# Habitat

HabitatDescription:
Deep-sea coarse sediment has not been sampled widely for infauna so little is currently known about infaunal community structure. Epifauna tend to be sparse mobile species or burrowing fauna such as anemones visible at the surface. 

In the absence of ecological data, coarse sediment habitat can be defined according to Long (2006), which describes the classification's broad sediment types according to the relative proportion of mud, sand and gravel (see p3 of UKSeaMap 2010 technical report 3 http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/pdf/UKSeaMap2010_TechnicalReport_3_Substrate2.pdf). It can be difficult to reliably distinguish between coarse sediment and mixed sediment using video data only. Note that mixed sediment has a greater mud content than coarse sediment. If sediment particles are large enough to be classed as gravel using the Folk classification then sediment would be classed as coarse sediment rather than sand. If sand contains a high enough percentage of gravel it is also classed as coarse sediment. Coral rubble is classed as coarse sediment. Stable pebbles, cobbles and boulders are classed as rock; any rock present on coarse sediment is considered a separate habitat within a mosaic.


HabitatName:
Crinoid dominated community on Atlantic upper bathyal coarse sediment

HabitatDescription:
This broad community contains assembages where crinoids dominate the fauna. Crinoid assemblages are found typically in areas with higher current speeds that facilitate filter feeding, such as the shelf edge. The crinoid species Leptometra celtica is recorded in the Atlantic upper and mid bathyal. Associated species are likely to differ with depth and substrate type.


HabitatName:
Leptometra celtica assemblage on Atlantic upper bathyal coarse sediment

HabitatDescription:
This biotope consists of dense aggregations of the crinoid Leptometra celtica on coarse sediment in the upper bathyal. It occurs at the shelf edge and in the heads of canyons. It is likely that the fast currents associated with the heads of canyon systems provide a favourable habitat for suspension feeding organisms such as crinoids. The same assemblage has been recorded in the mid bathyal on various substrate types but any associated species are likely to differ. Characterising species listed refer to all Leptometra celtica assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope.


HabitatName:
Mixed cold water coral community on Atlantic upper bathyal coarse sediment

HabitatDescription:
This broad community contains those biotopes where corals dominate but do not form a living coral reef. A mixture of different coral types can be present. Associated species are similar to 'sparse encrusting community', including sponges and ophiuroids. Discrete colonies of Lophelia pertusa occur on Atlantic upper bathyal coarse sediment.


HabitatName:
Discrete Lophelia pertusa colonies on Atlantic upper bathyal coarse sediment

HabitatDescription:
This biotope occurs on coarse sediment and coral rubble. Small growths of Lophelia pertusa and often Madrepora occulata are present. Lophelia pertusa reef framework may also be present adjacent to this biotope in areas where it occurs in an elevated position allowing dead coral framework to accumulate below. This biotope is often observed on the edge of escarpment features.  The same assemblage is recorded on Atlantic mid bathyal rock. Characterising species listed refer to all discrete Lophelia pertusa assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope.


HabitatName:
Solitary scleractinian field on Atlantic upper bathyal coarse sediment

HabitatDescription:
This broad community is characterised by dense aggregations of solitary cup corals (Caryophylliidae and / or Flabellidae) on sediments including mud and sandy mud and coarse sediments. The species composition of the biotopes belonging to this broad community will vary with depth and location, and associated species will vary with sediment type. An assembage comprising Caryophyllia smithii with Actinauge richardi has been recorded on Atlantic upper bathyal coarse sediment.


HabitatName:
Caryophyllia smithii and Actinauge richardi assemblage on Atlantic upper bathyal coarse sediment

HabitatDescription:
Biotope comprising cup coral Caryophyllia smithii and anemone Actinauge richardi attached to small pieces of hard material in the sediment. This assemblage is observed on the shallow parts of Rockall Bank on sand with some gravel / pebble component.


HabitatName:
Sparse encrusting community on Atlantic upper bathyal coarse sediment

HabitatDescription:
This broad community includes all biotopes that are characterised by encrusting species including deep-sea sponges, serpulid worms, cup corals and Anoniimid bivalves. Associated species can include squat lobsters, holothurians and ophiuroids. This community is widespread and occurs on coarse sediment and rock where erect coral species are absent. The species composition of the biotopes belonging to this broad community will vary with depth and location, and associated species will vary with sediment type. In the Atlantic upper bathyal this community can be found associated with Lophelia coral rubble.


HabitatName:
Pale encrusting sponges and serpulids on Atlantic upper bathyal coarse sediment

HabitatDescription:
This biotope consists of  gravel substrates with few visible epifauna only encrusting forms. The same assemblage  was recorded in the Atlanto-Arctic and Atlantic mid bathyal zones but associated infaunal species are likely to differ. Characterising species listed refer to all pale encrusting sponge and serpulid assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope.


HabitatName:
Squat lobster assemblage on Atlantic upper bathyal coarse sediment (Lophelia rubble )

HabitatDescription:
This biotope describes the fringing rubble apron of cold water coral mounds or accumulations of gravel size Lophelia pertusa skeleton. Freiwald et al. (2004) list those species occurring within this zone on cold water coral reefs.  The same assemblage was recorded in the Atlantic mid bathyal but associated species are likely to vary with depth. Characterising species listed refer to all squat lobster on Lophelia rubble assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope.


HabitatName:
Urchin dominated community on Atlantic upper bathyal coarse sediment

HabitatDescription:
This broad community contains biotopes that are dominated by urchins and occurs on sediment. The species of urchin and associated species varies with depth and substrate type.  On Atlantic upper to mid bathyal coarse sediment only cidarid urchin assemblages have been recorded to date. Associated taxa include  holothurians, anemones and cup corals.


HabitatName:
Cidarid urchin assemblage on Atlantic upper bathyal coarse sediment

HabitatDescription:
This biotope is characterised by sparse and occasionally agreggated Cidarid urchins on gravelly sand substrates. The same epifaunal assemblage is also found on sand and in the mid bathyal but associated infauna are likely to differ. Characterising species listed refer to all Cidarid urchins assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope.


HabitatDescription:
Deep-sea sand sediments have a diverse infaunal community dominated by polychaetes. Epifauna tend to be sparse, mobile species, or burrowing fauna such as anemones and brittlestars visible at the surface. 

In the absence of ecological data, sand habitat can be defined according to Long (2006), which describes the classification's broad sediment types according to the relative proportion of mud, sand and gravel  (see p3 of UKSeaMap 2010 technical report 3 http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/pdf/UKSeaMap2010_TechnicalReport_3_Substrate2.pdf). It can be difficult to reliably distinguish between mud and sand using video data only. Note that muddy sand sediments are classed as mud if the mud content is great enough. If sediment particles are large enough to be classed as gravel using the Folk classification, then sediment would be classed as coarse sediment rather than sand. If sand contains a high enough percentage of gravel it is also classed as coarse sediment.


HabitatName:
Burrowing ophiuroid community on Atlantic upper bathyal sand

HabitatDescription:
This broad community consisting of assemblages characterised by brittle stars (ophiuroids) that bury in soft sediments with on the tips of the arms visible at the surface. Species may differ with depth and sediment type but it was not possible to identify to species level using video data available.


HabitatName:
Crinoid dominated community on Atlantic upper bathyal sand


HabitatName:
Leptometra celtica assemblage on Atlantic upper bathyal sand

HabitatDescription:
This biotope consists of dense aggregations of the crinoid Leptometra celtica on sand in the upper bathyal. It occurs at the shelf edge and in the heads of canyons. It is likely that the fast currents associated with the heads of canyon systems provide a favourable habitat for suspension feeding organisms such as crinoids. The same assemblage has been recorded in the mid bathyal on various substrate types but any associated species are likely to differ. Characterising species listed refer to all Leptometra celtica assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope.


HabitatName:
Solitary scleractinian field on Atlantic upper bathyal sand

HabitatDescription:
This broad community is characterised by dense aggregations of solitary cup corals (Caryophylliidae and / or Flabellidae) on sediments including mud and sandy mud and coarse sediments. The species composition of the biotopes belonging to this broad community will vary with depth and location, and associated species will vary with sediment type.


HabitatName:
Surface dwelling ophiuroid community on Atlantic upper bathyal sand

HabitatDescription:
This broad community consisting of assemblages characterised by brittle stars (ophiuroids) which lie on the surface of the seabed. They can occur in isolation or be overlain onto other broad communities such as  'sparse encrusting fauna' and 'mixed cold water coral'. It may be necessary to assign this broad community and 'child' biotopes in conjunction with another type. Species may differ with depth and sediment type but it was not possible to identify to species level using video data available.


HabitatName:
Urchin dominated community on Atlantic upper bathyal sand

HabitatDescription:
This broad community contains biotopes that are dominated by urchins and occurs on sediment. The species of urchin and associated species varies with depth and substrate type.  On Atlantic  On Atlantic upper and mid bathyal sand Gracilechinus acutus norvegicus assemblages and cidarid urchin assemblages have been recorded to date. Associated taxa include  holothurians, anemones and cup corals.


HabitatName:
Cidarid urchin assemblage on Atlantic upper bathyal sand

HabitatDescription:
This biotope is characterised by sparse and occasionally agreggated Cidarid urchins on sand substrates. The same epifaunal assemblage is also found on coarse sediment and in the mid bathyal but associated infauna are likely to differ. Characterising species listed refer to all Cidarid urchins assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope.


HabitatName:
Gracilechinus acutus norvegicus assemblage on Atlantic upper bathyal sand

HabitatDescription:
This biotope consists of aggregations of Gracilechinus acutus norvegicus (previously Echinus acutus norvegicus) on sand substrate. The same epifaunal assemblage is also found on mud and sand in the mid and lower bathyal but associated infauna are likely to differ. Gage (1986) reports this assemblage from 700-1400m on pelagic ooze and suggests it is present in a ribbon-like distribution around the continental margin of Europe down to about 1400m. Le Danois also describes this assemblage from 150m-500+ but emphasises that shallower than 500m Spatangus raschi dominates and below Gracilechinus acutus norvegicus dominates. Characterising species listed refer to all Gracilechinus acutus norvegicus assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope.


HabitatName:
Mixed infauna dominated by polychaetes in Atlantic upper bathyal sand

HabitatDescription:
All infaunal communities in the deep-sea are dominated by polychaete species with a diverse range of other taxa including bivalves, amphipods and sipunculids. Species level data were not available for analysis and at family level it was not possible to define more distinct groups for infauna.


HabitatDescription:
Deep-sea mud sediments have a diverse infaunal community dominated by polychaetes. Epifauna tend to be sparse, mobile species, but aggregations of erect fauna such as glass sponges, sea pens and soft corals can occur. 

In the absence of ecological data, mud habitat can be defined according to Long (2006), which describes the classification's broad sediment types according to the relative proportion of mud, sand and gravel (see p3 of UKSeaMap 2010 technical report 3 http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/pdf/UKSeaMap2010_TechnicalReport_3_Substrate2.pdf). It can be difficult to reliably distinguish between mud and sand using video data only. Note that muddy sand sediments are classed as mud if the mud content is great enough.


