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 (Holt et al. 1998).

Sheltered to very sheltered mid and lower eulittoral mixed substrata (mainly cobbles and pebbles on muddy sediments) with dense aggregations of the mussel Mytilus edulis. In high densities the mussels bind the substratum and provide a habitat for many species more commonly found on rocky shores. Fucus vesiculosus is often found attached to either the mussels or the cobbles and it frequently occurs at high abundance. The mussels are usually encrusted with the barnacle Semibalanus balanoides (and/ or Elminius modestus in areas of reduced salinity). Littorina littorea and small Carcinus maenas are common amongst the mussels, whilst areas of sediment may contain Arenicola marina, Lanice conchilega, Cerastoderma edule and other infaunal species. In contrast with the mussel beds found on rocky shores (MLR.MF) this biotope contains few limpets or red algae. This biotope is also found in lower shore tide-swept areas, such as in the tidal narrows of Scottish sealochs.

(from MNCR database in February 1999)

Habitat requirements

Species composition and biodiversity

Ecological relationships

Sensitivity to human activities

Conservation and protection status

References