# Biomare

Brief description:
Estuary in SW Netherlands, rather strong impact by domestic wastes.

Habitats Present:
Silty to sandy intertidal flats, gullies till 40m, saltmarshes, rocky dikes,

Information available:
Long term data sets on hydrographic and biological conditions (from 60s with interruptions, from 1999 again full range of data at 8 stations in Integral Monitor Programme.

Facilities available & accessibility:
Fully equipped research institutes at some kilometres distance:NIOO-CEMO (sampling with research vessel);  in co-operation with National Fisheries Institute RIVO and Research Institute for Coastal Mangaement RIKZ


Brief description:
Sea-arm in SW Netherlands, relatively free from anthropogenic input.


Institution:
Zoology and Marine Biology Laboratory Universita di Lecce

Brief description:
Otranto is characterized by a unique position between the South Adriatic and the Ionian Sea.  The area is characterized by a high rocky coast.

Justification:
It is a totally pristine habitat, with respect to both anthropogenic and natural stresses.  It is already selected for the future institution of a Marine Protected Area.

Habitats Present:
Rocky cliffs with flourishing Cystoseira spp. fringe and many large marine caves.  Sandy bottoms, Posidonia oceanica meadows

Information available:
1997 survey covering most Apulian coast to identify hot spots of biodiversity.  Identification of this area as a remarkable one.  The subtidal rocky coast of the Otranto area is being intensively studied with photographic methods at different depths to analise the pattern of natural variability in the distribution of the benthic populations.

Legislative protection:
Proposed for the institution of a Marine Protected Area.

Facilities available & accessibility:
The Laboratory of Zoology and Marine Biology of the Department of Biology (University of Lecce) offers all kinds of facilities (from laboratories to diving, a boat and dorms for visitors).

2nd Questionaire:
http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire Fraschetti.doc#http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire Fraschetti.doc#


Brief description:
Porto Cesareo is a Marine Protected Area since 1997.  It is a small village on a rocky and sandy shore characterized by very different habitats.

Information available:
The LZMB is intensively studying this area with a long-term photographic survey (10 years).  Date mussel (Lithophaga lithophaga) fisheries are a serious problem for the conservation of this area, but the recent institution of a Marine Protected Area offers and opportunity to study community recovery.


Brief description:
Marine Park of Alonnisos.  Situated in the Northern part of Sporades Archipelagos.  Three small islands are included: Piperi, Youra and Kyra Panagia (Pelagos).

Justification:
No people live on the islands.  They are situated in a distance more than one hour (by small fishing boat) from the nearest inhabited island (Alonnisos).  Trawling is prohibited.

Habitats Present:
Hard substrate: Photophilic Algae biocoenosis (AP);  Pre-coralligenous facies (sciaphilic communities).  Soft substrate:  sediment type ranging from muddy sand to sand, gravely sand and sandy gravel.

Information available:
1. Nicolaidou, A., Papadopoulou, N. and N. Simboura. 1985. Taxonomic and ecological study of the polychaete fauna of the N. Sporades, Aegean Sea. CIESM, B-VII4, 1p.
2. Simboura, N. 1997. The taxonomic group of benthic polychaeta as indicator of diversity of the marine ecosystem. Proceedings of the 5th Hellenic Symposium of Oceanography and Fisheries, Vol. I, pp. 445-448. 
3. Simbura, N., Zenetos, A., Thessalou-legaki, M., Pancucci, M.-A. and A. Nicolaidou. 1995. Benthic communities of the infralittoral in the N. Sporades (Aegean Sea): a variety of biotopes encountered and analysed. Marine Ecology. Pubblicazioni della Stazione Zoologica di Napoli, 16(4): 283-306.

Legislative protection:
National:  Presidential decree No1, published in the Official Gazette, Issue 4, No. 519, Athens, 28-5-1992

Facilities available & accessibility:
There is a Marine Station at the NE part of the Alonnisos island, which is used by researchers dealing with the protection of the Mediterranean seal (Monachus monachus). The Station has a library and a dorm for the guests. A modified fishing vessel is used for the research activities.

2nd Questionaire:
http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire Arvanitidis.doc#http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire Arvanitidis.doc#


Institution:
Marine Biology Section, University of Gent

Brief description:
A bathymetrical and hydronamical highly diverse, nearshore sandbank-swale system composed of clay to coarse soft-sediments.

Justification:
Despite time-restricted fisheries (mainly sole and shrimp) and touristic shipping, the area is free of sand extraction, dredging activities, dumping sites, commercial shipping and artificial hard substrata.

Habitats Present:
Except for gravelbeds, all soft-sediment habitats, present in a wide area, are available within the western Coastal Banks: e.g. tertiary clay, very fine to coarse sands, as well as very shallow sandbanks.

Information available:
So far biodiversity within the area was mainly constricted to macrobenthos and seabirds. Temporal information on meio-, hyper- and epibenthos are present for one station (since 1997). Studies of the macrobenthos are available from 1982 and from 1994-2000. Bird surveys are performed since 1992. All information is summarized in several theses, reports and publications.

Legislative protection:
The area is (1) recognized as a Ramsar area, (2) proposed to be included within the Natura 2000 network areas (as Special Protection Area and Site of Community Importance), in execution of the EC-Habitat Directive, (3) fulfilling all criteria of the EC-Bird Directive (though not included in the final list of EC-Bird Directive areas), and (4) put forward as a high priority core area within the establishment of Marine Protected Areas by the Belgian government

Facilities available & accessibility:
Nearby research facilities (e.g. fully equiped laboratories) are available at the University of Gent (Marine Biology Section) and the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ). Two research vessels RV Belgica (Belgian government) and RV Zeeleeuw (Flemish government) are active mainly on the Belgian Continental Plate. The area is within easy reach from three Belgian coastal harbours (max. 2.5 h sailing).

Additional information:
A map of the proposed area and an extensive list of references are available as  hard copies.

2nd Questionaire:
http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire Degraer.doc#http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire Degraer.doc#


Brief description:
An offshore, geomorphological highly diverse sandbank-swale system, composed of muddy to coarse sandy sediments, with depths ranging from 3 to 20 m and exposed to commercial sand extraction.

Habitats Present:
Because of the highly diverse bathymetry and hydrodynamics, a large variety of benthic habitats is present in the area: very fine to coarse sands.

Information available:
Extensive information (theses, reports, and publications resulting from several former and running projects) on seabirds, meio-, macro-, hyper-, and epibenthos, as well as geomorphology and sedimentdynamics is available.

Facilities available & accessibility:
Nearby research facilities (eg fully equiped laboratories) are available at the University of Gent (Marine Biology Section) and the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ). Two research vessels RV Belgica (Belgian government) and RV Zeeleeuw (Flemish government) are active mainly on the Belgian Continental Plate. The area is within easy reach from three Belgian coastal harbours (max. 3 h sailing).


Brief description:
The area is characterized by a diverse geomorphology (sandbanks and swales) and sedimentology (soft-sediments) and influenced by the nearby Schelde estuary, drastically increasing the sediments' mud content.

Habitats Present:
Because of the diverse bathymetry and hydrodynamics, a large variety of benthic soft-bottom habitats is present in the area (muddy to coarse sands).

Information available:
Information (theses, reports, and publications resulting from several former and running projects) on seabirds, meio-, macro-, hyper-, and epibenthos is available from several stations.

Facilities available & accessibility:
Nearby research facilities (e.g. fully equiped laboratories) are available at the University of Gent (Marine Biology Section) and the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ). Two research vessels RV Belgica (Belgian government) and RV Zeeleeuw (Flemish government) are active mainly on the Belgian Continental Plate. The area is within easy reach from three Belgian coastal harbours (max. 2 h sailing).


Brief description:
Artificial hard substrata. The inter- and subtidal, Belgian hard substrata are composed of groins, dykes, piers, and harbour walls, composed of  concrete and/or natural stone.

Habitats Present:
Close to the natural rocky coasts of northern France (e.g. Boulonnais), a large variety of artificial hard substrata is present along the Belgian coast: e.g. concrete and natural stone, and wooden piers, inter- as well as subtidal.

Information available:
Biological information from early '70 (publications) as well as from a running project on birds, macrofauna and  macro-algae is available

Facilities available & accessibility:
Nearby research facilities (e.g. fully equiped laboratories) are available at the University of Gent (Marine Biology Section), the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) and the Institute of Nature Conservation. All hard substrata are easily accessible during low tide.


Brief description:
Archipelago composed of 19 islets, 9 km south off Majorca, on continental shelf defined by 200 m isobath. About 8.000 ha of marine bottoms. Calcareus. All islets placed inside 75 m isobath..

Justification:
Far from influence of cities, rivers, or industries. Islets human population reduced to less than 15 persons (all park staff). Restricted access; navigation and scuba-diving strictly controlled, fishery reduced to about 20 artisanal boats in delineated areas. No trawling allowed.

Habitats Present:
Rocky and sandy shores; no stuarine or lagoon areas. Littoral pools, Trottoir, submarine caves, Posidonia meadows, communities of photophilous algae on both hard and soft bottoms,Maërl, communities of sciophilous algae, coralligenous bottoms dominated by encrusting algae or with animal dominance, etc.

Information available:
recently published checklists (1993) of benthic algae, seagrasses, Porifera, benthic Cnidaria, Briozoa, planktonic Copepoda, Decapoda, Mollusca, Echinodermata, Tunicata, fishes, plus detailed knowledge of both hidrography and benthic bionomy of the zone.

Legislative protection:
Both islets and about 8.000 Ha of marine bottom around them protected as Spanish National Park (= highest protection level) since April 1991.

Facilities available & accessibility:
Archipelago accessible by charter boats. Some possibilities to offer accomodation exist, and there are plans to enhance them in near future.

2nd Questionaire:
http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire Jaume1.doc#http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire Jaume1.doc#


Location:
Natural Reserve of Salines d'Eivissa I Formentera

Brief description:
Natural Reserve embracing 9012 ha of marine area and number of islets of different sizes.

Habitats Present:
Excellent state of conservation (pristine Posidonia meadows

Information available:
Some information available on biodiversity.

Facilities available & accessibility:
Easy access by charter boat or zodiac from nearby Ibiza (=Eivissa) city.


Location:
Refugio Nacional de Caza de las Islas Chafarinas

Brief description:
Group of three volcanic islands off African coast (2.5 miles). On continental shelf, sill speparating them from African coast about 15 m depth.

Habitats Present:
Volcanic islands.  In contact zone between Atlantic and Mediterranean waters.  Pristine rocky bottoms, Posidonia meadows.

Facilities available & accessibility:
Access by helicopter or by charter boat (about 2 h navigation from Melilla). Good infraestructures for fieldwork: small lab with telephone and access to web, etc. Spanish Army destachment on main island providing food, etc. Visits permitted only for research purposes.


Location:
Parque Natural deCabo de Gata-Nijar, Almeria

Brief description:
Natural Park embracing 12.000 ha of marine bottoms, along 45 km of volcanic coastal cliffs on the SE, mediterranean Spanish coast. No rivers, cities or industries around.

Habitats Present:
Great habitat heterogeneity (rocky bottoms, sandy beaches, salt pans, pseudo-reefs of vermetids (Dendropoma petraeum) and calcareous algae (Spongites notarisii), Posidonia meadows in excellent state of preservation). Termophilous relic site. Boundary zone between some Mediterranean and Atlantic taxa.

Information available:
Important volume of information available (monograph published in 1992), including algae, molluscs, crustaceans, and Polychaeta.

Facilities available & accessibility:
Excellent infraestructures for fieldwork: lab, kitchen, rooms, boat, scuba-equipment, etc., all available at “Aula del Mar de Cabo de Gata”. Within the Natural Park there are 6 zones delimited as Integral Reserve (= maximum protection)


Location:
Reserva Marina Punta de la Restinga-Mar de las Calmas, El Hierro

Brief description:
Marine reserve embracing about 750 ha of rocky shores, leeward of prevailing winds and currents.

Habitats Present:
Abrupt rocky bottoms with tunnels etc. Warm and clear water, with marine biota of tropical character. Vegetal cover until 70 m depth; bottoms of Anthipates wollastoni and of ahermatipic coral Dendrophylla ramea.

Information available:
Faunistic studies on various taxa available.

Legislative protection:
The reserve is co-managed by the Canary Is. Regional Government and by the Spainish Central Government.

Facilities available & accessibility:
Scuba-diving clubs around as well as lodging infrastructure.


Brief description:
Instrumented pelagic station in the Ligurian Deep Sea(Northwestern Mediterranean Sea)

Justification:
Located 28 nautical miles offshore, off the Liguro-provencal current.  Deep station (2300m)

Habitats Present:
Epi and mesopelagic oligotrophic communities, nekton including whales, deep benthos community.

Information available:
Dyfamed monitoring program from 1987.  Instrumented mooring (sediment trap, optical measurements, ctd, etc).  French PROOF program.  Old data sets:  microphytoplankton, mesoplankton, micronekton, macroplankton, Cetaceans census.  Recent survey (monthly data):  phytoplanktonic pigments (HPLC).  In project (2001):  mesozooplankton, macroplankton, bacterial diversity.

Legislative protection:
Included in French-Italian 'whales sanctuary', LIFE programme.

Facilities available & accessibility:
Survey by 'Observatoire de Villefranche-sur-Mer, France, Laboratoire d'oceanographie de Villefranche (LOV).  Laboratories and accomodation rooms.  CNRS-Cirmed's oceanographic ships (3h transit time from Nice harbour).


Brief description:
Coastal monitoring station in the Ligurian (Northwestern Mediterranean Sea). Depth >100m (above the continental shelf, Villefranche canyon).

Justification:
Entrance to the Bay, influenced by the Liguro-provencal current.  Low influence of river outputs, moderate sewage discharges from Riviera's cities.

Habitats Present:
Epi and mesopelagic oligotrophic communities, rich macroplanktonic fauna (upwelling area, Posidonia meadows, hard and soft bottom communities.

Information available:
Continuous monitoring program (hydrology and plankton) from 1957.  French SOMLIT program.  Old and recent data sets:  macroplankton (XIX th century), microphytoplankton, mesoplankton, micronekton. In project (2001):  bacterial and protozoan diversity.

Facilities available & accessibility:
Survey by 'Observatoire de Villefranche-sur-Mer', France, Laboratoire d'oceanographie de Villefranche (LOV).  Laboratories and accomodation rooms.  Marine water aquaria.  Observatory's small ships.  Transit time from lab to the station:  1/4 h from Villefranche marine station.


Institution:
Marine Biology Station Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle

Brief description:
South Britanny France   10 miles south off Concarneau   The GLENAN archipelago is constituted of a series of rocky islands  covering approximatively 35 km2 surrounding  sandy zones . This lagoon-like structure is  unique on Atlantic coast.  ( Primary site) .

Justification:
The Glenan Islands are sufficiently far from the continental coast  for  being  protected of the major  anthropogenic  effects. No important industry  over 100km.

Habitats Present:
This zone is considered as a southern limit and a northern limit for septentrional and meridional species respectively. The south part offers  rocky cliffs to 30-40 depth. The island circle is an inner sea protected  from the movements of the sea. The different biocenoses of the Glenan are particularly rich

Information available:
Various publications: Vie et Milieu, Helgol. WissenschaftMeeresunters, Bull.Mus.océonogr.Monaco, Oceanologica Acta, Ann.Inst.Oceanogr.
ZNIEFF reports

Legislative protection:
Classified habitats Znieff 1 and 2
Restricted acces areas.  Controlled fishing.

Facilities available & accessibility:
Marine Station MNHN  Concarneau 10 miles. Field facilities on two islands ( Accomodation, Diving security etc.)Regular boat service on the main island
Marine Station boatGeneral acces. Quimper Airport ( 4 daily flight to /from Paris  1h)
Quimper or Rosporden train station
Highway to Concarneau  Paris 5 hrs, Bremerhaven 16 hrs

Additional information:
A more detailed description of the area and extensive list of references are available as hard copies.


Brief description:
This site is facing a coastal system of rias and short estuaries.  This zone is considered as a southern limit and a northern limit for septentrional and meridional species respectively. The south part offers  rocky cliffs to 30-40 depth. The island circle is an inner sea protected  from the movements of the sea

Habitats Present:
The different biocenoses of the Glenan are particularly rich.  A full description may be found as a hard copy.

Information available:
Various publications: Vie et Milieu, Helgol. WissenschaftMeeresunters, Bull.Mus.océonogr.Monaco, Oceanologica Acta, Ann.Inst.Oceanogr

Facilities available & accessibility:
Marine Station MNHN Concarneau 10 miles.  Field facilities on two islands (Accomodation, Diving security etc).  Regular boat service on the main island.  Marine station boat.


Location:
Estuaries and rias in Southern Brittany (Odet, Aven, Belon, Laita, Blavet)

Brief description:
This system is composed of a series  a geographically closed short estuaries  and is   considered  to have an essential potential (nurseries) for the  productivity of the neighbouring areas ( fish spawning) of the continental shelf. This system is close to  the GLENAN site .

Information available:
Refer to hard copy of additional information.

Facilities available & accessibility:
Geographically close to the Marine Station Concarneau.


Brief description:
A 156-km2 mesotidal lagoon or semi-enclosed bay, 2/3 of which is intertidal with extended Zostera beds and oyster parks; maximum water depth is 20 m at low tide, but most channels are 5-10 m deep.

Justification:
There is no extensive agricultural practice close to the bay. Since the early 70s, sewage and industrial (paper mill) wastewaters have been processed in treatment plants and discharged in the open sea. Some signs of eutrophication occurred in the 80s and the early 90s, but they are now clearly decreasing.

Habitats Present:
A mosaic of habitats, representative of those occurring in the Bay of Biscay, mainly on soft sediments and covering the whole ranges: mud – gravel, reduced – well oxygenated, sheltered – semi exposed. Also, exposed sandy beaches at the entrance of the bay, salt marshes and Zostera (Z. marina + Z. noltii) beds (the largest ones in Europe). Some artificial hard substrata (piers, wooden stakes, etc) are present. The Bay is a zone of international importance for waterfowl (e.g., overwintering of 10 % of the world population of brent geese).

Information available:
Species lists, including all components of the ecosystem (micro- and macrophytes, macrozoobenthos, meiofauna, phyto- and zooplankton, fish), are kept up to date. A synthesis on historic changes in local species richness was published as local report in 1993 (indicating a total of 2864 species). Quantitative data are available for most biological components (but no long-term data). Species checklists are planned to be included in the web site of the Marine Station.

Legislative protection:
At the national level: two Nature Reserves (Arès, Arguin), ZNIEFF (Natural Areas of Ecological, Faunistic and Floristic Interest) – type 1 (20 km2) and ZNIEFF – type 2 (the whole bay).
At the European level: ZICO (Area of Community Importance for Birds) (the whole bay) and NATURA 2000 (60 km2). The area fulfills the criteria for denomination on the Ramsar list of wetlands of international importance.
Additionally, oyster culture and tourism (which are the main economic activities in the bay) offer the guaranty that the site will remain totally pristine.

Facilities available & accessibility:
The Marine Station of Arcachon will offer all facilities (laboratories, equipment, library, boat). All sampling stations are easily accessible from the Marine Station.


Brief description:
Marine laboratory, located at Luc-sur-Mer, directly on the beach, established in 1903 and situated 15 km from the University of Caen (France)

Information available:
Faunistic and floristic (includind plankton ) lists available : attendance of various summer lab courses on marine biology (university level) each year.

Facilities available & accessibility:
Facilities for collecting plankton;  research teams on site


Brief description:
Mediterranean coastal area along a rocky shore; shallow water (0-40 m) bay sheltered by Cape Bear at the North, submitted to two major wind regimes (NW, SE)

Habitats Present:
Range of sandy to muddy biotopes including gravels and detritic facies; hard substrates

Information available:
Over one hundred years of taxonomic and ecological surveys (theses, long term series, local studies …) recorded through numerous papers and reviews; all the information available in the local library, one of the most documented in France in such a topic.

Facilities available & accessibility:
Two oceanographic coastal ships (14 and 6 m) equipped for operating basic sampling devices (trawls, corers, dredges, grabs …), scuba-diving facilities; experimental and public aquarium; housing (100 beds) and laboratory facilities (photonic and electronic microscopes-met-, chemistry and biochemistry equipments, cellular and molecular techniques and facilities, important library (2 100 journals, 1 3000 volumes) in the field of marine biology and oceanography, long-term environmental monitoring site (hydrological core parameters).


Brief description:
From the seashore tothe depths, within a radius of 25 miles off the Roscoff Port.  Situated on the North coast of Brittany, at the entrance to the Channel, Roscoff offers a wide variety of biotopes inhabited by a specially rich fauna and flora (especially seaweeds) both atlantic and northern origin.

Justification:
The anthropogenic stress is quite low and of strictly agricultural origin.

Habitats Present:
Roscoff offers a large variety of habitats, from very exposed rocky shores to sheltered bays with well developed slikkes and salt marshes; all these biotopes can be reached by foot at low tide. Adjacent offshore waters down to 80 meters with maerl, sand, gravel and stones, in a highly hydrodynamic environment.

Information available:
Roscoff marine fauna and flora has been explored since 1872. More than 5000 species of protozoa (ciliophora), porifera, cnidarians, ctenarians, nemerteans, nematoda, annelids, molluscans, bryozoans, crustaceans (decapods, amphipods, cumaceans), echinoderms, ascidians, fishes, rotatoria, gastrotricha, echinoderida, tardigrada, and seaweeds, have been listed.
These data are currently being transformed into a computer data base.

Legislative protection:
The whole of the bay of Morlaix is classified as a ZNIEFF (Zone Naturelle d'Intérêt Ecologique Faunistique et Floristique) and most of its islands are classified as nature reserves for birds (ZICO: Zone d'Intérêt pour la Conservation des Oiseaux).

