EUNIS habitat classification 2017 > M - Marine benthic habitats > MB1 - Infralittoral rock > MB12 - Atlantic infralittoral rock > MB123 - Kelp and seaweed communities on sediment-affected or disturbed Atlantic infralittoral rock

Kelp and seaweed communities on sediment-affected or disturbed Atlantic infralittoral rock

Description (English)

Infralittoral rock habitats, subject to disturbance through mobility of the substratum (boulders or cobbles) or abrasion/covering by nearby coarse sediments or suspended particulate matter (sand). The associated communities can be quite variable in character, depending on the particular conditions, which prevail. The typical Laminaria hyperborea and red seaweed communities of stable open coast rocky habitats (MB1-21) are replaced by those, which include more ephemeral species or those tolerant of sand and gravel abrasion. As such Laminaria saccharina, Saccorhiza polyschides or Halidrys siliquosa may be prominant components of the community.
Infralittoral rock in wave and tide-sheltered conditions, supporting silty communities with Laminaria hyperborea and/or Laminaria saccharina. Associated seaweeds are typically silt-tolerant and include a high proportion of delicate filamentous types. Some areas, particularly in the lower infralittoral zone, are subject to intense grazing by urchins and chitons and may have poorly developed seaweed communities.

Source: EUNIS habitat classification

Quick facts

EUNIS habitat type code MB123
Relation to Resolution 4 habitat type (used for designation of Emerald sites)

Vegetation types

Relation to vegetation types (syntaxa)

Not available

Species mentioned in habitat description

Algae Laminaria hyperborea
Algae Laminaria saccharina
Algae Saccorhiza polyschides
Species scientific name English common name Species group
Laminaria hyperborea Algae
Laminaria saccharina Algae
Saccorhiza polyschides Algae

History

Classification Code Habitat type name Relationship type Comment
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410 A3.31 Silted kelp on low energy infralittoral rock with full salinity same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410 A3.12 Sediment-affected or disturbed kelp and seaweed communities same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200308 A3.31 Silted kelp communities on sheltered infralittoral rock wider
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202 A3.31 Silted kelp communities on sheltered infralittoral rock same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202 A3.23 Sand-tolerant or disturbed kelp and seaweed on moderately exposed infralittoral rock same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199910 A3.31 Silted kelp communities on sheltered infralittoral rock same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199910 A3.23 Sand-tolerant or disturbed kelp and seaweed on moderately exposed infralittoral rock same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199811 A3.23 Sand-tolerant or disturbed kelp and seaweed on moderately exposed infralittoral rock same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199811 A3.31 Silted kelp communities on sheltered infralittoral rock same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199712 A3.31 Silted kelp communities on sheltered infralittoral rock same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199712 A3.23 Sand-tolerant or disturbed kelp and seaweed on moderately exposed infralittoral rock same
MNCR BioMar 97.06 (Britain & Ireland) MIR.SedK Sand or gravel-affected or disturbed kelp and seaweed communities same
MNCR BioMar 97.06 (Britain & Ireland) SIR.K Silted kelp (stable rock) same
MNCR BioMar 96.7 (Britain & Ireland) SIR.K   same
MNCR BioMar 96.7 (Britain & Ireland) MIR.KSnd   same
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