Hediste diversicolor and Scrobicularia plana in littoral gravelly mud

Summary

UK and Ireland classification

Description

Extremely sheltered gravelly mud on the mid and lower shore, containing little sand with occasional cobbles. The infaunal community includes the ragworm Hediste diversicolor and the peppery furrow shell Scrobicularia plana, as well as a range of polychaetes, oligochaetes, and molluscs. Given the low sample numbers for this biotope, more records are needed to confirm the characterizing species list. It is probable that there are broad transition areas between HedMx.Scr and the corresponding muddy sediment biotope HedMacScr. The boundaries may be very indistinct, with HedMx.Scr present in patches of gravelly mud on areas of mudflat, where the main biotope is HedMacScr. (Information from Connor et al., 2004; JNCC, 2015).

Depth range

Upper shore, Mid shore, Lower shore

Additional information

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Listed By

- none -

Sensitivity reviewHow is sensitivity assessed?

Sensitivity characteristics of the habitat and relevant characteristic species

The biotope LS.LMx.GvMu.HedMx.Scr is characterized by the ragworm Hediste diversicolor (JNCC, 2015) and the sensitivity assessments, therefore, focus on this species and the key factors that structure this biotope and the characterizing assemblages (mixed sediments in sheltered habitats). The assessments also consider the sensitivity of the characterizing bivalve Scrobicularia plana, where evidence is available. The associated polychaetes Pygospio elegans, Streblospio shrubsolii, oligochaetes, Tubificoides spp., the gastropod Hydrobia ulvae and the bivalve Macoma balthica are also considered. The closely related variant sub-biotopes have been assessed and the sensitivity assessments are presented on the MarLIN website.

Resilience and recovery rates of habitat

When impacted this biotope may recover through repair of damaged individuals, adult migration by mobile species and recolonization by pelagic larvae. Resilience of the biological assemblage that characterises this biotope is assessed as 'High' (within 2 years) for most small-scale disturbances that do not require habitat recovery. The resilience assessment is based on species biological traits and examples from experiments and observations of imapcts and recovery from human activities.

The ability of postlarvae, larger juveniles, and adults of the key characterizing species Hediste diversicolor to swim, burrow and be carried by bedload transport can aid the rapid recolonization of disturbed sediments (Shull, 1997). Davey & George (1986), found evidence that larvae of Hediste diversicolor were tidally dispersed within the Tamar Estuary over a distance of 3 km.  Such passive dispersal alone suggested that recolonization of disturbed sediments was likely to occur rapidly, depending upon larvae transport pathways.

Generally Hediste diversicolor is reported to reach maturity between one and three years of age, like other Nereidae, Hediste diversicolor are monotelic, that is, they reproduce only once in their lifetime and then die (Olive & Garwood, 1981). Mature males crawl around outside in search of a mature female and discharge sperm through the nephridia, directly outside her burrow. Direct contact between the sexes is not a necessity. Sperm is drawn into the burrow by females and fertilized eggs remain inside the burrow protected by the female. Both sexes die shortly after spawning. The trait to lay and protect eggs within a burrow is likely to increase the time populations recover from pressures that affect the sediment, such as sediment removal, as both adults and eggs will be affected. The pelagic larval dispersal phase is short (Scaps, 2002).

Populations appear to show local characteristics in terms of spawning periods. Spawning may be limited to a short period in spring or extend over the summer. In the Thames Estuary, Dales (1950) reported specimens growing to maturity within one year, spawning in February, with some individuals surviving up to 18 months. Mettam et al. (1982), reported that Hediste diversicolor from the Severn Estuary matured rapidly in the spring and spawned at two years old. Olive & Garwood (1981), found that females in the Blyth Estuary, Northumberland, were in their second year before eggs began to appear, so most probably spawned in their third year.

Some examples of recovery of populations in similar habitats to the assessed biotope have been found.

  1. The effects of a pipeline construction on benthic invertebrates were investigated using a Before/After impact protocol at Clonakilty Bay, West Cork, Ireland. Benthic invertebrates were sampled once before the excavation and at one, two, three and six months after the completion of the work.  An impact was obvious in the construction site in that no live invertebrates were found at one month after disturbance, but there followed a gradual recolonization by Hediste diversicolor. At six months after the disturbance, there was no significant difference in the mean number of total individuals (of all species) per core sample amongst all study sites, but the apparent recovery in the impacted area was due to recovery of  Hediste diversicolor and Tubifex spp. (Lewis et al., 2002b).

  2. Bolam et al. (2004) experimentally simulated (in the field) the effect of dredged material emplacement (beach recharge) by manipulating defaunated sediments. Macrofaunal sampling was carried out after 1 week and after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. Recolonization patterns were found to be species specific: abundances of the polychaete Hediste diversicolor and the gastropod Hydrobia ulvae recovered to ambient levels within one week.

In general, recovery of Hediste diversicolor populations from impacts appears to be relatively rapid. Recovery will be enhanced where adult migration (active or passive) can transport adults from adjacent, unimpacted habitats. Where a large area is severely impacted, however, recovery may require longer time-scales.

A study by Verdelhos et al. (2011) suggested the existence of different life strategies within populations of Scrobicularia plana depending on temperature, latitudinal gradient and local habitat conditions. Higher-latitude populations usually exhibited low abundance values, shorter reproduction periods and lower growth rates. Conde et al. (2011) compared recruitment of the bivalve Scrobicularia plana to excavated and un-excavated control plots (expected to enhance the deposition of bivalve spat if the settlement of bivalves was the result of a passive process) at different shore levels in Portugal. Juveniles of both bivalve species were found to avoid excavated plots, showing significantly higher abundance in control plots. The data strongly suggested that recruited bivalves actively avoid unsuitable substrata .

The life history characteristics of give the species strong powers of recoverability. Adults spawn at least once a year and are highly fecund (Caddy, 1967). Females are capable of producing 10,000-30,000 eggs (MES, 2010). There is a planktotrophic larval phase which lasts up to 2 months (Fish & Fish, 1996) and so dispersal over long distances is potentially possible given a suitable hydrographic regime. Following settlement, development is rapid and sexual maturity is attained within 2 years (Gilbert, 1978; Harvey & Vincent, 1989). In addition to larval dispersal, dispersal of juveniles and adults occurs via burrowing (Bonsdorff, 1984; Guenther, 1991), floating (Sörlin, 1988) and probably via bedload transport (Emerson & Grant, 1991). It is expected therefore that recruitment can occur from both local and distant populations. Bonsdorff (1984) studied the recovery of a Macoma balthica (as Macoma balthica) population in a shallow, brackish bay in SW Finland following the removal of the substratum by dredging in the summer of 1976. Recolonization of the dredged area by Macoma balthica began immediately after the disturbance to the sediment and by November 1976, the Macoma balthica population had recovered to 51 individuals/m². One year later there was no detectable difference in the Macoma balthica population between the recently dredged area and a reference area elsewhere in the bay. In 1976, two generations could be detected in the newly established population indicating that active immigration of adults was occurring in parallel to larval settlement. In 1977, up to six generations were identified, giving further evidence of active immigration to the dredged area.

The polychaete Pygospio elegans have life history strategies that allow rapid colonization and population increase in  disturbed and defaunated patches where there is little competition from other species. Pygospio elegans exhibit a number of reproductive strategies (a trait known as poecilogony). Larvae may develop directly allowing rapid population increase in suitable patches or they may have a planktonic stage (allowing colonization of new habitats). Experimental defaunation studies have shown an increase in Pygospio elegans, higher than background abundances within 2 months, reaching maximum abundance within 100 days (Van Colen et al. 2008).  Following a period of anoxia in the Bay of Somme (north France) that removed cockles, Pygospio elegans increased rapidly but then decreased as cockle abundance recovered and sediments were disturbed by cockle movement (Desprez et al., 1992). Re-colonization of Pygospio elegans, was observed in 2 weeks by Dittmann et al. (1999) following a 1 month long defaunation of the sediment. However, McLusky et al. (1983) found that Pygospio elegans were significantly depleted for >100 days after harvesting (surpassing the study monitoring timeline). Ferns et al. (2000) found that tractor-towed cockle harvesting removed 83% of Pygospio elegans (initial density 1850 per m2).  In muddy sand habitats, Pygospio elegans had not recovered their original abundance after 174 days (Ferns et al., 2000). These results are supported by work by Moore (1991) who also found that cockle dredging can result in reduced densities of some polychaete species, including Pygospio elegans. Rostron (1995) undertook experimental dredging of sandflats with a mechanical cockle dredger, including a site comprised of stable, poorly sorted fine sands with small pools and Arenicola marina casts with some algal growths. At this site, post-dredging, there was a decreased number of Pygospio elegans with no recovery to pre-dredging numbers after six months.

The polychaete Streblospio shrubsolii and the oligochaete Tubificoides benedii are considered opportunistic species and exhibit short lifespans and fast growth rates. Streblospio shrubsolii displays a flexible life history and is viewed as an indicator species: the presence of high abundances indicate a stressed environments (Borja et al., 2000).Tubificoides benedii is likely to rapidly increase in abundance in disturbed sediments and polluted conditions (Gray et al., 1990; Borja et al., 2000; Gogina et al., 2010). Tubificid populations tend to be large and to be constant throughout the year, although some studies have noticed seasonal variations (Giere & Pfannkuche, 1982). Many species, including Tubificoides benedii and Baltidrilus costata have a two-year reproductive cycle and only part of the population reproduces each season (Giere & Pfannkuche, 1982). Populations of Tubificoides benedii in the Fourth estuary have not demonstrated clear seasonality in recruitment (Bagheri & McLusky, 1982), although mature Tubificoides benedii (as Peloscolex benedeni) in the Thames Estuary were reported to occur in December with a maximum in late February (Hunter & Arthur, 1978), breeding worms increased from April and maximum cocoon deposition was observed in July (Hunter & Arthur, 1978).  Bolam and Whomersley (2003) observed faunal recolonization of fine sediments placed on saltmarsh as a beneficial use and disposal of fine grained dredged sediments. They found that tubificid oligochaetes began colonizing sediments from the first week following a beneficial use scheme involving the placement of fine-grained dredged material on a salt marsh in southeast England. The abundance of Tubificoides benedii recovered slowly in the recharge stations and required 18 months to match reference sites and those in the recharge stations prior to placement of sediments. The results indicate that some post-juvenile immigration is possible and that an in-situ recovery of abundance is likely to require more than 1 year.  

Resilience assessment. Biotope resileince is assessed as ‘High’ (within 2 years), where resistance is ‘High’, ‘Medium’ or ‘Low’. Resilience is assessed as ‘Medium’ (2-10 years) where, resistance is ‘None’ and habitat recovery may also be required. 

NB: The resilience and the ability to recover from human induced pressures is a combination of the environmental conditions of the site, the frequency (repeated disturbances versus a one-off event) and the intensity of the disturbance.  Recovery of impacted populations will always be mediated by stochastic events and processes acting over different scales including, but not limited to, local habitat conditions, further impacts and processes such as larval-supply and recruitment between populations. Full recovery is defined as the return to the state of the habitat that existed prior to impact.  This does not necessarily mean that every component species has returned to its prior condition, abundance or extent but that the relevant functional components are present and the habitat is structurally and functionally recognizable as the initial habitat of interest. It should be noted that the recovery rates are only indicative of the recovery potential. 

Hydrological Pressures

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ResistanceResilienceSensitivity
Temperature increase (local) [Show more]

Temperature increase (local)

Benchmark. A 5°C increase in temperature for one month, or 2°C for one year. Further detail

Evidence

Hediste diversicolor and other important characterizing species are adapted to living within the intertidal zone where temperatures fluctuate. Some resistance to temperature fluctuations is achieved by burying within the sediment, which buffers against acute temperature changes over the tidal cycle. the sensitivity assessment for this pressure is largely based on geographic range as a proxy for thermal tolerances, laboratory experiements and field observations.

The geographic range of Hediste diversicolor (throughout north-west Europe on the Baltic Sea, North Sea and along Atlantic coasts to the Mediterranean) suggests that it is tolerant of a range of temperatures and a temperature increase at benchmark levels is unlikely to have an adverse effect on UK populations. Hediste diversicolor can tolerate temperatures from below zero under Baltic ice to high summer temperatures in Black Sea lagoons (>25°C) (Smith, 1977). Hediste diversicolor were not strongly affected by heat waves in an estuary in north western Portugal, where temperatures reached 40°C in intertidal pools (higher temperatures than experienced around UK and Irish coasts) (Dolbeth et al., 2011). Grilo et al., 2011) found that at a Portuguese site, surface deposit feeders gradually decreased in periods of higher temperatures. However, sub-surface deposit feeders became dominant for up to three years after heat wave conditions had passed.

Temperature change may adversely affect reproduction of Hediste diversicolor. Bartels-Hardege and Zeeck (1990) demonstrated that an increase from 12°C and maintenance of water temperature at 16°C induced reproduction in Hediste diversicolor specimens outside the normal period of spawning, and without a drop in temperature to simulate winter conditions the spawning period was prolonged and release of gametes was not synchronized. Poor synchronization of spawning could result in reduced recruitment, as gametes are wasted and mature specimens die shortly after gamete release.

In Europe, Macoma balthica occurs as far south as the Iberian Peninsula and hence would be expected to tolerate higher temperatures than experienced in Britain and Ireland. Oertzen (1969) recorded that Macoma balthica could tolerate temperatures up to 49°C before thermal numbing of gill cilia occurred, presumably resulting in death. Ratcliffe et al. (1981) reported that Macoma balthica from the Humber Estuary, UK, tolerated 6 hours of exposure to temperatures up to 37.5°C with no mortality. Wilson (1981) show that the lethal temperatures for Macoma balthica change between seasons as individuals acclimate to seasonal changes. Critical temperatures were studied for a Macoma balthica population in Dublin Bay, and a summer maximum of 37.5 and winter maximum of 27.5 were reported (Wilson, 1981).  Tolerances were also reported to change with height up the shore, which suggested adaptation to prevailing conditions.