Facilities available & accessibility:
The "Station Biologique de Roscoff" (SBR) is a research and teaching institute in marine biology and oceanography frequented since more than 128 years by foreign students and scientists (see www.sb-roscoff.fr). The permanent staff is composed of 37 scientists, 24 PhD students and 48 engineers and technicians. The SBR is well equipped in all modern facilities and equipments, including a 90-room hotel and a conference room for 120 people.

Additional information:
An extensive list of references is available as a hard copy.


Brief description:
!7 meters depth.  Fine muddy sand with Abra alba community, dominated by several species of amphipods (Ampelisca spp.).

Habitats Present:
Fine muddy sand with Abra alba community, dominated by several species of amphipods (Ampelisca spp.).

Information available:
Monthly survey of macro- and meiozoobenthos since 1972. Sampling procedure: box-corer, scuba cores, Smith-Mc Intyre grab, ...; from 1981, sampling frequency of macrobenthos is 5 times a year.


Brief description:
An onshore station (max depth 2.5 meters at low tide).

Information available:
Bi-monthly survey of temperature and salinity since 1952, and of 7 other sea water parameters (pH, oxygen, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate,silica) since 1985. Estacade: surface sea water.

Additional information:
An extensive list of references is available as a hard copy.  Estacade and Somlit stations were proposed together as a single reference site.


Information available:
Bi-monthly survey of temperature and salinity since 1952, and of 7 other sea water parameters (pH, oxygen, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate,silica) since 1985. Somlit: from 0-50 meters depth.  Niskin bottles


Location:
Riviere de Morlaix Station, Bay of Morlaix

Habitats Present:
Sandy muds with Abra alba community, dominated by polychaetes (Melinna palmata).

Information available:
Monthly survey of macrobenthos since 1977. Sampling procedure: Smith-Mc Intyre grab, ...; from 1981, sampling frequency is 5 times a year.


Institution:
Centre de Recherche en Ecologie marine et Aquaculture de L'Houmeau

Brief description:
Located half way along the French Atlantic coast, this is a macrotidal embayment of ca 200 km² dominated by large intertidal mudflats and protected from the direct oceanic influence by the Oléron Island.

Justification:
The Marennes-Oléron bay is pristine with respect to industrial waste inputs. Results from IFREMER water quality network (RNO) can be consulted on the IFREMER web site (www.ifremer.fr)

Habitats Present:
The area contains large intertidal mudflats of which lower parts are devoted to oyster and mussel farming activities. Very few sandy beaches or rocky shores exist.

Information available:
Available macrofauna biodiversity information have been recently reviewed by de Montaudouin & Sauriau (2000). Biodiversity studies were foccussed on zooplankton, macrofauna and fish species. Most recent studies are involved in nematods assemblages in collaboration with MNHN (Guy Boucher).

Legislative protection:
The area is protected by French laws in order to prevent occurrence of land-based industrial waste inputs into the area an to guaranty shellfish activities in the future. More than 40% of the Marennes-Oléron Bay is also included in a bird reserve controled by the LPO agency.

Facilities available & accessibility:
Researchs on marine biodiversity are facilitated by the occurrence of several laboratory around the bay i.e. CREMA (CNRS-IFREMER) laboratory and the LBEM (Laboratoire de Biologie Marine) since 1995 at the University of La Rochelle.

Additional information:
Web site of CREMA : http://www.ifremer.fr/crema/
A web site on marine biodiversity at CREMA is under construction. The most up-to-date information about marine biodiversity in the area concerns the occurrence of the Japanese drill Ocinebrellus inornatus (Recluz, 1851) in the bay since 1995 (Pigeot et al., 2000). This was the first record of the species in Europe and its occurrence could be linked to shellfish activities.

Reference :
de Montaudouin & Sauriau (2000) Contribution to a synopsis of marine species richness in the Pertuis Charentais Sea with new insights in soft-bottom macrofauna of the Marennes-Oléron Bay. - Cahiers de Biologie marine, 41 : 181-222.
Pigeot J., Miramand P., Garcia-Meunier P., Guyot T. & Séguignes M., (2000). Présence d'un nouveau prédateur de l’huître creuse, Ocinebrellus inornatus (Récluz, 1851), dans le bassin conchylicole de Marennes-Oléron. Comptes Rendus de l’Académie des Sciences Paris, 323 : 697-703.


Brief description:
Insular set comprising one main and three smaller islands, part of Hyères archipelago, 8 km off Bénat Cape (nearest mainland), washed by the Northern Current, topography and bottom types varied.

Justification:
Restoration or maintenance of healthy communities allowed by the location of this site away from the urbanised mainland and its management as national park for 38 years.

Habitats Present:
Typical Med habitats widely represented: Lithophyllum alga concretions (0-1 m), photophilic algae assemblages (0-25m), 'coralligenous' bottoms (15-70m), Posidonia beds (0-38m), detritic sands (30-70m)...

Information available:
The National Park status of Port-Cros has lead to many published and unpublished inventories for algae, phanerogams, invertebrates and fishes, including from permanent study sites. Routine temperature recording.

Legislative protection:
The Port-Cros islands are a national park since 1963 (permanent status; 1800 ha; zoned management of activities). ZNIEFF zone. Natura 2000 site.

Facilities available & accessibility:
The Park offers facilities for accommodation and field work, including small boats and air compressor for diving. Easily accessible from the harbours of Toulon, Hyères and Lavandou.

Additional information:
Examples of references available:  Harmelin J.G., 1987. Structure et variabilité de l'ichtyofaune d'une zone rocheuse protégée en Méditerranée (Parc national de Port-Cros, France). P.S.Z.N.I: Marine Ecology, 8 (3) :263-284.
Francour P., Harmelin J.G., 1988. Inventaire de la faune ichtyologique marine de Port-Cros (Méditerranée occidentale). Trav. scient. Parc natn. Port-Cros, 14 :65-79. 
Harmelin J.G., 1990 (1991). Ichtyofaune des fonds rocheux de Méditerranée : structure du peuplement du coralligène de l'île de Port-Cros (parc national, France). Mésogée, 50 : 23-30.
Harmelin J.G., Robert Ph., 1997. Inventaire de la population de mérous du parc national de Port-Cros : campagne d'octobre 1996. Rapport GEM.
Harmelin J.G., Vigliola L., 1998. Renouvellement des populations de sars (Diplodus spp.) du parc national de Port-Cros : évaluation du potentiel. Rapport Parc national de Port-Cros, 24 pp.
Perez, T. & S. Capo 2000. Eponges commerciales du Parc National de Port-Cros : Estimation de la densité de deux populations de Spongia officinalis (Linné, 1759). Sci. Rep. Port-Cros natl. Park in press.
Vacelet, J. 1976. Inventaire des Spongiaires du Parc National de Port-Cros. Trav. Scient. Parc natl. Port-Cros 2: 167-186.

2nd Questionaire:
http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire Vacelet.doc#http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire Vacelet.doc#


Brief description:
Uninhabited islands in limestone formations with varied topography including steep cliffs down to >70 m, with rich and diverse ‘coralligenous’ fauna and flora.

Habitats Present:
Contains the whole set of sandy and rocky habitats typical of the NW Med, including relatively pristine shallow- and deep-water rocky shores, vertical cliffs and submarine caves. Rich in flagship species, e.g. Corallium rubrum and gorgonians.

Information available:
Inventories and permanent sites followed since many years for algae, Posidonia beds, invertebrates and fishes. Many available studies on sponges, cnidarians, bryozoans, polychaetes, crustaceans, etc. Routine temperature recording.

Legislative protection:
The terrestrial zone is already protected by national legislation. The protection of the marine zone is in process. ZNIEFF zone. Natura 2000 site.

Facilities available & accessibility:
Close to and routinely studied by the COM since 50 years, including monitoring of the coralligenous fauna on permanent quadrats before and after a recent mass mortality event.

Additional information:
Examples of references available:  Harmelin J.G., Sartoretto S., Francour P., 1996. Patrimoine biologique marin de l'archipel de Riou : première évaluation. Rapport Direction de l'Environnement et des Déchets, Ville de Marseille, 86 p.
Harmelin J.G., Sartoretto S., Francour P., Boudouresque C.F., Bellan-Santini D., Vacelet, J., 1998. Création d’une aire marine protégée dans l’archipel de Riou : élaboration argumentée du projet. Rapport Ville de Marseille, Direction de l’Environnement et des Déchets, 198 pp.
Harmelin J.G., Sartoretto S., Francour P., 1999. Mise en place d’une stratégie de suivi de l’ichtyofaune et des peuplements de gorgonaires de l’archipel de Riou. Rapport Ville de Marseille, Direction de l’Environnement et des Déchets, 110 pp.
Perez, T., J. Garrabou, S. Sartoretto, J.-G. Harmelin, P. Francour & J. Vacelet 2000. Mortalité massive d'invertébrés marins : un événement sans précédent en Méditerranée nord-occidentale. C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris, Sciences de la Vie 323: 853-865.


Location details:
East of Marseille, between Marseille and Cassis 43°12.5-43°12.0 N 5°20-5°32 E.

Brief description:
Uninhabited and uneven shoreline, indented by deep fjords, including numerous submarine caves. A limited part (Cortiou) under the influence of the sewage outlet of Marseille (physico-chemical treatment, but biological one planned).

Habitats Present:
Contains a representative array of the Med habitats types, including rocky substrata, caves, Posidonia meadows. Rich in flagship species, e.g. Corallium rubrum.

Information available:
Already studied since >40 years by the COM (reference sites for cave communities), both in the zone under the influence of the Marseilles' sewage outlet and in the unaffected zone.

Legislative protection:
Terrestrial part protected, marine part included in a new management procedure (Calanques' GIP) that may lead on more restrictive conservation measures. ZNIEFF zone; Natura 2000 site.

Facilities available & accessibility:
Close to and routinely studied by the COM since 50 years, including monitoring of the coralligenous fauna before and after a recent mass mortality event.

Additional information:
Examples of references available:  Ledoyer, M. 1989. Les Mysidacés (Crustacea) des grottes sous-marines obscures de Méditerranée nord-occidentale et du proche Atlantique (Portugal et Madère). Marine Nature 2: 39-62.
Logan, A. & H. Zibrowius 1994. A new genus and species of rhynchonellid (Brachiopoda, Recent) from submarine caves in the Mediterranean Sea. PSZN.I: Mar. Ecol. 15: 77-88.
Monniot, C. & H. Zibrowius 1999. Une ascidie du genre _Rhodosoma_ (Phlebobranchia, Corellidae) en forme de "boîte à clapet" redécouverte dans des grottes de Méditerranée. Zoosystema 21(3): 547-555.
Pouliquen, L. 1971. Les spongiaires des grottes sous marines de la région de Marseille: écologie et systématique. Téthys 3(4): 717-758.


Location details:
43° 19.07’N – 05° 09.78’E; on the ‘Côte Bleue’ at a few kilometres west from Marseilles.

Brief description:
Site including a fisheries reserve (85 ha) adjacent to the coast, bottom gently slopping (0-30m), with various anti-trawling and productive artificial reefs, protected from human activities, including fishing and diving.

Habitats Present:
Typical succession of shallow natural habitats with a dominance of Posidonia beds and low rocks with cavities.

Information available:
Routine censuses on target taxa (fish, red coral) and temperature recording; published data on fish; includes a reference spot for the Posidonia network

Legislative protection:
Fisheries reserve established in 1987, part of the ‘Parc Régional Marin de la Côte Bleue’; ZNIEFF zone;  Natura 2000 site.

Facilities available & accessibility:
Easy access from ports of Carry-le-Rouet and Marseille and from shore; field work possible by diving with a member of the reserve staff.

Additional information:
Examples of references available:  Harmelin J.G., Bachet F., 1994. Ichtyofaune des fonds rocheux de Carry-le-Rouet : Impact de la protection. Suivi des assemblages de poissons dans la réserve et à l'extérieur de celle-ci (printemps 1990-printemps 1993). Rapport COM-PRMCB (CR PACA), 32 pp.
Harmelin J.G., Bachet F., Garcia F., 1995. Mediterranean marine reserves: fish indices as tests of protection efficiency. P.S.Z.I: Marine Ecology, 16 (3): 233-250.


Brief description:
Long cave in conglomerate layers below the cliff of Bec-de-l'Aigle Cape, exceptional for its thermal regime (cold homothermy) and a unique bathyal fauna in the littoral zone.

Habitats Present:
This site harbours a wide array of faunal assemblages from shadowed to dark environments, including elements from the deep-sea tied to the permanence of cold water.

Information available:
Thoroughly studied by the COM for 10 years. Faunal inventories available for sponges, serpulid polychaetes, bryozoans, and some crustacean groups.

Legislative protection:
Included in a ZNIEFF zone 1; Natura 2000 site.

Facilities available & accessibility:
Close to La Ciotat harbour; easily accessible by diving from any type of boat.

Additional information:
Examples of references available:  Boury-Esnault, N., J.G. Harmelin & J. Vacelet 1993. Les abysses méditerranéennes à 20 m de profondeur ? La Recherche 24(256 Les grands fonds sous-marins): 848-851.
Harmelin, J.G. & J. Vacelet 1997. Clues to deep-sea biodiversity in a nearshore cave. Vie et Milieu 47: 351-354.
Vacelet, J., N. Boury-Esnault & J.G. Harmelin 1994. Hexactinellid cave, a unique deep-sea habitat in the scuba zone. Deep-Sea Res., 1 41: 965-973. 
Vacelet, J. & N. Boury-Esnault 1995. Carnivorous sponges. Nature 373: 333-335


Location:
Reserve Naturelle de Scandola, Parc Regional de Corse

Brief description:
The reserve comprises a peninsula and several islets in the northwest coast of Corsica. The reserve (1000 ha) has a complex topography and deep bottoms offering a wide range of habitats for species development.

Justification:
Located very far of urban agglomerations and industries, the Réserve Naturelle de Scandola is free of direct anthropogenic perturbations. Fishing, main source of stress in the region, has a limited impact since they are not allowed in the part of Reserve (Réserve intégrale: zone with reinforced protection, professional fishing prohibited) and limited in the rest of Reserve. Angling and Scuba diving is prohibited in all the Reserve. Snorkelling is allowed. Mooring must not exceed 24 hours.

Habitats Present:
Mediterranean habitats are well represented: probably the largest Mediterranean Mediolittoral coralline algal build-up known hitherto (up to 2m wide), algal dominated communities (0-60, locally up to 80 m) with exceptional populations of different species (more of 10 species) belonging to the very threatened genus Cystoseira; extensive ‘coralligenous bottoms’ (20-70m), with large living coralline algal build-ups (dated from 5340 to 6660 yrs B.P.), Posidonia oceanica beds (0-36m) and detritic sands.

Information available:
Scientific researches in the reserve have been carried out since 1975. Results of these studies have been published in international and national journals as well as technical reports for the reserve’s scientific committee. Data available include baseline information for algae, Coelentera, fishes, molluscs, Echinoderms, digeneous parasites, birds from different sites within the reserve, with a special attention for threatened species of Mediterranean.

Legislative protection:
The Réserve Naturelle de Scandola is protected since 1975 and it is the marine part of the Parc Régional de Corse. Future plans of “Ministère de l’Environnement” include enlarging the protected area from Rosso Cape to La Revellata Cape in a National Park, providing Scandola a large buffer zone against anthropogenic perturbations.
The Réserve Naturelle de Scandola is protected since 1975 and it is the marine part of the Parc Régional de Corse. Future plans of “Ministère de l’Environnement” include enlarging the protected area from Rosso Cape to La Revellata Cape in a National Park, providing Scandola a large buffer zone against anthropogenic perturbations.

Facilities available & accessibility:
The park offers facilities for accommodation and fieldwork including small boats and air compressor for diving. The Reserve through its scientific committee manages and provides funds for scientific research mainly directed for the preservation of biodiversity.

2nd Questionaire:
http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire Verlaque.doc#http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire Verlaque.doc#


Brief description:
Rocky shallow of the center of the Eastern Channel. Mixing of hard substrata and clean sand and gravel community. Occurrence of several species reaching their northern limit in the Channel. 270 species recorded.

Justification:
The presence of rocks avoid the pressure by fishing. The "Ridens" are located in an area caracterized by a small difference between summer and winter temperatures (dt = 10°C)

Habitats Present:
Area with moderated tidal currents. Two types of habitats are present : heterogeneous sands( coarse to fine sands mixed), and circalittoral rock moderatly exposed to tidal currents. Important border effect.

Information available:
Hallez, 1888. Dragages effectués dans le Pas de Calais pendant les mois d'août et septembre 1888. 
Lefranc, 1965. Résultats de dragages effectués sur les ridens et dans la rade d'Ambleteuse. DES univ. Lille
Goasdoué, 1982. Bionomie benthique des Ridens, haut-fond du Pas de Calais. DEA Univ. Paris 6.
Davoult et Richard, 1988. Les Ridens, haut-fond rocheux isolé du Pas de Calais: un peuplement remarquable. Cah. Biol. Mar. 29: 93-107.
Many observations

Legislative protection:
Is relevant to be protected by ZNIEFF mer procedures (national) in the near future.
Unworkable for fishing (rocks)

Facilities available & accessibility:
All facilities offered by a Marine laboratory : Oceanographic vessel, scientific divers, benthologists, and laboratories. Relations with two amateur divers clubs.


Brief description:
Site belonging to the muddy fine sand community with Abra alba. 160 species, mean density of macrobenthos about 4000/m2. Mean biomass (AFDW): 200 g/m2

Habitats Present:
Abra alba community is present all along the coast of eastern Channel and North Sea, between Dieppe and Denmark. The proposed site is under the influence of both waters coming from the Eastern Channel and from the Scheldt delta, following wind conditions.

Information available:
A long term survey is performed on this community since 1973.

Facilities available & accessibility:
All facilities offered by a Marine laboratory : Oceanographic vessel, benthologists, and laboratories.

Additional information:
Some references:  Prygiel J., Davoult D., Dewarumez J.-M., Glaçon R. & A. Richard, 1988. Description et richesse des peuplements benthiques du littoral français de la Mer du Nord. C.R. Acad. Sci. Paris, 306 : 5-10.
Dewarumez J.-M., Davoult D., Sanvicente Anorve L.E. & S. Frontier, 1992. Is the « muddy heterogeneous sediment community » an ecotone between the « pebbles community » and the « Abra alba community » in the Southern Bight of the North Sea . Neth. J. Sea Res., 30 : 229-238.
Davoult D., Dewarumez J.-M. & S. Frontier, 1993. Long term changes (1979-1990) in three benthic communities (English Channel): use of factor analysis and rank frequency diagrams for studying structural development. Neth.J. Aquat. Ecol., 27 : 415-426.
Carpentier P., Dewarumez J.-M. & A. Lepretre. 1997 Long term variability of the Abra alba  community in the Southern Bight of the North Sea . Oceanol. Acta, 20 : 283-290.
Fromentin J.-M., Ibanez F., Dauvin J.-C.,  Dewarumez J.-M. & B. Elkaim. 1997 Long-term variability of macrobenthic communities of the North-west french coast. J. Mar. Biol. Ass. U.K., 77 : 287-310
Ghertsos K., Luczak C., Dewarumez J.-M. & J.-C. Dauvin, 2000. Influence of spatial scale of observation on temporal changes in biodiversity and trophic structures of fine sand communities from the English Channel and the southern North Sea. ICES J. mar. Sci., sous presse.


Brief description:
Site belonging the pebbles community withe sessile epifauna and Ophiothrix fragilis , located in a strong current area. 300 species, mean density of macrobenthos : about 1700 /m2. Mean biomass (AFDW) 320g/m2

Habitats Present:
This site is one of the three places in the Channel where this community can be found.
This community is typical of strong current areas. Despite its location in coastal waters it can be regarded as a moderate anthopogenic stressed community

Legislative protection:
It is relevant to be protected by ZNIEFF mer procedures (national) in the near future

Additional information:
Some references:  Dewarumez J.-M., Davoult D. & S. Frontier, 1991. Examples of responses of benthic communities to environmental stress (Strait of Dover-France). Oceanol. Acta,  N° Sp 11 : 191-196.
Dewarumez J.-M., Davoult D., Sanvicente Anorve L.E. & S. Frontier, 1992. Is the « muddy heterogeneous sediment community » an ecotone between the « pebbles community » and the « Abra alba community » in the Southern Bight of the North Sea . Neth. J. Sea Res., 30 : 229-238.
Davoult D., Dewarumez J.-M. & S. Frontier, 1993. Long term changes (1979-1990) in three benthic communities (English Channel): use of factor analysis and rank frequency diagrams for studying structural development. Neth.J. Aquat. Ecol., 27 : 415-426.
Davoult D., Dewarumez J.-M. & A. Migné. 1998. Long-term changes (1979-1994) in two coastal benthic communities (English Channel).Oceanol. Acta, 21 : 609-617.


Institution:
Marine Station of Dinard, Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle

Location details:
Western English Channel
		Brittany-Normandy gulf
		1°31’W- 1°53’W
		48°37 N- 48°50 N

Brief description:
The bay itself is around 20 km wide and this part of the gulf, the depth does not exceed 20 m. The area is characterized by a megatidal regime and benthic communities are distributed in response to hydrodynamic and sedimentary gradients from the coast to the open sea. Moreover, sedimentologists consider the bay as one of the most beautiful models of current sedimentation in the world. The bay is unique in Europe too for the extend of its intertidal zone : mudflats and salt marshes (240 km2). The bay has several important ecological functions : the bay is the most important area of the Channel and North Sea for many fishes and especially for flat fishes. The fishing activities concentrate not only on fishes but also on molluscs and crustaceans. The bay is also one of the most important for shellfish production and is a zone of international importance for wintering water birds, especially waders.

