Atlantic Area Marine Habitats

Atlantic Area Marine Habitats Adding new Macaronesian habitat types from the Azores to the EUNIS Habitat Classification Version 1.1 Check project website for updates http://www.meshatlantic.eu/

MeshAtlantic Technical Report Nº 4/2013 November 2013

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Author(s):

Fernando Tempera, Elizabeth Atchoi, Patrícia Amorim, José Gomes-Pereira & Jorge Gonçalves

Document owner:

IMAR/DOP-UAç

Reviewed by: Workgroup: MeshAtlantic Activity/Action: 4.4 Version:

1.1

Date published:

25th November 2013

File name:

MeshAtlantic Tech 4_2013_EUNIS_Report.pdf

Language:

English

Number of pages:

126

Summary:

This report provides detailed information on the proposals for new EUNIS marine habitats down to level 6 compiled under the MeshAtlantic project for the Azores region. Overall, 81 new habitat proposals are presented, along with 18 description amendments to existing habitats, and 7 new upper levels are suggested. This represents a contribution to a more comprehensive typology of marine habitats of the European Atlantic coast.

Reference/citation:

Tempera, F., Atchoi, E., Amorim, J. Gomes-Pereira & J. Gonçalves (2013). Atlantic Area Marine Habitats. Adding new Macaronesian habitat types from the Azores to the EUNIS Habitat Classification. Technical Report No. 4/2013 MeshAtlantic, IMAR/DOP-UAç, Horta, 126pp.

Keywords:

Azores, Macaronesia, marine, biotopes, EUNIS, proposals, amendments, MeshAtlantic

Cover image credit: Gavin Newman ©GreenPeace

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ATLANTIC AREA MARINE HABITATS Adding new Macaronesian habitat types from the Azores to the EUNIS Habitat Classification Authors: Fernando Tempera1, Elizabeth Atchoi1, Patrícia Amorim1, José Gomes-Pereira1 & Jorge Gonçalves2

MeshAtlantic Technical Report Nº 4/2013 November 2013

1

Centro do IMAR da Universidade dos Açores, Departamento de Oceanografia e Pescas, Horta, Açores, Portugal.

2

CCMAR-Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal.

Citation: Tempera, F., E. Atchoi, P. Amorim, J. Gomes-Pereira & J. Gonçalves (2013). Atlantic Area Marine Habitats. Adding new Macaronesian habitat types from the Azores to the EUNIS Habitat Classification. Technical Report No. 4/2013 - MeshAtlantic, IMAR/DOP-UAç, Horta, 126pp.

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Contents

SUMMARY .................................................................................................................. 8 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................... 9 METHODS ................................................................................................................. 13 Shelf biotopes .......................................................................................................... 13 Application of the EUNIS classification .................................................................... 15 RESULTS.................................................................................................................... 18 NEW OR AMENDED EUNIS HABITAT PROPOSALS.................................................... 29 Calcareous turf, non-calcareous turf and frondose [Corallina elongata], [Jania] spp. and [Haliptylon] spp. on exposed low eulittoral and infralittoral fringe ........... 29 [Caulacanthus ustulatus] and /or [Chondracanthus acicularis] (thick) turf on mideulittoral rock ............................................................................................................. 30 Green algae on exposed upper eulittoral rock .................................................... 31 [Valonia utricularis] on exposed eulittoral rock ................................................... 32 Non-calcareous turf and green algae on exposed mid-eulittoral rock ................ 33 Calcareous turf and green algae on exposed mid-eulittoral rock........................ 34 [Gelidium microdon] thick turf on exposed to sheltered mid-eulittoral rock ..... 35 [Cladophora prolifera] on exposed lower eulittoral rock .................................... 36 Turfs (calcareous and non-calcareous) and calcareous fronds on exposed low eulittoral rock ............................................................................................................. 37 [Gelidium spinosum] on exposed to moderately exposed lower eulittoral rock 38 Calcareous turf and [Stypocaulon scoparium], [Halopteris filicina] with [Laurencia viridis] and [Osmundea] spp. on exposed low eulittoral rock. ................ 39 [Corallina] sp. turfs on exposed to moderately exposed eulittoral rock ............. 40 Non-calcareous encrusting species [Codium adhaerens] and/or [Nemoderma tingitanum] on exposed and moderately exposed lower eulittoral and littoral fringe rock ............................................................................................................................. 41 [Rhodymenia pseudopalmata] and/or [Gigartina acicularis] on moderately exposed to sheltered lower eulittoral rocks .............................................................. 42 Burrowing amphipods and polychaetes in clean sand ........................................ 43 Red algae [Sphaerococcus coronopifolius] and/or [Plocamium cartilagineum] on deep infralittoral rock ................................................................................................ 44 Deep infralittoral [Laminaria ochroleuca] kelp forests ........................................ 45 Sparse lower infralittoral [Laminaria ochroleuca] ............................................... 46 Crustose algae and [Arbacia lixula] on moderately exposed infralittoral fringe rock ............................................................................................................................. 47 Dense [Cystoseira cf. abies-marina] on exposed infralittoral rock ...................... 48 4

[Cladostephus spongiosus] on exposed to moderately exposed mixed sediment infralittoral ................................................................................................................. 49 [Ulva rigida] on infralittoral rock .......................................................................... 50 [Liagora] spp. on exposed to moderately exposed boulders mixed with sand ... 51 [Hypnea] sp., [Taonia atomaria] and [Stypocaulon scoparium] association on exposed to moderately exposed infralittoral rock .................................................... 52 [Sargassum] spp. in exposed infralittoral rock ..................................................... 53 [Dictyota] spp., calcareous turf and [Stypocaulon scoparium]/[Halopteris filicina] on exposed shallow infralittoral rock......................................................................... 54 Turfs (calcareous and non-calcareous), calcareous fronds and [Dictyota] spp. on exposed shallow infralittoral rock .............................................................................. 55 [Stypocaulon scoparium], [Halopteris filicina] and [Dictyota] spp. on exposed mid-infralittoral rock .................................................................................................. 56 [Padina pavonica] on exposed to moderately exposed infralittoral rock ............ 57 [Zonaria tournefortii] and [Dictyota] spp. on exposed mid-infralittoral rock ..... 58 [Zonaria tournefortii] on exposed deep infralittoral rock ................................... 59 [Caulerpa webbiana] on moderately exposed infralittoral rock .......................... 60 [Codium elisabethae], [Halopteris filicina] and coralline crusts on moderate to sheltered bedrock ...................................................................................................... 61 [Codium fragile] on sheltered infralittoral rock ................................................... 62 [Antipathella wollastoni] gardens on circalittoral rock ........................................ 63 [Tanacetipathes] sp. gardens ............................................................................... 64 [Polyplumaria flabellata] gardens ........................................................................ 65 [Nemertesia ramosa] on moderately exposed circalittoral ................................. 66 [Antipathella subpinnata] gardens on deep circalittoral rock ............................. 67 [Nemertesia aff. antennina], [Lytocarpia myriophyllum] and digitate sponges on sediment..................................................................................................................... 68 Sponge garden and sparse tall hydrarians on mixed substrate ........................... 69 [Ervilia castanea] beds in medium well-sorted infralittoral sand ........................ 70 [Myxicola infundibulum] in muddy sands with cobbles ...................................... 71 [Ditrupa arietina] on medium to very coarse sands ............................................ 72 [Viminella flagellum] and [Polyplumaria flabellata] on circalittoral mixed substrate..................................................................................................................... 73 Shallow infralittoral sand with sparse [Neogoniolithon brassica-florida] and [Lithophyllum crouaniorum] rodolith aggregations .................................................. 74 Circalittoral maerl beds on biogenic coarse sediments ....................................... 75

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Circalittoral oyster [Neopycnodonte cochlear] beds on high energy rocks and cobbles ....................................................................................................................... 76 Deep-sea giant oyster [Neopycnodonte zibrowii] aggregations on overhanging hard substrate ............................................................................................................ 77 [Madrepora oculata] and [Lophelia pertusa] dense aggregations on hard substrate..................................................................................................................... 78 [Paragorgia johnsoni] on hard substrate ............................................................. 79 [Calyptrophora cf. trilepis] on hard substrate ..................................................... 80 [Narella cf. versluysi] on hard substrate .............................................................. 81 [Crypthelia] sp. and other hydrocorals on hard substrate ................................... 82 [Candidella imbricata] on hard substrate ............................................................ 83 [Candidella imbricata], [Lophelia pertusa] and [Antipathes erinaceus] aggregations on hard substrate ................................................................................. 84 [Madrepora oculata] and [Lophelia pertusa] isolated individuals on hard substrate..................................................................................................................... 85 [Madrepora oculata] and [Lophelia pertusa] isolated colonies on cliffs ............. 86 [Chrysogorgia] sp. and [Acanella] sp. on hard substrate ..................................... 87 cf. [Victorgorgia josephinae] on hard substrate .................................................. 88 [Iridogorgia] spp. and other cold-water gorgonians on hard substrate .............. 89 [Xestospongia variabilis], large lithistids, varied encrusting sponges and black corals on hard substrate ............................................................................................ 90 [Pheronema carpenteri] on hard substrate ......................................................... 91 [Errina dabneyi] and “lithistid” sponges on hard substrate................................. 92 Alcyonidae, Stylasterids, Primnoids and large sponges on hard substrate ......... 93 [Anthomastus] sp., lamellate sponges and [Gorgonocephalus] sp. on hard substrate..................................................................................................................... 94 [Dentomuricea] sp. on mixed substrate .............................................................. 95 [Viminella flagellum] and [Dentomuricea] sp. on mixed substrate ..................... 96 [Acanthogorgia] sp. and large primnoids on mixed substrate ............................. 97 [Pseudotrachya hystrix] on sediment .................................................................. 98 [Lytocarpia myriophyllum] on fine sands ............................................................. 99 [Acanella] sp. on bathyal muds .......................................................................... 100 Cidarid urchin fields on bathyal muddy sediment ............................................. 101 Free-living caryophillids and xenophyophores on soft substrate ...................... 102 [Cinachyra] sp. on bathyal muds ........................................................................ 103 Sparse euplectellid sponges on bathyal muds ................................................... 104 6

cf. [Halipteris] sp. on lower bathyal muds ......................................................... 105 Dead scleractinian framework on hard substrate.............................................. 106 Hydrothermal mussel [Bathymodiolus azoricus] beds ...................................... 107 Hydrothermal shrimp aggregations ................................................................... 108 Arboramminid foraminifer and hydroids on inactive hydrothermal chimneys . 109 [Littorina striata] on upper littoral rock ............................................................. 110 [Melarhaphe neritoides] on exposed upper eulittoral and supralittoral fringe 111 KEY POINTS............................................................................................................. 118 LITERATURE CITED ................................................................................................. 120 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .......................................................................................... 125

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SUMMARY This report provides detailed information on the proposals for new EUNIS marine habitats up to level 6 compiled under the MeshAtlantic project for Azores region. The option for a volume dedicated to the Azores is justified by the considerable number of habitats identified and their distinct biogeographic context (Macaronesia). Overall, 81 new habitat proposals are presented, along with 18 description amendments to existing habitats, and 7 new upper levels are suggested. This represents a contribution to a more comprehensive typology of marine habitats of the Northeast Atlantic.

