Biodiversity & Conservation

Fucus distichus and Fucus spiralis f. nana on extremely exposed upper shore rock

LR.HLR.FR.Fdis

ELR.Fdis

Image Sue Scott - View down shore showing upper shore bedrock with Fucus distichus and green algae. Image width ca XX cm.
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Distribution map

LR.HLR.FR.Fdis recorded (dark blue bullet) and expected (light blue bullet) distribution in Britain and Ireland (see below)

  • EC_Habitats

For a list of 2004 characterising species please see the JNCC website.

Species indicative of sensitivity

To assess the sensitivity of the biotope, the sensitivity of component species is reviewed. Those species that are considered to be particularly indicative of the sensitivity of the biotope, and for which research has been undertaken in detail are shown below (see selection criteria). The biology of other component species of the biotope is also taken into account wherever information is known to the researcher.

Species found especially in this biotope

  • None
Community Importance Species name Common Name
Key structural Fucus distichus A brown seaweed
Key structural Fucus spiralis Spiral wrack

Explanation

The biotope is a fucoid dominated community characterized by Fucus distichus and Fucus spiralis f. nana. Although several other species are present in the biotope it is the sensitivity of the fucoids that are important in determining the sensitivity of the biotope.

Additional information

This review can be cited as follows:

Hill, J.M. 2005. Fucus distichus and Fucus spiralis f. nana on extremely exposed upper shore rock. Marine Life Information Network: Biology and Sensitivity Key Information Sub-programme [on-line]. Plymouth: Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. [cited 19/06/2013]. Available from: <http://www.marlin.ac.uk/habitatreproduction.php?habitatid=234&code=2004>