1.4.3 Dynamics and sensitivity characteristics

A diverse series of sub-features of the Annex 1 marine habitats were identified as requiring a scientific review, based on the following criteria:

  • key constituent of several candidate SACs;
  • important components of Annex 1 habitats in defining their quality and extent;
  • extensive information exists requiring collating and targeting, or there is minimal knowledge needing verification and extended study.

This resulted in the compilation a nine-volume review series, each providing an "Overview of Dynamics and Sensitivity Characteristics for Conservation Management of Marine SACs" for the following sub-features:

Vol 1           Zostera Biotopes
Vol II       Intertidal Sand and Mudflats & Subtidal Mobile Sandbanks

Vol III         Sea Pens and Burrowing Megafauna

Vol IV         Subtidal Brittlestar Beds

Vol V          Maerl

Vol VI         Intertidal Reef Biotopes

Vol VII       Infralittoral Reef Biotopes with Kelp Species

Vol VIII      Circalittoral Faunal Turfs

Vol IX         Biogenic Reefs.

Each report was produced initially by appropriate specialists from the wider scientific community in the respective subject. These reports have been reviewed through an extensive process involving experts from academic and research institutions and the statutory nature conservation bodies.

The results of these reviews are aimed primarily at staff in the statutory nature conservation bodies who are engaged in providing conservation objectives and monitoring advice to the marine SAC management schemes. However these reports will be a valuable resource to other relevant authorities and those involved in the broader network of coastal-marine protected areas. In order to reach out to a wider audience in the UK and Europe, a succinct 'synthesis' document [6] has been prepared as a complement to the detailed nine-volume series. This document will summarise the main points from the individual reviews and expand on linkages between biotopes, habitats and sites and related conservation initiatives.

[6] Jones, L. A., Hiscock, K., & Connor, D. W. 2000. Marine habitat reviews, a summary of ecological requirements for the conservation and management of marine SACs. Peterborough, JNCC: (UK Marine SAC Projects Report) ISBN.1857165225.