Justification:
Mont Saint-Michel and the surrounding bay are the only French world heritage site where both the architectural and natural aspects are listed as very important.
The site is pristine with respect to both anthropogenic and natural stresses– relative to the conditions dominant in the region (moderate freshwater input, macrotidal regime)

Habitats Present:
The area contains a representative array of all the intertidal and subtidal sedimentary habitats present in the western part of the English Channel. The following macrobenthic communities are distinguished from the coast and the open sea :	- 	a muddy Macoma balthica community
- a muddy fine sand Abra alba community
- a  fine/medium sand Armandia polyophtalma – Donax variegatus community
- a coarse sand Amphioxus- Glycymeris community
- a Lithothamnium calcareum community
- a gravel/pebble epifauna community
and the most important Sabellaria alveolata reefs in Europe.

Information available:
Many informations are available on marin flora (algae and plants) and on marine macrofauna (since 1832, Audouin & Milne Edwards…!) : macroinvertebrates, pisces…and birds !

Legislative protection:
The bay is a world heritage site (UNESCO), a Natura 2000 site, a RAMSAR site..

Facilities available & accessibility:
The proximity of the Marine Station of the “Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle de Dinard” and the existence of national and international scientific programmes.


Institution:
Institut Universitaire Europeen de la Mer, Universite de Bretagne Occidentale

Brief description:
The Molene archipelago and the island of Ouessant, situated in the Iroise sea at the confluence of the Bay of Biscay and the English Channel, include 18 islands surrounded by large intertidal areas (972ha) and infralittoral zone (20 000ha) of mixed rocks, boulders and sands, is a Man and Biosphere reserve.

Justification:
Low antropogenic pressure (low hand fishing and demersal fishing pressure, on the intertidal zone and in the infralittoral (0-20meters) respectively, but laminarian are harvested. Low number of inhabitants on the islands. Island waters remain away from the terrestrial effluents, separated from the continent by strong tidal currents.

Habitats Present:
Most of the habitats of the A1 habitat of EUNIS classification (Littoral rock and other hard substrata ) including different types of boulder fields. Littoral gravels and coarse sands (A2.1), sand shores (A2.2); Littoral sediment dominated by aquatic angiosperms (A2.7) with Zostera marina beds, maerl beds and Ruppia maritima lagoons. Most of the A3 habitats (sub littoral rocks and other hard substrata). Sublittoral gravels and coarse sands (A4...)

Information available:
Intertidal Inventories of algae and macroinvertebrates 
Today, over 400 intertidal benthic macrofaunal species and 319 macroalgal species have been identified from Molène-Ouessant archipelago.
-Published data are available from the literature or from Mab and National Park reports (see annex). See also :Hily and Jean 1997 : Macrobenthic biodiversity in intertidal habitats of the Iroise Biosphere (Brittany, France). JMBA 77, 311-323

Legislative protection:
The marine area of the site is the buffer zone of the Iroise MAB reserve., and the central zone of the Marine National park project (which will be created in 2001). The site is a ZICO area and a life natura 2000 zone. The site is already in a regional park (Parc Naturel régional d'Armorique).Three islands are protected as National natural reserves and 8 others are protected as associative reserves. Two guards with a boat are present all along the year on the site.

Facilities available & accessibility:
The Marine Institute (IUEM) of the Occidental Brittany University, near Brest is close to the site, and two laboratories (LEMAR and LEBHAM) have permanent and contractual researchers specialised in the faunal and algae taxonomy and provides all the logistic and facilities for the sampling, and further treatments (possibilities to keep the samples in current water), identification and treatment of the data, existing database of the inventories, macrophoto with image analysing etc... IUEM staff provides experts in the taxonomy of most groups of pelagic and benthic marine organisms.
-Research and fishing vessels facilities are available. IUEM has got an experienced diving team and all conventional remote sampling gears, together with identification facilities.

2nd Questionaire:
http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire Hily.doc#http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire Hily.doc#


Brief description:
The bay of Brest constitutes a semi-enclosed coastal macrotidal ecosystem (surface: 180km²) under the influence of both freshwater inputs from rivers and fast mixing exchange with waters from the Atlantic Ocean.

Habitats Present:
The hydrodynamical conditions of the bay create a mosaic of sediments and thus a vast number of habitats among which the most remarkable are maerl beds (A41) and zostera beds, together with both littoral and sublittoral muds, muddy sands, sands and boulder fields.(see list in annex)

Information available:
Long term studies have been initiated in the seventies on the benthos of the bay and are still carrying on.
-Today, over 1000 benthic macrofaunal species and 300 macroalgal species have been identified from the bay of Brest.
-Published data are available from the literature or from European program reports (see list in annex). A publication summarising all records in every taxonomic group with confident data is in preparation and will be available on the internet.

Facilities available & accessibility:
The Marine Institute (IUEM) of the Occidental Brittany University, near Brest is close to the site, and two laboratories (LEMAR and LEBHAM) have permanent and contractual researchers specialised in the faunal and algae taxonomy and provides all the logistic and facilities for the sampling, and further treatments (possibilities to keep the samples in current water), identification and treatment of the data, existing database of the inventories, macrophoto with image analysing etc... IUEM staff provides experts in the taxonomy of most groups of pelagic and benthic marine organisms.
-Research and fishing vessels facilities are available. IUEM has got an experienced diving team and all conventional remote sampling gears, together with identification facilities.
-Physico-chemical parameters of the waters, together with the phytoplankton biomass and composition are being surveyed at high frequency in the bay.


Institution:
Odessa Branch Institute of Biology of the Southern Seas of Ukraine National Academy of Ukraine (OB IBSS)

Brief description:
The only rocky island on the North-Western shelf of Black sea, unique with biological point of viewing. In coastal zone the specific benthic associations have been  formed. Key point of fishes  and birds migratory ways.

Justification:
On island an antiaircraft defence base is situated, so it wasn’t the right of admission here till last time. As a result, the biocenosis of coastal zone preserved practically in primodial appearance and relatively little explored.

Habitats Present:
Represented ground biocenosis of stony, rocky, shall and sandy soils. The biocenosis of stony soils looking like  such of South Crimea coast and Caucasus.

Information available:
Species variety (on incomplete data): macrophites  - 13,  phitoplankton  -   18, zooplankton   29, mejobenthos  - 12, macrozoobenthos  -   42, pisces   - 18 species.
Information: Zaitsev Yu, 1998. The most blue in the world.- N.Y., GEF, BSEP.- 142 p [in Russian]
Zaitsev Yu. et al., 1999 The biology of Coastal Waters of the Zmeiniy (Snake) Island (Black Sea)// Nation. Akad. Sciences of Ukraine Reports. – 8. – P.111– 4 [in Russian]

Legislative protection:
According to Ukraine  President Decree ?1341 from 9.12.1998, Zmeiniy Island with adjoining aquatorium declared as zoological reserve. The Legal reserve functioning bases determined by Ukraine Laws «About Environment protection», «About natural-protected Ukraine fund».

Facilities available & accessibility:
On IBSS base will be create the biological station «Zmeiniy Island». In aim to research sea biocenosis of Island planed  expeditions (3 or 4 in year) on IBSS or leased  vessels.


Location details:
Eastern part of Karkinitsky Bay of Black Sea (45o45’-46o05’ N. – 33o10’-33o 30’ E.)

Brief description:
Small phyllophora field. The only preserved in Black sea biocenosis of unfastened red algae Phyllophora

Habitats Present:
Represented unique biocenosis of unfastened Phyllophora, and also biocenosis of Zostera,  sandy-shells and silty soils

Information available:
On incomplete data, the species variety only for macrozoobenthos counts 75 species.
Morozova-Vodyanitskaya N.B., 1936. The Phytobenthos of Karkinitsky Bay. // Reports of Sevastopol  biological station.- v.5.   P.219-32
Vinogradov ?.A., Zakutsky V.P., 1967. Zernov Phyllophora Field  //In book The Biology of North-Western part of Black Sea.- Kiev, “Nauk.Dumka”. –P.158-76 
S.G.Bushuev et al.  About necessity of Small Phyllophora  Field  biocenosis 
(Karkinitsky Bay) protection. 2000 //Reports of International Symposium “Ecological problems
 of Black Sea”.- Odessa, OCSTI. – P.112-14

Legislative protection:
According to the Decision of Ukraine Government  ? 935 from 23.11.95, the aquatorium of Karkinitsky Bay east part  considered wetlands of international significance. The Legal aquatorium guard realization bases determine by Law «About Environment protection» and «Water code» of Ukraine.

Facilities available & accessibility:
For research of aquatic biodiversity plans  2  or  3 expeditions per year on OB IBSS small research vessel.


Brief description:
Total area 160 km2. Average salinity 2-12 ‰. The last habitat of brown algae Cystosira barbata biocoenosis in the north-west Black Sea shelf, were this community was common before eutrophication (beginning of 70-s)

Habitats Present:
Represented unique for north-western shelf biocenosis of brown algae Cystosira barbata, Rad Data Book species like Upogebia pusilla, Hemimysis anomala, Hemimysis serrata. Typical habitat Zostera mud in the shore zone, sandy-shells and silt soils.

Information available:
On incomplete data, the species variety only for phytoplankton - 80 species, zooplankton - 37 species, seaweeds - 43 species, macrozoobenthos - 64 species, fishes- 49 species.

Legislative protection:
To be protected as nesting place for waterfowl (regional park)

Facilities available & accessibility:
About 2-3 expeditions by car per year for research of biodiversity by OB IBSS specialists.

Additional information:
Alexey Zapevalin of the same institute also suggested the NW region of the Black Sea in a separate proposal.


Brief description:
Total area 720 and 950 km2. Average salinity 18 ‰. One of the main and biggest habitat of seagrass Zostera marina biocenosis in the Black Sea shelf.

Habitats Present:
Represented main habitat of seagrass Zostera marina biocenosis, Rad Data Book species like Upogebia pusilla, some species of stergion. Typical habitat Zostera mud in the shore zone, sandy-shells and silt soils.

Information available:
On incomplete data, the species variety only for phytoplankton - 76 species, seaweeds - 107 species, macrozoobenthos - 104 species, fishes- 55 species. Source of information: Nature communities of Chernomorsky Biosphere Reserve.- Naukova dumka Publ., 1992.- 160 pp. (in Russian).

Legislative protection:
(6) One of the First Biosphere Reserve in Ukraine (Chernomorsky Biosphere Reserve)

Facilities available & accessibility:
About 2 expeditions by scientific vessel of OB IBSS and the bouts and specialists from Reserve.


Brief description:
Total area 8 km2. Average salinity 15 ‰. Mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis in this place have the maximal growth in the Black Sea region. There are some seaweed biocenosis, for example green algae Ulva regida. Seagrass Zostera marina has maximal size (more than 1,5 m length). At the same time one of the biggest port "Yuzhny" is located in this estuary.

Habitats Present:
Silt bottom. Main biocenosis are Mytilus galloprovincials and Zostera marina.

Information available:
On incomplete data, the species variety only for phytoplankton - 166 species, zooplankton - 36 species, seaweeds - 56 species, macrozoobenthos - 48 species, fishes- 32 species.

Facilities available & accessibility:
About 3 expeditions by scientific vessel and minibus of OB IBSS.


Institution:
Department of Ecological Informatics Institute of Biology of the Southern Seas, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine

Brief description:
Investigations of the Black Sea region were conducted in the IBSS NAS Ukraine for more than 100 years. IBSS data will provide the basis to establish the large-scale and temporal patterns of change of marine biodiversity of the Black Sea.

Justification:
The Crimean coast may be considered as a geographical center of the Black Sea and pristine with respect to both anthropogenic and natural stresses

Habitats Present:
Contains all types of habitat in the region

Information available:
IBSS scientific library, data and species collections

Legislative protection:
Certain site areas are protected by regional and national legislation

Facilities available & accessibility:
Facilities of the laboratories of IBSS NAS Ukraine, research vessels of  IBSS NAS Ukraine (RV “Professor Vodyanitskiy” - 68.8 m, small ship “Vyazemsky” - 7,8 m) and research organizations of the Black Sea region countries

Additional information:
Included: Karkinit Beight (46°N,33°E), Donuzlav Lake (45°15’N, 33°20’E), Sevastopol Bay (44°37’N, 33°30’E), Aya Cape & Laspi Bay (44°20’N, 33°48’E), Karadag (44°50’N, 34°38’E), Kerch Streit (45°21’N, 36°30’E)


Brief description:
The station is about 150m deep, sandy region. It is situated in one of the least studied regions of the Mediterranean.

Information available:
One station in this region will be sampled with monthly intervals.
Unfortunately only plankton sampling could be performed.
 There was a sampling program from the same station in 1985, again with monthly intervals which can be compared with the present data.

Facilities available & accessibility:
This station is situated in front of Institute of Marine Sciences of the Middle East Technical University.


Habitats Present:
Station B is 70 m deep and Station D is about 300 m.

Information available:
Two stations off Sinop have been sampling since January 1999 at biweekly intervals and hopefully this will continue for another year at monthly intervals. Unfortunately only plankton sampling could be performed.
 The Institute of Marine Sciences (Erdemli) has been investigating the plankton (phyto-, mesozoo, ichthyo- and gelatinous macrozooplankton) of the entire southern Black Sea since 1992. We have very good information from the Black Sea on plankton biodiversity. This data could be utilised for comparative purposes. Additionally good historical and present environmental data (i.e. Temperature, Salinity, nutrients, chlorophyll etc) exist.

Facilities available & accessibility:
These stations are situated in front of faulty of Aquatic Products of the Samsun University, and therefore there is infrastructure (albeit very basic) for the sampling program.


Brief description:
The proposed area is situated in the North of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, characteristic by its rich biodiversity and endemic for Black Sea cumaceans (crustaceans).

Justification:
No industrial activity in this region, but exist the influence of the Danube River inflow.

Habitats Present:
Mytilus galloprovincialis zoocoenosis, sand and muddy sea bottom.  Cystoseira beds are present in the region.

Information available:
Marinov T., St. Stoykov, 1995. Zoobenthos distribution in Bulgarian continental shelf of the Black Sea. Proceedings of the Institute of Fisheries – Varna, 22, 119-137.  Data available:phytoplankton, zooplankton, benthos and ichthyofauna biodiversity digital records.

Facilities available & accessibility:
The available facilities are in the Institute of Fishing Resources – Varna: Research ship, well-equipped laboratories and if necessary scuba divers.

Additional information:
The two proposers separately suggested this site and hence the information was combined.

2nd Questionaire:
http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire Todorova.doc#http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire Todorova.doc#


Brief description:
One of the biggest Bulgarian Black Sea bays situated in the North of the coast line. The pollution in this area is mainly due to the chemical industry in the region. Last years the pollution decrease with the collapse of the Bulgarian industry.

Habitats Present:
zoocoenosis of Mytilus galloprovincialis, sand and muddy sea bottom. Max depth 18 m.

Information available:
Longterm monitoring of the region performed by the Institute of Fishing Resources.  Data available:  phytoplankton, zooplankton, benthos and ichthyofauna biodiversity digital records.

Additional information:
The two proposers separately suggested this site and hence the information was combined.  Publications: Marinov T., 1990. The zoobenthos from the Bulgarian sector of Black Sea, Pubishing house BAS, 0-195.
Marinov, Stoykov, M’Barek, The zoobenthos of sublittoral bottomVarna Bay, Proc. of the Inst. of Fisheries, 20, 109-133.
Marinov, Kuneva-Abadjieva, 1982. Zoobenthos of the upper sublittoral of the sandy bottom (1-3)m of Varna Bay, Proc. of the Inst. of Fisheries, 19, 107-116.
Uzunova, S., 1996. Amphipoda in the biocoenosis of Mytilus galloprovincialis overgrouths in the Bay of Varna, Proc. of the Inst. of Fisheries, 24, 124-131.


Brief description:
Largest Bulgarian Black Sea Bay, situated in the South of the coast line. Max depth 37 m.

Habitats Present:
Mytilus galloprovincialis zoocoenosis, Cystoseira fitocoenosis, sandy and muddy bottom.

Additional information:
Stoykov, St., Kolarov, P., Stanev, Tz., Murdjeva, D., Atanassova, V., Kolemanova, K. 1994. Ecological  state of the Bourgas Bay biota (1991-1992). Proceeding of the Institute of fisheries V. 22. 5-57.
Stoykov, St., Uzunova S., 1999. Dynamics of macrozoobenthos from the Bourgas Bay (Bulgarian Black Sea coast) during the period 1993-1995. Proceedings of the Institute of Fishing Resources, 25.
Stoykov, St., Uzunova S., DYNAMICS OF MACROZOOBENTHOS IN THE SOUTHERN BULGARIAN BLACK SEA COASTAL AND OPEN-SEA AREAS, JOURN. OF MEDITERRANEAN SCIENCES, (IN PRESS)


Brief description:
Relatively unpolluted region, but not under protection. Situated in the South of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast.

Habitats Present:
Rich biodiversity. ) Mytilus galloprovincialis zoocoenosis, Cystoseira and Zostera fitocoenosis, sandy and muddy bottom.

Information available:
Zernov (1919) K voprosu ob izuchenii jisni Chernogo morya.
Uzunova S., Biodiversity in the Zostera fitocoenosis (in prep.)


Institution:
Institute of Oceanology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences

Brief description:
Situated in Burgas Bay, elevated sandy bank with lithificated patches that is prominent with high biodiversity due to the specific sediment. In procedure for protected area declaring.

Habitats Present:
Rocky and sandy pseudo-littoral and sub-littoral and coastal sub-littoral silts are present in the bay.

Information available:
Data available: phytoplancton, zooplancton, benthos and ichthyofauna biodivesity digital records.

Facilities available & accessibility:
Pelagic and benthic sampling equipment: CTD Rosette System (Phytoplancton sampling), Jeddy zooplancton net, Hensen egg net, Van Veen Grab, scuba diving equipment.
Underwater photography
Laboratory equipment for species identification
Statistical packages


Institution:
Coastal Research and Planning Institute (CORPI), Klaipeda University

Location:
Curonian Lagoon (Kursiu Marios), Baltic Sea

Brief description:
The largest coastal lagoon in the Baltic sea area, shallow (3.8 mean depth) sandy-to-muddy bottom, irregular salinity fluctuations from almost 0 up to 7 ppt; reach flora and fauna comprising about 800 marine, brackish and freshwater species (incl. plankton, benthos and fish)

Justification:
In spite of natural and anthropogenic eutrophication the site is still reach in terms of biological diversity and well represents this type of the Baltic ecosystems (coastal lagoons)

Habitats Present:
Wetlands, reed stands, Potamegeton meadows, Valvata and Dreissena beds, muddy-sand in local depressions.

Information available:
First biological investigations - since early 1920s, detail surveys - since 1950s, intensive biological monitoring - since 1980. Klaipeda University, Marine Research Center and other Lithuanian research institutions published over 200 papers on the Lagoon’s biodiversity and ecosystem functioning aspects. Also rich literature is available in Russian (from Kaliningrad Fishery Institute, local university, etc.)

Legislative protection:
There are two marine protected areas within the Lithuanian part of the Curonian Lagoon: the Curonian Spit National Park and the Nemunas Delta regional Park. The Russian part includes the Curonian Spit Zapovednik (Nature Reserve).

Facilities available & accessibility:
CORPI – laboratories, underwater equipment, research and student staff;
Center of Marine research, Institute of Ecology – boat facilities, field stations


Institution:
Polish National SCOR Committee, Section for Marine Biology

Brief description:
One of the few embayments along the southern Baltic coast, shallow sand bottom vegetated with seagrass, highest number of brackish, marine and freshwater species recorded for the whole region.

Justification:
Southern Baltic belongs to very polluted and anthropogenicaly changed marine areas, combined with brackish character of the sea and poorly developed coastline makes the Southern Baltic low in biodiversity. Coastal lagoons and bays are few exceptions from this rule, and Bay of Puck represents a relatively pristine example.

Habitats Present:
Sandy beach littoral, saltmarshes, non vegetated sandy sublittoral, seagrass (Zostera marina) beds, Characae meadows on sublittoral sands, muddy-sand local depressions, Mytilus edulis beds.

Information available:
Bay of Puck belongs to the areas with the longest history of documented marine research (since end of XIX cent). Local University (University of Gdansk) and number of research institutes (like Sea Fishery Institute, Institute for Environmental Protection) have been very active there, and well over 500 papers have been published on the local marine biology.

Legislative protection:
Area is included into Seaside Landscape Park, protected by local administration in Poland (Pomern Wojewodshaft ).

Facilities available & accessibility:
Marine Station of the University of Gdansk in Hel – field station 
Sea Fisheries Institute in Gdynia – labs 
Institute of Oceanography University of Gdansk in Gdynia - labs
Institute of Oceanology Polish Academy of Sciences in Sopot –labs

2nd Questionaire:
http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire Weslawski Puck Bay.doc#http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire Weslawski Puck Bay.doc#


Brief description:
Area representative for over 1000km of exposed southern Baltic sandy coastline.

Information available:
Long record of physical environmental data. Some studies on flora and fauna.


Institution:
Laboratory of Estuarine Ecology, Institute of Oceanography, University of Gdansk

Brief description:
A semi-enclosed water region with its own hydrological and biogeological characteristics, and high diversity of habitats.