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INTRODUCTION Marine protection has been emphasized through global and European conventions which highlighted the need for the establishment of special areas of conservation. Classification and habitat mapping have been developed to enhance the assessment of marine environment and improve spatial and strategic planning of human activities and to help on the implementation of ecosystem-based management. The European Nature Information System (EUNIS) is a comprehensive habitat classification system developed by the European Environment Agency (EEA) with experts from several European institutions to facilitate the harmonised description and collection of habitat and biotope information. The EUNIS system is a hierarchical classification which comprises at least five levels of complexity for the marine environment, depending on the substrate type, ecological zones (e.g. infralittoral, circalittoral), wave exposure of the seabed and biological communities (Connor et al., 2004) (Figure 1).



BIOTOPE: A biotope is defined as the combination of a habitat and its associated community of species (Olenin and Ducrotoy, 2006).

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The EUNIS classification has been applied to the northeast Atlantic and Mediterranean but still excludes most of southern Europe’s Atlantic coast as well as the islands of Macaronesia. In order to encourage its application and effectiveness in these regions, improvements of the EUNIS classification as a whole are necessary. The present report contributes to this effort by suggesting a number of new marine habitats found in Azores according to an analysis of published and unpublished biological information. A selection of 83 biotopes identified in the Azores is presented in detail that represents new proposals (81) or amendments (2) of EUNIS classes. Previous studies Studies on marine life of the Azores have accumulated since the late 19 th century and catalogues of species recorded for the Azores are available for the main taxa (Santos et al, 1995). In the last two decades, several works have provided information on the shore habitats of the Azores and their associated assemblages (Álvaro et al., 2008; Hawkins et al., 2000; Neto, 2011; Tittley & Neto, 2000; Wallenstein et al., 2008a). According to Tittley & Neto (2000), the Azores share some littoral and sublittoral biotopes with the Atlantic coast of mainland Europe but generally lack the functionallyimportant fucoids and laminarians that dominate the macroalgal assemblages of temperate North Atlantic continental shores. Beyond the island shelves, the rich topography comprises a variety of open ocean deep-sea habitats, including from island slopes and numerous seamounts to hydrothermal vents at various depths and abyssal plains exceeding 5,000-meters depth. This habitat mosaic holds a diversity of fauna including sensitive habitat-building deepsea corals and sponges. However, literature is scarce on bathyal (200-2,700m depth)

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and abyssal (2,700-4,000m depth) epibenthic biological assemblages encountered outside the minute hydrothermal vent fields (Braga-Henriques et al., 2012; Pérès et al., 1972; Pérès, 1992; Tempera et al., 2012b). Objectives The compilation presented below responds to the MeshAtlantic project objective of improving the EUNIS classification by compiling new habitat proposals for areas insufficiently represented, notably the Atlantic Area (INTERREG sensu). The present volume summarizes the proposals collated for the Macaronesian archipelago of the Azores (Portugal) based on historical and new surveys data.

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Study area The Azores is a northeast Atlantic archipelago composed of nine islands situated at latitudes ranging between 37ºN and 40ºN. Portugal's marine jurisdiction around the islands encompasses an Exclusive Economic Zone of almost 1 million km 2 and a claimed continental shelf extension that expands Portuguese sovereignty to approximately twice this value (Tempera et al., 2012b). The islands spread across an extent of 617km and are surrounded by narrow shelves. The shoreline is predominantly rocky, being composed of large irregular rock masses resulting from coastal cliff erosion or lava flows entering the island shelf. Sediments are limited to pocket beaches and sheltered areas. A data-mining geographical rectangle containing the Azores EEZ sub-area was defined between the latitudes 44ºN and 33ºN and the longitudes 20ºW and 35ºW.

Figure 2. Data mining area used in project MeshAtlantic for the Azores 12

METHODS Shelf biotopes A review of the supralittoral, eulittoral, infralittoral biotopes found on the Azores shelves was made based on published literature: Álvaro et al., 2008; Castro & Viegas, 1983; Hawkins et al., 1990; Martins et al; Morton, 1990; Morton et al., 1998; 2008; Neto, 1992; Neto & Tittley 1995; Neto, 2001; Pryor, 1967; Tittley et al., 1998; Tittley & Neto, 2000; Wallenstein & Neto, 2006; Wallenstein et al., 2007; Wallenstein et al., 2008a; Wallenstein et al., 2010. Additionally, data from infralittoral and circalittoral surveys conducted by IMAR/DOPUAç were retrieved to produce a more comprehensive habitat inventory. In this case, a biotope inventory approach was used that defined a distinct facies where a coherent suite of conspicuous epibenthic organisms was observed throughout a minimum estimated area of 25m2. For the sake of representativeness, species compositions were defined where the assemblages presented a stabilized physiognomic appearance along track, i.e., avoiding transition areas showing a high turnover rate in dominant species. Generally, the individual facies catalogued were (i) repeatedly observed in multiple seafloor photos or along a video footage stretch exceeding the minimum area and/or (ii) showed similar species compositions in the different locations where they were documented. No statistical analysis was conducted at this point of the biotope compilation. The inventory of deep-sea biotopes (depth > 200m) was made based on a review of video and still photography datasets archived at the University of the Azores (DOP/UAç), the Portuguese Task-Force for the Extension of the Continental Shelf (EMEPC), IFREMERBrest, Centre d’Océanologie de Marseille and MARUM-Bremen. 13

A minimum of 663 successful deployments of optical platforms capable of recording video and still photography (including manned submersibles, remotely-operated vehicles, drop-down cameras and towed camera sleds) were identified that explored various geomorphological contexts in the delimited study area. Video and photo datasets from a selection of these deployments were annotated aiming to cover distinct geomorphological contexts such as island slopes, seamounts, banks, fracture zones, several segments of the mid-Atlantic rift and hydrothermal vent fields and abyssal plains. As a result of limitations in the resolution provided by many imagery sources (spanning from aged VHS footage to HD video and high-resolution digital photography), image analysis focused on recognizing biotopes dominated by habitat-building organisms with sizes greater than 10 cm. Identification of the organisms was based on the authors’ taxonomical expertise, corroborated by the macroscopic correspondence of the observations to specimens in reference collections (namely in IMAR/DOP-UAç’s COLETA).

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Application of the EUNIS classification The habitats were compared to the descriptions of existing EUNIS habitat available at http://eunis.eea.europa.eu/habitats-names.jsp. Differences in the characteristic species and/or environmental characteristics justified the creation of a new class or the need for a description amendment. The newly recognized biological assemblages generally corresponded to EUNIS habitats at level 4 and below. Naming of the new biotopes gave a particular emphasis to characteristic or indicator species, i.e., those species found predominantly in a single habitat and present in most of the sampled sites belonging to that habitat (Dufrêne & Legendre, 1997). A bottom-up approach was then applied to link EUNIS level 4 (and lower) habitats to the upper part of the classification. The upper EUNIS hierarchy classifications, i.e., levels 1, 2, 3 (and 4 in certain sections), are driven by a combination of the following environmental variables: 

bottom type - the type of substrate composing the seabed is a major regulator of marine benthic communities and elementary for the EUNIS classification. In order to inform habitat descriptions, bottom type was extracted from survey data or interpreted from imagery (e.g., rock). Wherever possible, substrate type was classified according to the Folk (1974) simplified classification used in the MeshAtlantic project (rock, sand, sandy mud, muddy sand, mud, mixed sediment and coarse sediment).



biological zone - The marked zonation of communities, i.e., the major changes in species character that typically occur with increasing depth, from the top of the shore to the bottom of the deep-sea, is one of the most important parameters for defining marine habitats. However, this zonation is not directly related to 15

depth itself but to a range of covarying factors, namely immersion time, thermal stability, light, wave action, salinity, pH, carbon saturation and other water mass characteristics (UKSeaMap, 2010). Eight biological zones were used to classify each biotope in terms of general ecological conditions (Table 1). Table 1: Biological zones used for EUNIS classes (UKSeaMap 2010).

Shelf

DeepSea

Biological zone

Upper limit

Lower limit

Infralittoral

Mean low water

1% light seabed

Circalittoral

1% light seabed

Deep circalittoral

Wave base

200 m

Upper slope

200 m

750 m

Upper bathyal

750 m

1,100 m

Mid bathyal

1,100 m

1,800 m

Lower bathyal

1,800 m

2,700 m

Abyssal

2,700 m

-

reaches

reaches

the

the Wave base

An example of this biological zonation is given in Figure 3, which shows the succession of general biological patterns observed on littoral and upper shelf rocky substrates. In the deep-sea (depth > 200m), biological zone of the habitats was determined based on the depth classes presented in Table 1.