Field observations and laboratory experiments showed that Macoma balthica spawns (criterion: 50% spent) in spring when the gradual increase of the mean (monthly averaged) water temperature surpasses 8.3oC. The success of spawning and recruitment is affected by the timing of the spring phytoplankton bloom and avoidance of the main settlement of the predator Crangon crangon on intertidal shores (Philippart et al., 2003). A mismatch in spawning cues due to an acute increase in temperature could result in low recruitment or recruitment failures

Despite apparent adaptation to regional temperature ranges, Barda et al. (2014) studied populations of Macoma balthica in the Baltic Sea and found that increased temperature reduced growth rates. Beukema et al. (2014) also warn that increasing water temperatures as a result of global warming are likely to shorten the growing season (typically late winter to early spring) if warmer spring and summer water temperatures are experienced.  Jansen et al. (2007) suggest that temperature increases in the Spanish coast along the Bay of Biscay over the past 40 years caused loss of Macoma balthica populations, due to short-term but frequent exposure to >30° C in the Spanish estuaries, which induced elevated maintenance rates in Macoma balthica, and ultimately starvation. Repeated recruitment failure also occurred after mild winters in a comparable North Sea location, probably due to enhanced survival of predators(Beukema, 1992, Schueckel & Kroencke, 2013; Beukema et al., 2001).  As a result, Jansen et al. (2007) predict the southern limit of the species will progressively shift north if temperatures continue to rise.

Pygospio elegans also shows a relationship between timing of reproduction and temperature. Gibson and Harvey (2000) in a study on asexual reproduction of Pygospio elegans in Nova Scotia, Canada found that temperature did not influence reproduction strategy (planktotrophy, lecithotrophy or asexual reproduction) but cite Anger (1984) that environmental conditions including temperature, influence the timing of reproduction.

Tubificoides benedii increased in abundance in mudflat habitats in Jade Bay, North Sea between 1930 and 2009 (Schueckel & Kroencke, 2013). Climate warming as well as decreasing nutrient loads and species introductions have occurred in the region since the 1970s, suggesting the species may adapt to temperature increases at benchmark pressures.Bamber & Spencer (1984) observed that Tubificoides were dominant species in an area affected by thermal discharge in the River Medway estuary.  Sediments were exposed to the passage of a temperature front of approximately 10oC between heated effluent and estuarine waters during the tidal cycles. Increased temperature was found to trigger the onset of reproduction in Baltidrilus costata (studied as Tubifex costatus) in the Thames (Birtwell & Arthur, 1980). This effect was non-lethal and may be beneficial to populations.

Streblospio shrubsolii have been shown to reproduce in a temperature range of 7.5°C – 30°C with highest reproduction levels occurring between 16°C – 21°C (Levin & Creed, 1986, Dafonsecagenevois & Cazaux, 1987, Chu & Levin, 1989, Lardicci et al., 1997). The evidence  was based on Mediterranean sites, limiting confidence for UK and Irish seas. The timing of reproduction and growth, although occurring throughout the year, increased in late spring and early summer but were strongly reduced during periods of higher temperatures in summer and disappeared or were strongly reduced at lower temperatures in winter (Lardicci et al., 1997). The timing of growth and reproduction in Streblospio shrubsolii depended on the synergistic effects of temperature and photoperiod, so that cues may differ at locations at different latitudes (Chu & Levin, 1989). Both a 5°C increase in temp for one month period, or 2°C for one year are within the temperature range reproduction occurs within (7.5°C – 30°C) and within the temperature range where highest reproduction levels occur (16°C – 21°C), suggesting limited impact from the pressure at benchmark pressures is likely.  

Indirect effects are also possible. Higher temperatures have been implicated in the proliferation of trematode parasites which have caused mass mortalities in the snail Hydrobia ulvae (Jensen & Mouritsen, 1992), which is often abundant in this biotope.

Sensitivity assessment. Typical surface water temperatures around the UK coast vary, seasonally from 4-19°C (Huthnance, 2010). It is likely that the important characteristic species are able to resist a long-term increase in temperature of 2°C and may resist a short-term increase of 5°C. Macoma balthica may retreat north as a result of long-term warming and climate change. However, the important characterizing species Hediste diversicolor are likely to survive a 5°C increase in temp for one month period, or 2°C for one year, although reproductive activities may be impacted. For instance, without colder winters spawning may not be synchronised and so recruitment would be reduced. A resistance of ‘High’, a resilience of ‘High’ (as longer lived later maturing species are present) and a sensitivity of ‘Not sensitive’ have been assigned.

High
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High
High
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Not sensitive
High
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Temperature decrease (local) [Show more]

Temperature decrease (local)

Benchmark. A 5°C decrease in temperature for one month, or 2°C for one year. Further detail

Evidence

A decrease in temperature has been shown to be indirectly beneficial to Hediste diversicolor, as case studies report a reduction in numbers of the species’ predators. For instance, a severe winter in the Wadden Sea in 1995/1996 saw an increased abundance of Hediste diversicolor coincident with a reduction in the numbers of Carcinus maenus and Crangon crangon (Armonies et al., 2001). A similar increase in abundance was noted in the same area between 1978 and 1987 after a series of cold winters (mean Hediste diversicolor density increased from 24/m² to 151/m² respectively ) (Beukema, 1990). Decreased temperatures throughout the year may, however, limit reproduction. Bartels-Hardege & Zeeck (1990) induced spawning in the laboratory, in specimens of Hediste diversicolor from tidal flats of the Jadebusen (North Sea), outside the normal spawning period of early spring. Temperatures were not lowered to simulate winter conditions but maintained at 16°C. Mature specimens appeared after four weeks and released gametes after a further four weeks according to a semilunar cycle. Reproduction was sustained for a period of four months. Such an extended spawning was witnessed on the Jadebusen following an unusually warm winter. Spawning occurred from February until May and was less synchronized. In contrast, the same population spawned within two months (February - March) following lower winter temperatures in another year. They concluded that not only a threshold temperature was important for synchronized spawning but the timing of the rise in temperature following winter was also a significant factor (Bartels-Hardege & Zeeck, 1990). A reduced rise in temperature is likely to limit this factor.

The geographical distribution of Macoma balthica suggests that it is very tolerant of low temperature. The species occurs in the Gulfs of Finland and Bothnia where the sea freezes for several months of the year (Green, 1968). It must, therefore, resist much lower temperatures than it experiences in Britain and Ireland. Furthermore, Macoma balthica was apparently unaffected by the severe winter of 1962/3, which severely affected  many other bivalve species (Crisp, 1964), and De Wilde (1975) noted that Macoma balthica) kept at 0°C maintained a high level of feeding activity. It is likely, therefore, that in seas around the UK and Ireland,Colder winter temperatures have been shown to benefit Macoma balthica population dynamics. Recruitment success increased following colder winters and repeated recruitment failure has occurred after mild winters in comparable North Sea location (Beukema, 1992, Schueckel & Kroencke, 2013; Beukema et al., 2001). In Friedrichskoog, Germany, König (1943) found a high accumulation of dead Cerastoderma edule biomass after a severe winter 1936/1937 but high numbers of Macoma balthica (80,000 individuals/m²) spat in following years (winter 1939). Winter water surface temperatures in the Wadden Sea (Netherlands) have increased 1.5°C since the 1980s (Oost et al., 2009). During milder winters greater body weight loss and production of fewer and smaller eggs has been observed in Macoma balthica (van der Meer et al., 2003). It is noted in the literature however, that reduced recruitment success during milder winters may also be due to increased predation as juvenile Crangon crangon have shown increased abundance in relation to milder winters (Beukema & Dekker, 2005).  Macoma balthica would resist decreases in temperature at the pressure benchmark level.

Streblospio shrubsolii has been shown to reproduce in a temperature range of 7.5°C – 30°C with highest reproduction levels occurring between 16°C – 21°C (Levin & Creed, 1986, Da Fonseca-Genevois & Cazaux, 1987, Chu & Levin, 1989, Lardicci et al., 1997). Reproductive activity disappeared or strongly reduced at lower temperatures in winter in a Mediterranean case study (Lardicci et al., 1997), this case study suggests reproduction would be delayed in UK and Irish populations that experienced both a  5°C decrease in temp for one month period, or 2°C for one year.

Most littoral oligochaetes, including tubificids and enchytraeids, can survive freezing temperatures and can survive in frozen sediments (Giere & Pfannkuche, 1982). Tubificoides benedii (studied as Peloscolex benedeni) recovered after being frozen for several tides in a mudflat (Linke, 1939).

Sensitivity assessment. The important characterizing species show limited impacts and, potentially, benefits to abundance and recruitment from decreases in temperature. Therefore, a 5°C decrease in temp for one month period, or 2°C for one year is likely to have limited negative impact on all characterizing species in the biotope, within British and Irish seas. Hence, resistance is assessed as ‘High’, resilience is assessed as ‘High’, and sensitivity as ‘Not Sensitive’.

High
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High
High
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Not sensitive
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Salinity increase (local) [Show more]

Salinity increase (local)

Benchmark. A increase in one MNCR salinity category above the usual range of the biotope or habitat. Further detail

Evidence

The biotope occurs in full salinity (30-35 ppt). The assessed change in salinity would, therefore, be an increase to hypersaline waters. Although intertidal flats may experience increases in salinity in pore waters due to evaporation on hot days, no evidence was found to assess this pressure and sensitivity is not assessed. 

No evidence (NEv)
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No evidence (NEv)
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NR
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No evidence (NEv)
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Salinity decrease (local) [Show more]

Salinity decrease (local)

Benchmark. A decrease in one MNCR salinity category above the usual range of the biotope or habitat. Further detail

Evidence

The biotope occurs in full salinity, (JNCC, 2015).  The decrease in salinity assessed at the benchmark is to reduced salinity (18-30ppt). The available evidence and existence of similar sub-biotopes in reduced or variable salinity (within the LS.LSa.LMx.GvMu.HedMx group suggests that the characterizing species are tolerant of a short-term decrease to low salinity but it is likely that for species such as Macoma balthica long-term reductions would lead to mortality. A similar biotope with Scrobicularia plana occurs in muddy sediments (LS.LMu.MEst.HedMacScr), suggesting that the key characterizing species are tolerant of reduced salinity.

The key characterizing species Hediste diversicolor is known to tolerate low salinities below 18-24 psu and it has been shown to replace Arenicola marina in areas influenced by freshwater runoff or input (e.g. the head end of estuaries) (Barnes; 1994; Hayward, 1994). Lower salinities (<8 psu) can, however, have an adverse effect on Hediste diversicolor reproduction (Ozoh & Jones, 1990; Smith 1964). Fertilization in Hediste diversicolor is adapted to high salinity but not to low salinity below 7.63‰ (Ozoh & Jones, 1990). A decrease in salinity at the benchmark pressure (reduction to <18‰ ) may negatively impact recruitment and abundance if the dilution is close to that threshold.

Conde et al. (2013) found that Streblospio shrubsolii were a dominant species in low salinity, estuarine conditions (5-9‰) in the Tagus estuary, Portugal. In Ria de Averio, western Portugal Streblospio shrubsolii and Tubificoides benedii were characterizing species of communities in estuarine sample sites further upstream with lower salinity, suggesting a high resistance to a decrease in salinity (Rodrigues et al., 2011).  Numerous studies suggest that the oligochaete Baltidrilus costata tolerates a wide range of salinities from 1‰ to 28‰ (Giere & Pfannkuche, 1982 and references therein), suggesting that this species is likely to still be present in the biotope.Oligochaete dominated biotopes are recorded from a range of salinity regimes from full (LS.LSa.MoSa.Ol; LS.LSa.MoSa.Ol.FS), variable (SS.SMu.SMuVS.CapTubi) reduced (SS.SMu.SMuVS.CapTubi; LS.LMu.UEst.Tben ) and low (SS.SMu.SMuVS.LhofTtub) habitats (JNCC,2015). In very low salinities from <15 to 0 ‰ species such as Limnodrilus spp. and Tubifex tubifex are found (Giere & Pfannkuche, 1982).  A decrease in salinity at the pressure benchmark would probably result in replacement by oligochaete species more tolerant of lower salinities such as Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri and Tubifex tubifex that characterize the low salinity biotope SS.SMu.SMuVS.LhofTtub.

McLusky & Allan (1976) conducted salinity survival experiments with Macoma balthica over a period of 150 days. Survival times declined with decreased salinity. At 12 psu specimens survived 78 days, whilst specimens at 8.5 psu survived 40 days. Some specimens of Macoma balthica survived 2.5 days at 0.8 psu, which was apparently due to the animal’s ability to clamp its valves shut in adverse conditions. McLusky & Allan (1976) also reported that Macoma balthica failed to grow (increase shell length) at 15 psu. Macoma balthica is found in brackish and fully saline waters (Clay, 1967b) so may tolerate a state of flux. Its distribution in combination with the experimental evidence of McLusky & Allan (1976) suggests that Macoma balthica is likely to be resistant to  decreased salinity over a short period. A decline in salinity in the long-term may have implications for the species viability in terms of growth, and the distribution of the species may alter as specimens at the extremes retreat to more favourable conditions. Metabolic function should, however, quickly return to normal when salinity returns to original levels. Decreased salinity may also affect the ability of Macoma balthica to tolerate contaminants such as heavy metals (see Bryant et al., 1985 & 1985a). Usually, contaminants become more toxic at low salinity (Langston, W.J. pers comm.).

Muus (1967) revealed that Hydrobia ulvae did not crawl into water with a salinity lower than 9?⁄??. Hylleberg (1975) also found that under controlled conditions of salinity ranging from 10 to 30?⁄?? and temperatures ranging from 5 to 35°C, shows that Hydrobia ulvae has maximal egestion at the combination of high salinity (30?⁄??) and high temperature (30° C).

Sensitivity assessment. It is considered likely that the key characterizing species would be tolerant of a decrease in salinity at the pressure benchmark. Resistance is therefore assessed as ‘High’, resilience is ‘High’ and the biotope is therefore considered to be 'Not Sensitive'.

High
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Medium
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High
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Low
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Not sensitive
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Water flow (tidal current) changes (local) [Show more]

Water flow (tidal current) changes (local)

Benchmark. A change in peak mean spring bed flow velocity of between 0.1 m/s to 0.2 m/s for more than one year. Further detail

Evidence

Hediste diversicolor characteristically inhabits littoral mudflats predominantly of clay (particles < 4 µm), silt (4-63 µm) and to a lesser extent, very fine sand (63-125 µm) (Jones et al., 2000). Highest abundances occur in very weak (negligible) to weak < 1 knot (<0.5 m/sec.) currents. These conditions are provided by this biotope, which occurs in sheltered gravelly mud on the upper, mid and lower shore.

