VLIZ acts as coordination and information platform for marine and coastal-related scientific research in Flanders and serves as an international contact point. VLIZ holds extensive expertise in marine biological observations, data management and visualization. VLIZ focuses on the biodiversity-climate nexus, with flagship ESFRIs ICOS and LifeWatch and works directly towards a climate resilient North Sea Region. Within the LifeWatch research infrastructure, a marine observatory is built with sensor networks collecting continuous data on the marine fauna in relation to the habitat and soundscape. Habitat usage of key species, e.g. harbour porpoise, cod, seabass in a changing human dominated area is a key priority and serves goal 3.2. VLIZ supports a sustainable and scientifically founded policy for the marine environment by producing policy-relevant products and services to the marine research community, policy makers and industry.