EUNIS habitat classification 2017 > M - Marine benthic habitats > MF2 - Lower bathyal biogenic habitat > MF22 - Atlantic lower bathyal biogenic habitat > MF221 - Atlantic lower bathyal cold water coral reef

Atlantic lower bathyal cold water coral reef

Description (English)

Reefs formed by Scleractinian corals. In the Atlantic lower bathyal, the reef forming species is Solenosmilia variabilis. Cold water coral reefs are associated with a variety of other coral species, sponges, and a high diversity of other fauna. Coral reef attaches to hard substrate, but can be found on sediments where corals initially attach to pebbles and cobbles on the sediment and then the reef grows outwards.

Source: EUNIS habitat classification

Quick facts

EUNIS habitat type	code MF221
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)	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

Not available

Other classifications

Classification	Code	Habitat type name	Relationship type
EUNIS Habitat Classification 2007 (revised descriptions 2012)	A6.6	Deep-sea bioherms	narrower

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

History

Classification	Code	Habitat type name	Relationship type
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410	A6.6	Deep-sea bioherms	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200308	A5.6	Deep-sea bioherms	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202	A5.6	Deep-sea bioherms	same

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