Ralf van Hal has his MSc in biology and has 10 years’ experience working as a marine researcher at IMARES. His work focuses on the changes in the demersal ecosystem of the North Sea due to e.g. climate effects and anthropogenic impacts (fisheries, offshore construction, and coastal nourishment). Recently, he has been involved in the coordination and development of EU monitoring programs for the MSFD indicators, in addition to his work coordinating the International Bottom Trawl Survey (IBTS) in the North Sea.