Mytilid-dominated Pontic moderately exposed upper infralittoral rock, blocks and boulders with Fucales

Rocky habitats in the infralittoral zone subject to moderately exposed wave action. This habitat includes a range of rock sizes, from complete uninterrupted bedrock to fragmented rocks and boulder fields. Rocks are typically covered with Fucales. Cystoseria species are the most common species encountered; Mytilids are a constant component and Corrallines are also occasionally present. The habitat occurs from low water depths, where illumination is a key environmental factor. The moderately exposed nature of the habitat allows species less tolerant of high energy environments to colonise and become established.

Indicators of quality:

Both biotic and abiotic indicators have been used to describe habitat quality including: the presence of characteristic species and those which are sensitive to the pressures the habitat may face; water quality parameters; levels of exposure to particular pressure; and more integrated indices which describe habitat structure and function such as trophic index, or successional stages of development in habitats that have a natural cycle of change over time. There are no commonly agreed indicators of quality for this habitat, although particular parameters may have been set in certain situations e.g. protected features within Natura 2000 sites, where reference values have been determined and applied on a location-specific basis.

Synthesis of Red List assessment

Confidence in the assessment

Pressures and threats