HabitatName:
Burrowing ophiuroid community on Atlantic upper bathyal mud


HabitatName:
Crinoid dominated community on Atlantic upper bathyal mud


HabitatName:
Sea pens and burrowing megafauna on Atlantic upper bathyal mud

HabitatDescription:
Dense aggregations of sea pens on fine sediments. The species composition will vary with depth and location. Kophobelemnon has been recorded in Atlantic upper and mid bathyal mud and sand, but associated species are likely to differ with zone and substrate type.


HabitatName:
Kophobelemnon field on Atlantic upper bathyal mud

HabitatDescription:
This biotope is composed of dense aggregations of seapens of the genus Kophobelemnon (in the UK likely to be Kophobelemnon stelliferum) on mud. Kophobelemnon fields are also found in the mid bathyal zone but the associated infauna are likely to differ. Characterising species listed refer to all Kophobelemnon stelliferum assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope.


HabitatName:
Solitary scleractinian field on Atlantic upper bathyal mud


HabitatDescription:
Deep-sea mixed sediment has not been sampled widely for infauna so little is currently known about infaunal community structure. Epifauna tend to be sparse mobile species. 

In the absence of ecological data, mixed sediment habitat can be defined according to Long (2006), which describes the classification's broad sediment types according to the relative proportion of mud, sand and gravel (see p3 of UKSeaMap 2010 technical report 3 http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/pdf/UKSeaMap2010_TechnicalReport_3_Substrate2.pdf). It can be difficult to reliably distinguish between coarse sediment and mixed sediment using video data only. Note that mixed sediment has a greater mud content than coarse sediment. If muddy sand sediment contains a high enough percentage of gravel, then it would be classed as mixed sediment. Stable pebbles, cobbles and boulders are classed as rock; any rock present on mixed sediment is considered a separate habitat within a mosaic.


HabitatName:
Atlantic upper bathyal biogenic structure

HabitatDescription:
A biogenic structure is formed when reef-forming species, such as cold water corals, attach to any hard substrate present and grow over the surrounding area forming a secondary substrate over the top. This changes the composition of the associated community as it provides a stable surface for epifauna to attach. Biogenic structure includes only areas where the seafloor is completely covered, not isolated structures, such as sponge aggregations or discrete corals.


HabitatName:
Atlantic upper bathyal cold water coral reef (biogenic structure)

HabitatDescription:
Reefs formed by Scleractinian corals. In the Atlantic upper bathyal the reef forming species is Lophelia pertusa. Coral reef attaches to hard substrate, but can be found on sediments where corals initially attach to pebbles and cobbles on the sediment and then the reef grows outwards. Cold water coral reefs are associated with a variety of other coral species, sponges, and a high diversity of other fauna.


HabitatName:
Atlantic upper bathyal live Lophelia pertusa reef (biogenic structure)

HabitatDescription:
Scleractinian coral reefs formed predominantly by Lophelia pertusa in the upper bathyal zone. Lophelia attaches to any hard substrate present and then grows outwards forming a hard reef structure. Lophelia reef is often associated with a range of coral species and a high diversity of other fauna. This biotope refers only to reef framework summits with live Lophelia. Further research is required to identify associated species on Lophelia reef that distinguish between reefs occuring in different vertical zones. Lophelia reef can be found in a mosaic with all substrate types.


HabitatName:
Mixed coral assemblage on Atlantic upper bathyal  Lophelia pertusa reef framework (biogenic structure)

HabitatDescription:
This biotope represents the extensive, mostly dead, framework of  Lophelia pertusa that support a high diversity of species including various other corals such as Caryophylliidae, Stichopathes gravieri, Antipathella, Acanthogorgia armarta and Leiopathes. Other conspicuous taxa include anemone Phelliactis and encrusting sponges. This may be found associated with Lophelia pertusa reef summit or may form beneath escarpments where live colonies of Lophelia pertusa grow but subsequently break off and form a rubble framework. The same assemblage is found in the mid bathyal but associated species are likely to vary. Characterising species listed refer to all mixed coral on Lophelia reef framework assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope.


HabitatDescription:
Atlantic waters are warm (typically >8°C within the UK) and Atlantic seabed habitats occur around most of the UK, excluding depths greater than 300 m in the Faroe-Shetland Channel.  The Atlantic mid bathyal occurs below the Atlantic upper bathyal. Communities found in this zone are described in child habitats. 

Biological zones are three-dimensional biogeographical regions which represent changes in biological community both spatially around the UK and vertically in relation to depth. Biological zones have some overlap in the types of community which can occur. The boundaries relate to areas of greatest change in overall species composition. The boundaries of zones are based on water mass structure which drives differences in biology. Rough boundaries of the zones have been predicted using modelled environmental data; a GIS proxy biogeographic zone layer can be downloaded from the Marine Habitat Classification download page. The depths of upper and lower boundaries depend on several variables, so the given depth range should be treated as a guide only.


HabitatName:
Atlantic mid bathyal rock and other hard substrata


HabitatName:
Barnacle dominated community on Atlantic mid bathyal rock and other hard substrata

HabitatDescription:
This broad community includes all biotopes where barnacle species are the dominant fauna. The species of barnacle will vary with depth and location. This community is found on rock and  associated fauna are sparse. Currently, barnacle dominated communities in both the upper bathyal and the mid bathyal have only one child biotope (Bathylasma hirsutum assemblage), but in the future new barnacle biotopes may be discovered which differ between zones. It is likely that, due to changes in depth, associated species differ in the upper and mid bathyal versions of this broad community, but further evidence is required to describe differences.


HabitatName:
Bathylasma hirsutum assemblage on Atlantic mid bathyal rock and other hard substrata

HabitatDescription:
Biotope dominated by the barnacle Bathylasma hirsutum. Observed on bedrock in high current areas. Barnacle coverage may not be dense. This assemblage was also identified in the upper bathyal, but the associated species are likely to differ. Characterising species listed refer to all Bathylasma hirsutum assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope.


HabitatName:
Brachiopod dominated community on Atlantic mid bathyal rock and other hard substrata


HabitatName:
Dallina septigera assemblage on Atlantic mid bathyal rock and other hard substrata

HabitatDescription:
Biotope dominated by the brachiopods Dallina septigera and Macandrevia cranium. Brachiopod dominated assemblages have been observed from multiple locations with the UK deep-sea occuring on bedrock, bedrock with a sand veneer and mixed substrates. Previous observations have been made in the high current areas on the Wyville-Thomson Ridge and summit of the Anton-Dohrn Seamount, but also on Hatton Bank, Rosemary Bank Seamount, Dangaard and Explorer Canyons and the warm shallow regions of the Wyville-Thomson Ridge and Faroe-Shetland Channel. This assemblage was also identified in the upper bathyal, but the associated species are likely to differ.  Characterising species listed refer to all Dallina septigera and Macandrevia cranium assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope.


HabitatName:
Mixed cold water coral community on Atlantic mid bathyal rock and other hard substrata

HabitatDescription:
This broad community contains those biotopes where corals dominate but do not form a living coral reef. A mixture of different coral types can be present. Associated species are similar to 'sparse encrusting community', including sponges and ophiuroids. Discrete colonies of Lophelia pertusa occur on Atlantic mid bathyal rock. It is likely that this community also occurs in the upper bathyal but it was not recorded in data used to define biotopes.


HabitatName:
Discrete Lophelia pertusa colonies on Atlantic mid bathyal rock and other hard substrata

HabitatDescription:
This biotope occurs on bedrock, cobbles and boulders and isolated drop stones. Small growths of Lophelia pertusa and often Madrepora occulata are present. Lophelia pertusa reef framework may also be present adjacent to this biotope in areas where it occurs in an elevated position allowing dead coral framework to accumulate below. This biotope is often observed on the edge of escarpment features. The same assemblage is recorded on Atlantic upper bathyal coarse sediment. Characterising species listed refer to all discrete Lophelia pertusa assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope.


HabitatName:
Sparse encrusting community on Atlantic mid bathyal rock and other hard substrata


HabitatName:
Psolus squamatus and encrusting sponge assemblage on Atlantic mid bathyal rock and other hard substrata

HabitatDescription:
This assemblage occurs on cobble, boulder and bedrock areas with the holothurian Psolus being the most conspicuous faunal compenent and lamellate sponges also being present. A range of encrusting species are also present and are like to vary with depth and location. This assemblage also occurs in the upper bathyal. It is likely this biotope represents more than one assemblage but data are not sufficent to separate them. Characterising species listed refer to all Psolus squamatus and encrusting sponge assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope.


HabitatName:
Psolus squamatus, Anomiidae, serpulid polychaetes and Munida on Atlantic mid bathyal rock and other hard substrata

HabitatDescription:
This biotope consists of cobble, boulder and bedrock areas with the holothurian Psolus being the most conspicuous faunal compenent. A range of encrusting species are also present but there is no conspicuous presence of lamellate sponges as there is within "Psolus squamatus and encrusting sponge assemblage". This assemblage also occurs in the upper bathyal. Characterising species listed refer to all Psolus squamatus, Anomiidae, serpulid polychaetes and Munida assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope.


HabitatName:
Crinoid dominated community on Atlantic mid bathyal coarse sediment


HabitatName:
Leptometra celtica assemblage on Atlantic mid bathyal coarse sediment

HabitatDescription:
This biotope consists of dense aggregations of the crinoid Leptometra celtica on coarse sediment in the mid bathyal. It occurs at the shelf edge and in the heads of canyons. It is likely that the fast currents associated with the heads of canyon systems provide a favourable habitat for suspension feeding organisms such as crinoids. The same assemblage has been recorded in the upper bathyal on various substrate types but any associated species are likely to differ. Characterising species listed refer to all Leptometra celtica assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope.


HabitatName:
Mixed cold water coral community on Atlantic mid bathyal coarse sediment

HabitatDescription:
This broad community contains those biotopes where corals dominate but do not form a living coral reef. A mixture of different coral types can be present. Associated species are similar to 'sparse encrusting community', including sponges and ophiuroids. Discrete colonies of Lophelia pertusa occur on Atlantic mid bathyal coarse sediment. It is likely that this community also occurs in the upper bathyal but it was not recorded in data used to define biotopes.


HabitatName:
Discrete Lophelia pertusa colonies on Atlantic mid bathyal coarse sediment

HabitatDescription:
This biotope occurs on coarse sediment and coral rubble. Small growths of Lophelia pertusa and often Madrepora occulata are present. Lophelia pertusa reef framework may also be present adjacent to this biotope in areas where it occurs in an elevated position allowing dead coral framework to accumulate below. This biotope is often observed on the edge of escarpment features. The same assemblage is recorded on Atlantic upper bathyal rock. Characterising species listed refer to all discrete Lophelia pertusa assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope.


HabitatName:
Sparse encrusting community on Atlantic mid bathyal coarse sediment

HabitatDescription:
This broad community includes all biotopes that are characterised by encrusting species including deep-sea sponges, serpulid worms, cup corals and Anoniimid bivalves. This community is widespread and occurs on coarse sediment and rock where erect coral species are absent. The species composition of the biotopes belonging to this broad community will vary with depth and location, and associated species will vary with sediment type. In the Atlantic mid bathyal this community can be found associated with Lophelia coral rubble.


