Classification

Description

GB distribution

Compiled by: Leigh Jones, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Monkstone House, City Road, Peterborough PE1 IJY, UK.

Derived, in part, from: the UK marine biotope classification (Connor et al. 1997a) and a review undertaken for the UK Marine SACs Project (Hill, Burrows, & Hawkins 1998).

Sheltered rocky shores, of bedrock or stable boulders and cobbles, are typically characterised by a dense cover of fucoid algae which form distinct zones (channelled wrack Pelvetia canaliculata on the upper shore through to the serrated wrack Fucus serratus on the lower shore). Where salinity is reduced (such as at the head of a sealoch or where streams run across the shore) Fucus ceranoides may occur. Fucoids also occur on less stable, mixed substrata (cobbles and pebbles on sediment) although in less abundance and with fewer associated epifaunal species; beds of mussels Mytilus edulis are also common. In summer months, dense blankets of ephemeral green and red seaweeds can dominate these mixed shores.

NB. Mytilus edulis beds are considered in a separate habitat review.

(from MNCR database March 1999)

Habitat requirements

Species composition and biodiversity

Ecological relationships

Sensitivity to human activities

Conservation and protection status

References