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Figure 3: Schematic profile of an Azorean rocky shore showing the succession of biological zones and their main species character (adapted from Hiscock ed., 1996). 

energy level - Following an analysis of the wave energy and currents data, the Azores shelves were segmented in hydrodynamic exposure classes. Wherever needed, classification in terms of energy level was derived in a GIS environment using the intersection of the biotope location with an environmental raster representing energy level.

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RESULTS The list of the existing EUNIS habitats identified in the Azores (Portugal) is presented in Table 1, together with the proposals for new EUNIS classes. A total of 90 existing coastal and marine benthic EUNIS habitats have been identified as occurring in the Azores region, including, 2 at level 3, 20 at level 4, 58 at level 5 and 10 at level 6. 18 habitats previously in EUNIS were considered in need of amendments (marked as AMEND in Table 1; not accounted for on the 90 existing). In addition, 81 habitats were compiled that found no correspondence in the present version of the classification (habitats marked as NEW in Table 1) Table 1. Coastal and marine benthic EUNIS habitats of the Azores (Macaronesia), including new classes.

A Marine habitats

U

A1 Littoral rock and other hard substrata

U

A1.1 High energy littoral rock

U

A1.11 Mussel and/or barnacle communities

U

A1.112 [Chthamalus] spp. on exposed upper eulittoral rock A1.1122 [Chthamalus] spp. and [Lichina pygmaea] on steep exposed upper eulittoral rock A1.113 [Semibalanus balanoides] on exposed to moderately exposed or vertical sheltered eulittoral rock A1.1133 [Semibalanus balanoides] and [Littorina] spp. on exposed to moderately exposed eulittoral boulders and cobbles

A1.12 Robust fucoid and/or red seaweed communities

U

A1.122 [Corallina officinalis] on exposed to moderately exposed lower eulittoral rock A1.126 [Osmundea pinnatifida] on moderately exposed mid-eulittoral rock A1.12_PT01 Calcareous turf, non-calcareous turf and frondose [Corallina elongata], [Jania] spp. and [Haliptylon] spp. on exposed low eulittoral and infralittoral fringe A1.12_PT02 [Caulacanthus ustulatus] and/or [Chondracanthus acicularis] (thick) turf on mid-eulittoral rock

A1.13 Mediterranean and Black Sea communities of upper eulittoral rock A1.131 Association with [Bangia atropurpurea]

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New New Amend

A1.132 Association with [Porphyra leucosticta]

A1.14 Mediterranean and Black Sea communities of lower eulittoral rock very exposed to wave action A1.144 Association with [Tenarea undulosa]

A1.16 Pontic communities of exposed eulittoral rock A1.161 Pontic upper shore with [Chthamalus], [Ligia], [Melaraphe], [Rivularia] (cyanophites) A1.165 Pontic [Corallina] turfs on exposed to moderately exposed eulittoral rock

Amend Amend Amend Amend Amend

A1.1X Atlantic communities of exposed eulittoral rock A1.1X_PT01 Green algae on exposed upper eulittoral rock A1.1X_PT02 [Valonia utricularis] on exposed eulittoral rock A1.1X_PT03 Non-calcareous turf and green algae on exposed mid-eulittoral

New New New

rock A1.1X_PT04 Calcareous turf and green algae on exposed mid-eulittoral rock A1.1X_PT05 [Gelidium microdon] thick turf exposed to sheltered on mideulittoral rock A1.1X_PT06 [Cladophora prolifera] on very exposed lower eulittoral rock

New New New

A1.1X_PT07 Turfs (calcareous and non-calcareous) and calcareous fronds on exposed low eulittoral rock

New

A1.1X_PT08 [Gelidium spinosum] on exposed to moderately exposed lower eulittoral rock

New

A1.1X_PT09 Calcareous turf and [Stypocaulon scoparium], [Halopteris filicina] in association with [Laurencia viridis] and [Osmundea] spp. on exposed low eulittoral rock.

New

A1.1X_PT10 [Corallina] sp. turfs on exposed to moderately exposed eulittoral

Amend

rock A1.1X_PT11 Non-calcareous encrusting species [Codium adhaerens] and/or [Nemoderma tingitanum] on exposed and moderately exposed mid to lower eulittoral rock

A1.21 Barnacles and fucoids on moderately exposed shore

New U

A1.212 [Fucus spiralis] on full salinity exposed to moderately exposed upper eulittoral

A1.24 Pontic communities of lower eulittoral rock moderately exposed to wave action A1.241 Pontic association with [Enteromorpha intestinalis]

Amend Amend

A1.2X Atlantic communities of moderately exposed eulittoral rock A1.2X_PT01 [Rhodymenia pseudopalmata] in association with [Gigartina acicularis] on moderately exposed to sheltered lower eulittoral

A1.3 Low energy littoral rock

New U

A1.31 Fucoids on sheltered marine shores

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U

A1.312 [Fucus spiralis] on sheltered upper eulittoral rock

A1.34 Mediterranean communities of lower eulittoral rock sheltered from wave action A1.341 Association with [Enteromorpha compressa]

A1.4 Features of littoral rock

Amend Amend U

A1.41 Communities of littoral rockpools

U

A1.411 Coralline crust-dominated shallow eulittoral rockpools

U

A1.4111 Coralline crusts and [Corallina officinalis] in shallow eulittoral rockpools A1.4112 Coralline crusts and [Paracentrotus lividus] in shallow eulittoral rockpools A1.4114 [Cystoseira] spp. in eulittoral rockpools A1.412 Fucoids and kelp in deep eulittoral rockpools

U

A1.4121 [Sargassum muticum] in eulittoral rockpools

A1.413 Seaweeds in sediment-floored eulittoral rockpools

U

A1.414 Hydroids, ephemeral seaweeds and [Littorina littorea] in shallow eulittoral mixed substrata pools

U

A1.42 Communities of rockpool in the supralittoral zone

U

A1.421 Green seaweeds ([Enteromorpha] spp. and [Cladophora] spp.) in shallow upper shore rockpools

A1.44 Communities of littoral caves and overhangs

U

A1.442 Green algal films on upper and mid-shore cave walls and ceilings A1.446 Sponges and shade-tolerant red seaweeds on overhanging lower eulittoral bedrock and in cave entrances A1.447 Sponges, bryozoans and ascidians on deeply overhanging lower shore bedrock or caves A1.448 Faunal crusts on wave-surged littoral cave walls A1.449 Sparse fauna (barnacles and spirorbids) on sand/pebble-scoured rock in littoral caves A1.44A Barren and/or boulder-scoured littoral cave walls and floors A1.44B Association with [Phymatolithon lenormandii] and [Hildenbrandia rubra]

A1.45 Ephemeral green or red seaweeds (freshwater or sand-influenced) on non-mobile substrata

U

A1.452 [Porphyra purpurea] or [Enteromorpha] spp. on sand-scoured mid or lower eulittoral rock

A2 Littoral Sediment

U

A2.1 Littoral coarse sediment A2.11 Shingle (pebble) and gravel shores

U U

A2.111 Barren littoral shingle

A2.2 Littoral sand and muddy sand

U

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A2.21 Strandline

U

A2.211 Talitrids on the upper shore and strandline

A2.22 Barren or amphipod-dominated mobile sand shores

Amend

A2.221 Barren littoral coarse sand

A2.23 Polychaete/amphipod-dominated fine sand shores

A2.4 Littoral mixed sediments A2.6 Littoral sediments dominated by aquatic angiosperms A2.61 Seagrass beds on littoral sediments

U U U

A2.614 [Ruppia maritima] on lower shore sediment

A2.8 Features of littoral sediment

U

A2.82 Ephemeral green or red seaweeds (freshwater or sand-influenced) on mobile substrata

A3 Infralittoral rock and other hard substrata A3.1 Atlantic and Mediterranean high energy infralittoral rock A3.11 Kelp with cushion fauna and/or foliose red seaweeds A3.116 Foliose red seaweeds on exposed lower infralittoral rock A3.1161 Foliose red seaweeds with dense [Dictyota dichotoma] and/or [Dictyopteris membranacea]on exposed lower infralittoral rock A3.118 Turf of articulated [Corallinaceae] on exposed to sheltered infralittoral bedrock and boulders A3.11_PT01 red algae [Sphaerococcus coronopifolius] and/or [Plocamium cartilagineum] on deep infralittoral rock on all levels of exposure

U U U U

New

A3.11_PT02 Deep infralittoral [Laminaria ochroleuca] forests

New

A3.11_PT03 Sparse lower infralittoral [Laminaria ochroleuca]

New

A3.12 Sediment-affected or disturbed kelp and seaweed communities A3.14 Encrusting algal communities A3.14_PT01 Crustose algae and [Arbacia lixula] on moderately exposed littoral fringe rock

A3.15 Frondose algal communities (other than kelp) A3.151 [Cystoseira] spp. on exposed infralittoral bedrock and boulders A3.151_PT01 Dense [Cystoseira] cf. [abies-marina] on exposed infralittoral rock A3.15_PT01 [Cladostephus spongiosus] on exposed to moderately exposed mixed sediment infralittoral

U New U U New New

A3.15_PT02 [Ulva rigida] on infralittoral rock

New

A3.15_PT03 [Liagora] spp. on boulders mixed with sand

New

A3.15_PT04 [Hypnea] sp., [Taonia atomaria] and [Stypocaulon scoparium] association on exposed to moderately exposed infralittoral rock A3.15_PT05 [Sargassum] spp. In exposed infralittoral rock

New New

A3.15_PT06 [Dictyota] spp., calcareous turf and [Stypocaulon scoparium], [Halopteris filicina] on exposed shallow infralittoral rock

New

A3.15_PT07 Turfs (calcareous and non-calcareous), calcareous fronds and [Dictyota] spp. on exposed shallow infralittoral rock

New

A3.15_PT08 [Stypocaulon scoparium], [Halopteris filicina] and [Dictyota] spp. on exposed mid depth infralittoral

New

A3.15_PT09 [Padina pavonica] on exposed to moderately exposed infralittoral

New

21

rock A3.15_PT10 [Zonaria tournefortii] and [Dictyota] spp. on exposed mid depth infralittoral rock A3.15_PT11 [Zonaria tournefortii] on exposed deep infralittoral rock

A3.2 Atlantic and Mediterranean moderate energy infralittoral rock A3.21 Kelp and red seaweed (moderate energy infralittoral rock) A3.22 Kelp and seaweed communities in tide-swept sheltered conditions

New New U U U

A3.225 Filamentous red seaweeds, sponges and [Balanus crenatus] on tide-swept variable salinity infralittoral rock A3.226 [Halopteris filicina] with coralline crusts on moderately exposed infralittoral rock

A3.23 Mediterranean and Pontic communities of infralittoral algae moderately exposed to wave action

Amend

A3.23G Association with [Calpomenia sinuosa] A3.23L Association with [Peyssonnelia rubra] and [Peyssonnelia] spp.

