Mid-irish Sea Reef Habitat Map

The aim of this research contract was to improve understanding of the habitats and communities present in an area of the Irish Sea identified as potentially containing Annex I reef habitat according to the Habitats Directive. Survey cruises were undertaken in November 2006 and January 2007 onboard the University Marine Biological Station, Millport (UMBSM) Research Vessel Aora, with specialists from the National Oceanography Centre (NOC), ERT (Scotland) Ltd (ERT), UMBSM and Seatronics Ltd. The sandiest sediments were found in the sandwave field in the north of the northern survey area in depths of less than 90 m. The transition to coarser sandy sediments with an increased percentage of shell debris, pebbles and gravel followed an abrupt transition away from the sandwave field and this was reflected in both the bathymetry and backscatter data. The area of coarse sandy sediments covered the majority of the northern survey area at 90 m. In deeper ground more stable mixed sediments became dominant. Sparse patches of small boulders were found at several sites. Using the broader JNCC interpreted definition of Annex 1 reefs (Johnston et al, 2002), it was apparent that areas within the SS.SMx.OMx/SS.SMx.CMx.FluHyd mapped area could be considered Annex 1 reef habitat. Additional information source: ERT. 2007. JNCC Mid Irish Sea Reefs Habitat Mapping Project. ERT Report 1591. JNCC Contract F90-01-942(7)