Habitats and Biotopes in the German Baltic Sea

The dataset provides full-coverage maps of the habitats and biotopes in the German Baltic Sea at a resolution of 1 x 1 km for the entire region and at 50 x 50 m resolution in specific areas. We combined geological and biological surveys to map the seabed and collected extensive data to classify different habitats and their associated benthic communities. Using newly established national guidelines and predictive habitat modelling, we produced highly accurate maps. The maps show Broad and Other Habitat Types (including Habitats Directive Annex I habitat types) according to the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) as well as HELCOM HUB biotope types. Detailed documentation is available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13010006