The type direction and speed of the currents control sediment deposition within an area. Finer sediment will fall to the substratum in weaker currents. An increase in water flow rate could entrain and maintain particles in suspension and erode the mud. As a result the scouring and consequent redistribution of components of the substratum would alter the extent of suitable habitat available to populations of Hediste diversicolor and other species in the biotope that prefer finer sediment. Recovery of Hediste diversicolor would be influenced by the length of time it would take for the potential habitat to return to a suitable state for recolonization by adult and juvenile specimens from adjacent habitats, and the establishment of a breeding population. Recolonization may take between one and three years, as populations differ in reaching maturity (Dales, 1950; Mettam et al., 1982; Olive & Garwood, 1981), from the time that the habitat again becomes suited to the species.

 

Coarser sediments are likely to remain in areas of strongest flow velocity (where finer particles have been re-suspended). Species such as Pygospio elegans and other opportunist polychaetes that tolerate coarser particle size will possibly increase in abundance. Macoma balthica is likely to experience greater impact from increased water flow as the species thrives in low energy environments, such as the extremely sheltered areas that characterize the biotope (Tebble, 1976). Increased water flow rate is likely to influence the sediment characteristics in this biotope, primarily by re-suspending and preventing deposition of finer particles (Hiscock, 1983). This is likely to result in erosion of the preferred habitat, which may cause mortality of some portion of the population of Macoma balthica. Higher current velocity (18 cm/s 0.18 m/s) recorded in flume experiments conducted in the Isle of Sylt (North Sea) led to juvenile Macoma balthica being washed out of the sediment (Zuhlke & Reise, 1994). Green (1968) reported that, towards the mouth of an estuary where sediments became coarser and cleaner, Macoma balthica was replaced by another tellin species, Tellina tenuis.

Experimental increases in near-bed current velocity were achieved over intertidal sandflats by placing flumes on the sediment to accelerate water flows (Zuhlke & Reise, 1994). The increased flow led to the erosion of up to 4cm depth of surface sediments.  No significant effect was observed on the abundance of Capitella capitata and numbers of Tubificoides benedii and Tubificoides pseudogaster were unaffected, as they probably avoided suspension by burrowing deeper into sediments. This was demonstrated by the decreased abundance of oligochaetes in the 0-1cm depth layer and increased abundance of oligochaetes deeper in sediments (Zuhlke & Reise, 1994).  A single storm event had a similar result with decreased abundance of oligochaetes in surficial layers, coupled with an increase in deeper sediments (Zuhlke & Reise, 1994). Although Tubificoides spp. can resist short-term disturbances their absence from sediments exposed to higher levels of disturbance indicate that they would be sensitive to longer-term changes in sediment mobility (Zuhlke & Reise, 1994). 

Sensitivity assessment. Little evidence was found to assess the sensitivity of the key characterizing species. Macoma balthica abundance may be reduced if juveniles are washed from the substratum and adults are not able to resettle. Loss of mud content in some areas is possible and would lead to replacement by another species but this is unlikely at the pressure benchmark levels. An increase in flow velocity may alter sediments, resistance has been assessed as ‘Medium’, recoverability is assessed as ‘High’ and sensitivity is, therefore ‘Low’.

Medium
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Emergence regime changes [Show more]

Emergence regime changes

Benchmark.  1) A change in the time covered or not covered by the sea for a period of ≥1 year or 2) an increase in relative sea level or decrease in high water level for ≥1 year. Further detail

Evidence

The biotope LS.LMx.GvMu.HedMx.Scr, occurs from the upper to the lower shore (JNCC, 2015) and changes in emergence are unlikely to affect the biotope where it remains within an intertidal habitat (JNCC, 2015). 

Hediste diversicolor inhabits a burrow within the sediment which may be up to 0.3 m deep. The species retreats within the burrow during periods of exposure, protecting it from desiccation although increased emergence may cause a decline in the abundance of Hediste diversicolor at the upper limits of the intertidal zone, as they may become stressed by desiccation if the substrata begin to dry and are prone to more extremes of temperature. Hediste diversicolor is sufficiently mobile to gradually retreat back to damper substrata. Gogina et al. (2010) analysed patterns of benthic community distribution related to selected environmental parameters, including depth, in the western Baltic Sea with depths ranging from 0 m to 31 m. Hediste diversicolor displayed a preference for low-saline regions shallower than 18 m. Increased depth had the largest negative effect of all factors influencing distribution and abundance decreased with greater dept) Gogina et al. (2010).

Macoma balthica occurs in the upper regions of the intertidal (Tebble, 1976) and is, therefore, likely to be tolerant of prolonged emergence. It is a bivalve and can close tightly by contraction of the adductor muscle, storing moisture inside the shell. The silty sediments in which the species lives have a high water content and are therefore resistant to desiccation. Furthermore, Macoma balthica is mobile and able to relocate in the intertidal by burrowing (Bonsdorff, 1984) or floating (Sörlin, 1988). It would be expected to react to an increase in emergence by migrating down the shore to its preferred position. There may be an energetic cost to this migration but it is not expected that mortality would result. Macoma balthica should quickly recover from the energetic cost of relocation. Macoma balthica occurs in the intertidal and sublittorally down to depths of 190 m (Olafsson, 1986), although is more abundant intertidally.  Hence, it would be expected to resist a decrease in emergence regime. However, a case study, predicting changes in biomass of Macoma balthica in the Humber estuary, UK (western North Sea) under expected sea level rise conditions displayed negative impacts. Coastal squeeze from sea level rise would produce steeper and more homogenous beach face profiles. Macoma balthica was predicted to be lower on steeper beach faces and biomass of Macoma balthica was predicted to decrease (Fujii & Raffaelli, 2008). 

Tubificoides benedii is capable of penetrating the substratum to depths of 10 cm, shows a resistance to hypoxia and is often typified as an ‘opportunist’ that is adapted to the rapid environmental fluctuations and harsh conditions in estuaries (Gogina et al., 2010). Highest abundances were predicted by  Gogina et al. (2010) to be related to depth with an optimum of 10 m  to 20 m. The evidence suggests that abundance may be limited by a decrease in high water level or a change in time (increase) where substratum is not covered by the sea. An increase in the time the biotope is covered by the sea is likely to result in increased abundance of Tubificoides benedii.

Opportunistic, deposit feeding polychaetes, such as the characterizing Pygospio elegans and Streblospio shrubsolii, tolerate stressful conditions, and often out-compete more sensitive species in inter-tidal environments due to greater tolerances. Gogina et al. (2010) indicate that Pygospio elegans favours shallower water, but this modelling study suggested the response against increasing depth is not as rapid as in the case of Hediste diversicolor.

Sensitivity assessment. The biotope and characterizing species are found at a range of shore heights and are considered relatively resistant to changes in emergence which do not alter the extent of the intertidal. An increase in emergence is likely to decrease the upper shore extent of Hediste diversicolor dominated biotopes at the land-ward extent of the intertidal as desiccation increases. A decrease in emergence under the benchmark pressure is likely to extend the upper extent of the biotope as the species recolonize or migrate to favourable conditions. Biotope resistance is, therefore, assessed as ‘High’, recoverability is assessed as ‘High’ (by default) and the biotope is considered to be 'Not sensitive'.

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Not sensitive
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Wave exposure changes (local) [Show more]

Wave exposure changes (local)

Benchmark. A change in near shore significant wave height of >3% but <5% for more than one year. Further detail

Evidence

This biotope occurs in wave sheltered areas, where estimated wave categories range from very sheltered and extremely sheltered (JNCC, 2015). The key characterizing species Hediste diversicolor is infaunal, inhabiting a burrow in which it seeks refuge from predators and may partially emerge to seek and capture food. An alteration of factors within the environment that increases wave exposure could cause erosion of the substrata and consequently, loss of habitat.

Wave action stimulates Macoma balthica to start burrowing and individuals have been shown to continue burrowing for a longer period of time than in still water (Breum, 1970).  Limited zoobenthic biomass was recorded in areas exposed to strong currents and wave action (Beukema, 2002), limiting food availability, however impacts from this pressure at the benchmark levels may be low for this biotope, as the biotope is limited to sheltered or extremely sheltered locations. Increases in wave action may therefore remain within the limits of the species tolerance but factors such as sediment redistribution may alter the physical biotope. Where less sheltered conditions occur the sub biotope LS.LMx.GvMu.HedMx.Mac is likely to dominate as this variant occurs in the least sheltered conditions.

Sensitivity assessment. Resistance to a change in nearshore significant wave height >3% but <5% of the two main characterizing species Hediste diversicolor and Scrobicularia plana is ‘High’, given that the biotope occurs in very sheltered locations and an increase in nearshore significant wave height of >3% but <5% would continue to result in sheltered conditions which are within the species tolerance limits. At the highest benchmark pressure (5% increase) the species exhibit ‘High’ resistance through their traits to live relatively deep in the sediment. Resilience (recoverability) is also ‘High’ giving a Sensitivity of ‘Not Sensitive’

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Not sensitive
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Chemical Pressures

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ResistanceResilienceSensitivity
Transition elements & organo-metal contamination [Show more]

Transition elements & organo-metal contamination

Benchmark. Exposure of marine species or habitat to one or more relevant contaminants via uncontrolled releases or incidental spills. Further detail

Evidence

This pressure is Not assessed but evidence is presented where available. 

In Hediste diversicolor the acute toxicity is dependent on the rate of uptake of the metal, since this determines the speed with which the lethal dose is built up. The rate of intake is important because this determines whether the organism's detoxification mechanisms can regulate internal concentrations. The resistance of Hediste diversicolor is thought to be dependent on a complexing system which detoxifies the metal and stores it in the epidermis and nephridia (Bryan & Hummerstone, 1971; McLusky et al. 1986).

Hediste diversicolor has been found successfully living in estuarine sediments contaminated with copper ranging from 20 µm Cu/g in low copper areas to >4000 µm Cu/g where mining pollution is encountered e.g. Restronguet Creek, Fal Estuary, Cornwall (Bryan & Hummerstone, 1971). Attempts to change the tolerance of different populations of Hediste diversicolor to different sediment concentrations of copper have shown that it is not readily achieved suggesting that increased tolerance to copper has a genetic basis (Bryan & Hummerstone, 1971; Bryan & Gibbs, 1983).

Crompton (1997) reviewed the toxic effect concentrations of metals to marine invertebrates Annelid species, such as Hediste diversicolor were found to be at risk if metals exceeded the following concentrations during 4-14 days of exposure: >0.1 mg Hg l-1, > 0.01 mg Cu l-1, > 1 mg Cd l-1, >1 mg Zn l-1,>0.1 mg Pb l-1, >1 mg Cr L-1, >1 mg As l-1 and >10 mg Ni l-1. In general, for estuarine animals heavy metal toxicity increases as salinity decreases and temperature increases (McLusky et al., 1986). For example, Fernandez & Jones (1990) calculated 96 hour LC50 Zinc values for Hediste diversicolor at four salinities 5, 10, 17.5 and 30 psu at 12°C. The 96 hour LC50 at 17.5 psu and 12°C was 38 mg Zn l-1, while at 5 and 10 psu it was 7 and 19 mg Zn l-1 respectively. Toxicity decreased with increasing salinity. When salinity remained constant at 17.5 psu, but temperature varied, the following 96 hour LC 50 values for Zinc were recorded: 40 mg Zn l-1 at 6°C, 32 mg Zn l-1 at 12°C and 9.1mg Zn l-1 at 20°C. Toxicity increased with increasing temperature. Accumulation of zinc was also greater at the lowest salinities and when the temperature was highest at 20°C. In a parallel experiment, the presence of sediment was found to reduce toxicity and body accumulation of zinc in Hediste diversicolor. Recovery of this species would be influenced by the length of time it would take for the potential habitat to return to a suitable state (e.g. factors such as the decline of bioavailable metals within the marine environment), recolonization by adult and juvenile specimens from adjacent habitats, and the establishment of a breeding population. Since juveniles remain in the infauna throughout their development selection for metal tolerance can be expected to be operative from an early stage (Bryan & Gibbs, 1983).

Scrobicularia plana can detect copper at a concentration of 0·01 ppm. The initial response is valve closure resulting in a rapid drop in heart rate. In concentrations of 0·05, 0·01 and, to a lesser extent, 0·1 ppm copper added to seawater, the clams begin to interact with the polluted water after 2–3 h. In 0·5 ppm, the valves remain closed and the heart rate is maintained at a low level over the 6-h exposure period. Mortality increases with time in 0·5 ppm copper concentration, reaching 50% in 5–7 days. In 0·05 and 0·01 ppm, no mortality was recorded over this period (Akberali & Black, 1980).Two experimental 30 day long static toxicity tests on small spat (2 to 3 mm in length) of Scrobicularia plana were undertaken on the effects of copper on the survival and burying activity in sand, of juveniles. Results showed that:

  1. exposure to up to 80 µg Cu 1.' did not result in increased mortalities with respect to the controls;
  2. Cu concentrations at 20 µg l-1and above also increased the burying time of juveniles by the end of the experiment; and
  3. the no-observed-effect concentration (NOEC) for Cu was the lowest dose tested (i.e. 10 µg I-'). (Ruiz et al., 1994).

Alterations of the burrowing behaviour of Scrobicularia plana, were studied in individuals exposed to soluble copper. Animals were exposed for 4 d to concentrations ranging from 25 to 150 μ g Cu l− 1. At the end of exposure, the burrowing kinetics in clean sediment were determined after 1 and 2 days. Even at the lowest tested concentrations, copper caused hypoactivity in organisms belonging to both species studied. Metabolical or physiological disturbances could be the cause of these impairments. Concentrations affecting burrowing behaviour were below those responsible for mortality in these species (Bonnard et al., 2009).

Laboratory tests in clean water can be misleading as these do not reflect lowered toxicity in the marine environment due to the buffering effects of carbon and sulphide which render copper non-labile (not bioavailable) and the influence of water pH, hardness, temperature and salinity etc. Field surveys have found that Scrobicularia plana is present in the highly contaminated Fal Estuary where levels of copper and zinc are high (Bryan & Gibbs, 1983).