HabitatName:
Pale encrusting sponges and serpulids on Atlantic mid bathyal coarse sediment

HabitatDescription:
This biotope consists of gravel substrates with few visible epifauna only encrusting forms. The same assemblage was recorded in the Atlantic upper bathyal and Atlanto-Arctic mid bathyal zones, but associated infaunal species are likely to differ. Characterising species listed refer to all pale encrusting sponge and serpulid assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope.


HabitatName:
Squat lobster assemblage on Atlantic mid bathyal coarse sediment (Lophelia rubble)

HabitatDescription:
This biotope describes the fringing rubble apron of cold water coral mounds or accumulations of gravel size Lophelia pertusa skeleton. Freiwald et al. (2004) list those species occurring within this zone on cold water coral reefs. The same assemblage was recorded in the Atlantic upper bathyal but associated species are likely to vary with depth. Characterising species listed refer to all squat lobster on Lophelia rubble assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope.


HabitatName:
Solitary scleractinian field on Atlantic mid bathyal coarse sediment


HabitatName:
Urchin dominated community on Atlantic mid bathyal coarse sediment


HabitatName:
Cidarid urchin assemblage on Atlantic mid bathyal coarse sediment

HabitatDescription:
This biotope is characterised by sparse and occasionally agreggated Cidarid urchins on gravelly sand substrates. The same epifaunal assemblage is also found on sand and in the upper bathyal but associated infauna are likely to differ. Characterising species listed refer to all Cidarid urchins assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope.


HabitatName:
Xenophyophore dominated community on Atlantic mid bathyal coarse sediment

HabitatDescription:
This broad community is characterised by dense aggreations of xenophyophores. Associated species will vary with depth and sediment type but may include squat lobsters (Munida), Ophiuroids, Majid crabs, pale encrusting sponges  and sediment dwelling anemones.


HabitatName:
Syringammina fragilissima field on Atlantic mid bathyal coarse sediment

HabitatDescription:
Assemblage characterised by dense aggregations of the xenophyophore Syringammina fragilissima on coarse sediment. Associated species will vary with depth but may include squat lobsters (Munida), Ophiuroids, Majid crabs, pale encrusting sponges (yellow, white, grey, cream, pink) and sediment dwelling anemones. The same epifaunal assemblage is also found in the lower bathyal and on other sediments but associated infauna are likely to differ. Characterising species listed refer to all Syringammina fragilissima assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope.


HabitatName:
Burrowing anemone field in Atlantic mid bathyal sand

HabitatDescription:
This broad community includes sediment biotopes where burrowing anemones are the dominant fauna. On Atlantic mid bathyal sand, the community comprises Cerianthid anemones which are likely to be a different species to those occuring on mud.   It has not yet been possible to identify anemones in this variant of the broad community to species level assemblages using video data available.


HabitatName:
Burrowing ophiuroid community on Atlantic mid bathyal sand


HabitatName:
Crinoid domintated community on Atlantic mid bathyal sand


HabitatName:
Leptometra celtica assemblage on Atlantic mid bathyal sand

HabitatDescription:
This biotope consists of dense aggregations of the crinoid Leptometra celtica on sand in the mid bathyal. It occurs at the shelf edge and in the heads of canyons. It is likely that the fast currents associated with the heads of canyon systems provide a favourable habitat for suspension feeding organisms such as crinoids. The same assemblage has been recorded in the upper bathyal on various substrate types but any associated species are likely to differ. Characterising species listed refer to all Leptometra celtica assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope.


HabitatName:
Solitary scleractinian field on Atlantic mid bathyal sand


HabitatName:
Surface dwelling ophiuroid community on Atlantic mid bathyal sand


HabitatName:
Urchin dominated community on Atlantic mid bathyal sand

HabitatDescription:
This broad community contains biotopes that are dominated by urchins and occurs on sediment. The species of urchin and associated species varies with depth and substrate type.  On Atlantic upper and mid bathyal sand Gracilechinus acutus norvegicus assemblages and cidarid urchin assemblages have been recorded to date. Associated taxa include  holothurians, anemones and cup corals.


HabitatName:
Gracilechinus acutus norvegicus assemblage on Atlantic mid bathyal sand

HabitatDescription:
This biotope consists of aggregations of Gracilechinus acutus norvegicus (previously Echinus acutus norvegicus) on sand substrate. The same epifaunal assemblage is also found on mud and sand in the upper and lower bathyal but associated infauna are likely to differ. Gage (1986) reports this assemblage from 700-1400m on pelagic ooze and suggests it is present in a ribbon-like distribution around the continental margin of Europe down to about 1400m. Le Danois also describes this assemblage from 150m-500+ but emphasises that shallower than 500m Spatangus raschi dominates and below Gracilechinus acutus norvegicus dominates. Characterising species listed refer to all Gracilechinus acutus norvegicus assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope.


HabitatName:
Cidarid urchin assemblage on Atlantic mid bathyal sand

HabitatDescription:
This biotope is characterised by sparse and occasionally agreggated Cidarid urchins on sand substrates. The same epifaunal assemblage is also found on coarse sediment and in the upper bathyal but associated infauna are likely to differ. Characterising species listed refer to all Cidarid urchins assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope.


HabitatName:
Mixed infauna dominated by polychaetes in Atlantic mid bathyal sand


HabitatName:
Burrowing anemone field in Atlantic mid bathyal mud

HabitatDescription:
This broad community includes sediment biotopes where burrowing anemones are the dominant fauna. On Atlantic mid bathyal mud, the community comprises Cerianthid anemones such as Pachycerianthus.


HabitatName:
Cerianthid anemones and burrowing megafauna in Atlantic mid bathyal mud

HabitatDescription:
This biotope is characterised by burrowing anemones (Cerianthidae), unidentified hydroids (Hydrozoa) and unidentified tube worms (Sabellidae) on bioturbated mud with phytodetritus. Video observations suggest there are many large burrows supporting associated unknown megafauna, the rare occurrence of sea pens (Virgularia mirabilis) and also stalked sponges (Hyalonema) associated with this biotope.


HabitatName:
Burrowing ophiuroid community on Atlantic mid bathyal mud


HabitatName:
Crinoid dominated community on Atlantic mid bathyal mud


HabitatName:
Deep sponge aggregation on Atlantic mid bathyal mud

HabitatDescription:
This broad community contains assemblages where sponges dominate sediment habitats. Sponges can be of all morphotypes except encrusting. Aggregations of the glass sponge Pheronema carpenteri have been recorded on Atlantic mid to lower bathyal mud. Associated species are likely to differ with depth.


HabitatName:
Pheronema carpenteri field on Atlantic mid bathyal mud

HabitatDescription:
This biotope consists of dense aggregations of Pheronema carpenteri sponges on fine sandy mud and mud substrata. It is listed in the 2004 version of EUNIS as “Facies with Pheronema grayi” (A6.621) within the Bioherms section. The same assemblage was also recorded in the lower bathyal but associated species are likely to vary with depth. Characterising species listed refer to all Pheronema carpenteri assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope.


HabitatName:
Erect coral field on Atlantic mid bathyal mud

HabitatDescription:
Dense aggregations of erect soft corals occuring on fine sediments. The species composition will vary with depth and location. This broad community is functionally similar to sea pen fields.


HabitatName:
Acanella arbuscula assemblage on Atlantic mid bathyal mud

HabitatDescription:
This biotope is composed of dense aggregations of the Isidid octocoral Acanella arbuscula on sandy silts and fine grained oozes. It is likely to be functionally similar to a seapen field.  Gage (1986) describes growths of the arborescent gorgonian Acanella arbuscula as providing a “perch” for such fauna as the brittle star Ophiacantha bidentata to feed in the current. This assemblage was also recorded in the lower bathyal but associated species are likely to differ with depth. Characterising species listed refer to all Acanella arbuscula assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope. This assemblage is described from published literature only.


HabitatName:
Sea pens and burrowing megafauna on Atlantic mid bathyal mud


HabitatName:
Kophobelemnon field on Atlantic mid bathyal mud

HabitatDescription:
This biotope is composed of dense aggregations of seapens of the genus Kophobelemnon (in the UK likely to be Kophobelemnon stelliferum) on mud.  Kophobelemnon fields are also found in the upper bathyal zone but the associated infauna are likely to differ. Characterising species listed refer to all Kophobelemnon stelliferum assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope.


HabitatName:
Solitary scleractinian field on Atlantic mid bathyal mud


HabitatName:
Urchin dominated community on Atlantic mid bathyal mud

HabitatDescription:
This broad community contains biotopes that are dominated by urchins and occurs on sediment. The species of urchin and associated species varies with depth and substrate type.  On Atlantic mid bathyal mud and lower bathyal sand only Gracilechinus acutus norvegicus assemblages have been recorded to date. Associated taxa on mud include burrowing crustaceans and holothurians.


HabitatName:
Gracilechinus acutus norvegicus assemblage on Atlantic mid bathyal mud

HabitatDescription:
This biotope consists of aggregations of Gracilechinus acutus norvegicus (previously Echinus acutus norvegicus) on mud substrate. Gage (1986) reports this assemblage from 700-1400m on pelagic ooze and suggests it is present in a ribbon-like distribution around the continental margin of Europe down to about 1400m. Le Danois also describes this assemblage from 150m-500+ but emphasises that shallower than 500m Spatangus raschi dominates and below Gracilechinus acutus norvegicus dominates. The same epifaunal assemblage is also found on sand and in the lower bathyal but associated infauna are likely to differ. Characterising species listed refer to all Gracilechinus acutus norvegicus assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope.


HabitatName:
Xenophyophore dominated community on Atlantic mid bathyal mud


HabitatName:
Syringammina fragilissima field on Atlantic mid bathyal mud

HabitatDescription:
Biotope characterised by dense aggregations of the xenophyophore Syringammina fragilissima on mud substrate. Associated species will vary with depth but may include squat lobsters (Munida), Ophiuroids, Majid crabs, pale encrusting sponges (yellow, white, grey, cream, pink) and sediment dwelling anemones. The same epifaunal assemblage is also found in the lower bathyal and on other sediments but associated infauna are likely to differ. Characterising species listed refer to all Syringammina fragilissima assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope.


HabitatName:
Mixed infauna dominated by polychaetes in Atlantic mid bathyal mud


HabitatName:
Xenophyophore dominated community on Atlantic mid bathyal mixed sediment


HabitatName:
Syringammina fragilissima field on Atlantic mid bathyal mixed sediment

HabitatDescription:
Assemblage characterised by dense aggregations of the xenophyophore Syringammina fragilissima on mixed sediment. Associated species will vary with depth but may include squat lobsters (Munida), Ophiuroids, Majid crabs, pale encrusting sponges (yellow, white, grey, cream, pink) and sediment dwelling anemones. The same epifaunal assemblage is also found in the lower bathyal and on other sediments but associated infauna are likely to differ. Characterising species listed refer to all Syringammina fragilissima assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope.


