Sediment Profile Imaging (SPI) is an undisturbed technique that allows the operators and analysts a quick examination of the habitat sediment quality. Appropriated to study the environmental impact of several anthropogenic activities, e.g.: (Sand Extraction, Trawl Fisheries, Dredge Disposal). The SPI consists of the use of a wedge-shaped prism with an inverted periscope that penetrates the seafloor creating a 45º angle internal mirror reflecting the sediment-water interface (SWI). This allows photo analysis of at least the first 20 cm of the sediment for a detailed assessment of several parameters (biological, physical and chemical). This tool is well-known in deep-ocean and estuarine studies; however, it presents a limited knowledge regarding studies carried out in fine to medium-coarse sediment type at coastal zones. The study tested the applicability of this tool in the Belgium Part of the North Sea coastal zone and concluded the opportunity to detect and measure several parameters. However, Organism-Sediment Index (OSI), the Benthic Habitat Quality Index (BHQ) and a-RPD (apparent redox layer) parameters have shown limitation and difficulty to assess in Belgium coastal zone. For future studies is suggested to adopt the BHQ index that has shown indications of a reliable parameter in the Belgium coast.
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