Marine Atlantic infralittoral sandy mud

Infralittoral, cohesive sandy mud, typically with over 20% silt/clay, in depths of less than 15-20 m. This habitat is generally found in sheltered bays or marine inlets and along sheltered areas of open coast. Tidal streams can vary from negligible to moderately strong (1-3kn). Six associated biotopes have been identified dominated by different species. 

Indicators of quality:

Both biotic and abiotic indicators have been used to describe marine habitat quality. These include; the presence of characteristic species (especially those which are sensitive to the pressures the habitat may face), water quality parameters, levels of exposure to particular pressure as well as 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.

Key driving influences and output processes of shallow sublittoral mud habitats that are likely to be sensitive to pressures and may be useful for monitoring to identify anthropogenic causes of change include habitat structure changes, removal of particular species such as those which are key in bioturbation and biodeposition, or nutrient and biogeochemical cycling, changes in siltation rates and organic enrichment.

Synthesis of Red List assessment

Confidence in the assessment

Pressures and threats