HabitatName:
Atlantic mid bathyal cold water coral reef (biogenic structure)

HabitatDescription:
Reefs formed by Scleractinian corals. In the Atlantic mid bathyal the reef forming species is Lophelia pertusa. Coral reef attaches to hard substrate, but can be found on sediments where corals initially attach to pebbles and cobbles on the sediment and then the reef grows outwards. Cold water coral reefs are associated with a variety of other coral species, sponges, and a high diversity of other fauna.


HabitatName:
Mixed coral assemblage on Atlantic mid bathyal Lophelia pertusa reef framework (biogenic structure)

HabitatDescription:
This biotope represents the extensive, mostly dead, framework of  Lophelia pertusa that support a high diversity of species including various other corals such as Caryophylliidae, Stichopathes gravieri, Antipathella, Acanthogorgia armarta and Leiopathes. Other conspicuous taxa include anemone Phelliactis and encrusting sponges. This may be found associated with Lophelia pertusa reef summit or may form beneath escarpments where live colonies of Lophelia pertusa grow but subsequently break off and form a rubble framework. The same assemblage is found in the upper bathyal but associated species are likely to vary. Characterising species listed refer to all mixed coral on Lophelia reef framework assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope.


HabitatDescription:
Atlantic waters are warm (typically >8°C within the UK) and Atlantic seabed habitats occur around most of the UK, excluding depths greater than 300 m in the Faroe-Shetland Channel.  The Atlantic lower bathyal occurs below the Atlantic mid bathyal. Communities found in this zone are described in child habitats. 

Biological zones are three-dimensional biogeographical regions which represent changes in biological community both spatially around the UK and vertically in relation to depth. Biological zones have some overlap in the types of community which can occur. The boundaries relate to areas of greatest change in overall species composition. The boundaries of zones are based on water mass structure which drives differences in biology. Rough boundaries of the zones have been predicted using modelled environmental data; a GIS proxy biogeographic zone layer can be downloaded from the Marine Habitat Classification download page. The depths of upper and lower boundaries depend on several variables, so the given depth range should be treated as a guide only.


HabitatName:
Atlantic lower bathyal rock and other hard substrata


HabitatName:
Mixed cold water coral community on Atlantic lower bathyal rock and other hard substrata

HabitatDescription:
This broad community contains those biotopes where corals dominate but do not form a living coral reef. A mixture of different coral types can be present. Associated species are similar to 'sparse encrusting community', including sponges and ophiuroids. Discrete colonies of Solenosmilia occur on Atlantic lower bathyal rock.


HabitatName:
Discrete Solenosmilia variabilis colonies on Atlantic lower bathyal rock and other hard substrata

HabitatDescription:
This biotope is a deeper variant of discrete Lophelia pertusa colonies  where L. pertusa is replaced by S. variabilis occuring on bedrock. The same assemblage was recorded on coarse sediment but associated species are likely to differ. Characterising species listed refer to all discrete Solenosmilia variabilis assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope.


HabitatName:
Mixed cold water coral community on Atlantic lower bathyal coarse sediment

HabitatDescription:
This broad community contains those biotopes where corals dominate but do not form a living coral reef. A mixture of different coral types can be present. Associated species are similar to 'sparse encrusting community', including sponges and ophiuroids. On Atlantic lower bathyal coarse sediment discrete colonies of Solenosmilia attach to coral rubble.


HabitatName:
Discrete Solenosmilia variabilis colonies on Atlantic lower bathyal coarse sediment

HabitatDescription:
This biotope is a deeper variant of discrete Lophelia pertusa colonies  where L. pertusa is replaced by Solenosmilia variabilis occuring on coral rubble. The same assemblage was recorded on rock but associated species are likely to differ. Characterising species listed refer to all discrete Solenosmilia variabilis assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope.


HabitatName:
Solitary scleractinian field on Atlantic lower bathyal coarse sediment


HabitatName:
Xenophyophore dominated community on Atlantic lower bathyal coarse sediment


HabitatName:
Syringammina fragilissima field on Atlantic lower bathyal coarse sediment

HabitatDescription:
Biotope characterised by dense aggregations of the xenophyophore Syringammina fragilissima on coarse sediment. Associated species will vary with depth but may include squat lobsters (Munida), Ophiuroids, Majid crabs, pale encrusting sponges (yellow, white, grey, cream, pink) and sediment dwelling anemones. The same epifaunal assemblage is also found in the mid bathyal and on other sediments but associated infauna are likely to differ. Characterising species listed refer to all Syringammina fragilissima assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope.


HabitatName:
Burrowing ophiuroid community on Atlantic lower bathyal sand


HabitatName:
Solitary scleractinian field on Atlantic lower bathyal sand


HabitatName:
Urchin dominated community on Atlantic lower bathyal sand

HabitatDescription:
This broad community contains biotopes that are dominated by urchins and occurs on sediment. The species of urchin and associated species varies with depth and substrate type.  On Atlantic mid bathyal mud and lower bathyal sand only Gracilechinus acutus norvegicus assemblages have been recorded to date. Associated taxa on sand include  holothurians.


HabitatName:
Gracilechinus acutus norvegicus assemblage on Atlantic lower bathyal sand

HabitatDescription:
This biotope consists of aggregations of Gracilechinus acutus norvegicus (previously Echinus acutus norvegicus) on sand substrate. The same epifaunal assemblage is also found on mud and sand in the upper and mid bathyal but associated infauna are likely to differ. Gage (1986) reports this assemblage from 700-1400m on pelagic ooze and suggests it is present in a ribbon-like distribution around the continental margin of Europe down to about 1400m. Le Danois also describes this assemblage from 150m-500+ but emphasises that shallower than 500m Spatangus raschi dominates and below Gracilechinus acutus norvegicus dominates. Characterising species listed refer to all Gracilechinus acutus norvegicus assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope.


HabitatName:
Burrowing ophiuroid community on Atlantic lower bathyal mud


HabitatName:
Deep sponge aggregation on Atlantic lower bathyal mud


HabitatName:
Pheronema carpenteri field on Atlantic lower bathyal mud

HabitatDescription:
This biotope consists of dense aggregations of Pheronema carpenteri sponges on fine sandy mud and mud substrata. It is listed in the 2004 version of EUNIS as “Facies with Pheronema grayi” (A6.621). The same assemblage was also recorded in the mid bathyal but associated species are likely to vary with depth. Characterising species listed refer to all Pheronema carpenteri assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope.


HabitatName:
Erect coral field on Atlantic lower bathyal mud


HabitatName:
Acanella arbuscula assemblage on Atlantic lower bathyal mud

HabitatDescription:
This biotope is composed of dense aggregations of the Isidid octocoral Acanella arbuscula on sandy silts and fine grained oozes. It is likely to be functionally similar to a seapen field.  Gage (1986) describes growths of the arborescent gorgonian Acanella arbuscula as providing a “perch” for such fauna as the brittle star Ophiacantha bidentata to feed in the current. This assemblage was also recorded in the upper bathyal but associated species are likely to differ with depth. Characterising species listed refer to all Acanella arbuscula assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope. This assemblage is described from published literature only.


HabitatName:
Solitary scleractinian field on Atlantic lower bathyal mud


HabitatName:
Urchin dominated community on Atlantic lower bathyal mud

HabitatDescription:
This broad community contains biotopes that are dominated by urchins and occurs on sediment. The species of urchin and associated species varies with depth and substrate type.  On Atlantic lower bathyal mud both Gracilechinus acutus norvegicus assemblages and Gracilechinus alexandri, Psilaster and Plinthaster assemblages have been recorded to date. Associated taxa include seastars, burrowing crustaceans and holothurians.


HabitatName:
Gracilechinus acutus norvegicus assemblage on Atlantic lower bathyal mud

HabitatDescription:
This biotope consistis of aggregations of Gracilechinus acutus norvegicus (previously Echinus acutus norvegicus) on mud substrate. Gage (1986) reports this assemblage from 700-1400m on pelagic ooze and suggests it is present in a ribbon-like distribution around the continental margin of Europe down to about 1400m. Le Danois also describes this assemblage from 150m-500+ but emphasises that shallower than 500m Spatangus raschi dominates and below Gracilechinus acutus norvegicus dominates. The same epifaunal assemblage is also found on sand and coarse sediment in the upper and mid bathyal but associated infauna are likely to differ.


HabitatName:
Gracilechinus alexandri, Psilaster and Plinthasterassemblage on Atlantic lower bathyal mud

HabitatDescription:
This biotope consists of urchin Gracilechinus alexandri with seastars on mud substrate. Gage (1986) describes an assemblage from the continental slope west of the Hebrides (Rockall Trough) between 1400 and 2500m on pelagic ooze and terbidite dominated by echinoderms. The same epifaunal assemblage  is also found in the upper abyssal but associated infauna are likely to differ. Characterising species listed refer to all Gracilechinus alexandri, Psilaster and Plinthaster assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope.


HabitatName:
Xenophyophore dominated community on Atlantic lower bathyal mud


HabitatName:
Syringammina fragilissima field on Atlantic lower bathyal mud

HabitatDescription:
Assemblage characterised by dense aggregations of the xenophyophore Syringammina fragilissima on mud substrate. Associated species will vary with depth but may include squat lobsters (Munida), Ophiuroids, Majid crabs, pale encrusting sponges (yellow, white, grey, cream, pink) and sediment dwelling anemones. The same epifaunal community is also found in the  mid bathyal and on other sediments but associated infauna are likely to differ. Characterising species listed refer to all Syringammina fragilissima assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope.


HabitatName:
Mixed infauna dominated by polychaetes in Atlantic lower bathyal mud


HabitatName:
Surface dwelling ophiuroid community on Atlantic lower bathyal mixed sediment

HabitatDescription:
This broad community consisting of assemblages characterised by brittle stars (ophiuroids) which lie on the surface of the seabed. They can occur in isolation or be overlain onto other broad communities such as  'sparse encrusting fauna' and 'mixed cold water coral'. It may be necessary to assign this broad community and 'child' biotopes in conjunction with another type. Brittle star beds comprised of Ophiomusium lymani have been recorded on Atlantic lower bathyal mixed sediment.


HabitatName:
Ophiomusium lymani and cerianthid anemone assemblage on Atlantic lower bathyal mixed sediment

HabitatDescription:
Brittle star Ophiomusium lymani and associated species on mixed sediments. This may be found overlain on top of another assemblage.


HabitatName:
Xenophyophore dominated community on Atlantic lower bathyal mixed sediment


HabitatName:
Syringammina fragilissima field on Atlantic lower bathyal mixed sediment

HabitatDescription:
Biotope characterised by dense aggregations of the xenophyophore Syringammina fragilissima on mixed sediment. Associated species will vary with depth but may include squat lobsters (Munida), Ophiuroids, Majid crabs, pale encrusting sponges (yellow, white, grey, cream, pink) and sediment dwelling anemones. The same epifaunal assemblage is also found in themid bathyal and on other sediments but associated infauna are likely to differ. Characterising species listed refer to all Syringammina fragilissima assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope.


