Epifaunal communities of Baltic upper circalittoral sand

This is a Baltic Sea benthic habitat in the photic zone where at least 90% of the substrate is sand according to the HELCOM HUB classification. Sessile/semi-sessile epibenthic communities, including those dominated by bivalves, cover at least 10% of the seabed. It is typically found at depths below approximately 30 m in high energy exposure areas. One associated biotope has been described (AB.J1E1) which is characterised by a large representation of Mytilidae. These make up at least 50% of the biomass of the epibenthic bivalves present.

Indicators of quality:

Both biotic and abiotic indicators have been used to describe marine habitat quality. These include: the presence of characteristic species as well as 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. The amount of sediment covering the hard surfaces and the diversity, abundance and biomass of associated fauna are potential quality indicators for this habitat. 

Synthesis of Red List assessment

Confidence in the assessment

Pressures and threats