Pontic mediolittoral caves and overhangs

In the EU 28 the habitat type is assessed as Endangered under Criterion B1 and B2. The EOO is 6,248 km2. The AOO is km2. There is a continuous decline in quality due to rubbish dumping and unsupervised tourism, solely based on expert opinion.
In the EU 28+ the habitat type is assessed as Least Concern under Criterion A1 and B. There has been a decline in extent of <25% in the last 50 years, based on expert opinion. The threatened categories for AOO and EOO are not met for Criterion B
Current total area of the habitat is unknown.
In the historic period (pre-1965) the habitat extent is believed to have remained stable in Turkey and Bulgaria as caves are typically located in steep cliffs in remote areas, which are unsuitable for development. In the recent past (1965 to present day) the habitat extent has remained stable and expert opinion is that this is predicted to remain the case in the future.
In the historic period (pre-1965) the quality of caves and overhangs are believed to have been stable. The Monk Seal (Monachus monachus) regularly used caves for breeding (based on expert opinion).
In the recent past (1965 to present day) the quality is believed to have remained stable in Turkey. Quality declines are believed to have occurred in Bulgaria associated with eutrophication, rubbish dumping and disturbance by tourists (based on expert opinion of the habitat and its likely response to known pressures). For instance, during the period up to the 1990s widespread and severe eutrophication occurred in the Black Sea. This was most notable in the western Black Sea and is likely to have caused a decline in biotic quality of the habitat as some quality indicators (e.g. sponges) are highly sensitive to these conditions.
In the future the habitat quality is expected to remain stable in Turkey because of the remote localities and low development pressure. In Bulgaria and Crimea peninsula the quality will depend on levels of protection, providing pollution control and regulations on rubbish dumping and unsupervised tourism are enforced.

• Urbanisation, residential and commercial development
• Other urbanisation, industrial and similar activities
• Human intrusions and disturbances
• Outdoor sports and leisure activities, recreational activities
• Pollution
• Nutrient enrichment (N, P, organic matter)
• Input of contaminants (synthetic substances, non-synthetic substances, radionuclides) - diffuse sources, point sources, acute events
• Oil spills in the sea
• Input of litter (solid waste matter)
• Natural biotic and abiotic processes (without catastrophes)
• Erosion

New caves and overhangs, can form over time but only through natural processes. Intervention is unlikely to increase the extent of this habtiat. The habitat will recover naturally from quality degradation. Intervention can also be used to improve the quality of the habitat.by controlling rubbish dumping and pollution.