Some species are highly sensitive to bottom disturbance and may therefore serve as indicator of the impact of human activities on the bottom fauna.
Activities like bottom fishing, sand extraction, and dredging may particularly affect fragile species in and on top of the seabed, such as corals and long-lived large bivalves. These fragile species would be the first to disappear by disturbance of the seabed, but other species might be affected as well. In addition, species that form structural habitats, such as mussel beds, should be protected since these habitats include many other species.
Management should aim to regulate the impact of those human activities that cause bottom disturbance, with the aim of restoring a healthy benthic community.