Contamination at levels exceeding the pressure benchmark may have negative effects. A 2-year microcosm experiment was undertaken to investigate the impact of copper on the benthic fauna of the lower Tyne Estuary (UK) by Hall & Frid (1995). During a 1-year simulated contamination period, 1 mg l−1copper was supplied at 2-weekly 30% water changes, at the end of which the sediment concentrations of copper in contaminated microcosms reached 411 μg g−1. Toxicity effects reduced populations of the four dominant taxa including Tubificoides spp.). When copper dosage was ceased and clean water supplied, sediment copper concentrations fell by 50% in less than 4 days, but faunal recovery took up to 1 year, with the pattern varying between taxa. Since the copper leach rate was so rapid it is concluded that after remediation, contaminated sediments show rapid improvements in chemical concentrations, but faunal recovery may be delayed taking up to a year.

Rygg (1985) classified Tubificoides spp as highly tolerant species, common at the most copper polluted stations (>200 mg Kg-1) in Norwegian fjords.

Not Assessed (NA)
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Not assessed (NA)
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Not assessed (NA)
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Hydrocarbon & PAH contamination [Show more]

Hydrocarbon & PAH contamination

Benchmark. Exposure of marine species or habitat to one or more relevant contaminants via uncontrolled releases or incidental spills. Further detail

Evidence

This pressure is Not assessed but evidence is presented where available. 

The 1969 West Falmouth (America) spill of Grade 2 diesel fuel documents the effects of hydrocarbons in a sheltered habitat (Suchanek, 1993). The entire benthic fauna including Hediste diversicolor was eradicated immediately following the spill and remobilization of oil that continued for a period > 1 year after the spill, contributed to much greater impact upon the habitat than that caused by the initial spill. Effects are likely to be prolonged as hydrocarbons incorporated within the sediment by bioturbation will remain for a long time owing to slow degradation under anoxic conditions. Oil covering the surface and within the sediment will prevent oxygen transport to the infauna and promote anoxia as the infauna utilize oxygen during respiration. Although Hediste diversicolor is tolerant of hypoxia and periods of anoxia, a prolonged absence of oxygen will result in the death of it and other infauna. McLusky (1982) found that petrochemical effluents released from a point source to an estuarine intertidal mudflat, caused severe pollution in the immediate vicinity. Beyond 500 m distance the effluent contributed to an enrichment of the fauna in terms of abundance and biomass similar to that reported by Pearson & Rosenberg (1978) for organic pollution, and Hediste diversicolor was found amongst an impoverished fauna at 250 m from the discharge.

Analysis of Scrobicularia plana collected in April 2008 from three estuaries along a pollution gradient (Goyen < Loire < Seine) found sub-lethal effects on clams including neurotoxicity and impairment of digestive enzyme activities (cellulase or amylase) in the Loire and Seine estuaries. The highest lactate dehydrogenase activity was registered in the Loire estuary, in parallel with enhanced levels of vanadium (a metal present in petroleum), likely as a consequence of a small oil spill that occurred one month before the sampling collection. The median size was significantly lower in clams exposed to direct (chemicals) or indirect (available food) effects in the most contaminated site. Burrowing behaviour was disturbed in clams from both of the Loire and Seine estuaries, a response probably due to physiological impairment rather than to avoidance of contaminated sediment. The activation of defence mechanisms towards metals (metallothionein) and other classes of contaminants (the biotransformation enzyme glutathione-S-transferase) do not ensure a total protection since a number of impairments were observed at the infra-organismal (AChE and digestive enzyme activities) and individual (burrowing behaviour) levels in relation to the degree of anthropogenic pressure. However, even in the most contaminated estuary (Seine), historical records do not show a consistent decrease of Scrobicularia plana populations (cited from Boldina-Cosqueric et al., 2010).

In Finland in oligohaline inland waters near an oil refinery, Baltidrilus costata (as Tubifex costatus) appeared to be sensitive to oil pollution and had completely disappeared from sediments exposed to pollution and did not recolonize during a 4year post pollution period (Leppäkoski & Lindström, 1978). Tubificoides benedii appears to be more tolerant and was found in UK waters near oil refineries as the sole surviving member of the macrofauna. Populations were however apparently reduced and the worms were absent from areas of oil discharge and other studies indicate sensitivity to oiling (Giere & Pfannkuche, 1982, references therein).

Not Assessed (NA)
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Not assessed (NA)
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Not assessed (NA)
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Synthetic compound contamination [Show more]

Synthetic compound contamination

Benchmark. Exposure of marine species or habitat to one or more relevant contaminants via uncontrolled releases or incidental spills. Further detail

Evidence

This pressure is Not assessed but evidence is presented where available. 

Reports of the effects of synthetic chemicals on Hediste diversicolor illustrate that the intolerance of the species is highly dependent upon the molecular structure of the chemical, which determines the chemicals properties and use. For example:

  1. Collier & Pinn (1998) observed significant differences in both the abundance and biomass of a benthic community from the Ythan Estuary, Scotland, experiencing contamination by Ivermectin. Ivermectin is the 22,23-dihydro derivative of avermectin ß which has been shown to be highly efficient in the treatment of sea lice. Hediste diversicolor was the most intolerant species to Ivermectin in the benthic community studied. A rapid decline in both abundance and total biomass of Hediste diversicolor occurred within 7 days and with increasing concentration. An Ivermectin concentration of 8.0 mg m² caused 100% mortality within 14 days. Davies et al., (1998) modelled factors influencing the concentration of Ivermectin reaching the seabed which ranged from 2.2 to 6.6 mg m². The upper limit of this range was only slightly less than the concentrations found to be toxic by Collier & Pinn (1998) and Black et al. (1997). Davies et al.(1998) concluded that there was a significant risk to benthic organisms within a radius of 50 m of salmon farms utilizing Ivermectin and that Ivermectin could accumulate (half life of Ivermectin in marine sediments > 100 days) within the sediment beyond a single treatment and reach toxic levels.
  2. In contrast, Craig & Caunter (1990) examined the effects of the organosilicon compound, Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) in sediment on Hediste diversicolor. PDMS fluids are less dense than water and insoluble and form a discrete layer on the surface of the water. In an intertidal environment PDMS fluids are deposited upon the sediment surface at low tide and into contact with Hediste diversicolor. In laboratory tests, exposure to 10,000 mg PDMS per kg of sediment caused no deaths over 96 hours, and exposure to 1,000 mg PDMS per kg of sediment caused no deaths of Hediste diversicolor after 28 days.

Recovery of this species would be influenced by the length of time it would take for the potential habitat to return to a suitable state (e.g. factors such as the rate of decay of the synthetic chemical within the marine environment), recolonization by adult and juvenile specimens from adjacent habitats, and the establishment of a breeding population. This may take between one and three years, as populations differ in reaching maturity (Dales, 1950; Mettam et al., 1982; Olive & Garwood, 1981), from the time that the habitat again becomes suited to the species.

Not Assessed (NA)
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Not assessed (NA)
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Not assessed (NA)
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Radionuclide contamination [Show more]

Radionuclide contamination

Benchmark. An increase in 10µGy/h above background levels. Further detail

Evidence

Beasley & Fowler (1976) and Germain et al., (1984) examined the accumulation and transfers of radionuclides in Hediste diversicolor from sediments contaminated with americium and plutonium derived from nuclear weapons testing and the release of liquid effluent from a nuclear processing plant. Both concluded that the uptake of radionuclides by Hediste diversicolor was small. Beasley & Fowler (1976) found that Hediste diversicolor accumulated only 0.05% of the concentration of radionuclides found in the sediment. Both also considered that the predominant contamination pathway for Hediste diversicolor was from the interstitial water. However, there is insufficient information available on the biological effects of radionuclides to comment further upon the intolerance of this species to radionuclide contamination.

Hutchins et al. (1998) described the effect of temperature on bioaccumulation by Macoma balthica of radioactive americium, caesium and cobalt, but made no comment on the intolerance of the species. Further, direct assessments of impacts at the benchmark pressure on benthic communities, and this biotope in particular were not found.

However, insufficient evidence was available to complete an assessment.

No evidence (NEv)
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No evidence (NEv)
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No evidence (NEv)
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Introduction of other substances [Show more]

Introduction of other substances

Benchmark. Exposure of marine species or habitat to one or more relevant contaminants via uncontrolled releases or incidental spills. Further detail

Evidence

This pressure is Not assessed.

Not Assessed (NA)
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Not assessed (NA)
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Not assessed (NA)
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De-oxygenation [Show more]

De-oxygenation

Benchmark. Exposure to dissolved oxygen concentration of less than or equal to 2 mg/l for one week (a change from WFD poor status to bad status). Further detail

Evidence

The habitats which Hediste diversicolor inhabits tend to have lower oxygen levels than other sediments. Hediste diversicolor is resistant to moderate hypoxia (Diaz & Rosenberg, 1995). Vismann (1990) demonstrated a mortality of only 15% during a 22 day exposure of Hediste diversicolor at 10% oxygen (ca. 2.8 mg O2 per litre). Hediste diversicolor is active at the sediment/water interface where hydrogen sulphide concentrations increase during periods of hypoxia. Vismann (1990) also demonstrated that the high tolerance of Hediste diversicolor to hypoxia in the presence of sulphide is enabled by elevated sulphide oxidation activity in the blood. Hediste diversicolor may also exhibit a behavioural response to hypoxia by leaving the sediment (Vismann, 1990) in the presence of sulphide. After 10 days of hypoxia (10% oxygen saturation) with sulphide (172-187 µmM) only 35% of Hediste diversicolor had left the sediment compared to 100% of Nereis virens. Laboratory experiments in the absence of sediments, found that Hediste diversicolor could survive hypoxia for more than 5 days and that it had a higher tolerance to hypoxia than Nereis virens, Nereis succinea and Nereis pelagica (Theede, 1973; Dries & Theede, 1974; Theede et al., 1973). Juvenile Hediste diversicolor survived hypoxic conditions for 4 days in laboratory conditions and combined hypoxia and increased sulphide (1 mmo1 1-') for 3 days (Gamenick et al., 1996). Post larvae Hediste diversicolor were the only life stage to show les tolerance to hypoxia, surviving for only 14 hr (Gamenick et al., 1996).

Macoma balthica appears to be relatively tolerant of de-oxygenation. Brafield & Newell (1961) frequently observed that, in conditions of oxygen deficiency (e.g. less than 1 mg O2/l), Macoma balthica (as Macoma balthica)  displayed survivability of low oxygen concentrations and shell growth continued (Jansson et al., 2015). Although, sub-lethal effects of hypoxia have been identified as individual Macoma balthica moved upwards to fully expose itself on the surface of the sand or buried at shallower depths, leaving them at greater risk of predation (Long et al., 2014). Specimens lay on their side with the foot and siphons retracted but with valves gaping slightly allowing the mantle edge to be brought into full contact with the more oxygenated surface water lying between sand ripples. In addition, Macoma balthica was observed under laboratory conditions to extend its siphons upwards out of the sand in to the overlying water when water was slowly deoxygenated with a stream of nitrogen. The lower the oxygen concentration became the further the siphons extended.

This behaviour, an initial increase in activity stimulated by oxygen deficiency, is of interest because the activity of lamellibranchs is generally inhibited by oxygen deficient conditions (Brafield & Newell, 1961). Dries & Theede (1974) reported the following LT50 values for Macoma balthica maintained in anoxic conditions: 50 - 70 days at 5°C, 30 days at 10°C, 25 days at 15°C and 11 days at 20°C. Theede (1984) reported that Macoma balthica to resist extreme oxygen deficiency was mainly due to anaerobic metabolism. Macoma balthica is, therefore very tolerant of hypoxia, although it may react by reducing metabolic activity and predation risk may increase. Metabolic function should quickly return to normal when oxygen levels are resumed and so recovery is expected.

The characterizing oligochaetes and polychaetes within the biotope that display tolerance to hypoxia include Tubificoides benedii and Capitella capitata, while Pygospio elegans is highly sensitive to hypoxia (Gogina et al., 2010). Exposure to dissolved oxygen concentration of less than or equal to 2 mg/l for 1 week is likely to limit Pygospio elegans abundance, whilst having limited impact on Tubificoides benedii and Capitella capitata populations.

Oligochaete species vary in their tolerance of hypoxia and associated high sulphide levels. Most enchytraeids and naidids are sensitive to hydrogen sulphide and hypoxia while tubificids are often more resistant (Giere, 2006).

Tubificoides benedii has a high capacity to tolerate anoxic conditions, its extreme oxygen tolerance  is based on an unusually low respiration rate (Giere et al., 1999).  Respiration rates of Tubificoides benedii measured at various oxygen concentrations showed that aerobic respiration is maintained even at very low oxygen concentrations (Giere et al., 1999). Birtwell & Arthur (1980) showed that Tubificoides benedii could tolerate anoxia in the Thames Estuary (LT50 = 58.8 hours at 20oC, 26.6 hours at 25oC  and 17.8 hours at 30oC in experiments with worms acclimated to 20oC.)

Tolerance experiments by Gamenick et al.  (1996) found that Baltidrilus costata  (as Heterochaeta costata) was not affected by hypoxic conditions for at least 3 days but the addition of sulphide 91.96 mmol/litre) caused mortality after 1 day (Gamenick et al., 1996)

Sensitivity assessment. Resistance to exposure to dissolved oxygen concentration of less than or equal to 2 mg/l for 1 week is assessed as ‘High’ for the characterizing species Hediste diversicolor and Macoma balthica. It is important to consider that other species that are common or abundant in the biotope may be impacted by decreased dissolved oxygen, such as Pygospio elegans and decreases in abundance of these species are likely. As this biotope is found in intertidal habitats oxygen levels will be recharged during the tidal cycle lowering exposure to this pressure for Pygospio elegans. Based on the reported tolerances for anoxia and intertidal habitat, biotope resistance is assessed as ‘High’ resilience is assessed as ‘High’ (by default) and the biotope is considered to be ‘Not sensitive’ at the benchmark level

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Not sensitive
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Nutrient enrichment [Show more]

Nutrient enrichment

Benchmark. Compliance with WFD criteria for good status. Further detail

Evidence

This pressure relates to increased levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and silicon in the marine environment compared to background concentrations.  The benchmark is set at compliance with WFD criteria for good status, based on nitrogen concentration (UKTAG, 2014).  Primary production in the biotope will be limited to microalagae at the sediment surface, rather than macroalgae. Changes in primary production as a result of changes in nutrient enrichment are, therefore, not considered likely to directly alter the biotope.

