It is important to investigate the effects of dumping of dredged material in the marine environment from ecosystem perspective, because it could lead to different responses of the ecosystem. Therefore, the regular dredging program from ILVO Fisheries is evaluating the impact of these dumping activities at different levels by looking at: i) differences in biological characteristics of the ecosystem components macrobenthos, epibenthos and demersal fish ii) the (bio)accumulation of contaminants in the marine ecosystem as investigated by chemical analysis of sediment and different biota species iii) biological effects of pollutants on marine organisms as indicated by the prevalence of fish diseases and by the measurement of enzymatic EROD activities in the liver of juvenile dab. We also conducted a study on the long term impact of dredged material dumping on the benthic habitats in the Belgian Coastal Zone. Secondly, we explored the benthic life in the dredging area’s itself. Thirdly, we investigated the effect of some adaptations in the ecological sampling strategy of the routine monitoring program.