Justification:
Human impact: local agriculture, industry, municipal waste waters; a sink for the input of the Vistula River, second biggest river in the Baltic Sea drainage area
Environmental stress: brackish character, high temperature variations

Habitats Present:
Sublittoral/hydrolittoral peat bottoms, inner coastal (shallow) waters, hard clay bottoms, sandy bottom of the photic/aphotic zone, sublittoral sandy bottoms with/without macrophyte vegetation, hydrolittoral sandbanks, sublittoral mussel beds, sandy spit, sandy beaches

Information available:
A range of publications and books, MSc theses completed at University of Gdansk, Institute of Oceanography

Legislative protection:
Regional/national: Vistula Split Landscape Park, Puck Bay Landscape Park, Redlowo Cape
European: Baltic Sea Protected Areas BSPA, as above

Facilities available & accessibility:
IO UG Marine Station in Hel, laboratories of [..] UG, Center for Marine Biology PAS, Sea Fishery Institute and Institute of Oceanology PAS, rv Oceanograf 2


Brief description:
A sandy and/or gravelly bank lied along the coast and at a distance of several Mm from the Polish coast

Information available:
Information on local marine biodiversity available from the manuscripts by Center for Marine Biology PAS, Gdynia, Poland


Brief description:
Shallow water lagoon separated from the Baltic Sea by the Vistula Spit, in a north part of Poland, across the Polish-Russian border

Habitats Present:
A nearly 100 km-long lagoon of the salinity 1-7 and silt and clayey silt sediments in central part, and a sandy coast with or without littoral vegetation


Institution:
Stockholm Marine Research Centre, Stockholm University

Brief description:
Outer archipelago area in the Northern Baltic proper.

Justification:
One of the least affected marine areas along the Swedish coastline along the Baltic proper

Habitats Present:
Archipelago area with rocky shores, sandy beaches, muddy bays, and soft bottoms close down to 460m (deepest in the Baltic)

Information available:
40 years of intense research and monitoring.  Data with SEPA and own data bases.

Legislative protection:
Marine Reserve (ready within 1 year) on National basis.

Facilities available & accessibility:
Marine research station on Asko (in the middle of the archipelago area) open year around with staff of 4, 2 ships for coastal work, running brackish water, temperature constant rooms etc.


Brief description:
Shallow enclosed bay of the Baltic Sea at the German-Polish border

Habitats Present:
Shallow bay (max. depth 5 m) at the Southern Baltic Sea with low salinity (0.5-approx. 2 ppt), bottom consists mostly of mud (70%), sand (10%) and mussel beds formed by Dreissena polymorpha (20%). Reed at some parts of the shoreline.

Information available:
Comprehensive research projects have been carried out in the last years, covering mostly macrozoobenthos. Information is also available for the Polish part of the lagoon from colleagues in Szczecin /Poland.

Legislative protection:
European :part of it is planned to be a FFH area

Facilities available & accessibility:
Greifswald university ship (MS Bornhoeft), accessibility via Ueckermuende harbour.
Moreover the GKSS research centre Geesthacht (near Hamburg, Germany) operates two posts and a platform in the lagoon, measuring many parameters continuously (e.g. water temperature, turbidity, currents, wind speed and direction etc). These data are available online. Laboratories at Greifswald University (Zoology, Botany, Geography, Chemistry) could be used to carry out research.


Institution:
Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences

Location:
Neva Estuary, Gulf of Finland, Baltic Sea

Location details:
latitude 59o47’-60o30’N, longitude 28o30’ – 30o10’ E

Brief description:
Largest estuary in the Baltic Sea, with salinity gradient from freshwater to 6 ppt, diverse habitats under different level of human impact, including protected areas of local and international significance

Habitats Present:
Wetlands in enclosed part of the estuary (Neva Bay), sand and hard bottom littoral in the exposed coastal zone of outer estuary

Information available:
numerous publications, including two books (see additional information), and Internet web site of the Group on Aquatic Alien Species, developed in the framework of the projects concerning dynamics and monitoring of biodiversity ( Russian State Program “Biodiversity”, see http://www.zin.ru/projects/invasions )

Facilities available & accessibility:
Facilities of the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the leading institution in Russia on estuarine and marine biodiversity research, located in the walking distance from the enclosed part of the estuary (Neva Bay)

Additional information:
1. Winberg, G.G.and B.L.Gutelmaher (eds.). 1987. The Neva Bay: Hydrobiological investigations. Leningrad, Science Publ (in Russian)
2. Alimov, A.F.  (ed.) 1988.  Communities of  freshwater invertebrates in the macrophyte  beds.  Proceedings of  the Zoological  Institute, Leningrad, Vol. 186 (in Russian)
3. Alimov, A.F., V.N.Nikulina, V.Ye.Panov, I.V.Telesh and N.P.Finogenova. 1994. Hydrobiology  of  Neva Bay on the Gulf of Finland. Hydrobiol. J. 30(4):14-26.
4. Panov V.E., Alimov A.F., Balushkina E.V., Golubkov S.M., Nikulina V.N., Telesh I.V., Finogenova N.P. 1997.  Monitoring of biodiversity of bottom and plankton communities in the Neva Estuary. - In: V.E.Sokolov, Yu.S.Reshetnikov& M.I.Shatunovski (eds.) Monitoring of biodiversity. Moscow: 288-294 (in Russian)
5. Panov, V. E., P. I. Krylov & I. V. Telesh  1999. The St. Petersburg harbour profile. - In: (Gollasch, S. & E. Leppäkoski, eds) Initial risk assessment of alien species in Nordic coastal waters. Nord 1999:8. Nordic Council of Ministers, Copenhagen: 225-244.
6. Krylov P.I., Bychenkov D.E., Panov V.E., Rodionova N.V., Telesh I.V. 1999. Distribution and seasonal dynamics of the Ponto-Caspian invader Cercopagis pengoi (Crustacea, Cladocera) in the Neva Estuary (Gulf of Finland).Hydrobiologia 393: 227-232.
7. Telesh I.V., Alimov A.F., Golubkov S.M., Nikulina V.N., Panov V.E. 1999. Response of aquatic communities to anthropogenic stress: A comparative study of the Neva Bay and the eastern Gulf of Finland. Hydrobiologia 393: 95-105
 
 
 Current projects:  
1. Russian State Program “Biodiversity” – “ Development of recommendations for monitoring of biodiversity”
2. Grant from the Finnish Ministry of Environment «Littoral communities in the Neva Estuary» 
3.  INTAS grant N 99-674 «The water quality in the coastal zone of the Gulf of Finland: Measurements, Remote Sensing, Computer Modelling - Development of a Strategic Tool for Sustainable Management»


Institution:
Abo Akademi University & Huso Biological Station

Brief description:
Full archipelago transect (30km wide) from inner, sheltered (reed belts & soft bottoms) to outer, exposed (rocky & sandy shores; deep soft bottoms; sand, mud & glacial clay) with Fucus & Zostera.  Depth range 0-50 (>100) m.  Salinity range (0)2-6(7) ppt; mosaic topography (numerous islands uninhabited).

Justification:
Affected to some degree by overall Baltic eutrophication, and local agriculture (small scale).  No industrial or municipal effluents.  As close to 'pristine' as can be found within the Baltic Sea.

Habitats Present:
Mosaic topography with diverse selection of habitats; vegetated beaches (also grazed meadows) and shores (soft and rocky) with Phragmites, freshwater macrophytes (Potamogeton) and algae (Chara spp) to  exposed rocky and boulder shores (Cladophora, Fucus, red algae) and sandy bottoms (Zostera, Ruppia, Zannicellia) to deep soft bottoms (Macoma assemblages with some 50spp).  Steep environmental gradients (depth, temperature, salinity, sediment type, exposure).

Information available:
Biological investigations since 1959 (Huso Biogical Station).  Regular monitoring (include. Plankton, macrovegetation & algae, zoobenthos, fish) since 1970; solid databse on sea birds and marine mammals since about 1970.  Information available as databases, reports (annual), scientific publications and various levels of thesis-works (include. Raw data).  Background data on hydrography, geology etc available for entire area.

Legislative protection:
Area of field station protected since 1961; two (possibly three) areas included in the Natura 2000 program and one outer area designated as an 'international reference area'.  Bird sanctuary and seal protection area.

Facilities available & accessibility:
Huso Biological Station of the Abo Akademi University & the Provincial Government of the Aland Islands (http://www.abo.fi/fak/mnf/biol/eco).  Vessel available for open coastal work and several small boats for archipelago studies;  sampling gear and laboratory - & diving facilities; experimental facilities; accomodation for up to 30 persons; short distances and easy access to all habitats and sampling sites; high level of know-how and full support from local authorities.


Institution:
Tvarminne Zoological Station, University of Helsinki

Brief description:
Archipelago area ownd by the University of Helsinki.  Maintained in a natural state for research as nature conservation area.

Justification:
Affected by the general eutrophication of the Baltic Sea.  Steel factory in the vicinity of the station.

Habitats Present:
Habitats representative of the middle and outer archipelago zones eg rocky shores, rock pools, shallow coastal lagoons, sandy bottoms, deep soft bottoms.

Information available:
Long-term data on hydrographym macrozoobenthos (1926-), zoo and phytoplankton (1972-) and meteorological data (1960-) (scientific publications, thesis-works and database data)  Data on macrophytes and associated fauna (scientific publications, thesis-works).  Data available from the beginning of last century as the station was founded 1902.  Data on seabirds (scientific publications, thesis-works)  Long-term data on rock pools (scientific publications, thesis works).

Legislative protection:
Protected conservation area (160 ha land and 600 ha water) also included in Natura.

Facilities available & accessibility:
General laboratory facilities and special laboratories (e.g. isotope, C/N, nutrients, spectroscopy).  All provided with sea water (6 psu).  4 temperature regulated aquaria rooms, 7 climatic chambers with sea and fresh water systems.  For experiments demanding natural daylight and 2 outdoor facilities (100 m2) with sea- and freshwater.  48 ft vessel with hydraulic crane, winches and a small laboratory.  Several smaller boats.  Accomodation for 80 persons

2nd Questionaire:
http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire Sandberg.doc#http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire Sandberg.doc#


Justification:
Kongsfjorden is subject to natural glacial stress in the inner parts, with more stable conditions in the outer parts. The fjord is representative of high-latitude fjord systems

Habitats Present:
Soft-bottom and hard-bottom substrata, from intertidal zone to approximately 400 m depth. Freshly-sedimented fine material in inner part, glacio-marine clay in outer part.

Information available:
Kongsfjorden is the focus of multi-diciplinary research (see covering letter) and much data is published, or currently in preparation. The data covers hard and soft-bottom benthic fauna and flora, backed up with extensive physical and oceanographic supporting data. The area has been extensively sampled during the last 10 years

Legislative protection:
No official agreement as such, but Kongsfjorden is legislated under the Svalbard agreement, which gives a strong priority to nature conservation. Because of the remote location, there will be no industrial activities there in the future. The only activities at present are research and occasional environmental tourism.

Facilities available & accessibility:
A marine laboratory and research facilities are currently operational and there are concrete plans to build a further international “Large Scale Facility” at Ny Ålesund, the only settlement along the fjord. There will be several laboratories and teaching facilities. Experimental units, holding facilities and control tanks for marine organisms are planned. Accessibility is by plane from Longyearbyen, and accommodation for scientists is available.

Additional information:
See covering letter for comments on interesting research oppurtunities in high-latitude Atlantic fjords exposed to Arctic surface conditions.

2nd Questionaire:
http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire Cochrane Kongsfjord.doc#http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire Cochrane Kongsfjord.doc#


Location:
Northern North Sea/Norwegian Sea (Norwegian Sector)

Brief description:
Large area sampled annually by Akvaplan-niva since 1989, including regional reference stations (‘pristine’) and transects around petroleum installations.

Habitats Present:
The sampling area covers most of the sediment/habitat types present in the area (sub-littoral, ranging from clay-silt to mixed sands).

Information available:
Quantitative benthic data available in database format comprising more than 1500 sampling stations. Some data published internationally. The data covers large-scale spatial and temporal trends, giving an excellent basis for marine biodiversity research.


Brief description:
Set of three fixed reference stations along a depth gradient at three different localities. Results so far suggest depth is more important for fauna than latitude.

Information available:
The stations are chosen to represent conditions in Northern Norwegian fjords and are aimed to be part of national monitoring scheme in Norway. Data is under publication from the first sampling survey carried out.


Location:
Haugbergnes/Balsfjord in the Tromsø area

Brief description:
Balsfjord with the sidearm Ramfjord offers a wide variety of interesting and diverse habitats. A vertical rocky bottom wall down to ca 100 m depth in the entrance and horizontal soft bottom areas mid-fjord are especially suited for quantitative benthic studies.

Habitats Present:
The location near academic institutions combined with diverse and interesting habitats have made Balsfjord the most-studied fjord in northern Norway.

Information available:
Long-term studies of permanently marked rocky bottom biotopes (ca 25 yrs), aut-ecological studies of key organisms and long time-series of oceanographical data dating back to ca 1930 offers important background data for a reference site in marine biodiversity studies

2nd Questionaire:
http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire Cochrane Tromso.doc#http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire Cochrane Tromso.doc#


Brief description:
Transect of stations from the North-cape in Norway to the South-cape of Spitsbergen. These to be sampled for benthic fauna.

Habitats Present:
The proposed transect crosses the Barents Sea from south to north, giving a representive picture of the benthic fauna in high latitude frontal zone of Atlantic and Arctic water.


Brief description:
A selection of Atlantic/Arctic fjords along the west coast of Svalbard (Spitsbergen), from Hornsund in the south to Widjefjorden in the North.

Habitats Present:
The fjords represent a wide range of habitat types, from hard-bottom to most types of ‘soft’ and mixed bottoms.

Information available:
Much data is currently available, sampled over the last 10-20 years. When compiled, this will give an excellent basis for biodiversity research in fjord systems, where Atlantic water meets Arctic waters.

2nd Questionaire:
http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire Cochrane Hornsund.doc#http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire Cochrane Hornsund.doc#


Brief description:
Soft-bottom habitats from shallow (50m), coarser sandy sediments to deeper (100m) silty-clay sediments.

Habitats Present:
Fjord. Representative for the Oslofjord and Skagerrak area

Information available:
Data available (biological and environmental variables) from different sampling devices.

Facilities available & accessibility:
Suitable facilities on board RV “Trygve Braarud” (70’) and at the University of Oslo field station in Drøbak.


Brief description:
Soft-bottom habitats from shallow (50m), coarser sandy sediments to deeper (200m) silty-clay and clay sediments.


Brief description:
Offshore seamount rising from deep sea to the surface, including a small set of islets. Shallow area (<200m deep) covers 3627.5 ha. Located approx. 20 miles off the nearest island.

Justification:
Area subject to limited and mostly illegal fishing. There are no nearby anthropogenic pollution inputs, dredging, or mineral/ sediment extraction.

Habitats Present:
Littoral and sublittoral offshore rocky habitats with unique Cystoseira sp. beds in shallow highly irregular volcanic bedrock, steep walls with Anthipathes sp. facies and some sediment pockets at the top of the bank. The slope and base of the bank includes deepwater habitats to depths below 1700 m.

Information available:
See additional information.  Several papers and reports dealing with algae, benthic invertebrate, fish and cetaceans published or in preparation, resulting from the University expeditions during the last decade. Other papers deal with exploitation and conservation aspects.

Legislative protection:
European: The area is to be designated a Site of Conservation Interest (SCI) under EU Habitats Directive (Macaronesia region).
National: The Portuguese law "DL no.140/99" automatically protects the area.
Regional: Portions of the site are already protected by regional legislation as Natural Reserve (DLR no. 11/88/A of 4th April with DLR no. 8/90/A of 17th May). Regional Resolution 30/98 and Regional Declaration 12/98 declare portions of the site as candidates to be designated as Sites of Conservation Interest under EU Habitats Directive.

Facilities available & accessibility:
Research has to be supported by coastal vessel operations such as the ones carried out by the University of the Azores since several years now. The neighbouring islands of Santa Maria (20 nm to SW) and São Miguel (34 nm to NW) can serve as operational bases. The main Campus of the University of the Azores lies at São Miguel Island and can serve as a land base facility for the research being conducted in the site. DOP is engaged in research in the area using his ships.

Additional information:
Species and Habitats:
MARÉ (EU - LIFE98NAT/P/5275) Technical Proposal for the Management of the Marine SAC of Formigas Islets and Dollabarat Reef. D.O.P. (in progress). CLIPE (PRAXIS XXI - 3/3.2/EMG/1957/95) Final Report, DOP (Horta – 2000). Several papers and reports (Santos et al., 1995. Aquat. Conserv. Mar. Freshw. Ecosyst., 5: 311-354.; Morton et al., 1998; and references therein);
http://www.horta.uac.pt/projectos/life/habitats/linktemp.html (under construction)
http://www.horta.uac.pt/Species
Maps and photos: 
http://www.horta.uac.pt/projectos/life/WG/SACsWG/ formigas/formigas.htm
General bibliography:
Santos et al., 1995. Aquat. Conserv. Mar. Freshw. Ecosyst. 5: 311-354.;
http://www.horta.uac.pt/projectos/life/habitats/linktemp.html (under construction)

2nd Questionaire:
http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire Santos2.doc#http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire Santos2.doc#


Location details:
39º 39’ N – 39º 45’ N; Long.: 31º 04’ W – 31º 10’ W (excluding the terrestrial area of Corvo island)

Brief description:
The smallest island of the archipelago (17km2). Supporting the less altered coastal marine environment and only 400 inhabitants, it represents the best opportunity for Integrated Management at the community level.

Justification:
Coastal habitats and resources considered being the least altered and exploited by anthropogenic activities in the archipelago. Little artisanal fishing pressure and marginal anthropogenic pollution inputs.

Habitats Present:
Very diverse littoral and sublittoral rocky and sandy habitats, including vast irregular lava fields, caves and small reefs close to shore.

Information available:
See additional information.  Several papers and reports dealing with algae, benthic invertebrate, fish, seabirds and cetaceans published or in preparation, resulting from the University expeditions during the last decade. Other papers deal with exploitation and conservation aspects.

Legislative protection:
European: Two sites within the area are to be designated as Sites of Conservation Interest (SCIs) under EU Habitats Directive (Macaronesia region).
National: The Portuguese law "DL no.140/99" automatically protects the area.
Regional: Regional Resolution 30/98 and Regional Declaration 12/98 declare portions of the site as candidates to be designated as Sites of Conservation Interest under EU Habitats Directive.

Facilities available & accessibility:
Research is to be backed up by an Interpretation and Research Centre for the MPA (including small lab facilities and boat) to be installed. The island is served by regular flights and has a small but operational harbour for small to medium size ships.

Additional information:
Species and Habitats:
MARÉ (EU - LIFE98NAT/P/5275) Technical Proposal for the Management of the Marine SAC of Corvo. DOP (in progress). CLIPE (PRAXIS XXI - 3/3.2/EMG/1957/95) Final Report, DOP (Horta – 2000). Several papers and reports (Santos et al., 1995. Aquat. Conserv. Mar. Freshw. Ecosyst., 5: 311-354.; Morton et al., 1998; and references therein);
http://www.horta.uac.pt/projectos/life/habitats/linktemp.html (under construction)
http://www.horta.uac.pt/Species
Maps and photos: 
http://www.horta.uac.pt/projectos/life/WG/SACsWG/ formigas/formigas.htm
General bibliography:
Santos et al., 1995. Aquat. Conserv. Mar. Freshw. Ecosyst. 5: 311-354.;
http://www.horta.uac.pt/projectos/life/habitats/linktemp.html (under construction)

2nd Questionaire:
http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire Santos1.doc#http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire Santos1.doc#


Location details:
square Lat. 38º12'N, Long. 26º32'W x Lat. 38º12'N, Long. 26º38'W

Brief description:
An underwater volcano apparatus located 40 miles offshore the two main islands of the Azores, with intense shallow-water hydrothermal active vents.

Habitats Present:
Sublittoral offshore rocky habitats, including unique shallow (-13 and -40 m) and mid-water (-200 m) hydrothermal vents with bacterial mats. Sediment and boulders inside the crater (around 45 m) and around the volcanic apparatus. The slope and base of the bank includes deepwater habitats to depths below 1000 m.

Information available:
See additional information.  Reports dealing with bacteria, algae, benthic invertebrate, fish and marine birds published or in preparation, resulting from the University expeditions during the 4 years. Other papers deal with bio-geochemical aspects of the hydrothermal community.

Facilities available & accessibility:
Research is to be supported by offshore vessel operations such as the ones carried out by the University in previous years. The neighbouring islands of Terceira (45 nm to NW) and São Miguel (45 nm to SW) can serve as landbase operational structures, taking advantage of the University of the Azores and other facilities (harbour, nautical and diving clubs, fishery house, etc.).

Additional information:
Species: http://www.horta.uac.pt/projectos/asimov/Species/all.htm
Maps: http://www.horta.uac.pt/projectos/asimov/Clickmap/clickmap.htm
General bibliography: see http://www.horta.uac.pt/projectos/asimov/Bibliography/bibliography.htm


Location:
Faial-Pico channel and adjacent areas complex

Brief description:
The most diverse and representative complex of habitats in the archipelago, located within the 5 nm-wide shelf between the islands of Faial and Pico, including adjacent coasts.

Habitats Present:
Littoral and sublittoral rocky and sandy habitats representing the full gradient of hydrodynamic conditions in the Azores, including sandy sheltered bays and beaches, shallow reefs, islets, exposed rocky habitats, steep walls, caves, boulder fields, volcanic bedrocks, cobble beaches and small volcanic smoke areas.

Information available:
See additional information.  Several papers and reports dealing with algae, benthic invertebrate, fish, seabirds and cetaceans published or in preparation, resulting from the University research during the last two decades. Other papers deal with oceanographic, exploitation and conservation aspects.

Facilities available & accessibility:
Excellent accessibility from the facilities of the Department of Oceanography and Fisheries (DOP- University of the Azores) in Horta, which provides a diving operations unit, laboratories and ships. The island of Faial is served by regular flights.

