Biodiversity & Conservation

Ascophyllum nodosum, sponges and ascidians on tide-swept mid eulittoral rock

LR.SLR.F.Asc.T

<i>%Ascophyllum nodosum%</i>, sponges and ascidians on tide-swept mid eulittoral rock
Distribution map

LR.SLR.F.Asc.T recorded (dark blue bullet) and expected (light blue bullet) distribution in Britain and Ireland (see below)

  • UK_BAP

Recorded distribution in Britain and Ireland

This biotope is not recorded from the east coasts of Britain and Ireland. In England and Wales, the only recorded sites were on the Isles of Scilly and in the Menai Strait respectively. In Scotland, the biotope is found in Shapinsay Sound, Orkney and in various location in the Inner and Outer Hebrides and on the north west coast of the Scottish mainland. Irish survey data has not been analyzed to identify biotopes although it seems likely that the biotope will occur in tidal sounds and rapids such as occur in Strangford Lough.

Habitat preferences

Temperature range preferences - Data deficient

Water clarity preferences - Data deficient

Limiting Nutrients - Data deficient

Other preferences - Moderately strong to very strong tidal streams.

Additional information

This biotope is found exclusively in tide-swept areas with a moderately strong to strong water flow. In the Menai Strait, for instance, water flow rates can reach 8 knots (Brazier et al., 1999).

This review can be cited as follows:

Marshall, C.E. 2005. Ascophyllum nodosum, sponges and ascidians on tide-swept mid eulittoral rock. Marine Life Information Network: Biology and Sensitivity Key Information Sub-programme [on-line]. Plymouth: Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. [cited 19/05/2013]. Available from: <http://www.marlin.ac.uk/habitatpreferences.php?habitatid=100&code=1997>