Broad Habitat - Subtidal Sediment (EUSeaMap2 - EUNIS) - July 2019

Output of the 2019 EUSeaMap broad-scale predictive model, produced by EMODnet Seabed Habitats. The extent of the mapped area includes the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, Baltic Sea, and areas of the North Eastern Atlantic extending from the Canary Islands in the south to the Barents Sea in the north.

The map was produced using a "top-down" modelling approach using classified habitat descriptors to determine a final output habitat. Habitat descriptors (excepting Substrate) are calculated using underlying physical data and thresholds derived from statistical analyses or expert judgement on known conditions. The model is produced using R and Arc Model Builder (10.1).

The model was created using raster input layers with a cell size of 0.00104dd (roughly 100 metres). The model includes the sublittoral zone only; due to the high variability of the littoral zone, a lack of detailed substrate data and the resolution of the model, it is difficult to predict littoral habitats at this scale. This map follows the EUNIS 2007-11 classification system where it is appropriate. It has also been classified according to MSFD Benthic Broad Habitat types.

This layer depicts the Subtidal Sediment  Habitats derived from the EUSeaMap2. Inshore subtidal sediments include shingle, gravel, sand and mud extending to the depth at which there is no effect from waves, typically around 50-70m. The shelf sediments extend to around 200m depth. Inshore subtidal sediments also include lagoons and maerl, a red seaweed with a hard chalky skeleton that forms small twig-like nodules which accumulate to form loosely interlocking beds, creating the ideal habitat for a diverse community of organisms.

Please cite EMODnet seabed habitats when using these data or products.

Information contained here has been derived from data that is made available under the European Marine Observation Data Network (EMODnet) Seabed Habitats project (www.emodnet-seabedhabitats.eu), funded by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE).

The Data Owner and EMODnet Seabed Habitats consortium accept no liability for the use of this data or for any further analysis or interpretation of the data.