Biodiversity & Conservation

Ascophyllum nodosum with epiphytic sponges and ascidians on variable salinity infralittoral rock

IR.SIR.Lag.AscSAs

SIR.AscSAs

Image Sue Scott - Ascophyllum nodosum with epiphytes (SIR.AscSAs). Image width ca 30 cm.
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Distribution map

IR.SIR.Lag.AscSAs recorded (dark blue bullet) and expected (light blue bullet) distribution in Britain and Ireland (see below)

  • EC_Habitats

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.

Community Importance Species name Common Name
Key structural Ascophyllum nodosum Egg wrack
Important characterizing Halichondria panicea Breadcrumb sponge
Important characterizing Ciona intestinalis A sea squirt
Important structural Fucus serratus Toothed wrack

Explanation

The biotope consists of dense stands of Ascophyllum nodosum and other algae such as Fucus serratus are also common. The Ascophyllum nodosum is host to many different epiphytic sponges and ascidians represented here by Halichondria panicea and Ciona intestinalis.

Additional information

This review can be cited as follows:

Hill, J.M. 2001. Ascophyllum nodosum with epiphytic sponges and ascidians on variable salinity infralittoral 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/habitatreproduction.php?habitatid=328&code=1997>