EUSeaMap (2021) Broad-Scale Predictive Habitat Map - Confidence in classification of MSFD Benthic Broad Habitat types, EUNIS 2019 habitat types and the Helcom Hub and Barcelona Convention Regional classification system habitat types

Confidence in the classification of: - the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) Benthic Broad Habitat Types (V. 2017) - the EUNIS 2019 habitat types - the Helcom Hub regional classification system habitat types - the Barcelona Convention classification system habitat types in the EUSeaMap (2021) broad-scale predictive habitat map. Values are 1 (low confidence), 2 (moderate confidence) or 3 (high confidence). The final habitat type is classified by overlaying several layers of information; these layers of information are collectively known as 'habitat descriptors'. Habitat descriptors differ per region but include: Biological zone Energy class Oxygen regime Salinity regime Seabed substrate Riverine input The confidence in the classification of the habitat type is taken as the minimum of the confidence in all of the relevant habitat descriptors at that location. Confidence values are also available for each habitat descriptor and input data layer. Detailed information on the modelling process is found in the EMODnet Seabed Habitats technical reports and appendices (links in Resources). A link to the correlation table between MSFD Benthic Broad Habitat types* and the EUSeaMap 2016 biozone and substrate types is available in Resources. *Marine Strategy Framework Directive Benthic Broad Habitat Types (V. 2017) are defined in: COMMISSION DECISION (EU) 2017/848 of 17 May 2017 Created by the EMODnet Seabed Habitats project consortium. Credit: Licensed under CC-BY 4.0 from the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet) Seabed Habitats initiative (www.emodnet-seabedhabitats.eu), funded by the European Commission. It is important to note that a habitat type confidence score is only relevant to that particular level of the classification system.