Scientists have conducted an unprecedented assessment of the seabed around the Isles of Scilly, revealing complex mosaics of sediments that support a wide range of habitat-building species. The research, led by the University of Plymouth, used a range of techniques to monitor the ocean sediments around the archipelago and to explore the diversity of species living within them.
Working with local fishers and conservation managers, the study team carried out a series of towed and baited video surveys at 10 locations outside of any existing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Those surveys uncovered an array of different sediment habitats - from sandy bedforms to boulders and cobbles over sand - located at depths of up to 90 metres below the ocean surface.
The habitats were found to support more than 90 species of seabed animals, ranging from corals and sponges to varieties of worms, sharks, rays and starfish. Many upright species on the seabed, such as sponges, could provide refuge for other species and increase habitat sensitivity while these habitats can create nursery and feeding areas for species of commercial and conservation importance.
However, further analysis has shown this diversity in sediment habitats is not fully captured by habitat classifications within the European Nature Information System (EUNIS). Marine EUNIS classifications are designed to describe habitats and the species living in particular parts of the ocean. They can be used to inform decisions and policies on human activities for conservation management.
The new findings have led the study team to suggest that classifications for sediment habitats around the UK are potentially being based on shifted baselines, information based on how a habitat can appear following decades of human activities, rather than the best-case scenario for its composition and health.
The new study has been published in the Journal of Applied Ecology and is part of an ongoing project by researchers from the University's
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"> Centre for Marine Biology and Conservation Science (CMACS). Its lead author is PhD researcher [STAFFMEMBER]
"> Mrs Rebecca Turley and she is part of a research team led by Professor of Marine Ecology [STAFFMEMBER]
"> Professor Emma Sheehan, one of the UK's leading experts in the assessment of marine conservation zones and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
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