The preceding chapters have reviewed the available information on the distribution and ecology of the ‘Sea pens and burrowing megafauna’ biotope complex, and outlined the main potential agents of natural and human-induced change. It is possible now to consider the relevance of these factors to those candidate SACs in which the biotope complex occurs, and to assess the overall importance of the biotope complex in conservation terms. This chapter will also assess the suitability of the various monitoring options discussed in Chapter VII to particular sites, and the suitability of the SACs for addressing the research needs listed in Chapter VIII.

Biodiversity, conservation importance and sensitivity of the biotope complex

Summary of the biotope in ‘demonstration’ and candidate SACs

Suitability of SACs for addressing research needs

Summary of the perceived status of the biotope complex within each SAC

References