Laminaria saccharina and red seaweeds on Atlantic infralittoral sediments

Description (English)

On infralittoral mixed muddy substrata communities characterised by the kelp Laminaria saccharina and mixed filamentous and foliose red algae can be found. This biotope contains a number of sub-biotopes distinguished by the degree of either wave or tidal exposure. In moderately strong tidal streams in exposed areas Laminaria is sparse and dense stands of red seaweeds are found attached to the boulders and cobbles that make up a large proportion of the sediment (MB1-274). As the degree of wave and/or tidal exposure decreases there is a change in community structure, with the density of Laminaria and the diversity of red algal species increasing (MB3-2112). As the environment becomes more stable a number of brown algal species are able to inhabit this environment and a rich infauna develops (MB5-211). In the most sheltered examples of this biotope a diverse muddy sediment infauna can be found and the 'Trailliella' phase of Bonnemaisonia hamifera may develop.

Source: EUNIS habitat classification

Quick facts

EUNIS habitat type code MB3211
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

Not available

Other classifications

Classification Code Habitat type name Relationship type
EUNIS Habitat Classification 2007 (revised descriptions 2012) A5.521 Laminaria saccharina and red seaweeds on infralittoral sediments same
For relation to plant communities (syntaxa), see Vegetation types

History

Classification Code Habitat type name Relationship type Comment
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410 A5.521 Laminaria saccharina and red seaweeds on infralittoral sediments same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200308 A4.411 Laminaria saccharina, Chorda filum and filamentous red seaweeds on sheltered shallow-water sediment narrower
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200308 A3.235 Ephemeral red seaweeds and kelps on tide-swept mobile infralittoral cobbles narrower
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202 A3.235 Ephemeral red seaweeds and kelps on tide-swept mobile infralittoral cobbles narrower
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202 A4.411 Laminaria saccharina, Chorda filum and filamentous red seaweeds on sheltered shallow-water sediment narrower
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199910 A4.411 Laminaria saccharina, Chorda filum and filamentous red seaweeds on sheltered shallow-water sediment narrower
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199910 A3.235 Ephemeral red seaweeds and kelps on tide-swept mobile infralittoral cobbles narrower
MNCR BioMar 97.06 (Britain & Ireland) IMX.KSwMx.LsacX Laminaria saccharina, Chorda filum and filamentous red seaweeds on sheltered infralittoral sediment narrower
MNCR BioMar 97.06 (Britain & Ireland) MIR.SedK.EphR Ephemeral red seaweeds and kelps on tide-swept mobile infralittoral cobbles narrower
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