EUNIS habitat classification 2017 > M - Marine benthic habitats > MA1 - Littoral rock > MA15 - Mediterranean littoral rock > MA153 - Biocenosis of Mediterranean upper mediolittoral rock

Biocenosis of Mediterranean upper mediolittoral rock

Description (English)

The distribution and type of the populations of the solid substratum in the mediolittoral stage are profoundly affected by the submersion variability due to waves and to the irregular rise in the sea level caused by atmospheric pressure and wind. Two horizons corresponding to different average values of the dominant factors (humectation, light, nutrients, topography and type of substratum) can be made out. The upper horizon corresponds to the area that is only moistened by the tops of the waves and spray. The upper mediolittoral which corresponds to this habitat is the horizon where the environmental conditions are most restrictive. According to the hydrodynamics and the local topography, it can extend over a vertical area of a few centimeters to two meters.
Variations in the environmental conditions affect the vertical extension of the biocenosis of the upper mediolittoral rock, and also the density of its cover and its dominant composition. This habitat also varies according to the nature of the substratum. Development of endolithic Cyanobacteria (=Cyanophyceae) is intense on the calcareous coasts.
A certain number of facies which may appear as belts can be made out (See facies and associations).

Source: EUNIS habitat classification

Quick facts

EUNIS habitat type	code MA153
Relation to	Resolution 4 habitat type (used for designation of Emerald sites)

Legal status

Relation to other habitat types mentioned in legal instruments

Legal text	Annex	Name in legal text	Code in legal text	Habitat type relationship	More information
Convention on the conservation of European wildlife and natural habitats	Revised Annex I of Resolution 4 (1996) of the Bern Convention on endangered natural habitats types using the EUNIS habitat classification (year of revision 2010)	Large shallow inlets and bays	1160	Overlap	https://wcd.coe.int/ViewDoc....ckColorLogged=FDC864 Resolution No. 4 (1996) of the Bern Convention lists endangered natural habitats requiring specific conservation measures [and the designation of Areas of Special Conservation Interest (ASCIs) forming the Emerald network]
Convention on the conservation of European wildlife and natural habitats	Revised Annex I of Resolution 4 (1996) of the Bern Convention on endangered natural habitats types using the EUNIS habitat classification (year of revision 2010)	Reefs	1170	Narrower	https://wcd.coe.int/ViewDoc....ckColorLogged=FDC864 Resolution No. 4 (1996) of the Bern Convention lists endangered natural habitats requiring specific conservation measures [and the designation of Areas of Special Conservation Interest (ASCIs) forming the Emerald network]

Vegetation types

Relation to vegetation types (syntaxa)

Not available

Species mentioned in habitat description

Not available

Other classifications

Classification	Code	Habitat type name	Relationship type
EUNIS Habitat Classification 2007 (revised descriptions 2012)	A1.13	Mediterranean and Black Sea communities of upper mediolittoral rock	same
European Red List of Habitats	MEDA1.13	Communities of Mediterranean upper mediolittoral rock	same
European Red List of Habitats	MEDA1.41	Communities of Mediterranean mediolittoral rockpools	same

For relation to plant communities (syntaxa), see Vegetation types

History

Classification	Code	Habitat type name	Relationship type
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410	A1.13	Mediterranean communities of upper mediolittoral rock	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200308	A1.13	Mediterranean communities of the upper mediolittoral rock	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202	A1.13	Communities of the upper mediolittoral rock	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199910	A1.13	Biocenosis of the upper mediolittoral rock	same

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