A3.2X Seaweed communities in moderate energy rock A3.2X_PT01 [Caulerpa webbiana] on moderately exposed infralittoral rock

New

A3.2X_PT02 [Codium elisabethae], [Halopteris filicina] and coralline crusts on moderate to sheltered bedrock

New

A3.3 Atlantic and Mediterranean low energy infralittoral rock A3.33 Mediterranean submerged fucoids, green or red seaweeds on full salinity infralittoral rock

U Amend

A3.335 Facies with large Hydrozoa

A3.4 Submerged fucoids, green or red seaweeds (low salinity infralittoral rock) A3.345 [Codium elisabethae], [Halopteris filicina] and coralline crusts on sheltered infralittoral bedrock A3.346 Pontic association of green and red seaweeds [Enteromorpha], [Ulva] spp., [Porphyra] spp. on moderately exposed or sheltered infralittoral rock

Amend

Amend

A3.3X Submerged fucoids, green or red seaweeds on full salinity infralittoral rock A3.3X_PT01 [Codium fragile] on sheltered sublittoral rock

A3.7 Features of infralittoral rock A3.71 Robust faunal cushions and crusts in surge gullies and caves

New U U

A3.716 Coralline crusts in surge gullies and scoured infralittoral rock

A3.72 Infralittoral fouling seaweed communities A3.73 Vents and seeps in infralittoral rock

U

A3.731 Freshwater seeps in infralittoral rock A3.733 Vents in infralittoral rock

A3.74 Caves and overhangs in infralittoral rock

A4 Circalittoral rock and other hard substrata A4.1 Atlantic and Mediterranean high energy circalittoral rock A4.11 Very tide-swept faunal communities on circalittoral rock A4.12 Sponge communities of deep circalittoral rock A4.121 [Phakellia ventilabrum] and axinellid sponges on deep, wave-exposed

22

U U U U U

circalittoral rock

A4.13 Mixed faunal turf communities on circalittoral rock

U

A4.132 [Corynactis viridis] and a mixed turf of crisiids, [Bugula], [Scrupocellaria], and [Cellaria] on moderately tide-swept exposed circalittoral rock A4.13_PT01 [Antipathella wollastoni] gardens on circalittoral rock

New

A4.13_PT02 [Tanacetipathes] sp. gardens on mixed substrate

New

A4.13_PT03 [Polyplumaria flabellata] gardens on mixed substrate

New

A4.13_PT04 [Nemertesia ramosa] on moderately exposed circalittoral

New

A4.13_PT05 [Antipathella subpinnata] gardens on deep circalittoral rock

New

A4.13_PT06 [Nemertesia cf. antennina], [Lytocarpia myriophyllum] and digitate sponges on sediment A4.13_PT07 Sponge garden and sparse tall hydrarians on mixed substrate

A4.2 Atlantic and Mediterranean moderate energy circalittoral rock A4.21 Echinoderms and crustose communities on circalittoral rock

New New U U

A4.214 Faunal and algal crusts on exposed to moderately wave-exposed circalittoral rock

A4.27 Faunal communities on deep moderate energy circalittoral rock A4.7 Features of circalittoral rock

U

A4.71 Communities of circalittoral caves and overhangs A4.72 Circalittoral fouling faunal communities A4.73 Vents and seeps in circalittoral rock

U

A4.733 Vents in circalittoral rock

A5 Sublittoral Sediment

U

A5.1 Sublittoral coarse sediment

U

A5.13 Infralittoral coarse sediment

U

A5.137 Dense [Lanice conchilega] and other polychaetes in tide-swept infralittoral sand and mixed gravelly sand A5.138 Association with rhodolithes in coarse sands and fine gravels mixed by waves

A5.14 Circalittoral coarse sediment A5.2 Sublittoral sand

U

A5.23 Infralittoral fine sand

Amend

A5.234 Semi-permanent tube-building amphipods and polychaetes in sublittoral sand A5.23_PT01 [Ervillia castanea] beds in well sorted infralittoral sand

A5.24 Infralittoral muddy sand

New U

A5.24_PT01 [Myxicola infundibulum] in muddy sands with cobbles

A5.25 Circalittoral fine sand

New Amend

A5.25_PT01 [Ditrupa arietina] on sandy floors

New

A5.27 Deep circalittoral sand A5.4 Sublittoral mixed sediments

U

A5.43 Infralittoral mixed sediments

U

23

A5.45 Deep Circalittoral mixed sediments A5.45_PT06 [Viminella on circalittoral mixed substrate

flagellum]

and

[Polyplumaria

flabellata]

A5.5 Sublittoral macrophyte-dominated sediment

New U

A5.51 Maerl beds

U

A5.514 [Lithophyllum fasciculatum] maerl beds on infralittoral mud A5.515 Association with rhodolithes in coarse sands and fine gravels under the influence of bottom currents A5.51_PT01 Shallow infralittoral sand with sparse [Neogoniolithon brassica-florida] and [Lithophyllum crouaniorum] rhodoliths aggregations A5.51_PT02 Circalittoral maerl beds on biogenic coarse sediment

New New

A5.53 Sublittoral seagrass beds

U

A5.534 [Ruppia] and [Zannichellia] communities

U

A5.5343 [Ruppia maritima] in reduced salinity infralittoral muddy sand

A5.6 Sublittoral biogenic reefs A5.6_PT01 Circalittoral [Neopycnodonte cochlear] beds on exposed and tide-swept rock and cobbles A5.7 Features of sublittoral sediments

U New U

A5.71 Seeps and vents in sublittoral sediments

A6 Deep-sea Bed

U

A6.1 Deep-sea rock and artificial hard substrata

U

A6.11 Deep-sea bedrock

U

A6.11_PT01 Deep-sea oysters [Neopycnodonte zibrowii] aggregations on overhanging hard subustrate

New

A6.11X Communities of deep-sea corals A6.11X_PT01 [Madrepora aggregations on hard substrate

oculata]

and

[Lophelia

pertusa]

dense

New

A6.11X_PT02 [Paragorgia johnsoni] on hard substrate

New

A6.11X_PT03 [Calyptrophora cf. trilepis] on hard substrate

New

A6.11X_PT04 [Narella cf. versluysi] on hard substrate

New

A6.11X_PT05 [Crypthelia] sp. and other hydrocorals on hard substrate

New

A6.11X_PT06 [Candidella imbricata] on hard substrate

New

A6.11X_PT07 [Candidella imbricata], [Lophelia pertusa] and [Antipathes erinaceus] aggregations on hard substrate

New

A6.11X_PT08 [Madrepora oculata] and [Lophelia pertusa] isolated individuals on hard substrate

New

A6.11X_PT09 [Madrepora oculata] and [Lophelia pertusa] isolated individuals on cliffs

New

A6.11X_PT10 [Chrysogorgia] sp. and [Acanella] sp. on hard substrate

New

A6.11X_PT11 cf. [Victorgorgia josephinae] on hard substrate

New

A6.11X_PT12 [Iridogorgia] sp. and other cold-water gorgonians on hard substrate A6.11Y Communities of deep-sea sponges

24

New

A6.11Y_PT01 [Xestospongia variabilis], large lithistids, varied encrusting sponges and black corals on hard substrate A6.11Y_PT02 [Pheronema carpenteri] on hard substrate A6.11Z Communities of deep-sea sponges and corals associations A6.11Z_PT01 [Errina dabneyi] and lithistid sponges on hard substrate

New New

New

A6.11Z_PT02 Alcyonidae, Stylasterids, Primnoids and large sponges on hard substrate

New

A6.11Z_PT03 [Anthomastus] sp., [Gorgonocephalus] sp. and sponges on hard substrate

New

A6.12 Deep-sea artificial hard substrata A6.14 Boulders on the deep-sea bed A6.2 Deep-sea mixed substrata

U

A6.22 Deep-sea biogenic gravels (shells, coral debris) A6.23 Deep-sea calcareous pavements A6.2_PT01 [Dentomuricea] sp. on mixed substrate

New

A6.2_PT02 [Viminella flagellum] and [Dentomuricea] sp. on mixed New substrate A6.2_PT03 [Acanthogorgia] sp. and large primnoids on mixed New substrate u A6.3 Deep-sea sand A6.3_PT01 [Pseudotrachya hystrix] on sediment

New

A6.3_PT02 [Lytocarpia myriophyllum] on soft sediment

New

A6.4 Deep-sea muddy sand A6.5 Deep-sea mud

u

A6.52 Communities of abyssal muds A6.5_PT01 [Acanella] sp. on bathyal muds

New

A6.5_PT02 Cidarid urchins on bathyal muddy sediment

New

A6.5_PT03 Free-living caryophillids and xenophyophores on soft substrate

New

A6.5_PT04 [Cinachyra] sp. on bathyal muds

New

A6.5_PT05 Sparse euplectellid sponges on bathyal mud

New

A6.5_PT06 cf. [Halipteris] sp. on lower bathyal muds

New

A6.6 Deep-sea bioherms

u

A6.61 Communities of deep-sea corals

U

A6.611 Deep-sea [Lophelia pertusa] reefs A6.61_PT01 Dead scleractinian framework on hard substrate

A6.62 Deep-sea sponge aggregations

New U

A6.621 Facies with [Pheronema grayi]