HabitatName:
Atlantic lower bathyal biogenic structure


HabitatName:
Atlantic lower bathyal cold water coral reef (biogenic structure)

HabitatDescription:
Reefs formed by Scleractinian corals. In the Atlantic lower bathyal, the reef forming species is Solenosmilia variabilis. Cold water coral reefs are associated with a variety of other coral species, sponges, and a high diversity of other fauna. Coral reef attaches to hard substrate, but can be found on sediments where corals initially attach to pebbles and cobbles on the sediment and then the reef grows outwards.


HabitatName:
Atlantic lower bathyal live Solenosmilia variabilis reef (biogenic structure)

HabitatDescription:
This biotope is similar to Lophelia pertusa reef, but the dominant scleractinian species is Solenosmilia variabilis. It is generally found deeper than Lophelia pertusa reef in the lower bathyal zone (>1200m). Solenosmilia attaches to any hard substrate present and then grows outwards forming a hard reef structure. Solenosmilia reef is often associated with a range of coral species and a high diversity of other fauna. This biotope refers only to reef framework summits with live Solenosmilia. This biotope will generally be surrounded by dead Solenosmilia reef framework. Solenosmilia reef can be found in a mosaic with other substrate types.


HabitatName:
Mixed coral assemblage on Atlantic lower bathyal Solenosmilia reef framework (biogenic structure)

HabitatDescription:
This biotope is found on mostly dead Solenosmilia variabilis framework and is characterised by dense growths of corals of many difference species including  Isididae, Anthomastus grandiflorus, zoanthids, Antipathes sp., Leiopathes sp., Stichopathes sp. and gorgonians. It is associated with steep topography on radial ridges and parasitic cones. These mixed coral assemblages appear to provide a suitable habitat for a diverse range of fish including the false boarfish Neocyttus helgae, Lepidion eques, and orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus.


HabitatDescription:
Atlantic waters are warm (typically >8°C within the UK) and Atlantic seabed habitats occur around most of the UK, excluding depths greater than 300 m in the Faroe-Shetland Channel.  The Atlantic upper abyssal occurs below the Atlantic lower bathyal. Communities found in this zone are described in child habitats. 

Biological zones are three-dimensional biogeographical regions which represent changes in biological community both spatially around the UK and vertically in relation to depth. Biological zones have some overlap in the types of community which can occur. The boundaries relate to areas of greatest change in overall species composition. The boundaries of zones are based on water mass structure which drives differences in biology. Rough boundaries of the zones have been predicted using modelled environmental data; a GIS proxy biogeographic zone layer can be downloaded from the Marine Habitat Classification download page. The depths of upper and lower boundaries depend on several variables, so the given depth range should be treated as a guide only.


HabitatName:
Atlantic upper abyssal rock and other hard substrata


HabitatName:
Holothurian dominated community on Atlantic upper abyssal mud

HabitatDescription:
This broad community contains those biotopes where holothurians dominate. They are generally very deep (abyssal) and occur on silt or pelagic ooze. The species composition will vary with depth. The holuthurian species Benthothuria funebris and Oneirophanta have been recorded on Atlantic upper abyssal mud.


HabitatName:
Hygrosoma petersii, Benthothuria funebris and Oneirophanta assemblage on Atlantic upper abyssal mud

HabitatDescription:
This biotope consists of assemblages dominated by holothurians Benthothuria funebris and Oneirophanta with echinoderm Hygrosoma petersii on mud. Gage (1986) describes this assemblage from his deepest station in the southern Rockall Trough at 2900m on pelagic ooze.  No other detail are available on this assemblage and it is possible that it may represent a transitional assemblage between the Acanella arbuscula assemblage (found shallower) and the abyssal Psychropotes longicauda and Oneirophanta mutabilis assemblage found deeper. This assemblage has been described based on literature only.


HabitatName:
Urchin dominated community on Atlantic upper abyssal mud

HabitatDescription:
This broad community contains biotopes that are dominated by urchins and occurs on sediment. The species of urchin and associated species varies with depth and substrate type.  On Atlantic upper abyssal mud only Gracilechinus alexandri, Psilaster and Plinthastera assemblages have been recorded to date. Associated taxa include seastars, burrowing crustaceans and  holothurians.


HabitatName:
Gracilechinus alexandri, Psilaster and Plinthasterassemblage on Atlantic upper abyssal mud

HabitatDescription:
This biotope consists of urchin Gracilechinus alexandri with seastars on mud substrate. Gage (1986) describes an assemblage from the continental slope west of the Hebrides (Rockall Trough) between 1400 and 2500m on pelagic ooze and terbidite dominated by echinoderms. The same epifaunal assemblage is also found in the lower bathyal but associated infauna are likely to differ. Characterising species listed refer to all Gracilechinus alexandri, Psilaster and Plinthaster assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope.


HabitatName:
Mixed infauna dominated by polychaetes in Atlantic upper abyssal mud


HabitatName:
Atlantic upper abyssal biogenic structure


HabitatDescription:
Atlantic waters are warm (typically >8°C within the UK) and Atlantic seabed habitats occur around most of the UK, excluding depths greater than 300 m in the Faroe-Shetland Channel.  The Atlantic mid abyssal occurs below the Atlantic upper abyssal. Communities found in this zone are described in child habitats. 

Biological zones are three-dimensional biogeographical regions which represent changes in biological community both spatially around the UK and vertically in relation to depth. Biological zones have some overlap in the types of community which can occur. The boundaries relate to areas of greatest change in overall species composition. The boundaries of zones are based on water mass structure which drives differences in biology. Rough boundaries of the zones have been predicted using modelled environmental data; a GIS proxy biogeographic zone layer can be downloaded from the Marine Habitat Classification download page. The depths of upper and lower boundaries depend on several variables, so the given depth range should be treated as a guide only.


HabitatName:
Atlantic mid abyssal rock and other hard substrata


HabitatName:
Crinoid dominated community on Atlantic mid abyssal mud

HabitatDescription:
This broad community contains assembages where crinoids dominate the fauna. Crinoid assemblages are found typically in areas with higher current speeds that facilitate filter feeding, such as the shelf edge. The crinoid species Thaumatocrinus jungerseni has been recorded on Atlantic mid abyssal mud.


HabitatName:
Thaumatocrinus jungerseni assemblage on Atlantic mid abyssal mud

HabitatDescription:
Hughes and Gage (2004) describe this biotope from the mouth of Rockall Trough at 3580m dominated by the comatulid crinoid Thaumatocrinus jungerseni on fine silt or pelagic ooze. It is possible that this site experiences increased current speeds as a result of the constriction of the topography in this area, making it favourable to suspension feeding organisms such as crinoids. This assemblage may therefore be a variation on the Psychropotes longicauda and Oneirophanta mutabilis assemblage. This assemblage was described based on literature only.


HabitatName:
Holothurian dominated community on Atlantic mid abyssal mud

HabitatDescription:
This broad community contains those biotopes where holothurians dominate. They are generally very deep (abyssal) and occur on silt or pelagic ooze. The species composition will vary with depth. The holuthurian species Psycropotes longicauda and Oneirophanta mutabilis have been recorded on Atlantic mid abyssal mud.


HabitatName:
Psycropotes longicauda and Oneirophanta mutabilis assemblage on Atlantic mid abyssal mud

HabitatDescription:
This biotope consists of assemblages dominated by holothurians Psycropotes longicauda and Oneirophanta mutabilis on mud. Lavaleye et al. (2002) describe this assemblage from their two deepest stations at 3650 and 4500m at the base of the Pendragon Escarpment, presumably on pelagic ooze. Billett et al. (2001) describe holothurians as dominating the megafaunal biomass at approximately 5000m on the Porcupine Abyssal Plain and cite Psychropotes longicauda and Oneirophanta mutabilis, together with Pseudostichopus villosus as contributing substantially to the total holothurian biomass. This assemblage was described based on literature only.


HabitatDescription:
Atlantic waters are warm (typically >8°C within the UK) and Atlantic seabed habitats occur around most of the UK, excluding depths greater than 300 m in the Faroe-Shetland Channel.  The Atlantic lower abyssal occurs below the Atlantic mid abyssal. Communities found in this zone are described in child habitats. 

Biological zones are three-dimensional biogeographical regions which represent changes in biological community both spatially around the UK and vertically in relation to depth. Biological zones have some overlap in the types of community which can occur. The boundaries relate to areas of greatest change in overall species composition. The boundaries of zones are based on water mass structure which drives differences in biology. Rough boundaries of the zones have been predicted using modelled environmental data; a GIS proxy biogeographic zone layer can be downloaded from the Marine Habitat Classification download page. The depths of upper and lower boundaries depend on several variables, so the given depth range should be treated as a guide only.


HabitatName:
Atlantic lower abyssal rock and other hard substrata


HabitatName:
Atlantic lower abyssal biogenic structure


HabitatDescription:
Within the UK, Arctic seabed habitats occur at depths greater than 600 m in the Faroe-Shetland Channel. The cooler Arctic waters (typically below 0°C) are subducted below Atlantic waters meaning the uppermost Arctic vertical zone occurs at depths equivalent to the mid bathyal zone. Communities found in this zone are described in child habitats.

Biological zones are three-dimensional biogeographical regions which represent changes in biological community both spatially around the UK and vertically in relation to depth. Biological zones have some overlap in the types of community which can occur. The boundaries relate to areas of greatest change in overall species composition. The boundaries of zones are based on water mass structure which drives differences in biology. Rough boundaries of the zones have been predicted using modelled environmental data; a GIS proxy biogeographic zone layer can be downloaded from the Marine Habitat Classification download page. The depths of upper and lower boundaries depend on several variables, so the given depth range should be treated as a guide only.


HabitatDescription:
Deep-sea mud sediments have a diverse infaunal community dominated by polychaetes. Epifauna tend to be sparse, mobile species, but aggregations of erect fauna such as glass sponges, sea pens and soft corals can occur.

In the absence of ecological data, mud habitat can be defined according to Long (2006), which describes the classification's broad sediment types according to the relative proportion of mud, sand and gravel (see http://www.emodnet-seabedhabitats.eu/PDF/GMHM3_Detailed_explanation_of_seabed_sediment_classification.pdf). Note that Folk muddy sand sediments are classed as mud habitat if the mud content is great enough to support species usually associated with mud. In the absence of particle size data it can be difficult to reliably distinguish between mud and sand.


HabitatName:
Mixed infauna dominated by polychaetes in Arctic mid bathyal mud


HabitatDescription:
Deep-sea sand sediments have a diverse infaunal community dominated by polychaetes. Epifauna tend to be sparse, mobile species, or burrowing fauna such as anemones and brittlestars visible at the surface.

