EUNIS habitat classification 2017 > M - Marine benthic habitats > MB1 - Infralittoral rock > MB12 - Atlantic infralittoral rock > MB121 - Kelp and seaweed communities on Atlantic infralittoral rock > MB1214 - Sparse Laminaria hyperborea and dense Paracentrotus lividus on exposed infralittoral limestone

Sparse Laminaria hyperborea and dense Paracentrotus lividus on exposed infralittoral limestone

Description (English)

This biotope is known from only one location, the Aran Islands, Co. Galway (Ireland). Here, a limestone platform between 3 m and 6 m of depth is dominated by a dense population of the urchin Paracentrotus lividus, which heavily graze and burrow into the soft limestone. So intense is the grazing pressure that the rock appears completely bare, except for a coralline algal crust and occasional Laminaria hyperborea and Saccorhiza polyschides. The anthozoans Sagartia elegans and Corynactis viridis are also present, though at low abundance. The grazed kelp also extends deeper to 20 to 25 m further offshore. (Only one CB record within this biotope).
Situation: This rare biotope has only been recorded from one location and the neighbouring biotopes were not fully surveyed. In deeper water (30-40m) there is unit MD1-211.

Source: EUNIS habitat classification

Quick facts

EUNIS habitat type	code MB1214
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

Algae Laminaria hyperborea

Algae Saccorhiza polyschides

Invertebrates Corynactis viridis

Invertebrates Paracentrotus lividus

Invertebrates Sagartia elegans

Species scientific name	English common name	Species group
Laminaria hyperborea		Algae
Saccorhiza polyschides		Algae
Corynactis viridis		Invertebrates
Paracentrotus lividus		Invertebrates
Sagartia elegans		Invertebrates

Other classifications

Classification	Code	Habitat type name	Relationship type
EUNIS Habitat Classification 2007 (revised descriptions 2012)	A3.114	Sparse Laminaria hyperborea and dense Paracentrotus lividus on exposed infralittoral limestone	same

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

History

Classification	Code	Habitat type name	Relationship type
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410	A3.114	Sparse Laminaria hyperborea and dense Paracentrotus lividus on exposed infralittoral limestone	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200308	A3.114	Sparse Laminaria hyperborea and dense Paracentrotus lividus on exposed infralittoral limestone rock	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202	A3.114	Sparse Laminaria hyperborea and dense Paracentrotus lividus on exposed infralittoral limestone rock	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199910	A3.114	Sparse Laminaria hyperborea and dense Paracentrotus lividus on exposed infralittoral limestone rock	same
MNCR BioMar 97.06 (Britain & Ireland)	EIR.KFaR.LhypPar	Sparse Laminaria hyperborea and dense Paracentrotus lividus on exposed infralittoral limestone rock	same

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