Since 1985 a new area for the dumping of industrial waste has replaced all previous dumping grounds on the Belgian continental shelf. The choice of this new dumping area was based on preliminary hydrodynamical and biological research. Epibenthic and demersal fish species were sparsely distributed and occurred in low numbers in the area. No dominant species were found, and no important commercial fisheries or spawning and nursery grounds were located in the surrounding area. An ecological monitoring programme carried out by the "Belgica", the Belgian oceanographic research vessel, confirmed these preliminary findings. Faunistic results emphasize the relationship between benthic and demersal community features on the one hand and sediment type and composition on the other. A comparison with previous faunistic investigations is discussed. The overall abundance of epibenthic species never exceeded 3 000 individuals per 105 m2. Pagurus bernhardus, Ophiura albida and Spisula salida were common but not dominant. Seasonal dominance however, appeared at some sampling stations. The abundance of demersal fish never exceeded 2 000 individuals per 105m2. None of the demersal fish species were dominant or abundant throughout the year. Trachinus vipera, Callionymus lyra, Limanda limanda and the Pomataschistus complex displayed seasonal abundances.