Additional information:
Species and Habitats:
MARÉ (EU - LIFE98NAT/P/5275) Technical Proposal for the Management of the Marine SACs Monte da Guia, Baixa do Canal and Ilhéus da Madalena. DOP (in progress). CLIPE (PRAXIS XXI - 3/3.2/EMG/1957/95) Final Report, DOP (Horta – 2000). Several papers and reports (Santos et al., 1995. Aquat. Conserv. Mar. Freshw. Ecosyst., 5: 311-354.; Morton et al., 1998; and references therein);
http://www.horta.uac.pt/projectos/life/habitats/linktemp.html (under construction)
http://www.horta.uac.pt/Species
Maps and photos: 
http://www.horta.uac.pt/projectos/life/WG/SACsWG/ formigas/formigas.htm
General bibliography:
Santos et al., 1995. Aquat. Conserv. Mar. Freshw. Ecosyst. 5: 311-354.;
http://www.horta.uac.pt/projectos/life/habitats/linktemp.html (under construction)


Brief description:
A complex of unique brackish lagoons and habitats highly exposed to surge, within a 23 Km wide stretch of coast.

Habitats Present:
Comprises intertidal and sublittoral rocky habitats, including the 2 single brackish lagoons in the Archipelago, located in shallow platforms originated from cliff downfalls, one islet highly exposed to oceanic currents, and vast bolder fields on volcanic bedrock.

Information available:
See additional information.  Several published papers and reports dealing with biodiversity (species lists, ecology), physiography and geomorphology of coastal lagoons resulted from different research expeditions since the late 60’s.

Facilities available & accessibility:
Two small villages with marine harbours located on each side of the area provide the operational basis for coastal research. The University facilities, 30 nm away, can be easily accessed through vessel operations. The island is served by regular flights.

Additional information:
Species, habitats and Maps: several papers and reports (Santos et al., 1995. Aquat. Conserv. Mar. Freshw. Ecosyst, 5: 311-354.; Morton et al., 1998; and references therein); http://www.horta.uac.pt/Species
General bibliography: Santos et al., 1995. Aquat. Conserv. Fresh. Mar. Eco, , 5: 311-354.


Location:
South coast and reefs of Santa Maria Island

Brief description:
Stretch of coast 30 Km wide displaying the typical environment of the islands’ sheltered south coasts.

Habitats Present:
Comprise very diverse intertidal and sublittoral sandy and rocky habitats along a large stretch of shallow coast dominated by sediment and volcanic ash deposit bottoms, including large sandy beaches, sheltered bays, small reefs and one islet.

Facilities available & accessibility:
Research is to be conducted on fieldtrips such as the ones carried out by the University of the Azores in previous years, taking advantage of local facilities (harbour, nautical and diving clubs, fishery house, etc.). The island is served by regular flights.

Additional information:
Species, habitats and Maps: several papers and reports (MARÉ/ EU - LIFE98NAT/P/5275 and CLIPE/ PRAXIS XXI - 3/3.2/EMG/1957/95); Santos et al., 1995. Aquat. Conserv. Mar. Freshw. Ecosyst., 5: 311-354.; Morton et al., 1998; and references therein); http://www.horta.uac.pt/Species
General bibliography: Santos et al., 1995. Aquat. Conserv. Fresh. Mar. Ecos. 5: 311-354.


Brief description:
Large irregular lava flow field connecting one large islet to the neighbouring rocky coasts and supporting important submarine habitats, located within a 5 Km wide stretch of coast between Ponta dos Fenais and Carapacho.

Habitats Present:
Comprise very diverse intertidal and sublittoral rocky habitats along a large stretch of shallow coast, including several islets ad small reefs, highly irregular volcanic bedrock and sheltered bays.

Information available:
See additional information.  Several papers and reports dealing with algae, benthic invertebrate, fish and seabirds, published or in preparation, resulted from different expeditions since the late 70’s. Other papers deal with exploitation and conservation aspects.

Facilities available & accessibility:
Research is to be conducted on fieldtrips, taking advantage of local facilities (harbour, nautical and diving clubs, fishery house, etc.). The University facilities at Faial Island lie 40 nm away, and can be accessed through vessel operations. The island is served by regular flights.

Additional information:
Santos et al., 1995. Aquat. Conserv. Mar. Freshw. Ecosyst., 5: 311-354.; Morton et al., 1998; and references therein); http://www.horta.uac.pt/Species
General bibliography: Santos et al., 1995. Aquat. Conserv. Fresh. Mar. Ecos. 5: 311-354.


Location details:
central point, defined from Santa Cruz to Ilhéu da Gadelha,

Brief description:
Sinuous rocky coast (approx. 19 Km wide) marginated by a large system of near shore islets.

Habitats Present:
Comprises a set of intertidal and sublittoral rocky habitats known to support high marine biodiversity, including intertidal pools and a large number of enclosed bays, submerged caves and islets.

Information available:
See additional information.  A few papers and reports dealing with algae, benthic invertebrate, fish and seabirds, published or in preparation, resulted from the University expeditions during the last decade. Other papers deal with exploitation and conservation aspects.

Facilities available & accessibility:
Research is to be conducted on fieldtrips, taking advantage of local facilities (harbour, nautical and diving clubs, fishery house, etc.). The island is served by regular flights.


Location:
Fradinhos and Cabras islets, Terceira Island

Brief description:
Group of islets and very steep pinnacles, 1 to 5 km away from the shore.

Habitats Present:
Typical semi-offshore reef habitats known to support high marine biodiversity. Includes steep walls down to 120 m, caves and bolder fields.

Information available:
See additional information.   A few papers and reports dealing mainly with fish and seabirds published, resulted from the University research. Other papers deal with exploitation and conservation aspects.

Facilities available & accessibility:
There is one University Department that conducts research in the area, and that can serve as operational basis. Small vessels from several nearby harbours can easily access the area. The island is served by regular flights.


Location details:
from the westernmost part of Baía das Lajes do Pico (38º 24.7’N; 28º 17.6’W) to Ponta Queimada (38º 23.2’N; 28º 13.4’W).

Brief description:
Flat sheltered platform closely linked to the deepwater environment, supporting a unique set of supratidal to subtidal habitats.

Habitats Present:
The area contains a variety of intertidal and sublittoral rocky and sandy habitats including marshland, a large system of intertidal pools and gullies, large basaltic bedrock, boulder areas, and sandy bottoms. The sheltered bay confines with deep-water habitats typical of the steep south coast of Pico.

Information available:
See additional information.  Several published papers and reports dealing with biodiversity (species lists, ecology), physiography and geomorphology of coastal lagoons resulted from different research programs.

Facilities available & accessibility:
This site has and excellent small harbour as well as some good local facilities. Lajes do Pico site can take advantage of the proximity to the University facilities at Faial island. The Pico ilsand is served by regular fligths and daily maritime conections with Faial island.


Brief description:
The bay is narrow semi-enclosed, 22.5 km2 long, water volyme 210 x 106 m3, mean depth 9.3 m, biggest depth 42 m. Shallow sill affecting the waterflow into the bay from the adjacent archipelago area. Adjacent archipelago area partly included in a 4000 ha large archipelago national park.

Habitats Present:
Inner, middle and outer archipelago zones represented

Information available:
Data available (scientific publications, thesis-works, data base data)on the marine biodiversity since the beginning of 1900.

Facilities available & accessibility:
In the vicinity of Tvärminne Zoological Station, one of the stations most important research areas (included in e.g. Natura, Project Aqua and several national programs for protection of the environment).


Brief description:
An archipelago of 5 inhabited islands and over 300 smaller islands, islets and rocks, 43 km WSW of the western extremity of the Cornish peninsula, mainland UK.

Justification:
No industry. No freshwater inflows (low turbidity - kelp grows to a depth of 30m - and no reduction in salinity).

Habitats Present:
Intertidal rocky and sandy shores with a wide range of exposure, sublittoral sands, seagrass beds, kelp beds, rocks.

Information available:
A large proportion of the taxa has already been enumerated (comprehensive inventories for 16 taxa have been published in the series 'Flora and fauna of the Isles of Scilly' in the J.nat Hist)

Legislative protection:
UK protection:  designated as Heritage Coast and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), most shores down to MLW are Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Voluntary Marine Park (established 1987).  European protection:  Special Area of Conservation (SAC - NATURA 2000), Special Protection Area (SPA) for birds, RAMSAR site.

Facilities available & accessibility:
Local boats available for sample collecting (full SCUBA facilities and remote sampling).  Plenty of local accommodation.  No permanent research laboratory but space can be hired and equipment easily shipped to the islands.  Close proximity to the Plymouth Marine Laboratory which is fully equipped for biodiversity research.

2nd Questionaire:
http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire Warwick.doc#http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire Warwick.doc#


Institution:
University of Newcastle, Dept. Marine Sciences and Coastal Mangagement

Location:
The Farne Islands, off the Northumberland Coast

Brief description:
The Farnes are a small archipelago of islands (largely whinstone) lying between approximately 2 and 6 km off the mainland coast.  They are famed for their seabird and grey seal colonies and dive sites.

Justification:
No large towns or coastal industry within 30 km (cf. the southern part of Northumberland); offshore islands and therefore relatively inaccessible; no large river systems and no significant sewage input locally.

Habitats Present:
Littoral and sublittoral boulders; whinstone & limestone reefs; cobble; coarse sand to muddy sediment; vertical reef faces; and sublittoral caves and kelp forests.

Information available:
Scattered published and unpublished papers, reports and anecdotal information, which are listed in: Foster-Smith, J. (2000) The marine fauna and flora of the Cullercoats District: marine species records for the north east coast of England.  Vols. 1&2.  Sunderland Penshaw Press. (Relevant references can be given on request).  Littoral and sublittoral biotope maps available from SeaMap Research Group (University of Newcastle).

Legislative protection:
The islands are identified as a site of international importance under the RAMSAR convention; they a Special Protection Area (SPA), a National Nature Reserve (NNR), a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and a National Trust Nature Reserve. They are also included in the areas designated as a Heritage Coast and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and form part of the proposed Berwickshire and north Northumberland Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and the Berwickshire and north Northumberland European Marine Site (EMS).

Facilities available & accessibility:
Laboratory facilities at the Dove Marine Laboratory (University of Newcastle) (access, bench fees etc. by negotiation with Head of Department of Marine Sciences and Coastal Management) (www.ncl.ac.uk/mscmweb/3rd_level/facilities/dml/dml.htm);
 Library resources at the University of Newcastle(membership access) (www.ncl.ac.uk/library);
 On-site base at National Trust Information Centre (access by negotiation with National Trust Area Manager);
 Local launching/boat facilities at Seahouses (by arrangement).

Additional information:
Permission to work at the site would need to be obtained from the National Trust Property Manager.


Location:
Beadnell to Craster, Northumberland Coast

Brief description:
A 10km coastal strip of alternate sandy bays and rocky reefs consisting of a range of geological types representative of the wider coastline. It includes one of the very few sheltered bays (St Mary’s Haven) on the north east coast.

Habitats Present:
Sediment ranging from coarse sand to mud; whinstone, limestone, sandstone and shale south easterly-sloping reefs; mixed whinstone/limestone boulders; rockpools; kelp forests; [saltmarsh; brackish water].

Information available:
Scattered published and unpublished papers, reports and anecdotal information, which are listed in: Foster-Smith, J. (2000) The marine fauna and flora of the Cullercoats District: marine species records for the north east coast of England.  Vols. 1&2.  Sunderland, Penshaw Press. (Relevant references can be given on request). Intertidal biotope maps available from the SeaMap Reseasrch Group (University of Newcastle).

Facilities available & accessibility:
Laboratory facilities at the Dove Marine Laboratory (University of Newcastle) (access, bench fees etc. by negotiation with Head of Department of Marine Sciences and Coastal Management) (www.ncl.ac.uk/mscmweb/3rd_level/facilities/dml/dml.htm);Library resources at the University of Newcastle(membership access) (www.ncl.ac.uk/library);  On-site base at National Trust Office, Newton-by-the-Sea (access by negotiation with National Trust Regional Manager);
 Local launching/boat facilities (by arrangement);


Brief description:
Site in the coastal waters (10 km offshore) of NE England

Habitats Present:
The benthos is typical of a wide area of the coastal central and northern North Sea.

Information available:
This site is monitored monthly (since 1968) for zooplankton and bi-annually since 1973 for macro-infauna.

Facilities available & accessibility:
The site is monitored by the Dove Marine Laboratory, Department of Marine Sciecnes and Coastal Management, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, whose facilities, including the research vessel Bernicia are available.

Additional information:
Buchanan, J.B. (1963). The bottom fauna communities and their sediment relationships off the coast of Northumberland.  Oikos 14: 154-175. 
Buchanan, J.B. (1993). Evidence of Benthic Pelagic Coupling At a Station Off the Northumberland Coast.  Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 172: 1-10.
Buchanan, J.B., Brachi, R., Christie, G. and Moore, J.J. (1986). An Analysis of a Stable Period in the Northumberland Benthic Fauna - 1973-80.  Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 66: 659-670. 
Buchanan, J.B. and Moore, J.J. (1986). A Broad Review of Variability and Persistence in the Northumberland Benthic Fauna - 1971-85.  Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 66: 641-657. 
Buchanan, J.B. and Moore, J.J. (1986). Long-Term Studies At a Benthic Station Off the Coast of Northumberland.  Hydrobiologia 142: 121-127.
Evans, F. and Edwards, A.J. (1993). Changes in the zooplankton community off the coast of Northumberland between 1969 and 1988, with notes on changes in the phytoplankton and benthos.  Journal of  Experimental Marine Biology & Ecology 172: 11-29.
Frid, C.L.J., Buchanan, J.B. and Garwood, P.R. (1996). Variability and stability in benthos: Twenty-two years of monitoring off Northumberland.  Ices Journal of Marine Science 53: 978-980. 
Frid, C.L.J., Clark, R.A. and Hall, J.A. (1999). Long-term changes in the benthos on a heavily fished ground off the NE coast of England.  Marine Ecology-Progress Series 188: 13-20.
Frid, C.L.J. and Huliselan, N.V. (1996). Far-field control of long-term changes in Northumberland (NW North Sea) coastal zooplankton.  ICES Journal of Marine Science 53: 972-977.
Roff, J.C., Middlebrook, K. and Evans, F. (1988). Long-term variability in North Sea Zooplankton off the Northumberland coast: productivity of small copepods and analysis of trophic interaction.  Journal of the Marine Biological Association U.K. 68: 143-164.


Brief description:
Benthic monitoring site within the Nephrops fishing grounds

Habitats Present:
The benthos is typical of that of offshore muddy sediments in a wide area of the coastal central and northern North Sea. It is also within a Nephrops fishing ground.

Information available:
This site is monitored annually since 1971 for macro-infauna.

Facilities available & accessibility:
The site is monitored by the Dove Marine Laboratory, Department of Marine Sciecnes and Coastal Management, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, whose facilities, including the research vessel Bernicia are available.1971


Brief description:
18 miles of tidal rapids with a wide range of  hard to soft substrata

Justification:
Little industrial activity but well used by pleasure craft.

Habitats Present:
Intertidal and subtidal soft (sandy mud - shell garvel) and rock substrata. Water column easily sampled

Information available:
Focus of considerable research over more than 30 years. Large data sets on plankton communities and processes (NERC, PRIME thematic programme) and numerous MSc and PhD theses. Student field courses provide long term, consistent data bases.

Facilities available & accessibility:
School of Ocean Science, Menai Bridge. Centre of the Menai Strait. Major European marine Laboratory with numerous long term monitoring programmes, often teaching based and multidisciplinary. Water column data can be easily collected from the Menai Bridge Pier adjacent to the Laboratory. Ideal location for monitoring plankton communities.


Institution:
Groningen University, Dept. of Marine Biology

Brief description:
Tidal flat area of c. 500 km2 intersected by tidal channels. Borders on the Sahara. Largely covered by seagrass Zostera noltii.

Justification:
The Banc d’Arguin is a national park of about 10,000 km2
Surrounding the tidal flat area. Within this area only about 1,500 people live by herding and fishing. There is no industry, nor run-off of (polluted) fresh water. It is the most pristine tidal flat area I have ever seen worldwide.

Habitats Present:
Sebkhas (saline flats just above high tide level), sandy beaches, bare sandy flats, muddy flats covered by seagrass, shell beds, tidal channels, rocky outcrops.

Information available:
Ens B.J., T. Piersma, W.J. Wolff, L. Zwarts eds. (1990). Homeward bound: Problems waders face when migrating from the Banc d’Arguin, Mauritania, to their northern breeding grounds in spring. Ardea, 78, 1-364.
Wolff, W.J., J. van der Land, P.H. Nienhuis & P.A.W.J. de Wilde, 1993. Ecological studies in the coastal waters of Mauritania. Develop-ments in Hydrobio-logy 86/ Hydrobiologia 258, 222 pp.

Legislative protection:
National Park since about 1975. The Park is attached to the office of the president of Mauritania

Facilities available & accessibility:
Access difficult. Permission needed from the Director of the Park after advice from the Conseil Scientifique. Half a day driving by Landrover from the capital. In the middle of the park is a small biological station with very basic facilities.

Additional information:
The Banc d’Arguin is a tidal area with a tidal range of about 2 m. The climate is extremely arid causing high salinities in land-locked bays, but the seaward tidal flats are marine in character. Flora includes mangroves Avicennia africana, grass Spartina maritima and seagrasses with Zostera noltii  completely dominating the flats, and Cymodocea nodosa in the channels. Benthic fauna is rich in species and poor in biomass. Species composition is a mixture of tropical and European elements (e.g. Cerastoderma, Hydrobia, Carcinus). Feeding ground of fair numbers of green turtles. Extermely rich in wintering shorebirds and breeding piscivorous birds. Mammals include bottle-nose dolphin (Tursiops) and hump-backed dolphin (Sousa teuszi).

Ther is normally no freshwater discharge along the shore (desert), so no impact of riverine pollutants. Human habitation is very sparse and at a very basic level (artisanal fishing). However, fishing has switched rcently to catching sharks and skates, resulting in a decline of top predators.


Institution:
The University of Hull, Scarborough Centre for Coastal Studies

Brief description:
Fully marine, moderately exposed to sheltered - open coast with Upper Cretatceous cliffs - with unique communities both intertidal and subtidal.

Justification:
No industry, very small human settlements; no nearby river inputs; sewage discharges almost non-existent; tourism creates some visitor pressure: leisure boating, SCUBA diving, sustainable commercial fisheries.

Habitats Present:
Cliff habitat; littoral & circalittoral rock (boulders, headlands....); caves, arches and stacks; mobile sand shores; sublittoral sandy & muddy sediments.

Information available:
English Nature, Environment Agency, Ministry of Agriculture Food & Fisheries, MNCR surveys, Natural History Museum, Universities, JNCC, Scientific Societies (Phycological Society..), NGOs (RSPB), Flamborough Maritime Forum -

Legislative protection:
Site of Special Scientific Interest; Heritage Coast; RSPB reserve: Sensitive Marine Area; Special Protection Area; candidate Special Area of Conservation

Facilities available & accessibility:
The University of Hull, Scarborough Centre for Coastal Studies (associated to Institute for Esturarine and Coastal Studies Hull): Research programmes with staff; Laboratory base with aquaria & controlled conditions; Teaching/Dissemination facilities & activities; lecture rooms, teaching labs; Library/Data series; Accomodation; Easy access to marine environment, SCUBA diving; Inclusion in national/international networks.

2nd Questionaire:
http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire Ducrotoy.doc#http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire Ducrotoy.doc#


Brief description:
Complex estuary with 8 km of coast, shallow through two weirs; moderately exposed to sheltered, fully marine to variable: mouth protected by breakwaters; harbour.

Habitats Present:
Mudflats with polychaetes and Corophium; narrow banks, cobbles & pebbles with algae; boulders with mussel beds; mobile sand (also found externally).

Information available:
English Nature, Environment Agency, MNCR surveys, Natural History Museum, Universities, Ministry of Agriculture Food and Fisheries, JNCC, Scientific Societies NGOs (RSPB) - Information in Marine Conservation Review, JNCC Coastal Directories (EC Bio-Mar Life Programmes).

Facilities available & accessibility:
The University of Hull, Scarborough Centre for Coastal Studies (associated to Institute for Esturarine and Coastal Studies Hull): Research programmes with staff; Laboratory base with aquaria & controlled conditions; Teaching/Dissemination facilities & activities; lecture rooms, teaching labs; Library/Data series; Accomodation; Easy access to marine environment,SCUBA diving; Inclusion in national/international networks.


Brief description:
Sandstone/boulder clay cliff; intertidal rocky spit (Lower Cretaceous Grit) with striking gradients of exposure including circalittoral expansion; ; large sandy beach.

Habitats Present:
Littoral rock with fucoids and barnacles; Kelp forest and circalittoral rock with hydroids and bryozoans; inter and subtidal mobile sand and muddy sand.


Brief description:
Oxford clay cliffs with pristine vegetation; vast intertidal lake and multiple rock pools; base of cliff protected by shingle; used to be impacted by waste discharge.

Habitats Present:
Variety of rocky substrates with boulders, wavecut platform grit and rockpools covered by seaweeds, pebble shore; rock platform; sublittoral muddy sands and coarse sands.

Legislative protection:
Site of Special Scientific Interest.  Nearby coastal wood belongs to the National Trust.


Brief description:
Steep cliffs with freshwater seepage; freshly fallen shale scree and mobile clay boulders; huge wavecut platform; pocket sediments and sublittoral fringe.

Habitats Present:
Very popular site with visitors centre; fast eroding cliff with fossils; large expanses of intertidal rocks and pools; kelp forest with red algae; sublittoral sands.

Legislative protection:
Sensitive Marine Area, proposed Special Area for Conservation.

Facilities available & accessibility:
Visitors centre in village.  The University of Hull, Scarborough Centre for Coastal Studies (associated to Institute for Esturarine and Coastal Studies Hull): Research programmes with staff; Laboratory base with aquaria & controlled conditions; Teaching/Dissemination facilities & activities; lecture rooms, teaching labs; Library/Data series; Accomodation; Easy access to marine environment,SCUBA diving; Inclusion in national/international networks.


Brief description:
Hard chalk cliffs with flint north of Flamborough Head; steep and rugged providing shelter for seabirds - one of the largest breeding colony in the UK.

