Evaluate seabed mapping techniques for identifying and evaluating Sabellaria spinulosa reef

Project background

Agglomerations (‘reefs’) of the tube-building worm Sabellaria spinulosa are fragile environments which provide important habitats for a diverse range of marine life in coastal waters, and are protected under the EU Habitats Directive. These structures are often associated with areas of sand and gravel deposits, and can be damaged by fishing activity and aggregate extraction. More information is needed on these structures, such as where they occur and their composition, so that conservation measures can be balanced with the needs of the aggregate industry.

Project description and benefits

Cefas is a partner in a project consortium group that is surveying Sabellaria spinulosa, and other reefs protected by the EU Habitats Directive Annex I. The project is funded by English Nature through Defra’s Aggregate Levy Sustainability Fund. Other partners are EnVision, Geotek and Ivor Rees, with JNCC acting as lead partner for coordination.  The purpose of the project is to update our knowledge of the distribution and ecology of reef habitats (particularly Sabellaria spinulosa) in English waters. It will also determine the most effective survey methods for identifying, mapping and evaluating these habitats.

This project will provide the marine aggregates industry, Government advisers and all stakeholders with additional knowledge on which to base assessments of these habitats. It will also provide vital information on the occurrence and composition of EU Annex I habitats in English waters. This information will be used to determine future conservation strategies for reefs.

Cefas contribution

Cefas supported the delivery of the following tasks:

• Literature search to review the occurrence of Sabellaria spinulosa and other Annex 1 reef habitats in English waters. 
• Conduct a field survey programme to evaluate the tools which are best able to identify and map such habitats.
• Provide a written assessment of the survey techniques and strategies to inform subsequent best practice guidelines. 

Skills and expertise employed

• Acoustic and photographic surveys
• Data interpretation
• Seabed mapping