Aberson et al. (2016) found nutrient enrichment promotes surface deposit feeding in Hediste diversicolor, over suspension feeding and predation. At sewage-polluted sites in three estuaries in  SE  England Hediste diversicolor mainly consumed microphytobenthos, sediment organic matter and filamentous macroalgae Ulva  spp. At cleaner  sites  Hediste diversicolor relied more on suspension feeding and consumption of Spartina anglica (Aberson et al., 2016). Whilst suggesting adaptability to nutrient enrichment this behaviour will increase predation risk.

Nutrient enrichment favours the growth of opportunistic green macro-algae blooms which can cause declines in some species and increases in others (Raffaelli, 2000). Evidence (Beukema, 1989; Reise et al., 1989; Jensen, 1992) suggested a doubling in the abundance of Hediste diversicolor in the Dutch Wadden Sea, accompanied by a more frequent occurrence of algal blooms that were attributed to marine eutrophication. Algae may be utilized by Hediste diversicolor in its omnivorous diet, so some effects of nutrient enrichment may be beneficial to this species. However, evidence for the effects of algal blooms stimulated by nutrient enrichment on Hediste diversicolor is not consistent. Raffaelli (1999) examined a 30 year data base to examine the effect of nutrient enrichment on an estuarine food web in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. This study displayed impacts to species characterizing the biotope from development of algal mats, the density and distribution of which was related to nutrient. In areas where algal biomass was greatest reduced invertebrate densities were recorded. The mud shrimp Corophium volutator showed the greatest decrease in density. Densities of Corophium volutator, Macoma balthica and Hediste diversicolor were lower in 1990 compared to 1964 at sites where macro-algal mats increased over the same period. Conversely, densities were on average higher in the upper reaches where macroalgal mats were generally absent before 1990 (Raffaelli, 1999). Capitella capitata and Pygospio elegans abundance were greater in areas that received greatest nutrient enrichment (Raffaelli, 1999). Long-term nutrient enrichment may, therefore, alter the biotope if high biomass of algal mats persists.

Sensitivity assessment.  The benchmark is relatively protective and is not set at a level that would allow blooms of green algae on the sediment, based on this consideration and based on the lack of primary producers structuring the biotope, resistance is assessed as 'High' and resilience as 'High' (by default), so that the biotope is assessed as 'Not sensitive'.

 

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High
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Not sensitive
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Organic enrichment [Show more]

Organic enrichment

Benchmark. A deposit of 100 gC/m2/yr. Further detail

Evidence

All species apart from two that are abundant in the biotope are classed in a Marine Biotic Index as being indifferent to, tolerating or proliferating under organic enrichment conditions (Borja et al., 2000). Only Macoma balthica and Manayunkia aestuarina are recorded as being sensitive to organic enrichment. However, case studies display resilience of Macoma balthica populations to enrichment. Macoma balthica (as Macoma balthica) have been shown experimentally to be able to resist periods of up to 9 weeks under algal clover, their long siphon allowing them to reach oxygenated water although other bivalves decreased in abundance (Thiel et al., 1998). Organic enrichment from waste-water discharge in the Dutch Wadden Sea resulted in positive effects on Macoma balthica abundance, biomass, shell growth and production. These effects were concluded to be due to increased food supply (Madsen & Jensen, 1987). Tubificoides benedii  and other oligochaetes are very tolerant of high levels of organic enrichment and often dominate sediments where sewage has been discharged or other forms of organic enrichment have occurred (Pearson & Rosenberg, 1978; Gray, 1971; McLusky et al., 1980). 

In Ria de Averio, western Portugal Streblospio shrubsolii and Tubificoides benedii were characterizing species of communities further upstream in estuarine sample sites, at sites with increased organic matter (Rodrigues et al., 2011). Streblospio shrubsolii are also considered characteristic species communities in polluted environments, suggesting the species is likely to be resistant to increased organic enrichment (Cooksey & Hyland, 2007).

Tubificoides benedii and Baltidrilus costatus are both very tolerant of high levels of organic enrichment and often dominate sediments where sewage has been discharged or other forms of organic enrichment have occurred (Pearson & Rosenberg, 1978; Gray, 1971; McLusky et al., 1980). Their tolerance for organic enrichment is attributed to their adaptation to live in and feed on enriched organic deposits (Pearson & Rosenberg, 1978) and their high population densities in such areas is enhanced by the lack of predation and competition. Tubificoides benedii are abundant in mussel beds (mussel relaying may be the source of smothering) which  has been attributed to their tolerance of organically rich deoxygenated sediment (Commito & Boncavage, 1989). Tubificoides benedii has also been found in elevated abundances in areas of organic enrichment around fish farms (Haskoning, 2006).

Sensitivity assessment. At the benchmark levels, a resistance of ‘High’ as the main characterizing species Hediste diversicolor is tolerant of organic enrichment and an input at the pressure benchmark is considered unlikely to lead to gross pollution effects . A resilience of ‘High’ is assigned (by default) and the biotope is assessed as ‘Not sensitive’.

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High
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Not sensitive
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Physical Pressures

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ResistanceResilienceSensitivity
Physical loss (to land or freshwater habitat) [Show more]

Physical loss (to land or freshwater habitat)

Benchmark. A permanent loss of existing saline habitat within the site. Further detail

Evidence

All marine habitats and benthic species are considered to have a resistance of ‘None’ to this pressure and to be unable to recover from a permanent loss of habitat (resilience is ‘Very Low’).  Sensitivity within the direct spatial footprint of this pressure is therefore ‘High’. Although no specific evidence is described confidence in this assessment is ‘High’, due to the incontrovertible nature of this pressure.

None
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Very Low
High
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High
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High
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Physical change (to another seabed type) [Show more]

Physical change (to another seabed type)

Benchmark. Permanent change from sedimentary or soft rock substrata to hard rock or artificial substrata or vice-versa. Further detail

Evidence

This biotope and sub-biotopes is only found in sediment, in particular, gravelly sandy mud or gravelly mud (JNCC, 2015). The burrowing organisms characterizing this biotope, including Hediste diversicolor, and Scrobicularia plana would not be able to survive if the substratum type was changed to either a soft rock or hard artificial type.  Consequently, the biotope would be lost altogether if such a change occurred. 

Sensitivity assessment. Biotope resistance is assessed as ‘None’, resilience is ‘Very low’ (as the change at the pressure benchmark is permanent) and biotope sensitivity is ‘High’.

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Very Low
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High
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Physical change (to another sediment type) [Show more]

Physical change (to another sediment type)

Benchmark. Permanent change in one Folk class (based on UK SeaMap simplified classification). Further detail

Evidence

The benchmark for this pressure refers to a change in one Folk class.  The pressure benchmark originally developed by Tillin et al. (2010) used the modified Folk triangle developed by Long (2006) which simplified sediment types into four categories: mud and sandy mud, sand and muddy sand, mixed sediments and coarse sediments.  The change referred to is, therefore, a change in sediment classification rather than a change in the finer-scale original Folk categories (Folk, 1954).  At the pressure benchmark a change in sediment to sandy mud and muddy sand and muds and increased coarse sediment content (to gravels or sands) is considered. The biotope occurs in gravelly mud and the variant sub biotopes show some variation in species communities and sediment type (JNCC, 2015) so changes in proportion of finer or coarser sediments may lead to some biotope reversions between the sub-biotopes.

  1. Decrease of gravel content is likely to lead to change to comparable mud dominated biotopes. Where LS.LMx.GvMu.HedMx occurs it is commonly found with patches of mud and there are broad transition areas between the sub-biotopes of HedMx, and the corresponding muddy sediment biotopes (LS.LMu.UEst.Hed Hediste diversicolor in littoral mud or LS.LMu.MEst.HedMac, Hediste diversicolor and Macoma balthica in littoral sandy mud). A change to finer sediemnts is therefore likely to lead to biotope reclassification but some of the key characterizing species, including Hediste diversicolor  may remain. 
  2. An increase in gravel and a change to clean sands or coarse sediments is likely to have a more significant effect as sediment cohesion and ability to retain organic matter and water is reduced altering habitat suitability for burrowing polychaetes and amphipods and deposit feeders.

Hediste diversicolor is infaunal and is reliant upon a muddy/sandy sediment in which to burrow.  Hediste diversicolor has been identified in other intertidal sediments including gravels, clays and even turf (Clay, 1967; Scaps, 2002), although abundance may be reduced in these habitats. Macoma balthica is likely to tolerate increased gravel content as sediment was not shown to affect burrowing (Tallqvist, 2001), however, growth, shell size and body mass were greatest in higher sand content sediment and lower in higher gravel content sediments (Azouzi et al. 2002), suggesting long-term health and abundance may be affected by a permanent increase in  gravel content. Conde et al. (2011) compared recruitment of Scrobicularia plana to excavated and un-excavated control plots (expected to enhance the deposition of bivalve spat if the settlement of bivalves was the result of a passive process) at different shore levels in Portugal. Juveniles were found to avoid excavated plots, showing significantly higher abundance in control plots. The data strongly suggested that recruited bivalves actively avoid unsuitable substrata, including an increased gravel fraction.

Pygospio elegans can tolerate increased gravel content and has been viewed as an opportunistic species that is capable of exploiting changes to coarser sediments (Gray, 1981). Therefore, Pygospio elegans are likely to be less affected and even increase in abundance under a change in Folk class to gravelly mud (or a change from sandy mud to muddy sand, or gravelly muddy sand).

Silva et al. (2006) found Streblospio shrubsolii in an estuarine site in western Portugal, were more closely associated with increasing mud content and decreasing gravel content.

Oligochaete dominated biotopes occur in a range of sedimentary habitats, where variable or reduced salinity prevent a more species-rich assemblage developing. Although the lack of identification to species level has hampered understanding of species preferences (and the species that typically occur in this biotope) it is clear that at least some species exhibit strong preferences for sediment type. Tubificoides heterochaetusfor example, sampled in South Carolina salt marsh and tidal inlets was found in significantly greater abundances in coarser sediments where silt and clay fractions were lower (Gillett et al., 2007).

Sensitivity assessment. An increase in mud content is likely to lead to a change to comparable mud dominated biotopes. Case studies display decreasing abundance with increased gravel content of Hediste diversicolor, reduced recruitment of Scrobicularia plana and reduced growth rates of Macoma balthica. Abundance of polychaetes is likely to depend on each species tolerance of increasing gravel content, with species, such as Pygospio elegans, that can exploit the conditions increasing in abundance ) but other species decreasing in abundance. Resistance to a change in one Folk class is assessed as ‘Low’ as changes in sediment will alter the biotope character although some characterizing species may remain. Resilience is assessed as ‘Very Low’ as a change at the benchmark is permanent. The sensitivity of the biotope overall is, therefore, considered to be ‘High’.

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High
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Habitat structure changes - removal of substratum (extraction) [Show more]

Habitat structure changes - removal of substratum (extraction)

Benchmark. The extraction of substratum to 30 cm (where substratum includes sediments and soft rock but excludes hard bedrock). Further detail

Evidence

The substratum of this biotope consists of gravelly mud (Conner et al., 2004).  The characterizing infaunal species, including burrow into the sediment, to depths not exceeding 30 cm.  The process of extraction is considered to remove all biological components of the biotope group in the impact footprint and the sediment habitat.

Sensitivity assessment. Resistance to extraction of substratum to 30 cm across the entire biotope is assessed as ‘None’ based on expert judgment but supported by the literature relating to the position of these species on or within the seabed and literature on impacts of dredging and bait digging activities (see penetration and disturbance pressure).  At the pressure benchmark the exposed sediments are considered to be suitable for recolonization almost immediately following extraction.  Recovery will be mediated by the scale of the disturbance and the suitability of the sedimentary habitat, biotope resilience is assessed as 'High' (based on recolonization by adults and pelagic larvae) and biotope sensitivity is assessed as 'Medium'.

None
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Medium
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Abrasion / disturbance of the surface of the substratum or seabed [Show more]

Abrasion / disturbance of the surface of the substratum or seabed

Benchmark. Damage to surface features (e.g. species and physical structures within the habitat). Further detail

Evidence

Muddy sand sediments, in general, tend to be cohesive although high levels of water content will reduce this and destabilise sediments. Sediment cohesion provides some sediment stabilisation to resist erosion following surface disturbance. The characterizing species associated with this biotope are infaunal and hence have some protection against surface disturbance, although siphons of bivalves and tubes of the sedentary polychaete Pygospio elegans, may project above the sediment surface. Damage to tubes and siphons would require repair. The snail Hydroia ulvae is present on the surface and abrasion may result in burial or damage to this species

Surface compaction can collapse burrows and reduce the pore space between particles, decreasing penetrability and reducing stability and oxygen content (Sheehan, 2007).  Trampling (3 times a week for 1 month) associated with bait digging reduced the abundance and diversity of infauna (Sheehan, 2007; intertidal muds and sands). The bivalve Scrobicularia plana has a hard shell and can retreat into a long, protective tube, providing some protection from abrasion. Trampling experiments used to assess the impacts of crab-tiling have shown an increase in Scrobicularia plana in trampled plots, indicating that this species has some resistance to this pressure (Sheehan et al., 2010). 

Experimental studies on crab-tiling impacts have found that densities of Tubificoides benedii and Tubificoides pseudogaster were higher in non-trampled plots (Sheehan et al. 2010), indicating that these oligochaetes have some sensitivity to trampling. Whomersley et al., (2010) conducted experimental raking on intertidal mudflats at two sites (Creeksea- Crouch estuary England and Blackness- lower Forth estuary, Scotland), where Tubificoides benedii were dominant species. For each treatment 1 m2 plots were raked twice to a depth of 4cm (using a garden rake). Plots were subject to either low intensity treatments (raking every four weeks) or high (raking every two weeks). The experiment was carried out for 10 months at Creeksea and a year at Blackness. The high and low raking treatments appeared to have little effect on Tubificoides benedii (Whomersley et al., 2010).