A6.7 Raised features of the deep-sea bed

U

A6.71 Permanently submerged flanks of oceanic islands A6.72 Seamounts, knolls and banks

U

A6.721 Summit communities of seamount, knoll or bank within euphotic zone

25

A6.722 Summit communities of seamount, knoll or bank within the mesopelagic zone, i.e. interacting with diurnally migrating plankton A6.723 Deep summit communities of seamount, knoll or bank (i.e. below mesopelagic zone) A6.724 Flanks of seamount, knoll or bank A6.725 Base of seamount, knoll or bank A6.7251 Moat around base of seamount, knoll or bank

A6.73 Oceanic ridges

U

A6.731 Communities of ridge flanks A6.732 Communities of ridge axial trough (i.e. non-vent fauna) A6.733 Oceanic ridge without hydrothermal effects

A6.74 Abyssal hills A6.8 Deep-sea trenches and canyons, channels, slope failures and slumps on the continental slope A6.81 Canyons, channels, slope failures and slumps on the continental slope

U U

A6.811 Active downslope channels A6.812 Inactive downslope channels A6.814 Turbidites and fans

A6.9 Vents, seeps, hypoxic and anoxic habitats of the deep-sea A6.91 Deep-sea reducing habitats

U U

A6.913 Cetacean and other carcasses on the deep-sea bed

A6.94 Vents in the deep sea

U

A6.941 Active vents

U

A6.941_PT01 Hydrothermal mussel [Bathymodiolus azoricus] beds A6.941_PT02 Hydrothermal shrimp aggregation A6.941_PT03 Arboramminid foraminifer aggregations on inactive hydrothermal chimneys A6.942 Inactive vent fields

New New New

B Coastal Habitats

U

B1 Coastal dunes and sandy shores

U

B1.2 Sand beaches above the driftline B1.24 Sandy beach ridges with no or low vegetation

B3 Rock cliffs, ledges and shores, including the supralittoral B3.1 Supralittoral rock (lichen or splash zone) B3.11 Lichens or small green algae on supralittoral and littoral fringe rock B3.111 Yellow and grey lichens on supralittoral rock B3.113 [Verrucaria maura] on littoral fringe rock B3.1132 [Verrucaria maura] on very exposed to very sheltered upper littoral fringe rock B3.114 [Blidingia] spp. on vertical littoral fringe chalk B3.11_PT01 [Littorina striata] on upper littoral rock B3.11_PT02 [Melarhaphe neritoides] on supralittoral fringe rock on all levels of exposure

26

U U U U

New New

The habitats identified are distributed by a variety of ecological contexts like island shores, shelves, slopes, ridges, seamounts, hills, basins and deep-sea plateaus. In the same way they occur in a variety of biological depth zones (intertidal, infralittoral, circalittoral, bathyal and abyssal) ranging from 3 to 4 meters above the shoreline (e.g., littorinids on supralittoral rock) to depths of nearly 3,000 m depth (cf. Halipteris sp. on lower bathyal muds). A summary of the distribution of the habitats at the upper EUNIS level 2 is presented in Table 2. Table 1: Biological zones used for EUNIS classes (UKSeaMap 2010).

13

New upper levels 2

To amend 11

7

0

0

1

8

sublittoral rock

22

26

2

4

54

sublittoral sediment

10

7

0

2

19

deep sea rock

20

22

3

0

45

deep sea sediment

4

11

0

0

15

coastal rock

3

2

0

0

5

coastal sediment TOTAL

1 90

0 81

0 7

0 18

1 196

Existing

New

littoral rock

23

littoral sediment

TOTALs 49

rock

153

sediment

43

all

196

EUNIS upper structure was generally maintained unless the existing class names and definitions did not suit the new habitats proposed. Most often, the proposed solution for these amended or new upper classes requires broadening of their current definitions, namely by making them less specific in terms of seabed type or biogeographic scope (see Amendments section) 27

At levels 4 to 6, the most common issue was the fact that the identified biotopes represented a previously undescribed assemblage. A few analogues were also identified in other biogeographic regions (e.g., Mediterranean, Black Sea) resulting in suggestions for changes in upper hierarchical levels. The lack of information on the fauna inhabiting these areas is evident in the poorer descriptions of the assemblages and doubts in the identification of even some of the dominant species. Considering that most of the current EUNIS classification is based on data from North Sea, Baltic and Mediterranean shores and shelves, it should not be surprising that so many habitats are proposed. Some environmental harmonization issues were identified in some of the habitats for which matches were found. For example, some shelf habitats classified as “Moderately exposed” in the Azores are seemingly matches of Atlantic EUNIS classes defined as “Exposed”. Given that the Azores archipelago is located in an oceanic location exposed to the full force of North Atlantic swells, relative exposure perceptions may be different from mainland locations and harmonization with other biogeographic regions is necessary. On the other hand, there are cases where the habitats found in the Azores seem to spread over broader exposure classes than in other regions. For instance, Cystoseira spp. is characteristic of infralittoral rock classes in the existing EUNIS classification but they are actually found also in eulittoral zones in the Azores. Situations like these may stem from the concentration of biological zones observed in the archipelago as a result of steep shorelines and microtidal regime which results in a greater mix between species that typify biological zones elsewhere.

28

NEW OR AMENDED EUNIS HABITAT PROPOSALS

Calcareous turf, non-calcareous turf and frondose [Corallina elongata], [Jania] spp. and [Haliptylon] spp. on exposed low eulittoral and infralittoral fringe (EUNIS habitat type: A1.12_PT01) Habitat type


EUNIS habitat type code Level

A1.12_PT01 5

Change in definition of higher type None required.

Why does proposed habitat differ from other types? Habitat with species assemblage previously not contemplated in EUNIS. DESCRIPTION Biotope dominated by turfs of articulated Corallinaceae typically occupying the lower eulittoral and not uncommonly extending several meters into the infralittoral levels with little variation in species composition and abundance. This association is probably the most common algal association in the Azores, being composed of a mixture of different small-sized algal thalli growing in a dense short and entangled mat comprising chiefly of articulated Corallinaceae (Corallina elongata and Jania spp.), together with filiform Rhodophyta (Polysiphonia spp., Ceramium spp., Caulacanthus ustulatus, Centroceras clavulatum), Chlorophyta and Phaeophyta. C. elongata and Haliptilon sp. grow at intertidal and subtidal levels; erect plants are more abundant in pools and on sheltered rocks while stunted turf forms occur on wave-exposed shores. Jania sp. grows as an epiphyte at intertidal and subtidal levels but also on rock and in some locations is a major constituent of the algal turf. Most common associated biota includes gastropods (Stramonita haemastoma, Collumbella adansoni, Mitra nigra), crustaceans (Pachygrapsus marmoratus and Pachygrapsus maurus), molluscs such as Lepidochitona simrothi and other organisms as crustaceans, nereids and sipunculids. At the lower part of this belt, conspicuous patches of Codium adhaerens (O), Pterocladiella capillacea (R), Chondracanthus acicularis and/or Osmundea pinnatifida may form. Source: Wallenstein et al, 2006; Wallenstein et al., 2008b; Tittley et al., 1998; Hawkins et al., 1990. Image credit: IMAR/DOP-UAç Links to available maps Correspondence to conservation and protection status Habitats Directive/Natura 2000 OSPAR 1170 Reefs Sensitivity to human activities Trampling. Pollution. Persons / Institute responsible for habitat proposal Fernando Tempera & Elizabeth Atchoi / IMAR-DOP-University of the Azores

29

OTHER

[Caulacanthus ustulatus] and /or [Chondracanthus acicularis] (thick) turf on mid-eulittoral rock (EUNIS habitat type: A1.12_PT02) Habitat type



A1.12_PT02 5


Why does proposed habitat differ from other types? Habitat with species assemblage previously not contemplated in EUNIS. DESCRIPTION Habitat characterized by turfs of Caulacanthus ustulatus and/or Chondrachanthus acicularis. These rhodophytes usually form a turf belt which is more clearly defined on the southern coasts of the Azores islands. These species tend to appear together, altough there is a tendency for the dominance to be either one or the other. Caulachantus ustulatus grows on rocks at lower intertidal and subtidal levels and often forms a turf at mid-eulittoral levels. It is probably a perennial species. Chondrachanthus acicularis is an annual species, growing attached to rock or amongst the algal turf between mid-eulittoral and shallow subtidal levels. Associated biota includes other algae such as Griffithisia sp., Jania sp., Centroceras clavulatum and Stypocaulon scoparium. Source: Tittley et al., 1998. Links to available maps Correspondence to conservation and protection status Habitats Directive / Natura 2000 OSPAR 1170 Reefs Sensitivity to human activities Trampling. Pollution. Persons / Institute responsible for habitat proposal Fernando Tempera & Elizabeth Atchoi / IMAR-DOP-University of the Azores

30

OTHER

Green algae on exposed upper eulittoral rock (EUNIS habitat type: A1.1X_PT01) Habitat type

A1.1X Atlantic communities of exposed eulittoral rock

EUNIS habitat type code A1.1X_PT01 Level 5 Change in definition of higher type Why does proposed habitat differ from other types? Different geographic zone. Not Pontic Habitat with species assemblage previously not (A1.24) nor Mediterranean (A1.23). contemplated in EUNIS. Requires new level 4: A1.2X Atlantic communities of exposed eulittoral rock that incorporates Atlantic non-fucoid and non-rhodophyte assemblages in high energy littoral rock. DESCRIPTION Green algae eulittoral rock assemblage characterized by patches of Ulva spp. (F). and Blidingia spp. (F) interspersed with major portions of bare rock. This biotope represents the upper distribution limit of macroalgae in eulittoral zone and usually overlaps the littorinid and Chthamalus stellatus zones. It may vary seasonally due to extreme environmental conditions. On coastal boulders at the island of Santa Maria, Ulva mats comprised the species U. intestinalis, U. ramulosa and U. linza. It may co-occur with non-calcareous turf (O) containing Caulacanthus ustulatus, Centroceras clavulatum, Ceramium spp., Chondracanthus acicularis, Gastroclonium spp., Gelidiella sp., Gelidium spp., Gymnogongrus spp., Herposiphonia sp., Lophosiphonia spp., Polysiphonia spp., Pterosiphonia spp. and Sphacelaria spp. Other less common associated biota includes Boergeseniella fruticolosa (R), Porphyra sp. (R), Gelidium microdon (R), Rivularia sp. (R), Fucus spiralis (R), Verrucaria sp. (R), Chondria sp. (R), Lichina confinis (R), Cladophora sp. (R), Stypocaulon/Halopteris (R) and Laurencia/Osmundea (R). Micromolluscs are commonly associated to these green algae mats. This biotope is widespread on the Azorean shores. Source: Neto, 1992; Morton, 1990; Wallenstein et al., 2008b. Image credit: IMAR/DOP-UAç. Links to available maps Correspondence to conservation and protection status Habitats Directive/Natura 2000 OSPAR 1170 Reefs Sensitivity to human activities Trampling. Pollution. Persons / Institute responsible for habitat proposal Fernando Tempera & Elizabeth Atchoi / IMAR-DOP-University of the Azores