Habitats Present:
Cliffs with seabirds (ganets, razorbills, puffins..); caves; very narrow intertidal area; sublittoral flint pebbles; circalittoral rock with brittle stars and hydroids.

Facilities available & accessibility:
RSPB Visitors Centre. The University of Hull, Scarborough Centre for Coastal Studies (associated to Institute for Esturarine and Coastal Studies Hull): Research programmes with staff; Laboratory base with aquaria & controlled conditions; Teaching/Dissemination facilities & activities; lecture rooms, teaching labs; Library/Data series; Accomodation; Easy access to marine environment,SCUBA diving; Inclusion in national/international networks.


Brief description:
A open fjord, 130 km long, with three basins separated by tresholds. The fjord has mostly all kind of habitats and is well studied.

Justification:
Above treshold depth the fjord is influenced by transport of coastal water with reneval of ca 60 days. The deep water is changed once every year.

Habitats Present:
Hard and soft bottom areas from littoral to more than 500 m depth, estuarine areas in connection with rivers opening mostly to the south side of the fjord

Information available:
Publications in national and international journals and monographs, species lists in Reports etc., published hydrographical information. Lists with information to theese publications will be electronically available from our national university library system , Bibsys.

Legislative protection:
The fjord itself will not be protected as such, but legislation regulating commercial trawling and fish farming excists. Small areas with deep water corals are protected by national legislation.

Facilities available & accessibility:
Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Museum of Natural History and Archaeology, Institute of Natural History – Trondhjem biological station. Easy accessability by plane, train, boat, car. 
The University also have a large field station at the mouth of the fjord accessable by car or boat.

Additional information:
www.ntnu.no/trondheim-marine-RI  Lists with the marine bottom organisms known from the Trondheimsfjord can be found in 
Brattegard, T. & T. Holthe (eds) 1997. Distribution of marine, benthic macroorganisms in Norway. Research Report for DN 1997-1. Directorate for Nature Management.

2nd Questionaire:
http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire Sneli.doc#http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire Sneli.doc#


Brief description:
Treshold sound between middle and inner part of the fjord. Strong currents produce a rich hard bottom fauna, especially cold water corals.

Additional information:
All three reference site criteria fullfilled.


Brief description:
Soft bottom basin about 200 to 400 m deep large soft littoral estuary


Brief description:
Hard bottom area 30 to 100 m deep with rich fauna. Part of the area which is rich in Lophelia pertusa is protected by law.


Brief description:
Hard bottom area with strong currents. A rich fauna of deep water animals from 100 to 500 m depth.


Brief description:
Both muddy and sandy soft bottom area at about 500 m depth.


Brief description:
Hard bottom area with cold water corals. The area is much used as sampling area for university field courses.


Institution:
Marine Biological Association of the UK.

Location:
Firth of Lorn and Loch Linnhe complex including Mull

Brief description:
The area encompasses extremely tide-swept communities at the north of Jura to sheltered sea loch rock and sediment habitats and exposed coast habitats including known rich examples.

Justification:
Fjordic sea loch (rock and sediment) and tidal sound as well as open coast biotopes are extensively represented in the proposed region. The area is known for its richness and diversity.

Habitats Present:
Wave -sheltered rocky shores, wave-exposed rocky shores, sediment shores (minor), wave sheltered tidal stream-exposed sublittoral rock, sheltered sublittoral rock, sheltered sublittoral sediments.

Information available:
Described with further references in Connor & Little 1998 (pp 359-364 in Hiscock, K. (ed.) Marine Nature Conservation Review: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic. Peterborough, Joint Nature Conservation Committee).
See www.jncc.gov.uk/mermaid for MNCR and other survey sites and results.

Legislative protection:
The Firth of Lorn, Loch Creran and Loch Sunart are proposed Special Areas of Conservation to be established under the EC Habitats Directive.

Facilities available & accessibility:
The Scottish Association for Marine Science Laboratory is at the centre of the proposed region.

Additional information:
The following are specific locations within the area that represent the range of habitats there:
Location 1:
Name: Gulf of Correvreckan
Location (coordinates, if possible):
Brief description (2 lines): Extremely tide-swept (10 knots) sound dominated subtidally by a low diversity of species (barnacles, hydroids erect bryozoans). 

Justification: Opportunity to sample communities capable of tolerating of extreme conditions. Communities described by conspicuous species at present. Boat access required and short sample time but weather not limiting.

Location 2:
Name: Loch Craignish (entrance)
Location (coordinates, if possible):
Brief description (2 lines): Rocky shores include typical sheltered communities. Sublittoral rock communities are particularly rich and include species associated with deep water habitats. Rich sublittoral algal communities occur. 

Justification: Communities appear to be characteristic of particularly ‘good’ (open coast, high nutrient?) water quality. Site is accessible in most weather conditions.

Location 3: 
Name: Loch Etive
Location (coordinates, if possible):
Brief description (2 lines): A fjordic sea loch with high freshwater input. Extensive areas of sediment are present.

Justification: The location is primarily useful for the extensive sediment communities which have been studied in detail in the 1970’s (various paper by Gage and others).

Location 4:
Name: Loch Creran
Location (coordinates, if possible):
Brief description (2 lines): A shallow sea loch with predominantly sediment communities but with reefs of Serpula vermicularis and Modiolus modiolus.

Justification: The only location in Great Britain with extant reefs of Serpula and their associated rich fauna. Also rich horse mussel and seagrass beds are present.  A proposed SAC.

Location 5:
Name: NW Mull (especially Calgary Bay and Clachandu)
Location (coordinates, if possible):
Brief description (2 lines): Intertidal rocky shores with shallow pools particularly highly rated for algal communities.

Justification: A variety of rocky shore habitats are represented, some recorded as very rich, and several algal species are at or near their current northern limits.

Location 6:
Name: Sound of Iona
Location (coordinates, if possible):
Brief description (2 lines): A tide-swept sound with extensive beds of maerl.

Justification: Maerl provides a particular sediment habitat with a very ‘open’ structure and an often rich associated flora and fauna.

Loaction 7:
Name: Loch Sunart
Location (coordinates, if possible):
Brief description (2 lines): Loch Sunart is a long narrow fjordic sea loch that includes rich sediment habitats with communities characteristic of sea lochs.

Justification: The sediment communities are particular to sea lochs and are highly stable and populated by long-lived species. Some areas of coarse sediment are colonised by Limaria hians, their ‘nests’ providing an unusual habitat.

Annexes: List here additional input and information on reference sites.
Electronic copy of the relevant text from the MNCR volume is appended and photocopied pages from the volume (with maps) are sent by post.
Specific locations have been selected to represent the range of habitats and associated communities in the proposed site. Similar habitats occur elsewhere in the area and alternative locations might be agreed with local marine biologists or in association with Scottish Natural Heritage who will be undertaking monitoring at locations in SACs.


Brief description:
Sullom Voe is a flooded river valley (ria) with a wide range of rocky shore and rock and sediment subtidal habitats.

Habitats Present:
The area is representative of sheltered habitats in the north of Britain, has been intensively sampled and is a proposed Special Area of Conservation.

Information available:
Research facilities are basic and associated with the oil terminal there.

Additional information:
Description of the area in Hiscock (1998) sent separately


Brief description:
Plymouth Sound is a large shallow bay which falls away to deeper water at 30 m. To the north and east are estuaries exhibiting representative salinity gradient effects on sediment and rock.

Habitats Present:
The area has a wide range of habitats and communities characteristic of south-west Britain, has been surveyed and sampled in detail and is a candidate Special Area of Conservation.

Facilities available & accessibility:
The Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Marine Biological Association and Plymouth University are all based in and undertake research in the area.


Location:
Lough Hyne marine nature reserve, Co. Cork.  Late entry, not on map.

Brief description:
Full salinity marine 'lake' connected to the sea by a shallow narrow set of tidal rapids.

Justification:
Strictly protected since 1981 Lough Hyne has been the subject of intensive research effort (ca. 300 publications) for over 110 years.  It is a popular dive site.  Although now strictly control this was not the case in the past.  Angling and prawn potting, on a small scale, is permitted in the reserve.

Habitats Present:
Tidal swept rocky reefs
Sheltered rocky reefs
Deep mud habitats
Shallow kelp forests
Rock seashores (wave sheltered and exposed)
Tidal rapids
Seagrass bed

Information available:
Long history of research by local, national and international scientists.  Fauna, flora and species present are very well documented.
Costello, M. J. & Holmes, J. M. C. 1991. Bibliography of Lough Hyne to 1990. The ecology of Lough Hyne. Proceedings of a conference 4-5 September, 1990. pp. 171-175., Dublin, Royal Irish Academy.

Legislative protection:
National marine nature reserve, and proposed candidate Special Area of Conservation

Facilities available & accessibility:
Small laboratories adjacent run by University College, Cork

Additional information:
Picton, B. E. & Costello, M. J., Eds. 1999. BioMar biotope viewer: a guide to marine habitats, fauna and flora of Britain and Ireland. Trinity College, Dublin, Environmental Sciences Unit.
Marine Institute 1999. Ireland's Marine and Coastal Areas and adjacent Seas:  An Environmental Assessment. Dublin.


Location:
Kilkieran Bay, Co. Galway.  Late entry not on map.

Location details:
L 910 390 - L 829 276 (Irish grid reference)

Brief description:
Complex shallow fiardic bay with islands

Habitats Present:
Area has been well studied by the research groups from University College Galway and others.  Proposed candidate Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

Information available:
Costelloe, J., Keegan, B. R. & Könnecker, G. F. 1986. Rocky subtidal assemblages on the west coast of Ireland. Hydrobiologia 142: 97-111.
Keegan, B. F. 1972. Benthic studies in Kilkieran Bay and in Galway Bay, with particular reference to the class Bivalvia. PhD thesis, 112.
Könnecker, G. 1973. Littoral and benthic investigations on the west coast of Ireland. - 1 (Section A: Faunistic and Ecological Studies). The sponge fauna of Kilkieran Bay and adjacent areas. Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy 73B(26): 451-472.
Könnecker, G. F. & Keegan, B. F. 1983. Littoral and benthic investigations on the west coast of Ireland. XVII. The epibenthic animal associations of Kilkieran Bay. Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy 83B(25): 309-324.
Könnecker, G. F. G. 1981. The epifauna of Kilkieran Bay and Galway Bay with special consideration to the Porifera, Hydroidea and Bryozoa. PhD thesis, zoology, 112.
Shin, P. K. S. 1981. The development of sessile epifaunal communities in Kylesalia, Kilkieran Bay (west coast of Ireland). Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 54: 97-111.


Location:
Mulroy Bay, Co. Donegal.  Late entry not on map.

Location details:
C 147 453 - C 280 195 (Irish grid reference)

Habitats Present:
High diversity of habitats including tide swept rock and sediments, deep mud, Limaria, maerl and Zostera beds and wave sheltered and wave exposed rock.  Proposed candidate SAC.

Information available:
Minchin, D. & Costello, M. J. 1996. The fishes of Mulroy Bay, north-west Ireland. Bulletin of the Irish Biogeographical Society 19(1): 2-14.
Nunn, J. D. 1996. The marine Mollusca of Ireland. 2. Mulroy Bay, Co. Donegal. Bulletin of the Irish Biogeographical Society 19(1): 15-138.
Parkes, H. M. 1958. A general survey of the marine algae of Mulroy Bay, Co. Donegal II. Irish Naturalists' Journal 12(12): 324-330.
Praeger, R. L. 1894. Fauna of Mulroy Bay, Donegal. Irish Naturalist 3(5): 113-114.


Location:
Saltee Islands and environs, Co. Wexford.  Late entry not on map.

Location details:
T 130 040 - X 700 900 (Irish grid reference)

Brief description:
Offshore islands exposed to strong tidal streams and wave action

Habitats Present:
High diversity of habitats from sheltered to wave and tidal stream exposed rocky reefs and boulder fields with areas of sheltered sands and gravels.  Proposed candidate SAC.


Location:
Dublin Bay, Co. Dublin.  Late entry not on map

Brief description:
Open sandy bay centred on the Liffey estuary.  Extensive sand, gravel and mudflats.

Habitats Present:
Highly designated site with a history of research due mainly to developments in Dublin and the use of the area for sewage sludge disposal.  In the intertidal Dublin Bay forms four candidate SACs.

Information available:
Benthos Research Group 1992. Dublin Bay Water Quality Management Plan. Technical Report No. 6 Studies on the benthos. Dublin, Environmental Research Unit.
Crisp, D. J. 1976. Survey of the environmental conditions in the Liffey estuary and Dublin Bay. Summary report to Dublin Corporation, Dublin Port and Electricity Supply Board. Volume 1, University of North Wales.
Crisp, D. J. 1976. Survey of the environmental conditions in the Liffey estuary and Dublin Bay. Summary report to Dublin Corporation, Dublin Port and Electricity Supply Board. Volume 2, University of North Wales.
Haddon, A. C. 1885. Preliminary report on the fauna of Dublin Bay. Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy 4(27): 523-531.
Harris, C. R. 1974. The evolution of North Bull Island, Dublin Bay. Scientific Proceedings of the Royal Dublin Society 5(14): 237-252.
Healy, B. 1977. Marine and terrestrial fauna. In: North Bull Island, Dublin Bay, Jeffrey, D. W. (ed.) , Royal Dublin Society pp.  141-146.
Horkan, J. P. K. 1987. Water quality surveys in Dublin Bay, 1986. Lough Beltra 1986 Proceedings of the 3rd Annual Lough Beltra_Workshop, Galway, 25 February 1987., Dublin, National Board for Science and Technology.
Jeffrey, D. W., ed. 1977. North Bull Island, Dublin Bay - a modern coastal natural history. Dublin, Royal Dublin Society.
Whelan, A. 1978. Environmental study of Dublin Bay. Coastal Pollution Assessment - Development of Estuaries, Coastal Regions and Environmental Quality. Proceedings of a Seminar held in Cork, Ireland April 20-21, 1978. pp. 163-171, National Board for Science and Technology.
Wilson, J. G. 1982. The littoral fauna of Dublin Bay. Irish Fisheries Investigations. Series B (Marine) 26: 1-19.
Wilson, J. G. 1989. Dublin Bay environmental studies: 1985-1987. Lough Beltra - 1987. Proceedings of the 4th Annual Lough Beltra_Workshop, Dublin, 23rd March 1988. pp. 104-112, Fisheries Research Centre, Department of the Marine.
Wilson, J. G. 1992. Studies on macrozoobenthos in Dublin Bay. In: Report of the workshop Intertidal Sediment Programme - COST 647_Coastal Benthic Ecology Activity Report 1988-1991., Keegan, B. F. (ed.) . Brussels, Commission of the European Communities pp.  269.
Wilson, J. G. & Parkes, A. 1998. Network analysis of the energy flow through the Dublin Bay ecosystem. Biology and Environment: Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy 98B(3): 179-190.


Location:
Clare Island, Co. Mayo.  Late entry not on map.

Brief description:
Exposed offshore island on the west cost of Ireland.

Habitats Present:
Intertidal and subtidal wave exposed rocky reefs.  Intensive research was carried out in the early 20th Century when an inventory of all species was made both in the marine and terrestrial environments.  Clare Island cliffs are a candidate SAC.

Information available:
Collins, T. 1996. The Clare Island Survey 1909-1911:  An early multidisciplinary success story. In: Irish Marine Science 1995, Keegan, B. F., O'Connoer, R. (ed.) . Galway, Galway University Press Ltd. pp.  85-98.
Cronin, M., Cussen, R., Delany, J., Myers, A., O'Riordan, R. & McGrath, D. 1995. Rocky shore ecology on Clare Island, off the west coast of Ireland. Fifth Environmental Researchers' Colloquium, University College_Cork, January 1995.


Location:
Killary Harbour, Co. Galway.  Late entry not on map.

Brief description:
A long narrow marine inlet, the only fjord in Ireland.

Habitats Present:
Wave exposed rocky reefs at the entrance to the inlet with progressively more sheltered conditions toward the head.  Diverse sediment habitats throughout the inlet.

Information available:
Booth, D. A. 1975. The water structure and circulation of Killary Harbour and of Galway Bay. M.Sc Thesis thesis.
Keegan, B. F., Dinneen, P. & Neiland, S. 1987. Marine benthic recharacterising surveys 1986 Killary Harbour and the Bandon Estuary/Kinsale Harbour approach. Lough Beltra 1986 Proceedings of the 3rd Annual Lough Beltra Workshop, Galway, 25 February 1987., Dublin, National Board for Science and Technology.
Keegan, B. F., O'Connor, B. D., McGrath, D., Dinneen, P., O Céidigh, E. & Leighton, P. 1992. Comparison and interpretation of infaunal distribution patterns in Killary Harbour (west coast of Ireland) as revealed by "traditional" sampling and by sediment profile imaging (REMOTS). Lough Beltra 1988. Proceedings of the 5th Annual Lough Beltra Workshop, Galway, 5th and 6th April 1989., Dublin, Fisheries Research Centre, Department of the Marine.


Location:
Kenmare River, Co. Kerry/Cork.  Late entry not on map.

Brief description:
Drowned river valley with numerous islets and islands.

Habitats Present:
High diversity of sublittoral and littoral habitats from wave exposed and sheltered rocky shores.  Proposed candidate Special Area of Conservation.

Information available:
de Grave, S. 1990. Sublittoral survey of selected sites in Roaringwater Bay, Berehaven (Bantry Bay) and Kenmare River, BIM.


Institution:
Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Uomo e dell'Ambiente

Brief description:
This is the largest system of marine protected areas in Europe; it has extensive rocky coasts providing diversified assemblages of animals and plants. It is an ideal system to test hypotheses about the influence of anthropogenic and natural processes on changes in marine biodiversity at a hierarchy of spatial and temporal scales.

Justification:
The Tuscany Archipelago comprises totally pristine islands and islands that are moderately urbanised. The influence of anthropogenic disturbance can be assessed within the Archipelago as well as within single islands that have both no-access and reference areas.

Habitats Present:
Rocky shores are the prevailing habitat, but they host a variety of assemblages dominated by encrusting and canopy algae, gastropods, sponges and seagrasses. Remnant populations of endemic Mediterranean species, such as the giant limpet Patella ferruginea, still thrive on these shores.

Information available:
Several lists of species have been published for different assemblages. Measures of variation for populations and assemblages are available at spatial scales ranging from a few centimetres apart up to 100’s of km over a period of 4 yrs. Manipulative experiments repeated at different places and times have generated some understanding of the roles of recruitment, grazing and competition in maintaining patterns of biodiversity.

Legislative protection:
The MPAs in the Tuscany Archipelago are actively surveilled by the governement authority

Facilities available & accessibility:
The University of Pisa can provide all the logistical support necessary to conduct the field work, including accommodation on islands, room to set up temporary laboratories and boats.

2nd Questionaire:
http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire B-Cecchi.doc#http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire B-Cecchi.doc#


Institution:
Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Regional Office

Brief description:
Outer coastal area characterised by islands, fjords and sounds. Fixed stations for long-term monitoring of hard-bottom species communities (0-30 m) and soft-bottom macrofaunal communities (50-300 m)

Justification:
The area is representative of the natural conditions in the eastern North Sea. There are no larger settlements or industrial plants discharging wastewater in the area, but fish farming may locally affect sheltered habitats.

Habitats Present:
The dominant bottom types are hard-bottom and coralline sand from intertidal to shallow subtidal, and mixed and muddy soft-bottoms in locally sheltered and off-shore areas. Large areas are dominated by kelp forest. Generally, a variety of benthic habitat types is found.

Information available:
The area is part of the most extensively studied marine region in Norway (more than 2200 benthic evertebrates and 300 benthic macroalgae registered). Quantitative sampling at fixed stations has been carried out yearly since 1990 during the Norwegian Coastal Monitoring Programme. There are much information on phytoplankton, zooplankton, fish and some groups of microorganisms. Supporting data on physical/chemical oceanography is comprehensive. Much of the data are published.

Legislative protection:
Presently there is no protection other than imposed by Norwegian nature management regulations, but parts of the area have been proposed for conservation in an official exposition prepared for Norwegian nature management authorities.

Facilities available & accessibility:
There are excellent facilities for research at the University of Bergen and the belonging field station ‘Espegrend’ located about 30 km from the nearest part of the study area. Accomodation is available. In the area, good facilites for working with living specimens are offered by Austevoll Aquaculture Station. In addition, there are several smaller laboratories and research units with equipment for sampling and sample processing in the area.


Brief description:
Fixed stations for long-term monitoring of hard-bottom species communities (0-30 m), soft-bottom macrofaunal communities (50-350 m) and phytoplankton species composition (0-30 m).

Habitats Present:
The coastal area is characterised by islands, fjords and sounds. The dominant habitats are hard-bottoms from intertidal to shallow subtidal and muddy soft-bottoms in fjords and off-shore areas. Scattered intertidal soft-bottoms and sandy beaches are found in locally protected areas.

Information available:
Quantitative sampling at fixed stations has been carried out yearly since 1990 during the Norwegian Coastal Monitoring Programme. Data are published currently in programme reports, whereas scientific publication is in progress. Supporting data on physical/chemical oceanography, zooplankton and primary production are sampled extensively in the programme and at the co-located Arendal-Hirtshals (Denmark) oceanographic transect.

Facilities available & accessibility:
There are several laboratories and research units in the area which are well equipped for sampling, sample sorting and species identification and offer facilities for working with living specimens. The most important units are NIVA (regional office) and Flødevigen Research Station.


Brief description:
Fixed stations for long-term monitoring of hard-bottom species communities (0-30 m) and soft-bottom macrofaunal communities (120-400 m).

Habitats Present:
The coastal area is mostly open, characterised by rocky headlands and sandy beaches. Subtidal sediments in fjords and off-shore habitats vary from sand and coralline sand to sand-mixed mud and fine mud.

Information available:
Quantitative sampling at fixed stations has been carried out yearly since 1990 during the Norwegian Coastal Monitoring Programme. Data are published currently in programme reports, whereas scientific publication is in progress. Supporting data on physical and chemical oceanography are collected in the programme.