In the absence of ecological data, sand habitat can be defined according to Long (2006), which describes the classification's broad sediment types according to the relative proportion of mud, sand and gravel (see http://www.emodnet-seabedhabitats.eu/PDF/GMHM3_Detailed_explanation_of_seabed_sediment_classification.pdf). Note that small amounts of gravel with sand can move the habitat from sand to coarse sediment. Also note that Folk muddy sand sediments are classed as mud habitat if the mud content is great enough to support species usually associated with mud. In the absence of particle size data it can be difficult to reliably distinguish between mud and sand.


HabitatName:
Mixed infauna dominated by polychaetes in Arctic mid bathyal sand


HabitatDescription:
Deep-sea coarse sediment has not been sampled widely for infauna so little is currently known about infaunal community structure. Epifauna tend to be sparse mobile species or burrowing fauna such as anemones visible at the surface. Coarse sediment includes unstable pebbles, cobbles, boulders and coral rubble.

In the absence of ecological data, coarse sediment habitat can be defined according to Long (2006), which describes the classification's broad sediment types according to the relative proportion of mud, sand and gravel(see http://www.emodnet-seabedhabitats.eu/PDF/GMHM3_Detailed_explanation_of_seabed_sediment_classification.pdf). Note that only small amounts of gravel are required to move the habitat from sand to coarse sediment and only small amounts of mud can move the habitat from coarse to mixed sediment. In the absence of particle size data it can be difficult to reliably distinguish between coarse sediment and mixed sediment. Note that stable pebbles, cobbles and boulders are classed as rock; any rock present on coarse sediment is considered a separate habitat within a mosaic.


HabitatName:
Burrowing anemone field in Arctic mid bathyal coarse sediment

HabitatDescription:
This broad community includes sediment biotopes where burrowing anemones are the dominant fauna. In Arctic mid bathyal coarse sediment, the burrowing anemones have been tentatively identified as Halcampids. They are found associated gravel/ pebble coarse sediment which is interspersed with rock. This community can occur in association with ophuroid dominated communities, and crinoid dominated communities may attach to any rock present. Due to difficulties in taxonomic identification using soley video footage, no species level assemblages could be described for this type of burrowing anemone field. Species are likely to differ from those occuring in Atlantic waters.


HabitatDescription:
Deep-sea mixed sediment has not been sampled widely for infauna so little is currently known about infaunal community structure. Epifauna tend to be sparse mobile species. 

In the absence of ecological data, mixed sediment habitat can be defined according to Long (2006), which describes the classification's broad sediment types according to the relative proportion of mud, sand and gravel (see http://www.emodnet-seabedhabitats.eu/PDF/GMHM3_Detailed_explanation_of_seabed_sediment_classification.pdf). Note that only small amounts of gravel are required to move the habitat from mud to mixed sediment and only small amounts of mud can move the habitat from coarse to mixed sediment. In the absence of particle size data it can be difficult to reliably distinguish between coarse sediment and mixed sediment. Note that stable pebbles, cobbles and boulders are classed as rock; any rock present on mixed sediment is considered a separate habitat within a mosaic.


HabitatName:
Arctic mid bathyal rock and other hard substrata

HabitatDescription:
Rock and other hard substrate have more diverse epifaunal communities than sediment as species attach to the hard surface that in turn attract more fauna. Deep-sea rock is generally encrusted in a range of species including sponges and cold water water corals. Rock includes bedrock, mixed substrate of pebbles, cobbles and boulders, and isolated drop stones. It can occur in a mosaic with sediment habitats. Other hard substrate include carbonate and hard clay as well as artificial surfaces. Rock does not have an infaunal community, with the exception of boring species.


HabitatName:
Crinoid dominated community on Arctic mid bathyal rock and other hard substrata

HabitatDescription:
This broad community contains assembages where crinoids dominate the fauna. Crinoid assemblages are found typically in areas with higher current speeds that facilitate filter feeding, such as the shelf edge. The crinoid species Heliometra glacialis has been recorded on Arctic mid bathyal rock.


HabitatName:
Heliometra glacialis, Actinostolid anemones and tube worm assemblage on Arctic mid bathyal rock and other hard substrata

HabitatDescription:
This biotope has been recorded on a cobble and boulder matrix at the base of the Wyville Thomson Ridge in cold Arctic waters. Conspicuous fauna are the Actinostolid anemones, the crinoid Heliometra glacialis, and sabellid tube worms.


HabitatName:
Mixed cold water coral community on Arctic mid bathyal rock and other hard substrata

HabitatDescription:
This broad community contains those biotopes where corals dominate but do not form a living coral reef. A mixture of different coral types can be present. Associated species are similar to 'sparse encrusting community', including sponges and ophiuroids. On Arctic mid bathyal rock, corals recorded include hydroid Corymorpha, soft coral Gersemia and zoanthid Zoantharia.


HabitatName:
Corymorpha, Gersemia, Zoantharia and Heliometra glacialis on Arctic lower bathyal rock and other hard substrata

HabitatDescription:
This biotope has been recorded on a cobble matrix at the base of the Wyville-Thomson Ridge. The most conspicuos fauna are an unidentified orange zoanthid, Corymorpha and Gersemia, although there is a dense ophiuroid bed present also. It is found in the cold Arctic waters.


HabitatDescription:
Arctic waters are much cooler than Atlantic waters (typically below 0°C). Within the UK, Arctic seabed habitats occur at depths greater than 600 m in the Faroe-Shetland Channel. The Arctic lower bathyal zone occurs below the Arctic mid bathyal. Communities found in this zone are described in child habitats.

Biological zones are three-dimensional biogeographical regions which represent changes in biological community both spatially around the UK and vertically in relation to depth. Biological zones have some overlap in the types of community which can occur. The boundaries relate to areas of greatest change in overall species composition. The boundaries of zones are based on water mass structure which drives differences in biology. Rough boundaries of the zones have been predicted using modelled environmental data; a GIS proxy biogeographic zone layer can be downloaded from the Marine Habitat Classification download page. The depths of upper and lower boundaries depend on several variables, so the given depth range should be treated as a guide only.


HabitatName:
Mixed infauna dominated by polychaetes in Arctic lower bathyal mud


HabitatName:
Arctic lower bathyal rock and other hard substrata


HabitatDescription:
Arctic waters are much cooler than Atlantic waters (typically below 0°C). Within the UK, Arctic seabed habitats occur at depths greater than 600 m in the Faroe-Shetland Channel. The Arctic upper abyssal zone occurs below the Arctic lower bathyal. Communities found in this zone are described in child habitats.

Biological zones are three-dimensional biogeographical regions which represent changes in biological community both spatially around the UK and vertically in relation to depth. Biological zones have some overlap in the types of community which can occur. The boundaries relate to areas of greatest change in overall species composition. The boundaries of zones are based on water mass structure which drives differences in biology. Rough boundaries of the zones have been predicted using modelled environmental data; a GIS proxy biogeographic zone layer can be downloaded from the Marine Habitat Classification download page. The depths of upper and lower boundaries depend on several variables, so the given depth range should be treated as a guide only.


HabitatName:
Arctic upper abyssal rock and other hard substrata


HabitatName:
Mixed infauna dominated by polychaetes in Arctic upper abyssal mud


HabitatDescription:
The Atlanto-Arctic  is an area of mixing between warm Atlantic waters and cool Arctic waters, where water temperature fluctates dramatically between approximately 0 and 8°C. Atlanto-Arctic waters are subducted under Atlantic upper bathyal waters; the Atlanto-Arctic zone makes up the lower section of the upper bathyal in this region. Atlanto-Arctic upper bathyal seabed habitats occur at depths of approximately 300 - 600 m in the Faroe-Shetland channel, although this may vary locally. The Atlanto-Arctic is included as a separate zone as it is associated with a distinct water mass and the composition of the biological community is very different to other areas due to the fluctuating water temperature. Communities found in this zone are described in child habitats.  

Biological zones are three-dimensional biogeographical regions which represent changes in biological community both spatially around the UK and vertically in relation to depth. Biological zones have some overlap in the types of community which can occur. The boundaries relate to areas of greatest change in overall species composition. The boundaries of zones are based on water mass structure which drives differences in biology. Rough boundaries of the zones have been predicted using modelled environmental data; a GIS proxy biogeographic zone layer can be downloaded from the Marine Habitat Classification download page. The depths of upper and lower boundaries depend on several variables, so the given depth range should be treated as a guide only.


HabitatName:
Atlanto-Arctic upper bathyal coarse sediment


HabitatName:
Deep sponge aggregation on Atlanto-Arctic upper bathyal coarse sediment

HabitatDescription:
This broad community contains assemblages where sponges dominate sediment habitats. Sponges can be of all morphotypes except encrusting. Aggregations of the Geodia species with other massive forms are typical of Atlanto-Arctic upper bathyal coarse or mixed sediment. Associated species are likely to differ on different sediment types.


HabitatName:
Geodia and other massive sponges on Atlanto-Arctic upper bathyal coarse sediment

HabitatDescription:
This biotope has been found at approximately 500m on the eastern slopes of the Faroe-Shetland Channel. It principally consists of rather small sponge specimens that practically carpet the seafloor. Large sponges (tens of centimetres in diameter) are however common. The area where the community is observed experiences temperature fluctuations between <0°C to >8°C and heightend current speeds as a result of internal tides between Arctic and Atlantic environmental data. This assemblage  is also known as Boreal Ostur. The same assemblage  was recorded on mixed sediment, but associated infaunal species are likely to differ. Characterising species listed refer to all Geodia and other massive sponge assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope.


HabitatName:
Sparse encrusting community on Atlanto-Arctic upper bathyal coarse sediment

HabitatDescription:
This broad community includes all biotopes that are characterised by encrusting species including deep-sea sponges, serpulid worms, cup corals and Anoniimid bivalves. Associated species can include squat lobsters, holothurians and ophiuroids. This community is widespread and occurs on coarse sediment and rock where erect coral species are absent. The species composition of the biotopes belonging to this broad community will vary with depth and location, and associated species will vary with sediment type.


HabitatName:
Pale encrusting sponges and serpulids on Atlanto-Arctic upper bathyal coarse sediment

HabitatDescription:
This biotope consists of gravel substrates with few visible epifauna only encrusting forms. The same assemblage was recorded in the Atlantic upper and Arctic mid bathyal zones, but associated infaunal species are likely to differ. Characterising species listed refer to all pale encrusting sponge and serpulid assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope.


HabitatName:
Atlanto-Arctic upper bathyal mixed sediment


HabitatName:
Deep sponge aggregation on Atlanto-Arctic upper bathyal mixed sediment


HabitatName:
Geodia and other massive sponges on Atlanto-Arctic upper bathyal mixed sediment

HabitatDescription:
This biotope has been found at approximately 500m on the eastern slopes of the Faroe-Shetland Channel, it principally consists of rather small sponge specimens but that practically carpet the seafloor. Large sponges (tens of centimetres in diameter) are however common. The area where the community is observed experiences temperature fluctuations between <0°C to >8°C and heightend current speeds as a result of internal tides between Arctic and Atlantic environmental data. This assemblage  is also known as Boreal Ostur. The same assemblage  was recorded on sand substrate, but associated infaunal species are likely to differ. Characterising species listed refer to all Geodia and other massive sponge assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope.