Sensitivity assessment. Resistance is assessed as ‘Medium', as abrasion is unlikely to affect high numbers of infaunal burrowing species such as the key characterizing species  Hediste diversicolor and the oligochaetes, but bivalves, tube dwelling polychaetes and Hydrobia ulvae may be reduced in abundance. Resilience is assessed as 'High' and biotope sensitivity is assessed as 'Low'.

Medium
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High
High
High
Medium
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Low
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Penetration or disturbance of the substratum subsurface [Show more]

Penetration or disturbance of the substratum subsurface

Benchmark. Damage to sub-surface features (e.g. species and physical structures within the habitat). Further detail

Evidence

As the characterizing species are burrowing species, the impact from damage to the sub-surface sea bed would be greater than damage to the sea bed surface only (see abrasion pressure). A number of studies have assessed the impacts of activities resulting in penetration and disturbance of sediments on the characterizing species in similar habitats. The characterizing species have some protective traits such as infaunal life habit, with deeper burrowing species less exposed. The shells of Scrobicularia plana and Macoma balthica provide some protection. Pygospio elegans inhabits fragile tubes at the sediment surface and Hydrobia ulvae crawl on the sediment, both species are likely to be vulnerable to penetration and disturbance of the sediment.

Ferns et al. (2000) studied effects of harvesting of cockles and reported a decline in muddy sands of 83% in Pygospio elegans (initial density 1850 /m2) when a mechanical tractor towed harvester was used in a cockle fishery. Pygospio elegans and Hydrobia ulvae were significantly depleted for >100 days after harvesting (the limit of the study monitoring timeline).

The effects of  pipeline construction on benthic invertebrates were also investigated using a Before/After impact protocol at Clonakilty Bay, West Cork, Ireland. Benthic invertebrates were sampled once before the excavation and at one, two, three and six months after the completion of the work. Invertebrate samples were dominated by Hediste diversicolor, Scrobicularia plana and Tubifex spp. An impact was obvious in the construction site in that no live invertebrates were found at one month after disturbance, but there followed a gradual recolonisation by Hediste diversicolor. At six months after the disturbance there was no significant difference in the mean number of total individuals (of all species) per core sample amongst all study sites, but the apparent recovery in the impacted area was due to two taxa only, Hediste diversicolor and Tubifex spp. (Lewis et al., 2002).

Tubificoides benedii can be relatively deeply buried and could avoid direct exposure to penetration and disturbance of upper sediment layers although sediment disturbance and compaction could damage these soft-bodied species and oligochaetes in general are not found in high abundances in sediments with high levels of disturbance from wave action. Whomersley et al., (2010) conducted experimental raking on intertidal mudflats at two sites (Creeksea- Crouch estuary England and Blackness- lower Forth estuary, Scotland), where Tubificoides benedii were dominant species. For each treatment 1 m2 plots were raked twice to a depth of 4cm (using a garden rake). Plots were subject to either low intensity treatments (raking every four weeks) or high (raking every two weeks). The experiment was carried out for 10 months at Creeksea and a year at Blackness. The high and low raking treatments appeared to have little effect on Tubificoides benedii (Whomersley et al., 2010). These results are supported by observations that two experimental passes of an oyster dredge that removed the sediment to a depth of between 15-20 cm did not significantly affect Tubifcoides benedii (EMU, 1992).

Sensitivity assessment.  Resistance of the biotope is assessed as ‘Low’, although the significance of the impact for the bed will depend on the spatial scale of the pressure footprint.  Resilience is assessed as ‘High’, and sensitivity is assessed as ‘Low’.

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High
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Low
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Changes in suspended solids (water clarity) [Show more]

Changes in suspended solids (water clarity)

Benchmark. A change in one rank on the WFD (Water Framework Directive) scale e.g. from clear to intermediate for one year. Further detail

Evidence

Changes in light penetration or attenuation associated with this pressure are not relevant to Hediste diversicolor and Scrobicularia plana dominated biotopes. As the species live in the sediment they are also likely to be adapted to increased suspended sediment (and turbidity). However, alterations in the availability of food or the energetic costs in obtaining food or changes in scour could either increase or decrease habitat suitability for the characterizing species.

Hediste diversicolor characteristically inhabits estuaries where turbidity is typically higher than other coastal waters. Changes in the turbidity may influence the abundance of phytoplankton available as a food source that may be attained through filter feeding. Hediste diversicolor utilizes various other feeding mechanisms and, at the benchmark level, the likely effects of a change in one rank on the WFD scale are limited.

Scrobicularia plana does not require light and therefore would not be affected by a decrease in turbidity for light attenuation purposes. It is possible that decreased turbidity would increase primary production in the water column and by micro-phyto benthos. The resultant increase in food availability may enhance growth and reproduction in this species, but only if food was previously limiting.

Sensitivity assessment. The following sensitivity assessment relies on expert judgement, utilising evidence of species traits and distribution and therefore confidence has been assessed as low. Resistance is ‘High’ as no significant negative effects are identified and potential benefits from increased food resources may occur. Resilience is also ‘High’ as no recovery is required under the likely impacts. Sensitivity of the biotope is, therefore, assessed as ‘Not Sensitive’.

High
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NR
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High
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Not sensitive
Low
Low
Low
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Smothering and siltation rate changes (light) [Show more]

Smothering and siltation rate changes (light)

Benchmark. ‘Light’ deposition of up to 5 cm of fine material added to the seabed in a single discrete event. Further detail

Evidence

The degree to which the characterizing species are able to resist this pressure depends primarily on species mobility, ability to survive within sediment without contact with the surface and ability to escape from the over-burden. Factors that affect the ability to regain the surface include grain size (Maurer et al., 1986), temperature and water content (Chandrasekara & Frid, 1998).

Mobile polychaetes have been demonstrated to burrow through thick layers of deposits. Powilleit et al., (2009) studied the response of the polychaete Nephtys hombergii to smothering. This species successfully migrated to the surface of 32-41 cm deposited sediment layer of till or sand/till mixture and restored contact with the overlying water.   While crawling upward to the new sediment surfaces burrowing velocities of up to 20 cm/day were recorded for Nephtys hombergii. Similarly, Bijkerk (1988, results cited from Essink 1999) indicated that the maximal overburden through which species could migrate was 60 cm through mud for Nephtys and 90 cm through sand. No further information was available on the rates of survivorship or the time taken to reach the surface.

Tubificoides spp. and other oligochaetes live relatively deeply buried and can tolerate periods of low oxygen that may occur following the deposition of a fine layer of sediment.  Tubificoides spp. showed some recovery through vertical migration in the same experiment (Bolam, 2011). Whomersley et al., (2010) experimentally buried plots on intertidal mudflats at two sites (Creeksea- Crouch Estuary, England and Blackness- lower Forth Estuary, Scotland), where Tubificoides benedii were dominant species. For each treatment anoxic mud was spread evenly to a depth of 4 cm on top of each treatment plot. The mud was taken from areas adjacent to the plots, and was obtained by scraping off the surface oxic layer and digging up the underlying mud from approximately 20 cm depth. Plots were subject to either low intensity treatments (burial every four weeks) or high (burial every two weeks). The experiment was carried out for 10 months at Creeksea and a year at Blackness. At Creeksea numbers of Tubificoides benedii increased in both burial treatments until the third month (high burial) and sixth month (low burial). At Blackness increased numbers ofTubificoides benedii  were found in both burial treatments after one month (Whomersley et al., 2010).

Laboratory experiments have shown that the snail Hydrobia ulvae can rapidly resurface through 5cm thick fine deposits, although this ability is reduced where deposited sediments contain little water (Chandrasekara & Frid, 1998). Field experiments where 10 cm of sediment were placed on intertidal sediments to investigate the effects of the beneficial use of dredged materials found that the abundance of Hydrobia ulvae had returned to ambient levels within 1 week (Bolam et al., 2004).

Macoma balthica is able to burrow both vertically and horizontally through the substratum. It is likely that Macoma balthica is not sensitive to smothering by a layer of sediment 5 cm thick as it is a mobile species able to burrow upwards and surface from a depth of 5 - 6 cm (Brafield & Newell, 1961; Brafield, 1963; Stekoll et al., 1980). Turk and Risk (1981) investigated the effect of experimentally induced sedimentation (through fences and boxes that induced sediment deposition on intertidal mudflats in the Bay of Fundy), of 1-3.5 cm at a rate of 1.9-10.2 cm/month. The results showed that Macoma balthica was generally unaffected.

Pygospio elegans is limited by high sedimentation rates (Nugues et al., 1996) and the species does not appear to be well adapted to oyster culture areas where there are high rates of accumulation of faeces and pseudo faeces (Sornin et al., 1983; Deslous-Paoli et al., 1992; Mitchell, 2006 and Bouchet & Sauriau 2008).  Pygospio elegans is known to decline in areas following re-deposition of very fine particulate matter (Rhoads & Young, 1971; Brenchley, 1981). Experimental relaying of mussels on intertidal fine sands led to the absence of Pygospio elegans compared to adjacent control plots. The increase in fine sediment fraction from increased sediment deposition and biodeposition alongside possible organic enrichment and decline in sediment oxygen levels was thought to account for this (Ragnarsson & Rafaelli, 1999). Bolam (2011) showed that Streblospio shrubsolii  vertical migration capability was reduced by deposition of just 6cm simulated dredged material.

In intertidal mudflats with similar characterizing species, experiments testing the effects of deposition of sediments typical of beach recharge, have found that recovery of biological assemblages is complete within two years (Bolam & Whomersley, 2003).

Sensitivity assessment. As the exposure to the pressure is for a single discrete event, resistance is assessed as ‘Medium’ as some species associated with the biotope such as Streblospio shrubsolii and Pygospio elegans may decline but the biotope is likely to be recognizable within a week due to repositioning and migration of mobile species. Resilience is assessed as ‘High’ and sensitivity is assessed as ‘Low

Medium
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Low
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Smothering and siltation rate changes (heavy) [Show more]

Smothering and siltation rate changes (heavy)

Benchmark. ‘Heavy’ deposition of up to 30 cm of fine material added to the seabed in a single discrete event. Further detail

Evidence

Studies have found that beach ‘replenishment’ or ‘nourishment’ that involves the addition of sediments on beaches can have a number of impacts on the infauna (Peterson et al., 2000; Peterson et al., 2006). Impacts are more severe when the sediment added differs significantly in grain size or organic content from the natural habitat (Peterson et al., 2000).

Hediste diversicolor inhabits depositional environments. It is capable of burrowing to depths of up to 0.3 m and reworking sub-surface modifications of its burrow through fine clays and sand. Smith (1955) found no appreciable difference in the population of a Hediste diversicolor colony which had been covered by several inches of sand through which the worms tunnelled. Mobile polychaetes have been demonstrated to burrow through thick layers of deposits. Powilleit et al., (2009) studied the response of the polychaete Nephtys hombergii to smothering. This species successfully migrated to the surface of 32-41 cm deposited sediment layer of till or sand/till mixture and restored contact with the overlying water.   While crawling upward to the new sediment surfaces burrowing velocities of up to 20 cm/day were recorded for Nephtys hombergii. Similarly, Bijkerk (1988, results cited from Essink 1999) indicated that the maximal overburden through which species could migrate was 60 cm through mud for Nephtys and 90 cm through sand. No further information was available on the rates of survivorship or the time taken to reach the surface.

Witt et al. (2004) identified an increase in Macoma balthica abundance in areas of disposal of dredge waste spoil, possibly due to nutrient input at the disposal site. This suggests Macoma balthica responds opportunistically to this pressure.

The associated species Pygospio elegans is limited by high sedimentation rates (Nugues et al., 1996) and the species does not appear to be well adapted to oyster culture areas where there are high rates of accumulation of faeces and pseudo faeces (Sornin et al., 1983; Deslous-Paoli et al., 1992; Mitchell, 2006 and Bouchet & Sauriau 2008).  Pygospio elegans is known to decline in areas following re-deposition of very fine particulate matter (Rhoads & Young, 1971; Brenchley, 1981). Experimental relaying of mussels on intertidal fine sands led to the absence of Pygospio elegans compared to adjacent control plots. The increase in fine sediment fraction from increased sediment deposition and biodeposition alongside possible organic enrichment and decline in sediment oxygen levels was thought to account for this (Ragnarsson & Rafaelli, 1999). Bolam (2011) showed that Streblospio shrubsolii  vertical migration capability was reduced by deposition of just 6cm simulated dredged material.

Tubificoides spp. and other oligochaetes live relatively deeply buried and can tolerate periods of low oxygen that may occur following the deposition of a fine layer of sediment.  Tubificoides spp. showed some recovery through vertical migration in the same experiment (Bolam, 2011). Whomersley et al., (2010) experimentally buried plots on intertidal mudflats at two sites (Creeksea- Crouch Estuary, England and Blackness- lower Forth Estuary, Scotland), where Tubificoides benedii were dominant species. For each treatment anoxic mud was spread evenly to a depth of 4 cm on top of each treatment plot. The mud was taken from areas adjacent to the plots, and was obtained by scraping off the surface oxic layer and digging up the underlying mud from approximately 20 cm depth. Plots were subject to either low intensity treatments (burial every four weeks) or high (burial every two weeks). The experiment was carried out for 10 months at Creeksea and a year at Blackness. At Creeksea numbers of Tubificoides benedii increased in both burial treatments until the third month (high burial) and sixth month (low burial). At Blackness increased numbers ofTubificoides benedii  were found in both burial treatments after one month (Whomersley et al., 2010).

In intertidal mudflats with similar characterizing species, experiments testing the effects of deposition of sediments, typical of beach recharge have found that recovery of biological assemblages is complete within two years (Bolam & Whomersley, 2003).

Sensitivity assessment. Deposition of up to 30 cm of fine material is likely to provide different impacts for the different species characterizing the biotope. Overall, although the characterizing species may have some resistance to this to this pressure, populations are likely to be reduced. Resistance to initial smothering is ‘Low’ Resilience is ‘High’ and biotope sensitivity is assessed as ‘Low’.

Low
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Medium
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High
High
Low
Medium
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Low
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Low
Medium
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Litter [Show more]

Litter

Benchmark. The introduction of man-made objects able to cause physical harm (surface, water column, seafloor or strandline). Further detail

Evidence

Examples of the impact of specific marine litter, including cigarette butts and micro-plastics are also considered..

