database serves multiple purposes; ICES uses it for providing scientifically-robust advice on the distribution of VMEs and recommending possible management solutions such as bottom fishing closures within NEAFC (North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission) waters to protect VMEs.