Reef Habitat in Irish Offshore Waters - A Synthesis of Current Knowledge

Abstract

Reef habitats are highly important marine habitats, noted for their structural role, and the ability to enhance the diversity and abundance of marine fauna, increase habitat complexity and create opportunities for ecological interactions. The European Union Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) provides legal protection for a range of habitats and species. Under the Directive, member states are obliged to introduce measures for the protection and surveillance of the Conservation Status (a measure of the long-term survivability) of those habitats and species. Member states are required to implement Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) that support and protect habitats listed in Annex I and species listed in Annex II of the Directive. One such Annex I habitat is ‘Reefs’ (Habitat Code: 1170). Under Article 17 of the Directive member states must report every six years to the European Commission on the Conservation Status of the listed habitats and species, and on the implementation of the measures taken to ensure their protection. In April 2019, Ireland submitted the third assessment of conservation status for 59 habitats and 60 species (NPWS, 2019a, b). ... The objective of this project was to compile a desk-study report on the distribution, ecological requirements, and resilience of offshore geogenic and biogenic cold-water coral reef habitat in Irish offshore waters. This report also outlines the policies influencing the protection and conservation status of offshore reef habitats in Irish waters and makes recommendations of future work that could be beneficial for the conservation status of offshore reefs.