31

OTHER

[Valonia utricularis] on exposed eulittoral rock (EUNIS habitat type: A1.1X_PT02) Habitat type



A1.1X_PT02 5

Change in definition of higher type Why does proposed habitat differ from other types? Different geographic zone. Not Pontic Habitat with species assemblage previously not (A1.24) nor Mediterranean (A1.23). contemplated in EUNIS. Requires new level 4: A1.2X Atlantic communities of exposed eulittoral rock that incorporates Atlantic nonfucoid and non-rhodophyte assemblages in high energy littoral rock. DESCRIPTION Monospecific belts of Valonia utricularis, with its characteristic bottle-green turgid vesicles, can be found on the exposed walls of old harbours around Azores. In most locations this assemblage occurs below the littorinids and Enteromorpha belts. Associated fauna includes the crabs Pachygrapsus marmoratus and Eriphia verrucosa, as well as the pulmonate snail Pedipes pedipes and the tanaid crustacean Tanais dulongii. Most frequently V. utricularis forms a very wide mono-specific belt. However at exposed walls on the island of Flores, two belts of V. utricularis have been reported split by a patchy belt of Corallina officinalis and a strip of Stypocaulon scoparium and Pterocladiella capillacea. It is possible that the gap observed in these locations between the two belts of V. utricularis is due to higher grazing pressure from Patella candei gomesii and herbivorous brachyuran crabs. Vermetus triquetrus tubes are observed on the lower part of the Valonia belt as well as the predatory seastar Coscinasterias tenuispina rising from infralittoral levels. Source: Morton et al., 1998; Tittley et al., 1989. Image credit: IMAR/DOP-UAç Links to available maps Correspondence to conservation and protection status Habitats Directive / Natura 2000 OSPAR OTHER

Sensitivity to human activities Trampling. Pollution. Persons / Institute responsible for habitat proposal Fernando Tempera & Elizabeth Atchoi / IMAR-DOP-University of the Azores

32

Non-calcareous turf and green algae on exposed mid-eulittoral rock (EUNIS habitat type: A1.1X_PT03) Habitat type



A1.1X_PT03 5

Change in definition of higher type Why does proposed habitat differ from other types? Different geographic zone. Not Habitat with species assemblage previously not Pontic (A1.24) nor Mediterranean contemplated in EUNIS. (A1.23). Requires new level 4: A1.2X Atlantic communities of exposed eulittoral rock that incorporates Atlantic non-fucoid and nonrhodophyte assemblages in high energy littoral rock. DESCRIPTION Mid-eulittoral rock assemblage characterized by a non-calcareous turf (F) visually dominated by Caulacanthus ustulatus, Centroceras clavulatum, Ceramium spp., Chondracanthus acicularis, Gastroclonium spp., Gelidiella sp., Gelidium spp., Gymnogongrus spp., Herposiphonia sp., Lophosiphonia spp., Polysiphonia spp., Pterosiphonia spp. and Sphacelaria spp. Possible occurrence of green algae Ulva spp. (O) or Blidingia spp. (O). Other less common accompanying species include Gelidium microdon (R), Codium adhaerens (R), Fucus spiralis (R), Nemalion helminthoides (R), Chondria sp. (R), Porphyra sp. (R), Asparagoppsis armata (Falkenbergia rufolanosa phase) (R), Endarachne binghamiae (R) and Laurencia/Osmundea (R). Source: Wallenstein et al., 2008b. Links to available maps Correspondence to conservation and protection status Habitats Directive / Natura 2000 OSPAR 1170 Reefs Sensitivity to human activities Trampling. Pollution. Persons / Institute responsible for habitat proposal Fernando Tempera & Elizabeth Atchoi / IMAR-DOP-University of the Azores

33

OTHER

Calcareous turf and green algae on exposed mid-eulittoral rock (EUNIS habitat type: A1.1X_PT04) Habitat type



A1.1X_PT04 5

Change in definition of higher type Why does proposed habitat differ from other types? Different geographic zone. Not Pontic Habitat with species assemblage previously not (A1.24) nor Mediterranean (A1.23). contemplated in EUNIS. Requires new level 4: A1.2X Atlantic communities of exposed eulittoral rock that incorporates Atlantic non-fucoid and non-rhodophyte assemblages in high energy littoral rock. DESCRIPTION Rocky mid-eulittoral assemblage representing the transition between upper and lower eulittoral algae communities. It is characterized by a calcareous turf (O) (visually dominated by Corallina elongata, Jania spp. and Haliptilon spp.) and the green algae Ulva spp. (O) or Blidingia spp. (O). Small fronds of Laurencia viridis(O) and Osmundea spp. (O) are usually present and easily mistaken with non-calcareous turf (O). Other less common associated biota includes Cystoseira sp. (R), Rivularia sp. (R), Codium adhaerens (R), Boergeseniella fruticolosa (R), Fucus spiralis (R), Nemalion helminthoides (R), Sargassum sp. (R), Cladophora sp. (R), Gelidium microdon (R), Padina pavonica (R), Chondria sp. (R), calcareous fronds (R) and Stypocaulon/Halopteris (R). Source: Wallenstein et al., 2008b. Links to available maps Correspondence to conservation and protection status Habitats Directive / Natura 2000 OSPAR OTHER 1170 Reefs Sensitivity to human activities Trampling. Pollution. Persons / Institute responsible for habitat proposal Fernando Tempera & Elizabeth Atchoi / IMAR-DOP-University of the Azores

34

[Gelidium microdon] thick turf on exposed to sheltered mid-eulittoral rock (EUNIS habitat type: A1.1X_PT05) Habitat type



A1.1X_PT05 5

Change in definition of higher type Why does proposed habitat differ from other types? Different geographic zone. Not Pontic Habitat with species assemblage previously not (A1.24) nor Mediterranean (A1.23). contemplated in EUNIS. Requires new level 4: A1.2X Atlantic communities of exposed eulittoral rock that incorporates Atlantic nonfucoid and non-rhodophyte assemblages in high energy littoral rock. Description Biotope dominated by Gelidium microdon turf colonizing mideulittoral hard substrates, from bedrock and boulders to cobbles and pebbles. Associated species include Fucus spiralis, Laurencia pinnatifida and Cladophora coelothrix. The assemblage is most exhuberant in spring and summer and largely disapears throughout autumn and early winter. This assemblage is lekely widespread in the Azores and has been recorded on the shores of the islands of São Miguel, Faial and Flores. Source: Neto 2001; Tittley, 1998; Morton et al., 1998. Image credit: IMAR/DOP-UAç.

Links to available maps Correspondence to conservation and protection status Habitats Directive / Natura 2000 OSPAR 1170 Reefs Sensitivity to human activities Trampling. Pollution. Persons / Institute responsible for habitat proposal Fernando Tempera & Elizabeth Atchoi / IMAR-DOP-University of the Azores

35

OTHER

[Cladophora prolifera] on exposed lower eulittoral rock (EUNIS Habitat Type: A1.1X_PT06) Habitat type



A1.1X_PT06 5

Change in definition of higher Why does proposed habitat differ from other type types? Different geographic zone. Not Habitat with species assemblage previously not Pontic (A1.24) nor Mediterranean contemplated in EUNIS. (A1.23). Requires new level 4: A1.2X Atlantic communities of exposed eulittoral rock that incorporates Atlantic non-fucoid and nonrhodophyte assemblages in high energy littoral rock. DESCRIPTION Assemblage dominated by Cladophora prolifera typically occuring on highly exposed lower rocky shores. It usually precedes a calcareous turf that is found at lower levels. The sacoglossan Aplysiopsis formosa is often found on or in the vicinity of this assemblage as it feeds by sucking the contents of individual C. prolifera cells. In the Azores this facies has so far been documented in São Miguel and São Jorge Islands. Source: Morton, 1990. Links to available maps Correspondence to conservation and protection status Habitats Directive / Natura 2000 OSPAR 1170 Reefs Sensitivity to human activities Trampling. Pollution. Persons / Institute responsible for habitat proposal Fernando Tempera & Elizabeth Atchoi / IMAR-DOP-University of the Azores

36

OTHER

Turfs (calcareous and non-calcareous) and calcareous fronds on exposed low eulittoral rock (EUNIS habitat type: A1.1X_PT07) Habitat type