Facilities available & accessibility:
There are currently no research units offering good facilities for biodiversity research in the area, but smaller commercial industry labs are found. Nearest suitable facilities are found in Arendal (150 km) or Stavanger (150 km).


Brief description:
Existing monitoring programme since 1975 that covers the pollution status of the fjord mainly due to eutrophication.  Monitoring of phytoplankton, chlorophyll a and nutrients in the upper 2-metre approx. 15 times every year in the period 1975-2000.

Information available:
Lists of phytoplankton-species are available for the whole period.  Data on hyperbenthos, soft-bottom fauna, shallow water samples of fauna, lower growth limit of benthic algea, horisontal distribution and abundance of fucoids, micropollutants in organisms, deep-water exchange and oxygen conditions are available.


Brief description:
Fjords along the Western coast of Norway with a wide variety of interesting and diverse habitats.

Information available:
Lists of phytoplankton, benthic algae and soft- and hardbottom fauna exists from several of the fjords.


Brief description:
Middle of NE Atlantic. Remote from continental slope/mid-ocean ridge.  Main ecological driver – large-scale, decadal/spatial variability in OM supply.

Justification:
No anthropogenic impact.  Pristine site with major natural control from input of OM controlled by climate effect on primary productivity. Low physical disturbance

Habitats Present:
Relatively simple environment representative of a vast area (c. the size of Europe).  Soft sediment.  Small-scale biological structuring by burrows, tracks & mounds.

Information available:
Unique 10-year deep-sea time series covering microbiology (in part), protozoan and metazoan meiofauna, macrofauna, invertebrate megafauna, benthopelagic fauna (in part) and fish (in part).  Longer, but irregular, time series over 24-year period.  Evidence of major, long-term, natural faunal regime shifts (Billett et al., in press).

Legislative protection:
Proposed as site for High Seas Marine Protection Area.  Little likelihood of any anthropogenic impact apart from scientific research.  Vast area, no commercial value.

Facilities available & accessibility:
SOC/NERC George Deacon Division for Ocean Processes, Core Strategic Project committed to study long-term change at this site with regular cruises for sampling.


Location:
Ria Formosa lagoon, South coast of Portugal

Brief description:
A mesotidal lagoon extending for about 55 km on the south coast of Portugal

Justification:
Despite 3 towns on its border, there is no major industrial activity or major harbours; only small scale fishing activity in the lagoon; no permanent rivers drain into the system

Habitats Present:
salt marshes, seagrass beds, mud and sand flats, deep channels, artificial hard substrates (piles of bridges, harbour construction, piers)

Information available:
Since the 40ies of this century research on the fauna and flora has been going on, re-inforced by the construction of the University of Algarve and declaration of the Ria Formosa as a Natural Park in the 80ies. Abreu & Machado (2000) compiled 77 references on benthic, 14 on planktonic aspects, 14 on fish species in the Ria Formosa

Legislative protection:
Creation of the Natural Park Ria Formosa in the late 80ies; makes part of the International Conservation Network and considered in the Ramsar Convention and in the Special Bird Protection Area by Community Directive 79/409/EEC; classified as Site of Special Interest for Nature Conservation (Site 13 of the preliminary list for the NATURA 2000 Network)

Facilities available & accessibility:
University of Algarve with laboratories and boat facilities equipped for research on benthic and planktonic communities and fish fauna, with a recently constructed library for documentation (Faro). 
Centro de Ciências do Mar associated to the University of Algarve with the field station Ramalhete with facilities for in situ research in the lagoon. 
Administration of the Natural Park of the Ria Formosa with laboratory and boat facilities and a library for species documentation (Quinta de Marim)
IPIMAR with a branching in Olhão with research facilities and activities on exploitable marine species.


Location:
Costa Vicentina, South coast of Portugal

Brief description:
Steep rocky shore of different degree of wave exposure with sandy beeches of different extension

Habitats Present:
rocky shores habitats with different degree of exposure; subtidal kelp beds; sandy shores with different characteristics

Information available:
research on marine biodiversity has been intensified since the declaration of this coast line as natural park; activities at present by Portuguese Universities (Lisbon, Evora and Algarve) and enterprises (Fundação Oceanis)

Facilities available & accessibility:
The Natural Park acquired recently buildings where research on biodiversity should be incentivated. The Fundação Oceanis maintains an information centre with small laboratory facilities close to the habour of Sagres.


Location details:
The parallel 38o27'18"N to the point with coordinates 38o27'18"N-9o14'00"W, 2.2 nautical miles from shore.  The meridian 9o14'00" W to the point coordinates 38o23'54"N-9o14'00"W.  The parallel 38o23'54"N to the point with coordinates 38o23'54"N 9o11'42"W, 2/3 nautical miles from shore.  The line from this point to the no.2 Buoy mark of the Setubal stay-bar entrance.  The line from the no.2 Buoy mark, the no.4 Buoy mark and the pier of the Figueirinha beach.  Approximate point 38o16'00"N-9o05'oo"W

Brief description:
The first Marine Park (1998) of continental Portugal (57km2).  A great diversity of habitats and a high biodiversity in all groups of organisms studied so far.  Transitional zone with many species presenting their distributional limits in the region.  There is a nearby estuary with a resident population of 30 bottlenose dolphins that use the Marine Park.

Habitats Present:
Diverse rocky sublittoral habitats known to support a high marine biodiversity with uncalibrated rocky blocks resulting from the erosion of the calcareous cliffs forming a highly heterogeneous habitat, bed-rock habitats with contrasting exposure to the wave action (sheltered and exposed), some undisturbed beaches with medium boulders, and sandy bottoms.

Information available:
Reports dealing with fish communities and ichthyoplankton published or in preparation.  Several papers dealing with algae, benthic invertebrate and reef fish communities, fish ecology and conservation.

Legislative protection:
European:  The area is part of the EU Nature 2000 Network.  National:  The Portuguese law "Dec.Reg no 13/98 of 14th October" created the Marine Park and the Management Plan is currently under elaboration.  A small islet "Anicha" is already protected by legislation as Zoological Reserve (DL no 622/76 of 28th July).After the effective implementation of the protective measures (which include fully-protected reserves) this is a candidate primary site in the future (5-10 years)

Facilities available & accessibility:
There is an Oceanographic Museum from the Nature Conservancy Institute in the area with a small research facility, where our group have a diving operation unit.  The area is 45 min. from our Institute in Lisbon.


Location:
Parco “Regno di Nettuno” (Ischia Island, Naples, Italy)

Brief description:
several vegetated environments, from hard bottoms to seagrasses, from the surface to about 50m depht, under continuous monitoring. They will be protected in the next future according to the law.

Information available:
there is a huge literature on the various environments around the Island of Ischia, due to the intensive work of our laboratory in the last 20 years. Our database, containing about 2000 species, indicates that the main habitats typical of the bay of Naples are represented. This should justify relation to criteria 2, 3 and 5.

Additional information:
Web site: www.szn.it   Parco Regno di Nettuno: a huge literature data base was obtained and conserved at the Benthic Ecology Laboratory. The list will be available on request.


Location:
Banco di Santa Croce (Bay of Naples, Italy)

Brief description:
rock hills, in a small area, within a very polluted area. The hills are covered by thousands of benthic species, from gorgonians to red coral, from Paramuricea to sponges. The area is historically known for the abundance and diversity of fish species and hosts invertebrate species that were considered absent from the Thyrrenian sea. A recent study by our laboratory demonstrates that, besides the pollution characterizing the areas around, this is a true sanctuary for biodiversity and should be protected. Presently it is a biological surveilled area.

Information available:
according to our recent study, it contains any kind of habitat typical of hard bottoms in the Bay of Naples. It also contains species which were considered confined to the Adriatic Sea. A database was filled, containing about 600 species, deriving from a single (the first) sampling period of 1 year. We will continue monitoring the area, due to the high interest of these environments for the study of biodiversity and to understand the relationships between pollution and biodiversity.

Facilities available & accessibility:
Our Institution contains all minor (microscopes, computers, chemistry, etc.) and major (boats, TEM, SEM, molecular biology laboratories, libraries, etc.) facilities to investigate biodiversity in this area.

Additional information:
Web site: www.szn.it  Banco di Santa Croce: presently a single paper was published (Bussotti et al. 1999 – Preliminary biocenotic characterization of the protected area “Banco di Santa Croce” (Gulf of Naples, Italy) Biologia Marina Mediterranea 6(1): 133-135). Several other papers are in preparation.


Brief description:
Shiqmona reef is located at the margins of the headland formed by Mount Carmel, at the southern end of Haifa Bay and is composed of a series of offshore rounded platforms with raised rims, 20-30 m wide, running parallel to the coast to a length of 1500 m. The reef is built by sessile gastropods in the infralittoral fringe on an exposed rocky shore under high-energy conditions. The reef platforms are formed by the gregarious vermetids Dendropoma petraeum (Monterosato) and Vermetus triqueter (Bivona), endemic to the Mediterranean. Water depth at the reef's seaward face is 1-3 m. The porous structure of the vermetid reef and the underlining calcareous rocks allows for a rich community of endoliths: sponges, bivalves and crustaceans. The resulting local organic enrichment combined with the structural complexity of the edifice, has led to the establishment of an extraordinarily dense ichthyofauna of great diversity.  
The reef was built up as a result of the delicate balance between marine erosion, tectonic uplifting and biogenic growth. It is a remarkable ecosystem, whose uniqueness is due to the extensive, continuous area of vermetid reef, biogenic rocks and Upper Cretaceous calcareous rocks. The porosity of the rocks enabled the activity of in-living sponges, drilling bivalves and other animals, which has resulted in the development of a rich endolithic fauna. The high abiotic and biotic structural complexity of the reef has led to the establishment of an extraordinary diverse fauna with up to 30 species of fish, with a density of over a thousand fish per 100m2. 
The combination of a temperate biogeographic region with subtropical hydrological conditions (high temperature and salinity), inhabited originally by Atlanto – Mediterranean biota and exposed to the invasion of Red Sea species (Via Suez Canal), has formed a unique marine biotic community in the vermetid reef of Shiqmona.

Justification:
Shiqmona is only marginally utilized now for recreational activities, mainly by inhabitants of the neighboring residential areas (strolling, sunbathing & seabathing, wind- and body-surfing, recreational line-fishing). It has no economical use currently.

Habitats Present:
vermetid reef, rocky infralittoral, sandy bottoms.

Information available:
Terrestrial plants. The coastal zone at Shiqmona is narrow and much of it comes under sea spray, yet the list of flora includes 46 species. On sand, Sporobolus virginicus and Agropyron junceum dominate; on the shelly bottom Crithmum maritimum and Glaucium flavum; and among beach rock, Polygonum maritimum. In addition to the nationally protected Pancratium maritimum and Limonium sinuatum, the very rare Enarthrocarpus arcuatus and Polygonum maritimum are found in Shiqmona.

Algae. The algal coverage of vermetid reef and the adjacent hard bottom exceeds 90% in autumn and spring. The most common species were: in autumn Coralina elongata, in spring Saragassum species and throughout the year the species Jania rubens. Other common species were Acanthphora najadiformis, Amphiroa rigida, Centroceras clavulatum, Cystoceira spp. Entromorpha spp. Padina spp. Pterocladia capillacea, Sphacelaria spp. and Ulva spp. The list of algae at Shiqmona includes 57 species. See appendixes for the lists of the terrestrial plants and algae

Fish. Thirty-six fish species belonging to 15 families were identified at Shiqmona reef (see appendix on fish species). The families richest in members were the Blenniidae, Gobiidae and Sparidae, with 9, 4 and 3 species respectively. Four of the species (Pempheris vanicolensis, Siganus luridus, S. rivulatus and Atherinomorus lacunosus) are of Erythrean origin, yet none of the benthic fish were of Erythrean invaders.

Crustacea. Among the 24 species of decapod crustaceans collected at the vermetid reef, there are two Erythrean species, the snapping shrimps Alpheus audouini and A. inopinatus. Among the 11 amphipod species identified at Shiqmona reef, there is one endemic species Lysianassa caesarea.

Mollusca. Altogether 255 species were collected in Shiqmona, with 187 gastropod species, 66 bivalve species and 2 species of scaphopods. 850 molluscs are listed from the Mediterranean coast of Israel, the 1500 m long Shiqmona reef alone is home to more than a quarter of the number.

Ben Eliahu, N. M., 1975a. Polychaete cryptofauna from rims of similar intertidal vermetid reefs on the Mediterranean coast of Israel and in the Gulf of Elat: Sabellidae (Polychaeta Sedentaria), Israel Journal of Zoology, 24:54-70.
Ben Eliahu, N. M., 1975b. Polychaete cryptofauna from rims of similar intertidal vermetid reefs on the Mediterranean coast of Israel and in the Gulf of Elat: Nereidae (Polychaeta Errantia), Israel Journal of Zoology, 24:177-191.
Ben Eliahu, N. M. and U.N. Safriel, 1975. A comparison of species diversities of Polychaeta from rims of similar intertidal vermetid reefs on the Eastern Mediterranean and the Gulf of Elat. Proceedings of the 6th scientific conference of the Israel ecological society, pp. 26-37.
Ben Eliahu, N. M., 1976a. Polychaete cryptofauna from rims of similar intertidal vermetid reefs on the Mediterranean coast of Israel and in the Gulf of Elat: Serpulidae (Polychaeta Sedentaria), Israel Journal of Zoology, 25:103-119.
Ben Eliahu, N. M., 1976b. Errant polychaete cryptofauna (excluding Syllidae and Nereidae) from rims of similar intertidal vermetid reefs on the Mediterranean coast of Israel and in the Gulf of Elat. Israel Journal of Zoology, 25:156-177.
Ben Eliahu, N. M., 1977. A comparison of species diversities of polychaete cryptofauna from similar intertidal vermetid reefs on the Mediterranean coast of Israel and in the Gulf of Elat. Ph.D. Thesis., 123 pp.
Goren, M. & B. Galil. 1996. The Fish Community of Shiqmona Littoral.  Eighth
    Annual Symposium on The Mediterranean Continental Margin of Israel, 4
           June, Haifa (Abstract).
Goren, M. and B.S. Galil. Fish biodiversity in the vermetid reef of Shiqmona. Mar. Ecol.
            (in press).
Lundberg, B., Ogorek, R., B. Galil, M. Goren. Dietary choices of siganid fish at
           Shiqmona reef, Israel (in prep.).
Safriel, U. 1966. Recent vermetid formation on the Mediterranean shore of Israel Proceedings of the Malacological Society of London 37:27-34.
Safriel, U. N. 1975. The role of vermetid gastropods in the formation of 
            Mediterranean and Atlantic reefs. Oecologia 20: 85-101.

Legislative protection:
The Israeli planning system (under the Planning and Building law of 1965) incorporates regulations for environmental protection both in regional masterplans and in some specific projects. An environmental impact statement (EIS) has been a statutory requirement since 1982, for construction projects with anticipated significant environmental impacts. In 1983 a National Masterplan for the Mediterranean coast was affirmed. The Masterplan includes regulations on the preservation and protection of the natural coastline and beaches, on maintaining an open view to the sea and on free public passage to the beach. An additional part of the program was submitted in 1991, and includes a more detailed land-use assessment based on the land and sea uses database prepared by a professional multidisciplinary team. This revised program has not yet been affirmed. The first component of the reserve to receive protective legal status was the Tel Shiqmona (the archeological site) – which was proclaimed an antiquity site in 1967. 
The National Masterplan for the protection of areas (TAMA 8) was confirmed in 1981, and already included Shiqmona as a protected area, but solely the coastal part. The other masterplan for tourism (TAMA 13) included the marine part as well. In 1996 an integrated coastal-marine protected area program was submitted to the regional committee and was approved conditionally. In 1999 the legal procedure was resumed, and in December 2000 the local planning committee for the municipality of Haifa accepted the Shiqmona Reserve plan. The plan for Shiqmona reserve conforms to the above national masterplan (TAMA 13), and to the modification no. 1 that was affirmed in 1996 (TAMA 13A).       
        The Nature and Parks Authority is a governmental authority that has the full capacity to enforce the nature protection laws both in the marine and land environments. The authority wardens have the rights of police officers in conducting investigations and preventing any violence against nature or heritage assets.
        The Nature and Parks Authority (NPA) requires that there be a management program for any and all national parks and nature reserves. It is the responsibility of the NPA to run the declared and proposed (from a specific level) national parks and nature reserves. This is done through the six regional NPA offices that count 56 site managers and the district wardens. The NPA Law Enforcement Division is in charge of law enforcement in the 500 Israeli national parks and nature reserves, and the protection of nature assets countrywide. Enforcement is executed by the NPA regional administrations and wardens.
        The NPA Science Division is in charge of nature and heritage protection measures, while the Aquatic Ecology Department is in charge of all inland water sites (ca 160) and coastal and marine sites (Re sea and the Mediterranean (ca 40 sites). The AE Department is responsible for the initiation of studies and research for the promotion of the conservation of the biological diversity, and to maintain the habitat management.

Facilities available & accessibility:
The National Institute of Oceanography, part of Israel Oceanographic and
Limnological Research (IOLR) is situated just outside the Shiqmona Nature Reserve boundry. The institute houses the departments of Physical Oceanography, Marine Chemistry, Marine Geology and Marine Biology, as well as a library with 900 periodicals, 4,000 monographs and approximately 14,000 items on the Eastern Mediterranean. The major facilities available at the institute are 2 vessels (27 m R/V Shikmona; 10 m R/V Etziona) and zodiac-type inflatable; seawater system and experimental tanks; and an array of physical & chemical analytical instruments.

2nd Questionaire:
http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire Galil.doc#http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire Galil.doc#


Brief description:
A wide bay in West Iceland, holding numerous small islands and a variety of habitats. This bay has a highly diverse nature.

Justification:
There are only a few small towns in the bay, the larges with only around 1500 inhabitants

Habitats Present:
The bay holds a variety of habitat types. Extensive tidal flats, rocky shores, subtidal rocky bottoms, subtidal muddy bottoms, shell sand,

Information available:
Information mainly found in local reports.

Legislative protection:
Regional legislation will in the future see to that this area remains pristine. Part of the bay will in the future be a national park.

Facilities available & accessibility:
At Stykkishólmur, a small town in the bay, there has recently been establised a Nature Centre. At this centre two biologists will be located. These have good contacts with the Institute of Biology, University of Iceland.

2nd Questionaire:
http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire Svavarsson.doc#http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire Svavarsson.doc#


Brief description:
Exposed beaches of the outer Reykjanes peninsula in Southwest Iceland.

Habitats Present:
Generally rocky shore with diversity of animals and large biomass of algae.
Subtidal rocky bottoms with rich kelp forest, subtidal sandy and muddy bottoms.

Information available:
Information mainly available in local reports, some in Icelandic. Generally good information of biota.

Facilities available & accessibility:
The Sandgerði Marine Centre (SMC), Sandgerði, is in the middle of the area. At SMC there is accommodation for visiting scientists,  running sea-water, various sampling gear, etc. 
Institute of Biology, University of Iceland, in Reykjavík (additional facilities, hotels, etc.).


Institution:
Senckenberg Institute, Dept for Marine Research

Brief description:
Shallow area, depth between 18-40m, fine sands

Justification:
Compared to the southern North Sea the Dogger Bank is only poorly fished. Fishing occurs only at the deeper borders of the bank but hardly on the entire bank. The area is a transitional zone between water masses from the North and the South. This makes it very interesting regarding the biodiversity of macrofauna with different zoogeographical distribution. Our long-term comparisons reflect nicely effects of climate (NAOI) e.g. temperature, changing water masses, increasing hydrodynamics on the macrofauna distribution.

Habitats Present:
Bathyporeia-Fabulina community on top of the Dogger Bank, the southern and northern Amphiura filiformis communities at the borders

Information available:
Publications from the 20-ies, the 50-ies. My own investigations from 1985 to 1987 as well as recently from 1996 to 1999 on macrofauna abundance, species number and biomass. Several publications are available.

Legislative protection:
European. There are rumours that the Dogger Bank might become a protected area on an international basis

Facilities available & accessibility:
We will continue to sample the area. Beside our own taxonomic expertise, taxonomic background from Senckenberg Institute in Frankfurt and in future by the new Senckenberg branch “German Centre for Marine Biodiversity”, located here in Wilhelmshaven, is available.


Location:
North of the East Frisian Island of Norderney

Brief description:
depth between 10-20m, fine sands, high hydrodynamics

Justification:
The area is only poorly fished. Hydrodynamic is an important factor in the area. Makes it very interesting according to sea level pressure etc. Our long-term series reflects nicely effects of climate e.g. increasing hydrodynamics on the macrofauna

Information available:
Several older and recent papers on the long-term variability of macrofauna abundance, species number and biomass for each quarter from 1978 until today are available

Facilities available & accessibility:
We will continue to sample the area continuously. Beside our own taxonomic expertise, taxonomic background from Senckenberg Institute in Frankfurt and in future by the new Senckenberg branch “German Centre for Marine Biodiversity”, located here in Wilhelmshaven, is available.


Brief description:
The Jade Bay is a fully marine tidal flat embayment. Depth between 0 and 20m.

Habitats Present:
Different macrofauna communities according to water depth

Information available:
Long-term data sets for macrofauna and epifauna abundance, species number and biomass. A new large scale investigation is planned. Several publications since the 30-ies are available.


Brief description:
Sandy barrier island in the northern Wadden Sea, with sandy and muddy tidal flats, seagrass beds, mussel beds, salt marshes, sandy beaches, sandy subtidal.

Justification:
Low economic impact, fisheries: moderate, no major local sources of pollutants and nutrients, eutrophication:moderate.

Habitats Present:
Sandy and muddy tidal flats, seagrass beds, mussel beds, salt marshes, sandy beaches, sandy subtidal, well mixed, shallow coastal water.  Salinity about 30.

