EUSeaMap2 (2015) Interim draft North and Celtic Seas Broad-Scale Predictive Habitat Map

Interim draft habitat output of the EUSeaMap2 (2015) North and Celtic Seas broad-scale predictive model, produced by EMODnet Seabed Habitats.

The map was produced using a "top-down" modelling approach using the following input datasets:

1. Seabed Substrate (EMODnet Geology)

2. Bathymetry (EMODnet Bathymetry)

3. Light at the Seabed

4. Wave Base (modeled)

5. Wave energy (modelled)

6. Current energy (modelled)

The model, produced in Arc Model Builder (10.1), uses datasets 2 to 4 to determine biological zone, which in combination with seabed substrate and energy data can be used to predict the physical habitat at any one location.

The study followed the methodology developped within the EUSeaMap 1 project. For more details about this methodology see documents such as the EUSeaMap 1 final report (Cameron and Askew, 2011), Coltman et al., 2008, or Vasquez et al., 2015

The model was created using raster input layers with a cell size of 0.002dd (roughly 250 meters). The model includes the sublittoral zone only; due to the high variability of the littoral zone, a lack of detailed substrate data and the resolution of the model, it is difficult to predict littoral habitats at this scale.

The map follows the EUNIS 2007-11 classification system, supplemented by additional categories in deep sea areas and in areas lacking full data.

References:

Cameron, A., Askew, N. (eds.), 2011. EUSeaMap - Preparatory Action for development and assessment of a European broad-scale seabed habitat map final report. URL: http://jncc.gov.uk/euseamap

Coltman, N., Golding, N., Verling, E., 2008. Developing a broadscale predictive EUNIS habitat map for the MESH study area. 16 pp. URL: https://www.emodnet-seabedhabitats.eu/resources/mesh-archive/

Vasquez, M., Mata Chac├│n, D., Tempera, F., OÔÇÖKeeffe, E., Galparsoro, I., Sanz Alonso, J.L., Gon├ºalves, J.M.S., Bentes, L., Amorim, P., Henriques, V., McGrath, F., Monteiro, P., Mendes, B., Freitas, R., Martins, R., Populus, J., 2015. Broad-scale mapping of seafloor habitats in the north-east Atlantic using existing environmental data. Journal of Sea Research, MeshAtlantic: Mapping Atlantic Area Seabed Habitats for Better Marine Management 100, 120ÔÇô132. doi:10.1016/j.seares.2014.09.011

Date (Revision): 2015-08-27

Date (Creation): 2015-08-27

Credit: EMODnet Seabed Habitats, JNCC

Status: Under development

Point of contact

Organisation name	Individual name	Electronic mail address	Role
EMODnet Seabed Habitats		emodnetseabedhabitats@jncc.gov.uk	Owner

GEMET - INSPIRE themes, version 1.0

Habitats and biotopes
Coordinate reference systems

Use limitation: No conditions apply

Access constraints: Other restrictions

Other constraints: View access only - Draft dataset

Denominator: 250000

Language: English

Topic category

Biota
Environment
Oceans

Reference system identifier: EPSG / WGS 84 (EPSG:4326) / 7.4

Distribution format

Name	Version
Web Mapping Service	1.1.0

Hierarchy level: Dataset

Statement: The map was produced using a "top-down" modelling approach using the following input datasets:

1. Seabed Substrate (EMODnet Geology)

2. Bathymetry (EMODnet Bathymetry)

3. Light at the Seabed

4. Wave Base (modeled)

5. Wave energy (modelled)

6. Current energy (modelled)

Conflicting areas were removed from the initial substrate data before running the model, with the result of the habitat being classed as "Seabed". A number of substrate "artifacts" have also been identified, at the boundaries of input datasets.