A1.1X_PT07 5

Change in definition of higher type Why does proposed habitat differ from other types? Different geographic zone. Not Pontic (A1.24) Habitat with species assemblage previously not nor Mediterranean (A1.23). Requires new level 4: contemplated in EUNIS. A1.2X Atlantic communities of exposed eulittoral rock that incorporates Atlantic non-fucoid and non-rhodophyte assemblages in high energy littoral rock. DESCRIPTION Exposed low eulittoral rock biotope characterized by a mix of different turfs: calcareous turf (O), noncalcareous turf (F) and calcareous fronds (F). Species composition on each turf may vary but calcareous turfs and calcareous fronds commonly include Corallina elongata, Jania sp. and Haliptilon spp.; (ii) non-calcareous turf are usually dominated by Caulacanthus ustulatus, Centroceras clavulatum, Ceramium spp., Chondracanthus acicularis, Gastroclonium spp. Gelidiella sp., Gelidium spp., Gymnogongrus spp., Herposiphonia sp., Lophosiphonia spp., Polysiphonia spp., Pterosiphonia spp. and Sphacelaria spp. Associated biota includes Codium adhaerens (O), non-calcareous crusts (O) and Cystoseira sp. (O). Less common occurring species include other green algae (R), Pterocladiella capillacea (R), Asparagopsis armata (Falkenbergia rufolanosa phase) (R), Rhodymenia holmesii (R), Nemalion helminthoides (R), Stypocaulon scoparium/Halopteris filicina (R), Laurencia viridis/Osmundea sp. (R) and Fucus spiralis (R). Source: Wallenstein et al., 2008b. Links to available maps Correspondence to conservation and protection status Habitats Directive / Natura 2000 OSPAR 1170 Reefs Sensitivity to human activities Trampling. Pollution. Persons / Institute responsible for habitat proposal Fernando Tempera & Elizabeth Atchoi / IMAR-DOP-University of the Azores

37

OTHER

[Gelidium spinosum] on exposed to moderately exposed lower eulittoral rock (EUNIS habitat type: A1.1X_PT08) Habitat type



A1.1X_PT08 5

Change in definition of higher type Why does proposed habitat differ from other types? Different geographic zone. Not Pontic Habitat with species assemblage previously not (A1.24) nor Mediterranean (A1.23). contemplated in EUNIS. Requires new level 4: A1.2X Atlantic communities of exposed eulittoral rock that incorporates Atlantic non-fucoid and non-rhodophyte assemblages in high energy littoral rock. DESCRIPTION Lower eulittoral rock biotope dominated by red algal clumps of Gelidium spinosum. Other algae occuring in some locations include Gelidium microdon, Chaetomorpha linum and occasionally Fucus spiralis. On most locations the G. spinosum belt progressively grades into the calcareous turf that typically occupies the lower eulittoral. Source: Morton et al., 1998. Links to available maps Correspondence to conservation and protection status Habitats Directive / Natura 2000 OSPAR


38

OTHER

Calcareous turf and [Stypocaulon scoparium], [Halopteris filicina] with [Laurencia viridis] and [Osmundea] spp. on exposed low eulittoral rock. (EUNIS Habitat Type: A1.1X_PT09) Habitat type


EUNIS habitat type code A1.1X_PT09 Level 5 Change in definition of higher type Why does proposed habitat differ from other types? Different geographic zone. Not Pontic Habitat with species assemblage previously not (A1.24) nor Mediterranean (A1.23). contemplated in EUNIS. Requires new level 4: A1.2X Atlantic communities of exposed eulittoral rock that incorporates Atlantic nonfucoid and non-rhodophyte assemblages in high energy littoral rock. DESCRIPTION Exposed low eulittoral rock biotope characterized by the presence of a calcareous turf (F) formed by Corallina, Jania spp. and Haliptilon spp. and fronds of Stypocaulon scoparium/Halopteris filicina (O). It occupies the low eulittoral including the infralittoral fringe and first few meters of the subtidal. Laurencia viridis/Osmundea spp. may be present as fronds or associated with other species as a non-calcareous turf (R) (Caulacanthus ustulatus, Centroceras clavulatum, Ceramium spp., Chondracanthus acicularis, Gastroclonium spp., Gelidiella sp., Gelidium spp., Gymnogongrus spp., Herposiphonia sp., Lophosiphonia spp., Polysiphonia spp., Pterosiphonia spp. and Sphacelaria spp.), presence of Asparagopsis armata (mainly in the Spring and summer months) and Pterocladiella capillacea. Other less common species includes Chodria sp. (R), Rivularia sp. (R), Cladophora sp. (R), non-calcareous turfs (R) and crusts (R), as well as Laurencia/Osmundea (R). It is found in Santa Maria Island, with probable presence on other islands with different relative abundance of its species. Source: Wallenstein et al., 2008b. Links to available maps Correspondence to conservation and protection status Habitats Directive / Natura 2000 OSPAR 1170 Reefs Sensitivity to human activities Trampling. Pollution. Persons / Institute responsible for habitat proposal Fernando Tempera & Elizabeth Atchoi / IMAR-DOP-University of the Azores

39

OTHER

[Corallina] sp. turfs on exposed to moderately exposed eulittoral rock (EUNIS habitat type: A1.1X_PT10) Habitat type



A1.1X_PT10 5

Change in definition of higher type

Why does proposed habitat differ from other types? This is an amendment to possibly two EUNIS classes: None required. A1.165 and A1.122, to include some characteristics of Macaronesia coraline turfs into the existing classes. DESCRIPTION Lower eulittoral and infralittoral fringe assemblage composed of a distinct belt of Corallina officinalis in association with Pterocladiella capillacea. In exposed locations it may range between up to 2m above the low water mark to 1m depth. In more sheltered locations, the belt exhibits an evident vertical zonation in two distinct vertical levels with P. capillacea prevailing closer to the low water mark. On the most exposed sites tufts of Pterocladiella emerge amidst the C. officinallis with the two levels showing greater overlap. In certain locations this assemblage includes other frondose algae such as Stypocaulon scoparium (more common on more exposed shores), Asparagopsis armata (occurring with particular abundance during spring and summer months) and/or Stypocaulon/Halopteris. Coralline turfs support an abundant and diverse associated fauna, including the sea-urchin Paracentrotus lividus, the chitons Lepidochitona spp., peracarid crustaceans (amphipods and tanaids), nereid polychaetes and sipunculids. Source: Hawkins et al., 1990. Image credit: IMAR/DOP-UAç Links to available maps Correspondence to conservation and protection status Habitats Directive / Natura 2000 Ospar 1170 Reefs Sensitivity to human activities Trampling. Pollution. Persons / Institute responsible for habitat proposal Fernando Tempera & Elizabeth Atchoi / IMAR-DOP-University of the Azores

40

Other

Non-calcareous encrusting species [Codium adhaerens] and/or [Nemoderma tingitanum] on exposed and moderately exposed lower eulittoral and littoral fringe rock (EUNIS habitat type: A1.1X_PT11) Habitat type



A1.1X_PT11 5

Change in definition of higher type Why does proposed habitat differ from other types? Different geographic zone. Not Pontic Habitat with species assemblage previously not (A1.24) nor Mediterranean (A1.23). contemplated in EUNIS. Requires new level 4: A1.2X Atlantic communities of exposed eulittoral rock that incorporates Atlantic non-fucoid and non-rhodophyte assemblages in high energy littoral rock. DESCRIPTION Codium adhaerens and Nemoderma tingitanum are some of the most common macroalgae found on the Azores shores. They form a distinctive belt at the low-water level on exposed and moderately-exposed hard substrates. On some locations a belt of C. adhaerens interrupts the infralittoral fringe coralline turf. C. adhaerens plants may occur as small spongy clusters or as a more or less continuous algal mat. Nemoderma tingitanum forms thin, smooth, slightIy spongy, yellow crusts, close and firmly-adhering to the substrate, often confluent and irregularly spreading to 1 m2. Other macroalgae associated to this assemblage include Caulacanthus ustulatus, Centroceras clavulatum, Ceramium spp., Chondracanthus acicularis, Gastroclonium spp., Gelidiella sp., Gelidium spp., Gymnogongrus spp., Herposiphonia sp., Lophosiphonia spp., Polysiphonia spp., Pterosiphonia spp., Stypocaulon scoparium and Ulva rigida. This assemblage is widespread in the Azores, having been recorded at least on the shores of Santa Maria, Flores and Faial Islands. Source: Morton et al., 1998; Parente et al., 2000. Image credit: IMAR/DOP-UAç. Links to available maps Correspondence to conservation and protection status Habitats Directive / Natura 2000 OSPAR 1170 Reefs Sensitivity to human activities Trampling. Pollution. Persons / Institute responsible for habitat proposal Fernando Tempera & Elizabeth Atchoi / IMAR-DOP-University of the Azores

41

OTHER

[Rhodymenia pseudopalmata] and/or [Gigartina acicularis] on moderately exposed to sheltered lower eulittoral rocks (EUNIS habitat type: A1.2X_PT01) Habitat type

A1.2X Atlantic communities of moderately exposed eulittoral rock


A1.2X_PT01 5

Change in definition of higher type Why does proposed habitat differ from other types? Requires new level 4. A1.2X Atlantic Different geographic zone. Not Pontic (A1.24) nor communities of moderately exposed Mediterranean (A1.23). There is a need for a new level eulittoral rock 4 to incorporate non-fucoid and non rhodophytes of the Atlantic coasts and islands into high energy littoral rock. DESCRIPTION Lower eulittoral assemblage dominated by a turf of Gigartina acicularis and/or Rhodymenia pseudopalmata occuring on sheltered junctions between abutting boulders and on crevice rims. Commonly associated species include the green algae Valonia utricularis and herbivorous gastropods such as the pulmonate sea-slug Onchidella celtica and limpets (Patella spp.). Sheltered boulder surfaces provide also some refuge to sensitive larvae of Chironomidae and Limonia unicolor. Source: Morton et al., 1998. Links to available maps Correspondence to conservation and protection status Habitats Directive/Natura 2000 OSPAR 1170 Reefs Sensitivity to human activities Trampling. Pollution. Persons / Institute responsible for habitat proposal Fernando Tempera & Elizabeth Atchoi / IMAR-DOP-University of the Azores

42

OTHER

Burrowing amphipods and polychaetes in clean sand (EUNIS habitat type: A2.22_PT01) Habitat type

