An overview of the ecological status of the Nordic region is given in Table 4. In the table, color indicates the biodiversity status of each region, but note that the numbers in the table are derived from different assessment systems and thus cannot be compared between countries. While ecological status of the coastal ecosystems in the Baltic region is assessed using the WFD biological quality elements (phytoplankton, macrophytes and benthic invertebrates) and HELCOM biodiversity protocols (including pelagic invertebrates, fish, mammals, birds and key habitats), Norwegian waters are assessed using the Nature Index for Norway (Nl), which includes trophic groups such as plants, fungi, algae, invertebrates, amphibians, birds, fish and mammals.