Pontic circalittoral biogenic detritic bottoms with dead or alive mussel beds, shell deposits, with encrusting corallines (Phymatolithon, Lithothamnion) and attached foliose sciaphilic macroalgae

Zernov’s Phyllophora Field is a bioengineered habitat type unique to the Black Sea, consisting of extensive stands of perennial red algae (genera Phyllophora, Coccotylus) developing on circalittoral hard substrata and a highly diverse associated fauna. Zernov’s Phyllophora Field - located on the northwestern shelf of the Black Sea – comprises the world’s most abundant stand of Phyllophoraceae. They develop on mixed sediments (shelly mud to pure shell hash) covered by dead or alive crustose corallines Lithothamnion crispatum, Lithothamnion propontidis, Lithophyllum cystoseirae, occurring offshore at depths of 30-50m. The crustose corallines are the preferred substrate for attachment of a more or less dense cover of Phyllophora crispa and Coccotylus truncatus. Phyllophora crispa may form extensive canopies here, which harbour a characteristic and diverse fauna.

During the historical period 32 macroalgae species were recorded from the ZPF. The most abundant algae were Phyllophora crispa (syn. P. nervosa), Coccotylus truncatus, Polysiphonia sanguinea, Feldmania irregularis, Desmarestia viridis.

Indicators of quality:

Suitable biotic indicators of quality include:

-Abundance of Phyllophora crispa

-Abundance of Mytilus galloprovincialis

-Biomass of Phyllophora crispa.

Suitable abiotic indictors of quality include:

-Water transparency

Indicator thresholds for monitoring purposes have not been set. Biomass of Phyllophora crispa in 1978 was 4-17000 gm^-2. The habitat was considered to be of good quality during this period. However, due to severe degradation in the subsequent years this can no longer be considered a realistic target.

Synthesis of Red List assessment

Confidence in the assessment

Pressures and threats