HabitatName:
Atlanto-Arctic upper bathyal rock and other hard substrata


HabitatName:
Atlanto-Arctic upper bathyal biogenic structure


HabitatDescription:
Bedrock and mixed substrata swept by strong tidal currents and dominated by large seaweeds such as fucoids and kelps that form dense forests or sparse parks with increasing water depth. As in terrestrial forests, the kelps and fucoids form a canopy that provides shelter for an under-storey of sheltering plants and animals such as foliose red seaweeds, sea squirts, sea mats and sea firs. Some species grow on the seaweeds themselves. The bedrock or boulders below provide important habitats for limpets, winkles, dog whelks, tube worms, sponges, crabs and starfish.

 

Description from "Tyler-Walters, H., James, B. (eds.), Wilding, C., Durkin, O., Lacey, C., Philpott, E., Adams, L., Chaniotis, P.D., Wilkes, P.T.V., Seeley, R., Neilly, M., Dargie, J. and Crawford-Avis, O.T. (2012). Descriptions of Marine Protected Area (MPA) search features. A report produced by MarLIN (Marine Life Information Network), SMRU Ltd., Scottish Natural Heritage and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, for the Scottish Marine Protected Areas Project."


HabitatName:
Verrucaria maura and Porphyra umbilicalis on very exposed littoral fringe rock


HabitatName:
Verrucaria maura on moderately exposed to very sheltered upper littoral fringe rock


HabitatName:
Chrysophyceae on vertical upper littoral fringe soft rock


HabitatName:
Exposed littoral rock (mussel/barnacle shores)


HabitatName:
Barnacles and Patella spp. on exposed or moderately exposed, or vertical sheltered, eulittoral rock


HabitatName:
Barnacles and Lichina pygmaea on steep exposed upper eulittoral rock


HabitatName:
Catenella caespitosa on overhanging, or shaded vertical, upper eulittoral rock


HabitatName:
Barnacles, Patella spp. and Fucus vesiculosus f. linearis on exposed eulittoral rock


HabitatName:
Semibalanus balanoides on exposed or moderately exposed, or vertical sheltered, eulittoral rock


HabitatName:
Fucus distichus subsp. anceps and Fucus spiralis f. nana on extremely exposed upper eulittoral rock


HabitatName:
Corallina officinalis on very exposed lower eulittoral rock


HabitatName:
Himanthalia elongata and red seaweeds on exposed lower eulittoral rock


HabitatName:
Moderately exposed littoral rock (barnacle/fucoid shores)


HabitatName:
Barnacles and fucoids (moderately exposed shores)


HabitatName:
Dense Fucus serratus on moderately exposed to very sheltered lower eulittoral rock


HabitatName:
Fucus serratus and under-boulder fauna on lower eulittoral boulders


HabitatName:
Red seaweeds (moderately exposed shores)


HabitatName:
Mixed red seaweeds on moderately exposed lower eulittoral rock


HabitatName:
Palmaria palmata on very to moderately exposed lower eulittoral rock


HabitatName:
Mastocarpus stellatus and Chondrus crispus on very to moderately exposed lower eulittoral rock


HabitatName:
Osmundea (Laurencia) pinnatifida and Gelidium pusillum on moderately exposed mid eulittoral rock


HabitatName:
Ephemeral green or red seaweeds (freshwater or sand-influenced)


HabitatName:
Enteromorpha spp. on freshwater-influenced or unstable upper eulittoral rock


HabitatName:
Porphyra purpurea or Enteromorpha spp. on sand-scoured mid or lower eulittoral rock


HabitatName:
Mytilus (mussels) and fucoids (moderately exposed shores)


HabitatName:
Littoral Sabellaria (honeycomb worm) reefs


HabitatName:
Fucus spiralis on moderately exposed to very sheltered upper eulittoral rock


HabitatName:
Fucus vesiculosus on sheltered mid eulittoral rock


HabitatName:
Fucoids, barnacles or ephemeral seaweeds (mixed substrata)


HabitatName:
Barnacles and Littorina littorea on unstable eulittoral mixed substrata


HabitatName:
Ascophyllum nodosum on mid eulittoral mixed substrata


HabitatName:
Ascophyllum nodosum ecad. mackaii beds on extremely sheltered mid eulittoral mixed substrata


HabitatName:
Fucus serratus on lower eulittoral mixed substrata


HabitatName:
Ephemeral green and red seaweeds on variable salinity or disturbed eulittoral mixed substrata


HabitatName:
Fucus ceranoides on reduced salinity eulittoral mixed substrata


HabitatName:
Mytilus edulis beds on eulittoral mixed substrata


HabitatName:
Green seaweeds (Enteromorpha spp. and Cladophora spp.) in upper shore rockpools


HabitatName:
Corallina officinalis and coralline crusts in shallow eulittoral rockpools


HabitatName:
Cystoseira spp. in shallow eulittoral rockpools


HabitatName:
Fucoids and kelps in deep eulittoral rockpools


HabitatName:
Seaweeds in sediment (sand or gravel)-floored eulittoral rockpools


HabitatName:
Rhodothamniella floridula in upper littoral fringe soft rock caves


HabitatName:
Sponges and shade-tolerant red seaweeds on overhanging lower eulittoral bedrock


HabitatName:
Sponges, bryozoans and ascidians on deeply overhanging lower shore bedrock


HabitatName:
Talitrid amphipods in decomposing seaweed on the strand-line


HabitatName:
Burrowing amphipods and Eurydice pulchra in well-drained clean sand shores


HabitatName:
Burrowing amphipods and polychaetes in clean sand shores


HabitatName:
Burrowing amphipods and polychaetes (often with Arenicola marina) in clean sand shores


HabitatName:
Burrowing amphipods Pontocrates spp. and Bathyporeia spp. in lower shore clean sand


HabitatName:
Dense Lanice conchilega in tide-swept lower shore sand


HabitatName:
Oligochaetes in reduced or low salinity gravel or coarse sand shores


HabitatName:
Bathyporeia spp. and Corophium spp. in upper shore slightly muddy fine sands


HabitatName:
Polychaetes and Cerastoderma edule in fine sand and muddy sand shores


HabitatName:
Macoma balthica  and Arenicola marina in muddy sand shores


HabitatName:
Arenicola marina, Macoma balthica and Mya arenaria in muddy sand shores


HabitatName:
Zostera noltii beds in upper to mid shore muddy sand


HabitatName:
Elymus pycnanthus with Suaeda vera or Inulu crithmoides


HabitatName:
Sagina maritima ephemeral salt marsh in sand


HabitatName:
Juncus maritimus with Triglochin maritima


HabitatName:
Artemisia maritima with Festuca rubra, or open canopy of A. maritima and Halimione


HabitatName:
Sub-communities of Festuca rubra with Agrostis stolonifera, Juncus gerardi, Puccinellia maritima, Glaux maritima, Triglochin maritima, Armeria maritima and Plantago maritima


HabitatName:
Sub-communities of Puccinellia maritima saltmarsh with Limonium vulgare and Armeria maritima; Puccinellia maritima with Glaux maritima co-dominant in species-poor vegetation; Puccinellia maritima with Plantago maritima and/or Armeria maritima


HabitatName:
Annual Salicornia, Suaeda maritima and Puccinella maritima


HabitatName:
Arthrocnemum perenne, sometimes with Halimione, Puccinella and Suaeda


HabitatName:
Spartina alterniflora with Spartina anglica, Puccinellia maritima and Aster tripolium


HabitatName:
Hediste diversicolor and Macoma balthica in sandy mud shores


HabitatName:
Hediste diversicolor, Macoma balthica and Arenicola marina in muddy sand or sandy mud shores


HabitatName:
Hediste diversicolor, Macoma balthica and Pygospio elegans in sandy mud shores


HabitatName:
Hediste diversicolor, Macoma balthica and Mya arenaria in sandy mud shores


HabitatName:
Hediste diversicolor and Scrobicularia plana in reduced salinity mud shores


HabitatName:
Hediste diversicolor and Streblospio shrubsolii in sandy mud or soft mud shores


HabitatName:
Hediste diversicolor and oligochaetes in low salinity mud shores


HabitatName:
Mytilus edulis and Fabricia sabella in poorly-sorted muddy sand or muddy gravel shores


HabitatName:
Mya arenaria and polychaetes in muddy gravel shores


HabitatName:
Kelp with cushion fauna, foliose red seaweeds or coralline crusts (exposed rock)


HabitatName:
Alaria esculenta on sublittoral fringe bedrock


HabitatName:
Alaria esculenta forest with dense anemones and sponge crusts on extremely exposed infralittoral bedrock


HabitatName:
Laminaria hyperborea forest with a faunal cushion (sponges and polyclinids) and foliose red seaweeds on very exposed infralittoral rock


HabitatName:
Foliose red seaweeds on exposed or moderately exposed lower infralittoral rock


HabitatName:
Robust faunal cushions and crusts (surge gullies & caves)


HabitatName:
Sponge crusts and anemones on wave-surged vertical infralittoral rock


HabitatName:
Sponge crusts, anemones and Tubularia indivisa in shallow infralittoral surge gullies


HabitatName:
Sponge crusts and colonial ascidians on wave-surged vertical infralittoral rock


HabitatName:
Sponge crusts, colonial (polyclinid) ascidians and a bryozoan/hydroid turf on wave-surged vertical or overhanging infralittoral rock


HabitatName:
Sponge crusts on extremely wave-surged infralittoral cave or gully walls


HabitatName:
Balanus crenatus and/or Pomatoceros triqueter with spirorbid worms and coralline crusts on severely scoured infralittoral rock (No description at this level)


HabitatName:
Kelp with red seaweeds (moderately exposed rock)


HabitatName:
Laminaria digitata on moderately exposed or tide-swept sublittoral fringe rock


HabitatName:
Grazed Laminaria hyperborea with coralline crusts on infralittoral rock


HabitatName:
Sand or gravel-affected or disturbed kelp and seaweed communities


HabitatName:
Saccorhiza polyschides and other opportunistic kelps on disturbed upper infralittoral rock


HabitatName:
Laminaria saccharina, Chorda filum and dense red seaweeds on shallow unstable infralittoral boulders and cobbles


HabitatName:
Ephemeral red seaweeds and kelps on tide-swept mobile infralittoral cobbles


HabitatName:
Laminaria saccharina, foliose red seaweeds, sponges & ascidians on tide-swept infralittoral rock


HabitatName:
Sparse Laminaria saccharina with Codium spp. and sparse red seaweeds on heavily silted very sheltered infralittoral rock


HabitatName:
Echinus, brittlestars and coralline crusts on grazed lower infralittoral rock


HabitatName:
Laminaria saccharina on reduced or low salinity infralittoral rock


HabitatName:
Sparse Laminaria saccharina with dense filamentous red seaweeds, sponges and Balanus crenatus on tide-swept variable salinity infralittoral rock


HabitatName:
Laminaria saccharina and Psammechinus miliaris on slightly reduced salinity grazed infralittoral rock


HabitatName:
Laminaria saccharina with Phyllophora spp. and filamentous green seaweeds on reduced or low salinity infralittoral rock


