Benthic foraminifera provide a promising tool for ecological quality assessment of marine waters

► We set criteria to monitor Ecological Quality Status (EcoQS) using benthic foraminifera. ► The exponential bias-corrected Shannon diversity index is used. ► Methodological recommendations applicable in environmental monitoring are tested. ► Foraminiferal diversity correlates with bottom-water dissolved oxygen concentration. ► Benthic foraminiferal diversity can efficiently assess EcoQS in marine waters.