Marine biodiversity and conservation
Information on the marine biodiversity of the British Isles and surrounding seas. Species and habitats are listed separately. The information is presented in 'summary' and 'review' format. Summary information includes images, description, distribution, and any important characteristics of the species and habitat, similar to that found in an ID guide. The 'reviews' examine the biology or ecology, sensitivity and importance of a species or habitat. In all cases, terms are defined online, and a full bibliography is provided together with links to further information.
Species
View information on over 900 species below. The species listed are either characteristic of our shores or of conservation interest. The 'species list' presents species arranged by easily recognisable major groups, for example, mammals, fish, sea anemones or sponges. Species information can also be browsed by A-Z or by taxonomy.
Species list Browse A-Z Taxonomic tree
Species that require conservation or protection
Species listed under International conventions, European Directives, or National legislation are identified using a variety of criteria based on historic and current decline, threat, or rarity. Available information on 'listed' species can be viewed using the menus above or the quick buttons below.
Habitats
View information on over 400 habitats (as biotopes). The habitats can also be browsed by the EUNIS biotope classification (Davies et al., 2004) or the UK Marine Habitat Classification biotope classification (Connor et al., 2004).
Habitat list Browse EUNIS Browse UK biotopes
Habitats that require conservation or protection
Habitats listed under International conventions, European directives, or National legislation are identified using a variety of criteria based on historic and current decline, threat, or rarity. Available information on 'listed' habitats can be viewed using the menus above or the quick buttons below.
References
- Connor, D.W., Allen, J.H., Golding, N., Howell, K.L., Lieberknecht, L.M., Northen, K.O. & Reker, J.B., (2004). The Marine Habitat Classification for Britain and Ireland. Version 04.05. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. Available from <https://mhc.jncc.gov.uk/>
- Davies, C.E., Moss, D., Hill, M.O., 2004. EUNIS Habitat Classification Revised 2004. European Environment Agency European Topic Centre On Nature Protection And Biodiversity. Available from <http://www.eea.europa.eu/themes/biodiversity/eunis/eunis-habitat-classification#tab-documents>
