Interregional comparison of benthic ecosystem functioning: Community bioturbation potential in four regions along the NE Atlantic shelf

•First multi-regional analysis of macrofauna community bioturbation potential (BPc).•Functionally important key species differ regionally and between sediments.•Overall BPc values decreased from the Baltic Sea towards Eastern English Channel.•Relevance of BPc for ecosystem functions vary with biotic and abiotic settings.•Results accent the need for region-specific conservation and management strategies.