EUNIS habitat classification 2017 > M - Marine benthic habitats > MA6 - Littoral mud > MA62 - Atlantic littoral mud > MA622 - Faunal communities of variable salinity Atlantic littoral mud > MA6223 - Nephtys hombergii, Limecola balthica and Streblospio shrubsolii in Atlantic littoral sandy mud

Nephtys hombergii, Limecola balthica and Streblospio shrubsolii in Atlantic littoral sandy mud

Description (English)

Soft mud with a fine sand fraction, in variable salinity conditions, typically close to the head of estuaries. The infauna is dominated by the polychaete worm Streblospio shrubsolii , the polychaete Nephtys hombergii , oligochaetes of the genus Tubificoides , and the Baltic tellin Limecola balthica (Macoma balthica). The ragworm Hediste diversicolor and the spire shell Hydrobia ulvae are often common or abundant.
Situation: This unit occurs in mid estuary conditions, usually on the low shore. Units MA6-228 and MA6-2273 may occur higher up the shore, as well as further towards the upper estuary.
Temporal variation: Enteromorpha spp. and Ulva lactuca may form mats on the surface of the mud during the summer months, particularly in areas of nutrient enrichment.

Source: EUNIS habitat classification

Quick facts

EUNIS habitat type	code MA6223
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)	Estuaries	1130	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)	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]

Vegetation types

Relation to vegetation types (syntaxa)

Not available

Species mentioned in habitat description

Algae Ulva lactuca

Invertebrates Hydrobia ulvae

Invertebrates Macoma balthica

Species scientific name	English common name	Species group
Ulva lactuca		Algae
Hydrobia ulvae		Invertebrates
Macoma balthica		Invertebrates

Other classifications

Classification	Code	Habitat type name	Relationship type
EUNIS Habitat Classification 2007 (revised descriptions 2012)	A2.311	Nephtys hombergii, Macoma balthica and Streblospio shrubsolii in littoral sandy mud	same

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

History

Classification	Code	Habitat type name	Relationship type
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410	A2.311	Nephtys hombergii, Macoma balthica and Streblospio shrubsolii in littoral sandy mud	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200308	A2.372	Hediste diversicolor and Streblospio shrubsolii in sandy mud or soft mud shores	overlap
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202	A2.372	Hediste diversicolor and Streblospio shrubsolii in sandy mud or soft mud shores	overlap
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199910	A2.322	Hediste diversicolor and Streblospio shrubsolii in sandy mud or soft mud shores	overlap
MNCR BioMar 97.06 (Britain & Ireland)	LMU.Mu.HedStr	Hediste diversicolor and Streblospio shrubsolii in sandy mud or soft mud shores	overlap

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