EUNIS habitat classification 2017 > M - Marine benthic habitats > MA2 - Littoral biogenic habitat > MA25 - Mediterranean littoral biogenic habitat > MA255 - Mediterranean biogenic reefs assemblages of the lower mediolittoral rock biocenosis > MA2552 - Platforms with coralline algae (Lithophyllum concretions)

Platforms with coralline algae (Lithophyllum concretions)

Description (English)

These platforms develop on rocky calcareous, volcanic or crystalline substrates which are regularly wetted by tides and waves.
It is therefore the highest biological construction of the benthic realm at sea level. When the water is calm, the rims emerge completely and their outer margins may be as much as 20-30 centimetres above the water.
This condition is made possible by the combined action of two factors which allow the maintaining of the correct degree of moisture: exposure to waves, and the porous nature of the calcareous structure. The height above mean sea level varies according to the force of waves and/or the presence of cracks and clefts which are vulnerable to storms off the coast.

Source: EUNIS habitat classification

Quick facts

EUNIS habitat type	code MA2552
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)	A2.7	Littoral biogenic reefs	narrower

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

History

Classification	Code	Habitat type name	Relationship type
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410	A2.7	Littoral biogenic reefs	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200308	A2.8	Littoral biogenic structures	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202	A2.8	Biogenic structures on littoral sediments	same

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