EUNIS habitat classification 2017 > M - Marine benthic habitats > MB3 - Infralittoral coarse sediment > MB32 - Atlantic infralittoral coarse sediment > MB321 - Kelp and seaweed communities on Atlantic infralittoral coarse sediment > MB3214 - Laminaria saccharina and Gracilaria gracilis with sponges and ascidians on variable salinity Atlantic infralittoral sediment

Laminaria saccharina and Gracilaria gracilis with sponges and ascidians on variable salinity Atlantic infralittoral sediment

Description (English)

Shallow kelp community found on stony sediment, in extremely sheltered, variable salinity conditions, with moderately strong tidal currents. The community is characterised by a more sparse covering of Laminaria saccharina, particularly when compared to the fully marine version of this sub biotope (MB3-213). Beneath the canopy the community is characterised by the red algae Gracilaria gracilis, and a variety of faunal species in particular sponges (Suberites ficus and Halichondria panacea) and ascidians (Ascidiella aspersa and Dendrodoa grossularia). The stony substrate provides a surface for attachment for these and many other filter and suspension feeding species, particularly barnacles (Balanus crenatus), hydroids (Urticina feline and Hydractinia echinata) and anemones. Other members of the understory may include a variety of filamentous and foliose red algae in particular Pterothamnion plumula, and the green alga Ulva.

Source: EUNIS habitat classification

Quick facts

EUNIS habitat type	code MB3214
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]

Vegetation types

Relation to vegetation types (syntaxa)

Not available

Species mentioned in habitat description

Algae Gracilaria gracilis

Algae Laminaria saccharina

Algae Pterothamnion plumula

Invertebrates Ascidiella aspersa

Invertebrates Balanus crenatus

Invertebrates Dendrodoa grossularia

Invertebrates Hydractinia echinata

Invertebrates Suberites ficus

Species scientific name	English common name	Species group
Gracilaria gracilis		Algae
Laminaria saccharina		Algae
Pterothamnion plumula		Algae
Ascidiella aspersa		Invertebrates
Balanus crenatus		Invertebrates
Dendrodoa grossularia		Invertebrates
Hydractinia echinata		Invertebrates
Suberites ficus		Invertebrates

Other classifications

Classification	Code	Habitat type name	Relationship type
EUNIS Habitat Classification 2007 (revised descriptions 2012)	A5.525	Laminaria saccharina and Gracilaria gracilis with sponges and ascidians on variable salinity infralittoral sediment	same

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

History

Classification	Code	Habitat type name	Relationship type	Comment
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410	A5.525	Laminaria saccharina and Gracilaria gracilis with sponges and ascidians on variable salinity infralittoral sediment	same

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