Information available:
Many taxonomic studies, particularly on meiofauna and phytoplankton.  Ecological research dates back to Mobius (1877) and has yielded may species lists.  Several time series available since the mid 80s (eg nutrients, phytoplankton, zooplankton, macrobenthos).  A comprehensive list of Sylt-related publications is given in:Okosystem Wattenmeer: Austausch-, Transport- und Stoffumwandlungsprozesse (1998), Ed: C.Gatje & K. Reise, Springer Verlag, Berlin.

Legislative protection:
National Park Law (National), National Nature Reserve (National), FFH/Habitats Directive (EU), Bird Directive (EU), MaB Biosphere Reserve (UN)

Facilities available & accessibility:
Marine laboratories of the Wattenmeerstation Sylt (AWI) with boat access to the sublittoral, free access to tidal flats, guest researchers facilities including a dormitory, several special laboratories, temperature constant rooms, running seawater, SEM.

2nd Questionaire:
http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire Reise.doc#http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire Reise.doc#


Brief description:
A natural brackish water biotope, very shallow, several freshwater inflows.

Justification:
Very high primary production due to shallow hydrography and eutrophication, tourism, important bird area, this area is really something in respect to genesis and natural settlement of animals in the Baltic.

Habitats Present:
Brackish water "lakes" with increasing salinities from 0 to 10 psu, large areas of reeds

Information available:
Several publications about this region in respect to biology, hydrography and tourism, eg. Special issue of "Meer und Museum" Vol 16 (2001)

Legislative protection:
National and European protection, National Park, FFH

Facilities available & accessibility:
University of Rostock, Nationalparkverwaltung in Born, Meersmuseum Stralsund, Baltic Sea Research Institute.


Brief description:
Shallow area (7-9m) in the Pomeranian Bay, sandy substrate.

Habitats Present:
Very important area for water birds, hilltop, high abundances and biomasses of macrozoobenthos, low species diversity due to low salinity (app.8psu)

Information available:
Study of Bundesamt fur Naturschutz, Vilm (planned BSPA), Baltic Sea Research Institute (study within TRUMP project).


Brief description:
The Mecklenburg Bight belongs to the transition area between Kiel Bay an Kleiner Belt in the West and Kadetrinne and Sund in the East with medium salinities between 15 and 25 PSU. The mean water depth is 15-20 m (with 30 m in maximum).

Justification:
high biodiversity at reef like structures (Grund and Bänke), the area below 20 m (biggest part of the Mecklenburg Bight) silty sediments and sometime oxygen depressions, marine character in regions below 15 m because of highest salinity (Brackwassersubmergenz)

Habitats Present:
Off shore area more marine (indicator are Arctica islandica, Ophiura albida, Diastylis rathkei), coastal areas high diverse due to boulder grounds, Zostera beds and Mytilus banks, FFH and BSPA in the Wismar Bay, a part of the Mecklenburg Bight

Information available:
Several publications about this regions in respect to biology, hydrography and tourism, e.g. Schulz, S. (1969). Das Makrozoobenthos der südlichen Ostsee (Mecklenburger Bucht und angrenzende Meeresgebiete). Beiträge zur Meereskunde 26: 21-46
Zettler, M.L., Bönsch, R., Gosselck, F. (2000). Verbreitung des Makrozoobenthos in der Mecklenburger Bucht (südliche Ostsee) - rezent und im historischen Vergleich. Meereswissenschaftliche Berichte 42: 144pp

Legislative protection:
BSPA and FFH: Wismarbucht
Planned BSPA: Walkyriengrund, Sagasbank, Staberhuk, Kadetrinne
Planned FFH: Sagsbank, Lübeck Bay

Facilities available & accessibility:
The Mecklenburg Bight belongs to one of the best investigated areas within the Baltic. The Baltic Sea Research Institute focussed the studies in the last 5 years to this area. One HELCOM monitoring (Macrozoobenthos) station is situated in the Mecklenburg Bight. Sdeveral chemical and physical HELCOM monitoring stations are distributed over the whole Bight.
Baltic Sea Research Institute, Warnemünde: macrozoobenthos, chemestry, physics, hydrogrpahy, geology, modelling
Meersmuseum Stralsund: mainly marine mammals
Bundesamt für Naturschutz, Vilm: protection and conservation policy
Landesmat für Umwelt, Natur und Geologie (LUNG), Güstrow: coastal monitoring
Institut für Ostseefischerei, Rostock-Marienehe: fish and fishery

2nd Questionaire:
http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire Zettler.doc#http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire Zettler.doc#


Location details:
Southeastern North Sea (German Bight), from 54°20’ N and 07°33’ E to 54° 26’ N and 08°07’ E, to 54°04’N and 08°07’ E, to 54°15’ N and  07°33’ E (identical with proposed European FFH area); 
Helgoland Island: 54°11’N and 07°53’E

Brief description:
The Helgoland area in the inner German Bight comprises all typical sublittoral and the majority of littoral habitats of the southeastern North Sea including unique rocky substrates at Helgoland proper which are completely lacking elsewhere in the area and therefore constitute an oasis-type habitat for a rich benthic flora and fauna

Justification:
Helgoland is situated 35 naut. m away from the coast, outside of the main shipping routes and predominantly outside of the direct influences of the Elbe/Weser-River-inflow into the German Bight. The island complex itself is a protected nature reserve.

Habitats Present:
Main habitats according to European FFH-Directive, Annex I: 	
1110  	- Sandbanks,  partly with reef-like charakter   (1170)
1140	- Sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide
1170	- Reefs: rocky and stony sublittoral and littoral habitats 
1210/20   -   Sea cliffs and shingle or stony beaches with:
- 1210 Annual vegetation of drift lines (incl. specific fauna)
- 1220 Perennial vegetation (incl. fauna) of stony banks
1230    - Vegetated sea cliffs
in addition: 	Coastal dunes and specific terrestrial habitats
as well as sandy, gravelly, mixed and very fine sedimentary 
sublittoral habitats (with Nucula-, Amphiura- and Tellina-associations),
The Helgoland cliffs and larger area are the sole breeding place and important feeding area of a suite of pelagic sea bird species in the Southern North Sea (Bird Protection Legislation 79/409/EWG)

Information available:
Comprehensive papers, partly based on local taxonomic research since 1892:
Harms (1993): overall inventory; Bartsch & Kuhlenkamp (2000): macroalgae; Salzwedel et al. (1985): sublittoral invertebrates; Rachor et al. (1998): Red List species; Hüppop (1997): sea birds,  Herbarium of macroalgae 1892-dato as reference material
Long Term Observation Series:  microbes, pelagic-benthic organisms, abiotic factors since 1961:Greve et al. 1996; Hickel et al. 1993, 1997; Wichels et al.1998 Details: see Literature Annex

Legislative protection:
German (regional) Legislation: Nature Reserve (the rocky eu- and sublittoral inshore area of Helgoland); Bird Sanctuary. A proposal to the European Commission for a larger area has been made within the FFH-framework (Rachor & Günther, in press)

Facilities available & accessibility:
Ideally equipped to study biodiversity year-round in protected surroundings in combination with process studies etc. in:
Modern marine laboratories, extensive maintenance and mesocosm facilities with running seawater and temp.-constant labs., and labs.  for Molec. Biol., Physiology, Biochemistry, Histology, TEM, Laser-M;
2 larger 2 small Res. Vessels; Sci. Diving Group; free access to tidal areas; guest researcher and teaching facilities incl. dormitories; fully equipped library. 
Cooperation with local Bird Observatory.

Additional information:
Bartsch, I. & R. Kuhlenkamp: The marine macroalgae of Helgoland (North Sea): an annotated list of records between 1845 and 1999. – Helgol. Mar. Res. 54: 160-189.
Caspers, H. (1938): Die Bodenfauna der Helgoländer Tiefen Rinne. - Helgoländer wiss. Meeresuntersuchungen 2, 1-112.
Drebes, G.,1974. Marines Phytoplankton, Eine Auswal der Helgoländer Planktonalgen (Diatomeen, Peridineen). Book. Thieme Verlag.
Gillandt, L. (1979): Zur Ökologie der Polychaeten des Helgoländer Felslitorals. - Helgoländer wiss. Meeresunters. 32: 1-35.
 Eilers Heike, Jakob Pernthaler, Jörg Peplies, Frank Oliver Glöckner,  Gunnar Gerdts,  Christian Schütt, and Rudolf Amann. (2001) Seasonal dynamics of cultured and uncultured pelagic bacteria in the North Sea.Appl. Environ. Microbiol, submitted
Greve,-W.; Reiners,-F.; Nast,-J.(1996): Biocoenotic changes of the zooplankton in the German Bight: the possible effects of eutrophication and climate ICES 53: 951-956
Harms, J. (1993): Check list of species (algae, invertebrates and vertebrates found in the  vicinity of the island of Helgoland (North Sea, German Bight) - a review of recent records. - Helgoländer Meeresunters. 47: 1-34.
Hickel, W., Eickhoff, M., Spindler, M., Berg, J., Raabe, T. & Müller, R., 1997.Auswertungen von Langzeit-Untersuchungen von Nährstoffen und Phytoplankton in der Deutschen Bucht. UBA-FB 96-057.
Hickel, W., Mangelsdorf, P.& Berg, J., 1993. The human impact in the German Bight: Human impact during three decades (1962-1991). Helg.Meeresunters. 47: 243-263.
Hüppop, O. (1997): Langzeit-Veränderungen der Brutbestände Helgoländer See- und Küstenvögel. [Long-term changes in the numbers of breeding seabirds at the island of 
Helgoland, German Bight (North Sea)].Seevögel 18: 38-44.
Janke, K. (1986): Die Makrofauna und ihre Verteilung im Nordost-Felswatt von Helgoland. - Helgoländer Meeresunters. 40, 1-55.
Kühne, S. & E. Rachor (1996): The macrofauna of a stony sand area in the German Bight. - Helgoländer Meeresunters. 50, 433-452.
Nordheim, H. von & T. Merck (Hrsg., 1995): Rote Liste der Biotoptypen, Tier- und Pflanzenarten des deutschen Wattenmeer- und Nordseebereichs. - Schr.-Reihe Landschaftspflege Naturschutz, Heft 44, 1-139.
Rachor, E. et al. (1998): Rote Liste der bodenlebenden wirbellosen Meerestiere. - In: Bundesamt für Naturschutz, Bonn (Hrsg.): Rote Liste gefährdeter Tiere Deutschlands. - Schr.-Reihe Landschaftspflege Naturschutz, Heft 55: 290-300.
Salzwedel, H., Rachor, E. & D. Gerdes (1985): Benthic macrofauna communities in the German Bight. - Veröff. Institut Meeresforschung Bremerhaven 20, 199-267.
Wichels, A., Biel, S.S., Gelderblom, H.R., Brinkhoff, T., Muyzer, G. and
Schütt ,C. (1998) Bacteriophage Diversity in the North Sea. Appl Environ
Microbiol 64: 4128-4133

2nd Questionaire:
http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire Buchholz.doc#http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire Buchholz.doc#


Information available:
Monthly to yearly sampling  30 years min.  Relevant publications by Dr. Ruhmohv et al. HelCom database


Brief description:
Fjord-like inlet of the White Sea with a numerous small islands. Region is situated 30 km apart from the North Polar Circle

Justification:
The site is situated in the region with very low industrial and agricultural activities. 
The most proximate settlement is more than 30 km apart from the site.

Habitats Present:
A variety of intertidal habitats (rocky shores, sandy, muddy and stony beaches), subtidal habitats typical for the region are present up to more than 100 m depth.

Information available:
V.Berger, S.Dahle, K.Galaktionov, X.Kosobokova, A.Naumov, T.Rat’kova, V.Savinov, T.Savinova. 2001. White Sea. Ecology and environment. – Derzavets Publisher. St. Petersburg – Tromsø. 157 p.

Facilities available & accessibility:
White Sea Biological Station of Zoological Institute is situated in the region.
The Station holds wide facilities for research work both field and laboratory, including 2 research vessels, motorboats, sampling and diving equipment, isothermic rooms and other laboratory equipment and chemicals.
 White Sea Biological Station of Zoological Institute is situated in the region.
The Station holds wide facilities for research work both field and laboratory, including 2 research vessels, motorboats, sampling and diving equipment, isothermic rooms and other laboratory equipment and chemicals.
 White Sea Biological Station of Zoological Institute is situated in the region.
The Station holds wide facilities for research work both field and laboratory, including 2 research vessels, motorboats, sampling and diving equipment, isothermic rooms and other laboratory equipment and chemicals.
 White Sea Biological Station of Zoological Institute is situated in the region.
The Station holds wide facilities for research work both field and laboratory, including 2 research vessels, motorboats, sampling and diving equipment, isothermic rooms and other laboratory equipment and chemicals.
 White Sea Biological Station of Zoological Institute is situated in the regio.  The station holds wide facilities for research work both field and laboratory, including 2 research vessels, motorboats, sampling and diving equipment, isothermic rooms and other laboratory equipment and chemicals.


Location:
Keret’ River Estuary Kandalaksha Bay, White Sea

Brief description:
Estuary of one of the biggest river in the region. Characterises with a salinity gradient from 0 to 25‰.

Habitats Present:
A number of typical habitats including sandy and stony intertidal habitats and shallow subtidal ones are present in the site.

Information available:
The biodiversity of the site is studied for decades by the researchers and students from St.Petersburg University.

Facilities available & accessibility:
The scientific facilities can be provided by the White Sea Biological Station of the Zoological Institute (see Primary Site).


2nd Questionaire:
#http://www.pml.ac.uk/biomare/docs/Second questionnaire V. Urgorri et al.doc#


Brief description:
Represent the deeper part (80 m) of the Gulf of Finland in the northern Baltic Sea. The site is characterised by temporal anoxic condition due to the natural variability in salinity stratification of the gulf.

Habitats Present:
The site is characterised by soft bottoms (silt and clayey silt), which is considered typical in deeper parts of the northern Baltic Sea.

Information available:
The benthic invertebrates has been monitored since the 1980s. Since 1993 together with benthic invertebrates pelagic parameters (water physical and chemical properties, phytoplankton, zooplankton) have been studied. The site is included into Estonian National Monitoring Programme.

Facilities available & accessibility:
Availability of vessels at Tallinn Port to conduct research on marine biodiversity. During ice-free season (March to November) the site is visited once to twice a month.


Brief description:
Located in the Cretan Sea, proximal to the capital of Crete, Heraklion. A small island (Dia) is included in the site.

Habitats Present:
Hard substrate: Photophilic Algae biocoenosis (AP); Calcareous substrates (coralligenous assemblages).
Soft substrate: sediment type ranging from muddy sand to sand, gravely sand and sandy gravel.

Information available:
Technical report and published scientific papers:
1. Karakassis, I., Smith, C.J. & A. Eleftheriou. 1996. Performance of neutral model analysis in a spatio-temporal series of macrobenthic replicates. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 137: 173-179.
2. Lambadariou, N., Austen, M.C., Robertson, N. & G. Vlachonis. 1997. Analysis of meiobenthic community structure in relation to pollution and disturbance in Iraklion harbour, Greece. Vie et Milieu, 47: 9-24.
3. Karakassis, I. & A. Eleftheriou. 1997. The continental shelf of Crete: structure of macrobenthic communities. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 160: 185-196.
4. Danovaro, R., Tselepides, A., Otegui, A. & N. della Croce. 2000. Dynamics of meiofaunal assemblages on the continetal shelf and deep-sea sediments of the Creatn Sea (NE Mediterranean): relationships with seasonal changes in food supply. Progress in Oceanography, 46: 367-400.
5. Tselepides, A., Papadopoulou, K.-N., Podaras, D., Plaiti W. & D. Koutsoubas. 2000. Macrobenthic community structure over the continental margin of Crete (South Aegean Sea, NE Mediterranean). Progress in Oceanography, 46: 401-428.
6. Kallianiotis, A., Sophronodis, K., P. Vidoris. & A. Tselepides. 2000. Demersal fish and megafaunal assemblages on the Cretan continental shelf and slope (NE Mediterranean): seasonal variation in species density, biomass and diversity. Progress in Oceanography, 46: 429-455.
7. Karakasis, I. & A. Eleftheriou. 1998. The continental Shelf of Crete: The Benthic Environment. Pablicazzioni della Stazione Zoologica di Napoli, Italy: Marine Ecology 19: 263-277.

Facilities available & accessibility:
The IMBC is located on the Port of Heraklion. 
Almost all kind of facilities for the study of Marine Biodiversity can be found in the installations of the IMBC.


Brief description:
he proposed site is relatively sheltered and shallow part of the NE Gulf of Riga that lacks of thermocline in the warm season.

Habitats Present:
the site with surrounding area has variety of soft-bottom habitats characteristic for the Gulf of Riga.

Information available:
Species composition and abundance of benthic invertebrates, zooplankton and ichthyoplankton is available since 1950s and mysids since 1972. In addition, phytoplankton, ciliate and fish taxonomic data is available for shorter time periods. The site is included into Estonian National Monitoring Programme.

Facilities available & accessibility:
Pärnu Field Station (Estonian Marine Institute, University of Tartu) with its laboratories and boats carry out field works in the ice-free season in the proposed site (for some parameters on weekly basis).


Location:
Natural Monument Cape Madona & Nature Reserve Strunjan, Slovenian coastal Sea, Gulf of Trieste, Slovenia.

Brief description:
Sanctuaries located off the old city of Piran, high diversity of habitat types.

Habitats Present:
Hard substrata: Photophilic algae biocoenosis, 
calcareus substrata (precoralligen), 
sandstone boulders, 
sandstone walls,
 Soft substrata: wide range of soft substrata with fine sand and mud. 
Seagrass meadows of Cymodocea nodosa

Information available:
(a) Historical data 		- historical data as early as from 1860 (for wider area of 
the Gulf of Trieste),
- own data since 1962 on flora, fauna and environmental 
parameters  
(b) ongoing monitoring		ongoing monitoring from 1989

Selected reports and publications: 

Lipej, L., M. Orlando & R. Turk. 2000. Assessment of the status of the marine and coastal species listed in the new SPA protocol. Marine biological station. National Institute of biology. 82 pp. 

Lipej, L., M. Orlando, 2001.  Comparative analysis of the marine biodiversity of two marine protected areas in the Gulf of Trieste. Report for the International Oceanographic Committee, Marine biological station. National Institute of biology. 82 pp. (In Slovenian)

Matjašic, J., J. Štirn, A. Avcin, L. Kubik, T. Valentincic, F. Velkovrh & S. Vukovic. 1975.  Flora and fauna of the Northern Adriatic. Dissertationes SAZU, 75 pp. (In Slovenian)

Vrišer B. & Vukovic A., 1996. Taxonomic inventarisation, biocoenosis evaluation and mapping at the Natural monument Cape Mkadona. Marine biological station. National Institute of biology.  (In Slovenian)

Turk, R. & A. Vukovic, 1994. Preliminary inventarisation and topographical survey of flora and fauna in the marine nature reserve Strunjan. Annals for Istran and Mediterranean Studies 4: 101- 112. (In Slovenian)

Facilities available & accessibility:
(5) Facilities	Marine Biological Station of the National Institute of biology is located very close to the proposed reference site (< 5 km of distance). The facilities of the MBS:
a. own research boats and other equipment for field work
b. continuous access to the area
c. available accommodation
d. available training education
e. available high tech equipment  (near –site located oceanographic buoy, continuously measuring the oceanographic and meteorological parameters, specialized video-equipment) and other research equipment (AAS, microscopes, HPLC, GS/MS). 

(6). Commitment	

(7) Biogeographic representativeness	 

a. Occurrence of some internationally recognized rare species in the area (according to the RAC/SPA Protocol)
b. Unique habitats in the northernmost part of the Adriatic (and Mediterranean as well)(for example precoralligen)
c. Due to the high diversity of habitats, its depth range and peculiar geologic and geomorphologic properties, the site could be descriped as a biodiversity hotspot for the northern Adriatric.
d. Due to its particular fauna and flora the site is considered to be of special interest for the state and for the region.

Additional information:
7) Biogeographic representativeness	 

a. Occurrence of some internationally recognized rare species in the area (according to the RAC/SPA Protocol)
b. Unique habitats in the northernmost part of the Adriatic (and Mediterranean as well)(for example precoralligen)
c. Due to the high diversity of habitats, its depth range and peculiar geologic and geomorphologic properties, the site could be descriped as a biodiversity hotspot for the northern Adriatric.
d. Due to its particular fauna and flora the site is considered to be of special interest for the state and for the region.


Location:
Rdum Majjiesa, west coast of the island of Malta, Malta.

Brief description:
Located on the western coast of the island of Malta, the main island of the Maltese group. The site extends along approximately 11km of north to south trending coastline and its outer boundary follows the 50m depth contour; the area thus covers a total of 4.75km² of seabed.

Habitats Present:
The shore is characterised by various biotopes, including sandy and cobble beaches, boulder screes, sheer cliffs (sisien), and cliffs with surrounding boulder screes (rdum).
Marine habitats include: bare sandy bottoms, rock with photophilic algae, seagrass (Cymodocea and Posidonia) meadows, sciaphilic assemblages on rock, caves, maerl.

Information available:
Pirotta, K. & Schembri, P.J. (2000) Report on surveys of the bathymetry, submarine geophysical features, seascapes and benthic biotic assemblages of the area from Rdum Majjiesa to Raheb Cave on the northwestern coast of the island of Malta, designated as a candidate Marine Conservation Area. Unpublished report prepared as part of Project Activity 3.6: Marine Conservation Areas, Coastal Area Management Programme For Malta (CAMP Malta) [United Nations Environment Programme, Mediterranean Action Plan and Government of Malta]; 64pp. + Plates 1-114 + Figs 1-11.

Facilities available & accessibility:
The University of Malta is located some 15km from the site.


