The monitoring and assessment of six EU Habitats Directive Annex I Marine Habitats

Abstract

This report presents details of a monitoring survey to assess the conservation status of six marine Annex I habitats conducted between 2016 and 2018. This included Sandbanks which are slightly covered by sea water all the time [1110], Estuaries [1130], Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide [1140], Large shallow inlets and bays [1160], Reefs [1170] and Submerged or partially submerged sea caves [8330]. The conservation status of Sandbanks which are slightly covered by sea water all the time, Reefs and Submerged or partially submerged sea caves was assessed as Favourable. The conservation status of Estuaries and Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide was assessed as Unfavourable-Inadequate while Large shallow inlets and bays was assessed as Unfavourable-Bad. The principle reason for the failure of a site to meet Favourable conservation status was an increase in fine sediments, a reduction in the extent or abundance of an area mapped for one or more keystone communities, and/or an increase in invasive alien species (IAS). The main pressures acting on the sites were agriculture, commercial forestry, urbanisation (resulting in effluent discharge and storm water run-off) and aquaculture, together with the in-combination effects of these pressures. Future threats are considered to be those arising from the continuation of the aforementioned pressures and the development of windfarm infrastructure.

The NPWS Project Officer for this report was: Yvonne Leahy; Yvonne.Leahy@chg.gov.ie This IWM was edited by Yvonne Leahy, Cliona O’Brienand Áine O Connor