Litter, in the form of cigarette butts has been shown to have an impact on ragworms. Hediste diversicolor showed increased burrowing times, 30% weight loss and a  >2 fold increase in DNA damage when exposed to water with toxicants (present in cigarette butts) in quantities 60 fold lower than reported from urban run-off (Wright et al., 2015). This UK study suggests health of infauna populations are negatively impacted by this pressure.

Studies of other characterizing species in relation to micro plastics were not available. However, studies of sediment dwelling, sub surface deposit feeding worms, showed negative impacts from ingestion of micro plastics. For instance, Arenicola marina ingests micro-plastics that are present within the sediment it feeds within. Wright et al. (2013) carried out a lab study that displayed presence of micro-plastics (5% UPVC) significantly reduced feeding activity when compared to concentrations of 1% UPVC and controls. As a result, Arenicola marina showed significantly decreased energy reserves (by 50%), took longer to digest food, and as a result decreased bioturbation levels which would be likely to impact colonisation of sediment by other species, reducing diversity in the biotopes the species occurs within. Wright et al. (2013) also present a case study based on their results, that in the intertidal regions of the Wadden Sea, where Arenicola marina is an important ecosystem engineer, Arenicola marina could ingest 33 m² of micro-plastics a year.

Sensitivity assessment. Marine litter in the form of cigarette butts or micro plastics may impact the health of populations of characterizing species. Significant impacts have been shown in laboratory studies but impacts at biotope scales are still unknown. Evidence and confidence in the assessment is limited and this pressure is 'Not assessed'.

Not Assessed (NA)
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Not assessed (NA)
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Not assessed (NA)
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Electromagnetic changes [Show more]

Electromagnetic changes

Benchmark. A local electric field of 1 V/m or a local magnetic field of 10 µT. Further detail

Evidence

There is no evidence on effects of electric and magnetic fields on the characterizing species.

Electric and magnetic fields generated by sources such as marine renewable energy device/array cables may alter behaviour of predators and affect infauna populations. Evidence is limited and occurs for electric and magnetic fields below the benchmark levels, confidence in evidence of these effects is very low.

A number of studies have investigated the effects of electromagnetic fields on terrestrial oligochaetes, notable earthworms. Some negative effects have been observed e.g. Tkalec et al., 2013. However no evidence was found to support an assessment at the pressure benchmark for the marine oligochaetes that characterize this biotope.

Field measurements of electric fields at North Hoyle wind farm, North Wales recorded 110µ V/m (Gill et al., 2009). Modelled results of magnetic fields from typical subsea electrical cables, such as those used in the renewable energy industry produced magnetic fields of between 7.85 and 20 µT (Gill et al. 2009; Normandeau et al. 2012). Electric and magnetic fields smaller than those recorded by in field measurements or modelled results were shown to create increased movement in potential predators of Hediste diversicolor, thornback ray Raja clavata and attraction to the source in catshark Scyliorhinus canicular (Gill et al. 2009).

No evidence (NEv)
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No evidence (NEv)
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No evidence (NEv)
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Underwater noise changes [Show more]

Underwater noise changes

Benchmark. MSFD indicator levels (SEL or peak SPL) exceeded for 20% of days in a calendar year. Further detail

Evidence

Species within the biotope can probably detect vibrations caused by noise and in response may retreat in to the sediment for protection. However, at the benchmark level the community is unlikely to be sensitive to noise and this therefore is ‘Not relevant’.

Not relevant (NR)
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Not relevant (NR)
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Not relevant (NR)
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Introduction of light or shading [Show more]

Introduction of light or shading

Benchmark. A change in incident light via anthropogenic means. Further detail

Evidence

There is little  direct evidence of effects of changes in incident light on the characterizing species of this biotope.  Studentowicz (1936) found that the enchytraeid oligochaete  Enchytraeus albidus, retracted from light, although the worms accumulated at the surface even when illuminated to avoid low oxygen and hydrogen sulpfide.  Giere and Pfannkuche (1982) considered that other enchytraeids and tubificids are likely to react in the same way. As the biological assemblage occurs within the sediment and can be deeply buried (to 10cm or more) this pressure is considered ‘Not relevant’.  All characterizing species live in the sediment and do not rely on light levels directly to feed or find prey so limited direct impact is expected. More general changes to the productivity of the biotope may, however, occur. Beneath shading structures there may be changes in microphytobenthos abundance. Littoral mud and sand support microphytobenthos on the sediment surface and within the sediment. Mucilaginous secretions produced by these algae may stabilise fine substrata (Tait & Dipper, 1998), shading will prevent photosynthesis leading to death or migration of sediment microalgae altering sediment cohesion and food supply to higher trophic levels. The impact of these indirect effects is difficult to quantify.

Sensitivity assessment. Based on the direct impact, biotope resistance is assessed as ‘High’ and resilience is assessed as ‘High’ (by default) and the biotope is considered to be ‘Not sensitive’.

Not relevant (NR)
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Not relevant (NR)
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Not relevant (NR)
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Barrier to species movement [Show more]

Barrier to species movement

Benchmark. A permanent or temporary barrier to species movement over ≥50% of water body width or a 10% change in tidal excursion. Further detail

Evidence

Barriers that reduce the degree of tidal excursion may alter larval supply to suitable habitats from source populations. Conversely, the presence of barriers at brackish waters may enhance local population supply by preventing the loss of larvae from enclosed habitats to environments, which are unfavourable, reducing settlement outside of the population.Barriers may also act as stepping stones for larval supply over greater distances (Adams et al., 2014).

If a barrier (such as a tidal barrier) incorporated renewable energy  devices such as tidal energy turbines, these devices may affect hydrodynamics and so migration pathways for larvae into and out of the biotope (Adams et al., 2014). Evidence on this pressure is limited.

The trait of Hediste diversicolor to lay and protect eggs within a burrow is likely to limit the impact of barriers to movement on populations. The ability of postlarvae, larger juveniles, and adults of Hediste diversicolor to swim, burrow and be carried by bedload transport can aid the rapid recolonization of disturbed sediments (Shull, 1997).  Davey & George (1986), found evidence that larvae of Hediste diversicolor were tidally dispersed within the Tamar Estuary over a distance of 3 km. A barrier to movement is likely to limit colonization outside the enclosed area, but increase populations within the enclosed area  

Pygospio elegans are capable of both benthic and pelagic dispersal. In the sheltered waters where this biotope occurs, with reduced water exchange, in-situ reproduction may maintain populations rather than long-range pelagic dispersal. As the tubificid oligochaetes that characterize this biotope have benthic dispersal strategies (via egg cocoons laid on the surface (Giere & Pfannkuche, 1982), water transport is not a key method of dispersal over wide distances. 

As the tubificid oligochaetes that characterize this biotope have benthic dispersal strategies (via egg cocoons laid on the surface, Giere & Pfannkuche, 1982), water transport is not a key method of dispersal over wide distances.

Sensitivity assessment. Resistance to this pressure is assessed as 'High' and resilience as 'High' by default. This biotope is therefore considered to be 'Not sensitive'.

High
Low
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High
High
High
High
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Not sensitive
Low
Low
Low
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Death or injury by collision [Show more]

Death or injury by collision

Benchmark. Injury or mortality from collisions of biota with both static or moving structures due to 0.1% of tidal volume on an average tide, passing through an artificial structure. Further detail

Evidence

Not relevant’ to seabed habitats.  NB. Collision by interaction with bottom towed fishing gears and moorings are addressed under

Not relevant (NR)
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Not relevant (NR)
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Not relevant (NR)
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Visual disturbance [Show more]

Visual disturbance

Benchmark. The daily duration of transient visual cues exceeds 10% of the period of site occupancy by the feature. Further detail

Evidence

Characterizing species have limited, visual perception, this pressure is therefore considered 'Not relevant'.

Not relevant (NR)
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Not relevant (NR)
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Not relevant (NR)
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Biological Pressures

Use [show more] / [show less] to open/close text displayed

ResistanceResilienceSensitivity
Genetic modification & translocation of indigenous species [Show more]

Genetic modification & translocation of indigenous species

Benchmark. Translocation of indigenous species or the introduction of genetically modified or genetically different populations of indigenous species that may result in changes in the genetic structure of local populations, hybridization, or change in community structure. Further detail

Evidence

Important characterizing species within this biotope are not cultivated or translocated. This pressure is therefore considered ‘Not relevant’ to this biotope group.

Not relevant (NR)
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Not relevant (NR)
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Not relevant (NR)
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Introduction or spread of invasive non-indigenous species [Show more]

Introduction or spread of invasive non-indigenous species

Benchmark. The introduction of one or more invasive non-indigenous species (INIS). Further detail

Evidence

Intertidal mixed sediments may be colonized by a number of invasive non-indigenous species. Invasive species that alter the character of the biotope or that predate on characterizing species are most likely to result in significant impacts. Intertidal flats may be colonized by the invasive non-indigenous species Crepidula fornicata and the pacific oyster Magallana gigas. The two species have not only attained considerable biomasses from Scandinavian to Mediterranean countries but have also generated ecological consequences such as alterations of benthic habitats and communities and food chain changes (OSPAR, 2009b).

The American slipper limpet Crepidula fornicata was introduced to the UK and Europe in the 1870s from the Atlantic coasts of North America with imports of the eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica. It was recorded in Liverpool in 1870 and the Essex coast in 1887-1890. It has spread through expansion and introductions along the full extent of the English Channel and into the European mainland (Blanchard, 1997, 2009; Bohn et al., 2012, 2013a, 2013b, 2015; De Montaudouin et al., 2018; Helmer et al., 2019; Hinz et al., 2011; McNeill et al., 2010; Powell-Jennings & Calloway, 2018; Preston et al., 2020; Stiger-Pouvreau & Thouzeau, 2015).

Crepidula fornicata is recorded from shallow, sheltered bays, lagoons and estuaries or the sheltered sides of islands, in variable salinity (18 to 40) although it prefers ca 30 (Tillin et al., 2020). Larvae require hard substrata for settlement. It prefers muddy gravelly, shell-rich, substrata that include gravel, or shells of other Crepidula, or other species e.g., oysters, and mussels. It is highly gregarious and seeks out adult shells for settlement, forming characteristic ‘stacks’ of adults. But it also recorded in a wide variety of habitats including clean sands, artificial substrata, Sabellaria alveolata reefs and areas subject to moderately strong tidal streams (Blanchard, 1997, 2009; Bohn et al., 2012, 2013a, 2013b, 2015; De Montaudouin et al., 2018; Hinz et al., 2011; Powell-Jennings & Calloway, 2018; Preston et al., 2020; Stiger-Pouvreau & Thouzeau, 2015; Tillin et al., 2020).

High densities of Crepidula fornicata cause ecological impacts on sedimentary habitats. The species can form dense carpets that can smother the seabed in shallow bays, changing and modifying the habitat structure. At high densities, the species physically smothers the sediment, and the resultant build-up of silt, pseudofaeces, and faeces is deposited and trapped within the bed (Tillin et al., 2020, Fitzgerald, 2007, Blanchard, 2009, Stiger-Pouvreau & Thouzeau, 2015). The biodeposition rates of Crepidula are extremely high and once deposited, form an anoxic mud, making the environment suitable for other species, including most infauna (Stiger-Pouvreau & Thouzeau, 2015, Blanchard, 2009). For example, in fine sands, the community is replaced by a reef of slipper limpets, that provide hard substrata for sessile suspension-feeders (e.g., sea squirts, tube worms and fixed shellfish), while mobile carnivorous microfauna occupy species between or within shells, resulting in a homogeneous Crepidula dominated habitat (Blanchard, 2009). Blanchard (2009) suggested the transition occurred and became irreversible at 50% cover of the limpet. De Montaudouin et al. (2018) suggested that homogenization occurred above a threshold of 20-50 Crepidula /m2.

Impacts on the structure of benthic communities will depend on the type of habitat that Crepidula colonizes. De Montaudouin & Sauriau (1999) reported that in muddy sediment dominated by deposit-feeders, species richness, abundance and biomass increased in the presence of high densities of Crepidula (ca 562 to 4772 ind./m2), in the Bay of Marennes-Oléron, presumably because the Crepidula bed provided hard substrata in an otherwise sedimentary habitat. In medium sands, Crepidula density was moderate (330-1300 ind./m2) but there was no significant difference between communities in the presence of Crepidula. Intertidal coarse sediment was less suitable for Crepidula with only moderate or low abundances (11 ind./m2) and its presence did not affect the abundance or diversity of macrofauna. However, there was a higher abundance of suspension–feeders and mobile Crustacea in the absence of Crepidula (De Montaudouin & Sauriau, 1999). The presence of Crepidula as an ecosystem engineer has created a range of new niche habitats, reducing biodiversity as it modifies habitats (Fitzgerald, 2007). De Montaudouin et al. (1999) concluded that Crepidula did not influence macroinvertebrate diversity or density significantly under experimental conditions, on fine sands in Arcachon Bay, France. De Montaudouin et al. (2018) noted that the limpet reef increased the species diversity in the bed, but homogenised diversity compared to areas where the limpets were absent. In the Milford Haven Waterway (MHW), the highest densities of Crepidula were found in areas of sediment with hard substrata, e.g., mixed fine sediment with shell or gravel or both (grain sizes 16-256 mm) but, while Crepidula density increased as gravel cover increased in the subtidal, the reverse was found in the intertidal (Bohn et al., 2015). Bohn et al. (2015) suggested that high densities of Crepidula in high-energy environments were possible in the subtidal but not the intertidal, suggesting the availability of this substratum type is beneficial for its establishment. Hinz et al. (2011) reported a substantial increase in the occurrence of Crepidula off the Isle of Wight, between 1958 and 2006, at a depth of ca 60 m, on hard substrata (gravel, cobbles, and boulders), swept by strong tidal streams. Presumably, Crepidula is more tolerant of tidal flow than the oscillatory flow caused by wave action which may be less suitable (Tillin et al., 2020).