A2.22 Barren or amphipod-dominated mobile sand shores


A2.22_PT01 5


Why does proposed habitat differ from other types? Habitat with species assemblage previously not contemplated in EUNIS. An amendment is suggested to A2.22 to broaden its species composition. Alternatively, create a specific class A2.22_PT01 for Macaronesian medium sand assemblages. DESCRIPTION Biotope dominated by amphipods and polychaetes on medium sands. Most common polychaetes found belong to the genera Phylo (fam. Orbinidae), Caulleriella (fam. Carrahilidae), Syllis (fam. Syllidae) and Malacoceras (fam. Spionidae). Associated biota includes the bivalve Ervilia castanea and nematodes. This assemblage has been documented on São Miguel Island and Faial island but likely occurs in other sandy shores of the Azores. Source: Wells, 1995. Links to available maps Correspondence to conservation and protection status Habitats Directive / Natura 2000 OSPAR


43

OTHER

Red algae [Sphaerococcus coronopifolius] and/or [Plocamium cartilagineum] on deep infralittoral rock (EUNIS habitat type: A3.11_PT01) Habitat type

A3.11 Kelp with cushion fauna and/or foliose red seaweeds


A3.11_PT01 5


Why does proposed habitat differ from other types? Habitat with species assemblage previously not contemplated in EUNIS. DESCRIPTION Biotope dominated by the red macroalgae Plocamium cartilagineum and Sphaerococcus coronopifolius growing on infralittoral rocks beyond 12m depth. Given their different depth preferences the two species occur both together and individually, frequently in close association with Zonaria tournefortii. Plocamium together with Sphaerococcus co-dominate in high abundance from 20 to 25 m depth. P. cartilagineum prefers deeper and shadier locations and is often found under the shade provided by Z. tournefortii. Both P. cartilagineum and S. coronopifolius present a higher development during the spring and summer months. In the Azores this association is apparently more common on the eastern group of islands. Source: Neto et al., 2000. Image credit: IMAR/DOP-UAç. Links to available maps Correspondence to conservation and protection status Habitats Directive/Natura 2000 OSPAR 1170 Reefs Sensitivity to human activities Climate change. Disposal of dredged materials. Changes in turbidity regime. Persons / Institute responsible for habitat proposal Fernando Tempera & Elizabeth Atchoi / IMAR-DOP-University of the Azores

44

OTHER

Deep infralittoral [Laminaria ochroleuca] kelp forests (EUNIS Habitat Type: A3.11_PT02) Habitat type


EUNIS habitat type code A3.11_PT02 Level 5 Change in definition of higher type None required.

Why does proposed habitat differ from other types? May be the Macaronesian analogue of the Mediterranean biotope A4.268 Association with [Laminaria ochroleuca]. It presents a species composition and kelp abundance that are different from the new A3.11_PT03. DESCRIPTION Habitat dominated by the kelp Laminaria ochroleuca forming a dense forest between 45 and 80m depth over irregular rocky bottom with coarse biogenic sand accumulated in rocky depressions. The kelp plants may cover all the rocky surfaces of low and medium slope with densities of more than one plant per square meter and become sparser in steep rocky faces. Stipes reach 1m height and the blades are approximately 1,5 m long. Some plants exhibit colonies of bryozoans and hydrarians colonizing the fronds. A smaller laminarian - Phylariopsis sp. - may occur in association with L. ochroleuca. The kelp understory algal assemblage is generally composed of encrusting Corallinaceae, frondose red algae (namely Sphaerococcus coronopifolius, Plocamium cartilagineum, Meredithia microphylla, Sebdenia cf. rodrigueziana, Halymenia sp., Kallymeniacea indet., Callophylis laciniata, Cryptopleura ramosa, Rhodymenia pseudopalmata), Dictyopteris membranacea and Ulva. Aglaophenid hydrozoans and encrusting sponges were also conspicuous on the rock surfaces. In the Azores, this assemblage has only been recorded on the Formigas Bank. Source: Atchoi, 2011. Image credit: IMAR/DOP-UAç. Links to available maps Correspondence to conservation and protection status Habitats Directive/Natura 2000 OSPAR 1170 Reefs

OTHER

Sensitivity to human activities Climate change. Pollution. Disposal of dredged materials. Changes in turbidity regime. Persons / Institute responsible for habitat proposal Elizabeth Atchoi & Fernando Tempera / IMAR-DOP-University of the Azores

45

Sparse lower infralittoral [Laminaria ochroleuca] (EUNIS habitat type: A3.11_PT03) Habitat type


EUNIS habitat type code A3.11X_PT03 Level 5 Change in definition of higher type None required.

Why does proposed habitat differ from other types? May be the Macaronesian analogue of the Mediterranean biotope A4.268 Association with [Laminaria ochroleuca]. It presents a species composition and kelp abundance that are different from the new A3.11_PT05. DESCRIPTION Lower infralittoral habitat characterized by sparse Laminaria ochroleuca growing on irregular rocky bottom located towards the deeper limit of kelp distribution (between 53 and 82m depth). In this case, rocky substrate outside sediment influence is often covered with dense circalittoral oysters (Neopycnodonte cochlear) and clams (Chama circinata). Sparse kelp has also been observed on mixed substrate with abundant sediment and firm settling ground limited to cobbles, boulders and a few rocky outcrops. In this case, stipes may stick out of the sand, suggesting local sediment shifts after the settling and growing of the kelp plants. Some plants exhibit colonies of bryozoans and hydrarian colonies on the fronds. Another laminarian alga (Phylariopsis sp.) may occur in association with L. ochroleuca. In the Azores, this assemblage has only been recorded on the Formigas Bank. Source: Atchoi, 2011. Image credit: IMAR/DOP-UAç. Links to available maps Correspondence to conservation and protection status Habitats Directive/Natura 2000 OSPAR 1170 Reefs Sensitivity to human activities Climate change. Pollution. Persons / Institute responsible for habitat proposal Elizabeth Atchoi & Fernando Tempera / IMAR-DOP-University of the Azores

46

OTHER

Crustose algae and [Arbacia lixula] on moderately exposed infralittoral fringe rock (EUNIS habitat type: A3.14_PT01) Habitat type

A3.14 Encrusting algal communities


A3.14_PT02 5

Change in definition of higher type None required

Why does proposed habitat differ from other types? Habitat with species assemblage previously not contemplated in EUNIS. DESCRIPTION A communitiy of crustose algae in association with Arbacia lixula is frequently found at exposed and moderately exposed sites troughout the Azores, usually developing from 0 to 5 m depth. Algal cover is extremely poor, almost completely restricted to encrusting species [Corallinacea, Hildenbrandia sp., Cutleria sp. Aglaozonia phase, Peyssonelia spp., Nemoderma tingitana], some tiny polisyphonate Ceramiales, in some case Lythophillum tortuosum individuals sprout amidts the turf. Sessile associated fauna is composed of giant barnacles Megabalanus azoricus, limpets Patella aspera, the muricid predator Stramonita haemastoma and vermetids. Abandoned vermetid tubes are often inhabited by sedentary individuals of the hermit crab Calcinus tubularis while empty giant barnacle fortresses are usually occupied by sponges, serpulids and sea urchins Paracentrotus lividus, as well as small blennies (Parablennius rubber, Parablennius incognitus, Ophioblennius atlanticus and Lipophrys trigloides) which use them as shelters and nesting places. The herbivory of the sea-urchins is very important for the maintenance of this biotope. Vertical surfaces may be occupied by patches of encrusting sponges and Corynactis viridis, while overhangs may exhibit Aglaophenia colonies. In sheltered notches and crevices, Percnon gibbesi, Sphaerechinus granularis and the sea-star Marthasterias glacialis are commonly found. This biotope is widespread on the Azorean shores. Over the last decade, on the Dollabarat reef it has occupied areas previously covered by dense Cystoseira stands. Source: Hawkins et al., 2000; Norberto, 2004. Image credit: IMAR/DOP-UAç. Links to available maps Correspondence to conservation and protection status Habitats Directive / Natura 2000 OSPAR Patella aspera habitat 1170 Reefs

OTHER

Sensitivity to human activities Cascading effects generated by high fishing pressures over sea-urchin fish predators may generate trophic unbalances leading to increased crustose algal assemblages. Pollution. Persons / Institute responsible for habitat proposal Fernando Tempera & Elizabeth Atchoi / IMAR-DOP-University of the Azores

47

Dense [Cystoseira cf. abies-marina] on exposed infralittoral rock (EUNIS Habitat Type: A3.151_PT01) Habitat type

A3.151 [Cystoseira] spp. on exposed infralittoral bedrock and boulders


A3.151_PT01 6

Change in definition of higher type None required

Why does proposed habitat differ from other types? Cystoseira species habitat with specific abundance. DESCRIPTION Dense fields of Cystoseira cf. abies-marina, covering most horizontal and subhorizontal surfaces. Fronds normally attain 30cm high but climatic populations may show fronds up to 1m length. Encrusting corallinacea frequently cover the substrate under the Cystoseira plants whilst Ulva rigida is an occasional epiphyte on the fronds. On the various nooks and crevices of the irregular bedrock, the more abundant species are encursting rhodophytes (calcareous and noncalcareous) as well as cartilagineous rhodophytes. Other species present are Sphaerococcus coronopifolius, Hypoglossum hypoglossoides, Dictyopteris membranacea and Cladophora sp. The Cystoseira beds are used by a multitude of species that feed, take shelter and nest amongst the fronds. Thalassoma pavo and Centrolabrus trutta are two extremely abundant fish species and the latter species has major breeding grounds in this assemblage. Cryptic fish such as Conger conger, Muraenidae spp., Epinephelus marginatus and Phycis phycis are typically found in the crevices. In the Azores, this assemblage has only been recorded on the Formigas Bank, particularly on the Dollabarat Reef. Over the last decade, this biotope receded on its upper reaches on the latter reef and was replaced by an encrusting algal community associated to intense sea-urchin herbivory. Source: Tempera et al., 2001. Image credit: IMAR/DOP-UAç. Links to available maps Correspondence to conservation and protection status Habitats Directive/Natura 2000 OSPAR

OTHER

Sensitivity to human activities Cascading effects generated by high fishing pressures over sea-urchin fish predators may generate trophic unbalances leading to higher sea-urchin densities at the depth of Cystoseira beds. Since 1999, the extension of Cystoseira beds on the upper reaches of the Dollabarat reef (depths