HabitatName:
Estuarine faunal communities (shallow rock/mixed substrata)


HabitatName:
Submerged fucoids, green and red seaweeds (lagoonal rock)


HabitatName:
Fauna and seaweeds (shallow vertical rock)


HabitatName:
Corynactis viridis, Metridium senile and Alcyonium digitatum on exposed or moderately exposed vertical infralittoral rock


HabitatName:
Alcyonium digitatum and a bryozoan, hydroid and ascidian turf on moderately exposed vertical infralittoral rock


HabitatName:
Hiatella arctica, bryozoans and ascidians on vertical infralittoral soft rock


HabitatName:
Faunal crusts or short turfs (wave-exposed rock)


HabitatName:
Coralline crusts, Parasmittina trispinosa, Caryophyllia smithii, Haliclona viscosa, polyclinids and sparse Corynactis viridis on very exposed circalittoral rock


HabitatName:
Corynactis viridis and a crisiid/Bugula/Cellaria turf on steep or vertical exposed circalittoral rock


HabitatName:
Pomatoceros triqueter, Balanus crenatus and bryozoan crusts on mobile circalittoral cobbles and pebbles


HabitatName:
Alcyonium digitatum with massive sponges (Cliona celata and Pachymatisma johnstonia) and Nemertesia antennina on moderately tide-swept exposed circalittoral rock


HabitatName:
Alcyonium digitatum with Securiflustra securifrons on weakly tide-swept or scoured moderately exposed circalittoral rock


HabitatName:
Alcyonium digitatum, Pomatoceros triqueter, algal and bryozoan crusts on vertical exposed circalittoral rock


HabitatName:
Barnacle, cushion sponge and Tubularia communities (very tide-swept/wave-sheltered)


HabitatName:
Tubularia indivisa, sponges and other hydroids on tide-swept circalittoral bedrock


HabitatName:
Balanus crenatus, Halichondria panicea and Alcyonidium diaphanum on extremely tide-swept sheltered circalittoral rock


HabitatName:
Cushion sponges, hydroids and ascidians on very tide-swept sheltered circalittoral rock


HabitatName:
Mixed faunal turfs (moderately exposed rock)


HabitatName:
Phakellia ventilabrum and axinellid sponges on deep exposed circalittoral rock


HabitatName:
Erect sponges, Eunicella verrucosa and Pentapora foliacea on slightly tide-swept moderately exposed circalittoral rock


HabitatName:
Cushion sponges (Polymastia boletiformis, Tethya), stalked sponges, Nemertesia spp. and Pentapora foliacea on moderately exposed circalittoral rock


HabitatName:
Erect sponges and Swiftia pallida on slightly tide-swept moderately exposed circalittoral rock


HabitatName:
Sparse sponges, Nemertesia spp., Alcyonidium diaphanum and Bowerbankia spp. on circalittoral mixed substrata


HabitatName:
Flustra foliacea and other hydroid/bryozoan turf species on slightly scoured circalittoral rock or mixed substrata


HabitatName:
Flustra foliacea on slightly scoured silty circalittoral rock or mixed substrata


HabitatName:
Flustra foliacea with hydroids, bryozoans and sponges on slightly tide-swept circalittoral mixed substrata


HabitatName:
Sertularia argentea, S. cupressina and Hydrallmania falcata on tide-swept circalittoral cobbles and pebbles


HabitatName:
Haliclona oculata and Flustra foliacea with a rich faunal turf on tide-swept sheltered circalittoral boulders or cobbles


HabitatName:
Urticina felina on sand-affected circalittoral rock


HabitatName:
Urticina felina on sand-scoured circalittoral rock


HabitatName:
Urticina felina and Ciocalypta penicillus on sand-covered circalittoral rock


HabitatName:
Sabellaria spinulosa crusts on silty turbid circalittoral rock


HabitatName:
Mussel beds (open coast circalittoral rock/mixed substrata)


HabitatName:
Mytilus edulis beds with hydroids and ascidians on tide-swept moderately exposed circalittoral rock


HabitatName:
Ophiothrix fragilis and/or Ophiocomina nigra beds on slightly tide-swept circalittoral rock or mixed substrata


HabitatName:
Ophiopholis aculeata beds on slightly tide-swept circalittoral rock or mixed substrata


HabitatName:
Grazed fauna (moderately exposed or sheltered rock)


HabitatName:
Faunal and algal crusts, Echinus esculentus, sparse Alcyonium digitatum and grazing-tolerant fauna on moderately exposed circalittoral rock


HabitatName:
Faunal and algal crusts, Echinus esculentus, sparse Alcyonium digitatum, Abietinaria abietina and other grazing-tolerant fauna on moderately exposed circalittoral rock


HabitatName:
Stolonica socialis and/or Polyclinum aurantium with Flustra foliacea on slightly sand-scoured tide-swept moderately exposed circalittoral rock


HabitatName:
Molgula manhattensis and Polycarpa spp. with erect sponges on tide-swept moderately exposed circalittoral rock


HabitatName:
Dense ascidians, bryozoans and hydroids on a crust of Sabellaria spinulosa on tide-swept circalittoral rock


HabitatName:
Piddocks with a sparse associated fauna in upward-facing circalittoral very soft chalk or clay


HabitatName:
Polydora sp. tubes on upward-facing circalittoral soft rock


HabitatName:
Brachiopod and solitary ascidian communities (sheltered rock)


HabitatName:
Suberites spp. and other sponges with solitary ascidians on very sheltered circalittoral rock


HabitatName:
Solitary ascidians, including Ascidia mentula and Ciona intestinalis, on very sheltered circalittoral rock


HabitatName:
Large Metridium senile and solitary ascidians on grazed very sheltered circalittoral rock


HabitatName:
Ascidiella aspersa on sheltered circalittoral rocks on muddy sediment


HabitatName:
Neocrania anomala and Protanthea simplex on very sheltered circalittoral rock


HabitatName:
Brachiopods, calcareous tubeworms (Placostegus tridentatus, Hydroides) and sponges on variable salinity circalittoral rock


HabitatName:
Neocrania anomala, Dendrodoa grossularia and Sarcodictyon roseum on reduced or low salinity circalittoral rock


HabitatName:
Antedon bifida and a bryozoan/hydroid turf on steep or vertical circalittoral rock


HabitatName:
Bugula spp. and other bryozoans on vertical moderately exposed circalittoral rock


HabitatName:
Sponges, cup corals and Parerythropodium coralloides on shaded or overhanging circalittoral rock


HabitatName:
Circalittoral offshore rock (and other hard substrata)


HabitatName:
Phymatolithon calcareum maerl beds with hydroids and echinoderms in deeper infralittoral clean gravel or coarse sand


HabitatName:
Spisula elliptica and venerid bivalves in infralittoral clean sand or shell gravel


HabitatName:
Sparse fauna in marine infralittoral mobile clean sand


HabitatName:
Sertularia cupressina and Hydrallmania falcata on tide-swept sublittoral cobbles or pebbles in coarse sand


HabitatName:
Dense Lanice conchilega and other polychaetes in tide-swept infralittoral sand


HabitatName:
Fabulina fabula and Magelona mirabilis with venerid bivalves in infralittoral compacted fine sand


HabitatName:
Sparse fauna in reduced salinity infralittoral mobile sand


HabitatName:
Nephtys cirrosa and fluctuating salinity-tolerant fauna in reduced salinity infralittoral mobile sand


HabitatName:
Neomysis integer and Gammarus spp. in low salinity infralittoral mobile sand


HabitatName:
Venerid bivalves in circalittoral coarse sand or gravel


HabitatName:
Neopentadactyla mixta and venerid bivalves in circalittoral shell gravel or coarse sand


HabitatName:
Venerid bivalves and Branchiostoma lanceolatum in circalittoral coarse sand with shell gravel


HabitatName:
Zostera marina/angustifolia beds in lower shore or infralittoral clean or muddy sand


HabitatName:
Echinocardium cordatum and Ensis sp. in lower shore or shallow sublittoral muddy fine sand


HabitatName:
Spio filicornis and Spiophanes bombyx infralittoral clean or muddy sand


HabitatName:
Macoma balthica and Abra alba in infralittoral muddy sand or mud


HabitatName:
Abra alba, Nucula nitida and Corbula gibba in circalittoral muddy sand or slightly mixed sediment


HabitatName:
Amphiura filiformis and Echinocardium cordatum in circalittoral clean or slightly muddy sand


HabitatName:
Virgularia mirabilis and Ophiura spp. on circalittoral sandy or shelly mud


HabitatName:
Virgularia mirabilis and Ophiura spp. with hydroids and ascidians on circalittoral sandy or shelly mud with shells or stones


HabitatName:
Semi-permanent tube-building amphipods and polychaetes in sublittoral mud or muddy sand


HabitatName:
Arenicola marina and synaptid holothurians in extremely shallow soft mud


HabitatName:
Polydora ciliata in variable salinity infralittoral firm mud or clay


HabitatName:
Tubificoides spp. in reduced salinity infralittoral muddy sediment


HabitatName:
Seapens and burrowing megafauna in circalittoral soft mud


HabitatName:
Seapens, including Funiculina quadrangularis, and burrowing megafauna in undisturbed circalittoral soft mud


HabitatName:
Laminaria saccharina (sugar kelp) and filamentous seaweeds (mixed sediment)


HabitatName:
Laminaria saccharina, Chorda filum and filamentous red seaweeds on sheltered infralittoral sediment


HabitatName:
Lithothamnion fasciculatum maerl beds with Chlamys varia on infralittoral sandy mud or mud


HabitatName:
Lithothamnion dentatum maerl beds on infralittoral muddy sediment


HabitatName:
Ostrea edulis beds on shallow sublittoral muddy sediment


HabitatName:
Shallow mixed sediment faunal communities


HabitatName:
Venerupis senegalensis and Mya truncata in lower shore or infralittoral muddy gravel


HabitatName:
Burrowing anemones in sublittoral muddy gravel


HabitatName:
Crepidula fornicata and Aphelochaeta marioni in variable salinity infralittoral mixed sediment


HabitatName:
Mytilus edulis beds in variable salinity infralittoral mixed sediment


HabitatName:
Polydora ciliata, Mya truncata and solitary ascidians in variable salinity infralittoral mixed sediment


HabitatName:
Sabellaria spinulosa and Polydora spp. on stable circalittoral mixed sediment


HabitatName:
Modiolus modiolus beds on circalittoral mixed sediment


HabitatName:
Ampharete falcata turf with Parvicardium ovale on cohesive muddy very fine sand near margins of deep stratified seas


HabitatName:
Foramaniferans and Thyasira sp. in deep circalittoral soft mud


HabitatName:
Styela gelatinosa and other solitary ascidians on sheltered deep circalittoral muddy sediment


HabitatName:
Intertidal biogenic reef: Sabellaria spp.


HabitatName:
Subtidal biogenic reefs: Sabellaria spp.


HabitatName:
Sediment flat feature (Blue mussel beds)


HabitatName:
Sediment flat feature (Sea loch egg wrack beds)


HabitatName:
Offshore circalittoral rock and biogenic reef