The availability of hard substrata (e.g., gravel) may only restrict initial colonization as higher densities of Crepidula function as substrata for subsequent colonization (Thieltges et al., 2004; Blanchard, 2009). However, Bohn et al. (2015) noted that Crepidula occurred at low density or was absent in areas of homogenous fine sediment and areas dominated by boulders. Bohn et al. (2015) suggested that wave action (exposure) probably prevented the establishment of large numbers of Crepidula in high-energy areas. Blanchard (2009) noted that sandy areas in the Bay of Saint-Mont Michel were not colonized by Crepidula because of surface sand mobility. Thieltges et al. (2003) also noted that storm events removed some clumps of mussels and presumably Crepidula onto tidal flats where they disappeared, which caused their abundance to fluctuate. Similarly, Crepidula was absent from sandy substrata in Swansea Bay but was most abundant in the shelter of the breakwater at the Swansea east site (Powell-Jennings & Calloway, 2018). Powell-Jennings & Calloway (2018) noted that Crepidula is killed by sudden burial and possibly burial due to deposition, which could mitigate Crepidula density. In addition, in the MHW, the highest densities of Crepidula were found in areas of sediment with hard substrata, e.g., mixed fine sediment with shell, or gravel or both but, while Crepidula density increased as gravel cover increased in the subtidal, the reverse was found in the intertidal (Bohn et al., 2015). However, gravel formed the base of most stacks of Crepidula in the intertidal, which suggested that initial colonization occurred on available hard substrata (i.e., gravel) in the absence of adult shells of Crepidula (Bohn et al., 2015).

Crepidula is recorded from the lower intertidal to ca 160 m in depth but it is most common in the shallow subtidal and low water springs (Blanchard, 1997; Thieltges et al., 2003; Bohn et al., 2012, 2015; Hinz et al., 2011; OBIS, 2023; Tillin et al., 2020). Bohn et al. (2012, 2013a, 2013b, 2015) suggested that extreme conditions in intertidal limited its upward distribution due to early post-settlement mortality. It reached its highest densities on the lower shore (below ca 0.7 m) and was absent from the high tidal level (ca 1.8 m) in the MHW (Bohn et al., 2015). Bohn et al. (2013b) noted that Crepidula spat in their experimental intertidal panels suffered high mortality of 78-100% during emersion by low water spring tides. Thieltges et al. (2003) noted that Crepidula abundance at the intertidal to the subtidal transition zone (ca 21/ m2) was significantly higher than in the upper, mid, and lower intertidal ca <3/ m2). Similarly, Diederich & Pechenik (2013) noted that Crepidula densities were not significantly different in the low intertidal (+0.2 m) and shallow subtidal (-1 m) but became lower at +0.4 and were absent above +0.6 m in Bissel Cove, Rhode Island where the mean high water was +1.38 m. They reported that intertidal adults experienced temperatures of ca 42°C, which were 15°C higher than subtidal adults. However, there was no significant difference in the tolerance of subtidal and intertidal adults with a lethal range of 33-37°C after three hours in the laboratory. Diederich & Pechenik (2013) suggested that adult Crepidula were living close to their upper thermal limit in Rhode Island and would be driven into the subtidal due to climate change. Diederich et al. (2015) reported that most juvenile Crepidula died after aerial exposure under laboratory conditions (20°C, 75% relative humidity), while adults from the intertidal and subtidal survived (26°C, 75% relative humidity). Franklin et al. (2023) noted that the body mass index of adult Crepidula did not decrease significantly in winter months in New Hampshire, USA, but did decrease in spring and summer, probably due to its investment in reproduction. 

The density of Crepidula populations in northern Europe (Germany, Denmark, and Norway) was significantly lower (ca <100/ m2) than in southern waters. Thieltges et al. (2004) reported that the population of Crepidula was affected strongly by cold winters in the Wadden Sea. The winters of 2001 and 2003 resulted in ca 56-64% mortality of intertidal Crepidula and up to 97% on one mussel bed, compared to only 11-14% in southern areas without frost. Crepidula almost vanished from the Wadden Sea after the 1978/79 winter and took ten years to recover due to moderate winters which regularly affected the population. Similarly, 25% mortality was observed in Crepidula populations on the south coast of the UK after the extreme 1962/63 winter (Crisp, 1964, Bohn et al., 2012). Thieltges et al. (2003) suggested that global warming may allow Crepidula populations to become more abundant in northern Europe.

In the Wadden Sea, the Pacific oyster Magallana gigas has colonized intertidal flats (Smaal et al., 2005). This species consumes pelagic larvae reducing recruitment (Smaal et al., 2005). The most severe effects are likely to occur from impacts on sediment, where Magallana gigas create reefs on sedimentary flats that will prevent recruitment of juveniles and will restrict access of infauna to the sediment-water interface impacting respiration and feeding of bivalves such as Macoma balthica and Scrobicularia plana and polychaetes such as Pygospio elegans and Streblospio shrubsolii disturbing the amphipod Corophium volutator. Burrowing infauna such as Hediste diversicolor and oligochaetes may persist within sediments but the overall character of the mixed sediment biotope would be altered. Tillin et al. (2020) suggested that Magallana gigas could significantly alter intertidal mixed sediments where the conditions allow reefs of the oyster to form based on its occurrence in Poole Harbour, and reefs on littoral sediments in southern England, Ireland, France and the Wadden Sea (Herbert et al., 2016b).  

The Manila clam (Tapes philippinarium), which was introduced to Poole Harbour for aquaculture in 1998, has become a naturalised population on the intertidal mudflats (occurring at densities of 60 clams/m2 in some locations within the harbour (Jensen et al. 2004, cited in Caldow et al., 2007).  Densities of Cerastoderma edule and Abra tenuis increased following the introduction of the Manila clam although the abundance of Scrobicularia plana and Limecola balthica declined (Caldow et al., 2005), although the decline of these species may have been caused by tri-butyl tin pollution (Langston et al., 2003) and may have facilitated the naturalization of the Manila clam.

Sensitivity assessment. Intertidal gravelly sandy muds may be exposed to invasive species which can alter the character of the habitat (primarily Crepidula fornicata at the sublittoral fringe and Magallana gigas), leading to re-classification of this biotope. The above evidence suggests that Crepidula fornicata could colonize gravelly sandy mud, typical of this biotope, due to the presence of gravel, pebbles, shells, cobbles or any other hard substrata that can be used for larvae settlement (Tillin et al., 2020). Therefore, Crepidula has the potential to colonize, and modify the habitat and its associated community due to the introduction of Crepidula shell biomass, silt, pseudofaeces and faeces (Blanchard, 2009; Tillin et al., 2020). Bohn et al. (2015) demonstrated that Crepidula had a preference for gravelly habitats, while De Montaudouin & Sauriau (1999) and Bohn et al. (2015) noted that Crepidula densities were low in intertidal coarse sediments. This habitat is very sheltered to extremely sheltered from wave action, which is also suitable for Crepidula colonization. There may be higher densities of Crepidula in the lower shore examples of the biotope, but the densities may be lower in the mid-shore, and it may be absent from the upper shore due to the unsuitable extreme conditions in the intertidal zone preventing Crepidula post-settlement recruitment and mitigating colonization (Bohn et al. 2015). Therefore, in terms of Crepidula fornicata, resistance is assessed as ‘Low’ and resilience is assessed as ‘Very low’, so the biotope sensitivity is assessed as ‘High’. Crepidula has not yet been reported to occur in this biotope and there is a lack of direct evidence so the confidence in the assessment is 'Low' and further evidence is required. The effects of Magallana gigas may be more severe (Herbert et al., 2016b; Tillin et al., 2020), so resistance to the effects of the Pacific oyster is assessed as 'Low', resilience as 'Very low', and sensitivity as 'High'

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Very Low
High
High
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High
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Introduction of microbial pathogens [Show more]

Introduction of microbial pathogens

Benchmark. The introduction of relevant microbial pathogens or metazoan disease vectors to an area where they are currently not present (e.g. Martelia refringens and Bonamia, Avian influenza virus, viral Haemorrhagic Septicaemia virus). Further detail

Evidence

No evidence was returned by literature searches on the effect on the key characterizing species, Hediste diversicolor of introduction of relevant microbial pathogens or metazoan disease vectors to an area where they are currently not present.

Sensitivity assessment. There are no records of the biotope being affected by the introduction of microbial pathogens and therefore, resistance is assessed as 'High',  resilience is assessed as 'High' and the biotope is classed as 'Not sensitive' to the introduction of microbial pathogens. Confidence in this assessment is low as the evidence base is very limited.

 

High
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High
High
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Not sensitive
Low
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Removal of target species [Show more]

Removal of target species

Benchmark. Removal of species targeted by fishery, shellfishery or harvesting at a commercial or recreational scale. Further detail

Evidence

The sedimentary biotope and characterizing and associated species may be disturbed and damaged by static or mobile gears that are targeting other species. These direct, physical impacts are assessed through the abrasion and penetration of the seabed pressures. The sensitivity assessment for this pressure considers any biological/ecological effects resulting from the removal of target species on this biotope. Ragworms Hediste diversicolor are targeted by recreational and commercial bait diggers. The extent of the impact will depend on the fishing / removal method and spatial extent. 

Populations of Hediste diversicolor are dominated by females; males may constitute up to 40% of the population but several reports suggest that the proportion of males is frequently lower (< 20%) (see Clay, 1967c). The sexes are externally indistinguishable except when approaching maturation and during spawning (see reproduction and adult general biology).

Consequently, extraction e.g. by bait digging, of 50% of the specimens from within an area is likely to remove more females than males. A reduction in the female proportion of the population prior to spawning could reduce recruitment to the population. The mechanical action of the digging, even if the worms were not actually taken, may also cause some damage to the bodies. Recovery is dependent on the reproductive success and survival of the remaining population and colonization by adults from unaffected areas.

Sensitivity assessment. The key, characterizing species Hediste diversicolor may be targeted and their removal will alter the character of the biotope. Due to potential impacts on Hediste diversicolor populations, in particular females, biotope resistance is assessed as ‘Low’. Biotope resilience is assessed as ‘High’ and biotope sensitivity is assessed as ‘Low’

Low
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High
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Low
High
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Removal of non-target species [Show more]

Removal of non-target species

Benchmark. Removal of features or incidental non-targeted catch (by-catch) through targeted fishery, shellfishery or harvesting at a commercial or recreational scale. Further detail

Evidence

Direct, physical impacts are assessed through the abrasion and penetration of the seabed pressures, while this pressure considers the ecological or biological effects of by-catch. Species in these biotopes, including the characterizing species, may be damaged or directly removed by static or mobile gears that are targeting other species (see abrasion and penetration pressures). Loss of these species would alter the character of the biotope resulting in re-classification, and would alter the physical structure of the habitat resulting in the loss of the ecosystem functions such as secondary production performed by these species.

Digging for Hediste diversicolor for bait may cause significant mortality of species associated with the biotope. This would reduce available biomass for higher trophic levels.  Populations of oligochaetes provide food for macroinvertebrates fish and birds. For example up to 67% of flounder and plaice stomachs examined from the Medway estuary (UK) (Van den Broek, 1978) contained the remains of Tubificoides benedii (studied as Peloscolex benedeni) and shrimps which in turn support higher trophic levels (predatory birds and fish). For some migratory birds, the characterizing species Tubificoides benedii can form an important part of the diet during winter (Bagheri & McLusky, 1984). Polychaetes and crustaceans are also predators of oligochaetes and may significantly reduce numbers (Giere & Pfannkuche, 1982 and references therein). The loss of the oligochaete population could, therefore, also impact other trophic levels.

Sensitivity assessment: Loss of the characterizing species of this biotope is likely to occur as by-catch.  Thus, the biotope is considered to have a resistance of 'Low' to this pressure and to have 'High' resilience, resulting in the sensitivity being judged as 'Low'.

Low
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Low
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Bibliography

  1. Aberson, M., Bolam, S. & Hughes, R., 2016. The effect of sewage pollution on the feeding behaviour and diet of Hediste (Nereis diversicolor (OF Müller, 1776)) in three estuaries in south-east England, with implications for saltmarsh erosion. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 105 (1), 150-160.

  2. Adams, T.P., Miller, R.G., Aleynik, D. & Burrows, M.T., 2014. Offshore marine renewable energy devices as stepping stones across biogeographical boundaries. Journal of Applied Ecology, 51 (2), 330-338.

  3. Akberali, H.B. & Black, J.E., 1980. Behavioural responses of the bivalve Scrobicularia plana (da Costa) subjected to short-term copper (Cu II) concentrations. Marine Environmental Research, 4 (2), 97-107. DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/0141-1136(80)90048-3

  4. Anger V., 1984. Reproduction in Pygospio-elegans Spionidae in relation to its geographical origin and to environmental conditions a preliminary report. Fischer, A. and H.-D. Pfannenstiel,  Fortschritte der Zoologie. pp. 45-52.

  5. Armonies, W., Herre, E. & Sturm, M., 2001. Effects of the severe winter 1995 / 1996 on the benthic macrofauna of the Wadden Sea and the coastal North Sea near the island of Sylt. Helgoland Marine Research, 55, 170-175.

  6. Attrill, M.J. ed., 1998. A rehabilitated estuarine ecosystem: The environment and ecology of the Thames estuary. Berlin: Springer Science & Business Media.

  7. Azouzi, L., Bourget, E. & Borcard, D., 2002. Spatial variation in the intertidal bivalve Macoma balthica: biotic variables in relation to density and abiotic factors. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 234, 159-170.

  8. Bagheri, E. & McLusky, D., 1982. Population dynamics of oligochaetes and small polychaetes in the polluted forth estury ecosystem. Netherlands Journal of Sea Research, 16, 55-66.

  9. Bagheri, E.A. & McLusky, D.S., 1984. The oxygen consumption of Tubificoides benedeni (Udekem) in relation to temperature and its application to production biology. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 78, 187-197.

  10. Bamber, R.N. & Spencer, J.F. 1984. The benthos of a coastal power station thermal discharge canal. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 64, 603-623.

  11. Barda, I., Purina, I., Rimsa, E. & Balode, M., 2014. Seasonal dynamics of biomarkers in infaunal clam Macoma balthica from the Gulf of Riga (Baltic Sea). Journal of Marine Systems, 129, 150-156.

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Citation

This review can be cited as:

Tillin, H.M., Ashley, M.,, Lloyd, K.A., & Watson, A., 2023. Hediste diversicolor and Scrobicularia plana in littoral gravelly mud. In Tyler-Walters H. Marine Life Information Network: Biology and Sensitivity Key Information Reviews, [on-line]. Plymouth: Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. [cited 29-03-2024]. Available from: https://www.marlin.ac.uk/habitat/detail/1176

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Last Updated: 13/11/2023