Low or variable salinity habitats - Sublittoral mud in low or reduced salinity (lagoons) (Priority Marine Feature) (SNH WMS) |
The Priority Marine Feature (PMF) list contains 81 habitats and species considered to be of conservation importance in Scotland's seas. It includes many features which are characteristic of the Scottish marine environment, ranging from flame shell beds in coastal waters, to cold-water coral reefs of the deeper seas, and mobile species such as minke whale and basking shark.
This layer shows the distribution of sublittoral mud in low or reduced salinity (lagoons). This is a very characteristic lagoon community comprising various short-lived species such as blow lugworms and mud shrimps. The beaked tasselweed (Ruppia) may also be present. Only a few records of this habitat exist outside Scotland where it is found in the Outer Hebrides, Shetland and within the Beauly Firth.
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Low or variable salinity habitats - Small brackish water snail (Hydrobia acuta neglecta) (Priority Marine Feature) (SNH WMS) |
The Priority Marine Feature (PMF) list contains 81 habitats and species considered to be of conservation importance in Scotland's seas. It includes many features which are characteristic of the Scottish marine environment, ranging from flame shell beds in coastal waters, to cold-water coral reefs of the deeper seas, and mobile species such as minke whale and basking shark.
This layer shows the distribution of Small brackish water snail (Hydrobia acuta neglecta). Scattered records of this small snail occur on the west coast, the Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland and in Montrose Basin on the east coast.
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Low or variable salinity habitats - Foxtail stonewort (Lamprothamnium papulosum) (Priority Marine Feature) (SNH WMS) |
The Priority Marine Feature (PMF) list contains 81 habitats and species considered to be of conservation importance in Scotland's seas. It includes many features which are characteristic of the Scottish marine environment, ranging from flame shell beds in coastal waters, to cold-water coral reefs of the deeper seas, and mobile species such as minke whale and basking shark.
This layer shows the distribution of Foxtail stonewort (Lamprothamnium papulosum). Foxtail stonewort is recorded from North and South Uist in the Outer Hebrides. It is of national importance with the Hebridean sites thought to represent the most secure global stronghold for this species. Listed as Near Threatened on the Red Data Book of Britain and Ireland.
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Low or variable salinity habitats - Baltic stonewort (Chara baltica) (Priority Marine Feature) (SNH WMS) |
The Priority Marine Feature (PMF) list contains 81 habitats and species considered to be of conservation importance in Scotland's seas. It includes many features which are characteristic of the Scottish marine environment, ranging from flame shell beds in coastal waters, to cold-water coral reefs of the deeper seas, and mobile species such as minke whale and basking shark.
This layer shows the distribution of Baltic stonewort (Chara balthica). Found in three locations in the Outer Hebrides, the Scottish populations are likely to be of national importance but threatened by habitat loss. Listed as Vulnerable on the Red Data Book of Britain and Ireland.
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Low or variable salinity habitats - Bird's nest stonewort (Tolypella nidifica) (Priority Marine Feature) (SNH WMS) |
The Priority Marine Feature (PMF) list contains 81 habitats and species considered to be of conservation importance in Scotland's seas. It includes many features which are characteristic of the Scottish marine environment, ranging from flame shell beds in coastal waters, to cold-water coral reefs of the deeper seas, and mobile species such as minke whale and basking shark.
This layer shows the distribution of Bird's-nest stonewort (Tolypella nidifica). Scottish records from Loch of Stenness, Orkney and Loch an Duin and Loch an Strumore in the Outer Hebrides are the only British records. This species is declining throughout Europe. These sites are of national and probably international importance. Listed as Endangered on the Red Data Book of Britain and Ireland.
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Seagrass beds - Ruppia maritima in reduced salinity infralittoral muddy sand - points (Priority Marine Feature) (SNH WMS) |
The Priority Marine Feature (PMF) list contains 81 habitats and species considered to be of conservation importance in Scotland's seas. It includes many features which are characteristic of the Scottish marine environment, ranging from flame shell beds in coastal waters, to cold-water coral reefs of the deeper seas, and mobile species such as minke whale and basking shark.
This layer shows the distribution of Ruppia maritima in reduced salinity infralittoral muddy sand. Ruppia maritima grows in soft sediments in sheltered shallow coastal waters, from full salinity to nearly fresh water but mainly in brackish waters of lagoonal habitats, lochs, estuaries, creeks and pools in salt marshes, wetlands, ditches and lakes. Found on the west coast, the Outer Hebrides, Orkney, Shetland and, intertidally in the Cromarty Firth.
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Carbonate mound communities (Priority Marine Feature) (SNH WMS) |
The Priority Marine Feature (PMF) list contains 81 habitats and species considered to be of conservation importance in Scotland's seas. It includes many features which are characteristic of the Scottish marine environment, ranging from flame shell beds in coastal waters, to cold-water coral reefs of the deeper seas, and mobile species such as minke whale and basking shark.
This layer shows the distribution of carbonate mound communities. These are typically steep-sided mounds that may be up to 350m high, formed from the debris of cold water coral reefs occurring at depths of between 500 and 1,100m.
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Deep sea sponge aggregations (Priority Marine Feature) (SNH WMS) |
The Priority Marine Feature (PMF) list contains 81 habitats and species considered to be of conservation importance in Scotland's seas. It includes many features which are characteristic of the Scottish marine environment, ranging from flame shell beds in coastal waters, to cold-water coral reefs of the deeper seas, and mobile species such as minke whale and basking shark.
This layer shows distribution of deep sea sponge aggregations.
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North Coast Surf Zones |
The north coast surf zone layer contains polygon features depicting the location and extent of key surf sites on the north coast of the Highland area.
These surf zones were provided as annotated maps and have been digitised by The Highland Council. The locations have been given a grade based on the quality of their surf and value to the surf community. Grade details can be found in the attribute information.
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Sea loch egg wrack beds - Ascophyllum nodosum ecad mackaii beds on extremely sheltered mid eulittoral mixed substrata (Priority Marine Feature) (SNH WMS) |
The Priority Marine Feature (PMF) list contains 81 habitats and species considered to be of conservation importance in Scotland's seas. It includes many features which are characteristic of the Scottish marine environment, ranging from flame shell beds in coastal waters, to cold-water coral reefs of the deeper seas, and mobile species such as minke whale and basking shark.
This layer shows the distribution of sea loch egg wrack (Ascophyllum nodosum) beds on extremely sheltered mid eulittoral mixed substrata .
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