Map of seabed habitats and associated communities in Sines coastal area (SW Portugal)

The map shows the seabed habitat types and associated benthic communities distribution in the coastal area south of Sines (SW Portugal), which is partly included in the Special Protection Area (PTZPE0015) of the Natural Park of Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina. The data were obtained during the new survey crarried out in 2011 within the framework of the MeshAtlantic Project. The survey area is an area of moderate energy under the influence of wave action and tidal currents. The northern near shore area is partially exposed to the outfalls of a thermoelectric powerplant. Physical and biological datasets were combined aiming at matching the habitat classes defined in the EUNIS classification.