EUNIS habitat classification 2017 > M - Marine benthic habitats > MA5 - Littoral sand > MA52 - Atlantic littoral sand > MA523 - Barren or amphipod-dominated Atlantic littoral mobile sand > MA5232 - Oligochaetes in Atlantic littoral mobile sand > MA52322 - Oligochaetes in variable salinity Atlantic littoral mobile sand

Oligochaetes in variable salinity Atlantic littoral mobile sand

Description (English)

A species-poor community of oligochaetes occurring in estuarine conditions where sands and gravel are associated with the lower shore river channel in estuaries. The sediment is relatively coarse and mobile due to strong river flow and subject to variable salinity. There is usually very little mud in the sediment. Oligochaetes, including enchytraeid oligochaetes, constitute the infaunal assemblage. Nemerteans may be present, and nematodes may be frequent.
Situation: This unit occurs in channels of very fast flowing river mouths at the bottom of otherwise sheltered estuarine shores. In this situation, biotopes under the MA6-22 and MA6-22 biotope complexes may be present above the river channel. Unit MA5-211 may be found on the upper shore where driftlines of decomposing seaweed and other debris accumulate.

Source: EUNIS habitat classification

Quick facts

EUNIS habitat type	code MA52322
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)	Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide	1140	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)	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]

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)	A2.2222	Oligochaetes in variable salinity littoral mobile sand	same

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

History

Classification	Code	Habitat type name	Relationship type
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410	A2.2222	Oligochaetes in variable salinity littoral mobile sand	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202	A2.121	Oligochaetes in reduced or low salinity gravel or coarse sand shores	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199910	A2.121	Oligochaetes in reduced or low salinity gravel or coarse sand shores	same
MNCR BioMar 97.06 (Britain & Ireland)	LGS.Est.Ol	Oligochaetes in reduced or low salinity gravel or coarse sand shores	same

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