The Marine Life Information Network

Temperature increase (local)

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

Evidence

Intertidal species are exposed to extremes of high and low air temperatures during periods of emersion. They must also be able to cope with sharp temperature fluctuations over a short period during the tidal cycle. In winter air temperatures are colder than the sea, conversely in summer air temperatures are much warmer than the sea. Species that occur in the intertidal are therefore generally adapted to tolerate a range of temperatures, with the width of the thermal niche positively correlated with the height of the shore that the animal usually occurs at (Davenport & Davenport, 2005). Hediste diversicolor and other important characterizing species are adapted to living within the intertidal zone where temperatures fluctuate. Some resistance to temperature fluctuations is achieved by burying within the sediment, which buffers against acute temperature changes over the tidal cycle.

The geographic range of Hediste diversicolor (throughout north-west Europe on the Baltic Sea, North Sea and along Atlantic coasts to the Mediterranean) suggests that it is tolerant of a range of temperatures and a temperature increase at benchmark levels is unlikely to adversely effect on UK populations. Hediste diversicolor can tolerate temperatures from below zero under Baltic ice to high summer temperatures in Black Sea lagoons (>25°C) (Smith, 1977).

Hediste diversicolor was not strongly affected by heatwaves in an estuary in northwestern Portugal, where temperatures reached 40°C in intertidal pools (higher temperatures than experienced around the UK and Irish coasts) (Dolbeth et al., 2011).  Temperature change may adversely affect reproduction. Bartels-Hardege and Zeeck (1990) demonstrated that an increase from 12°C and maintenance of water temperature at 16°C induced reproduction in Hediste diversicolor specimens outside the normal period of spawning, and without a drop in temperature to simulate winter conditions the spawning period was prolonged and release of gametes was not synchronized. Poor synchronization of spawning could result in reduced recruitment, as gametes are wasted and mature specimens die shortly after gamete release.

Streblospio shrubsolii have been shown to reproduce in a temperature range of 7.5°C – 30°C with highest reproduction levels occurring between 16°C – 21°C (Levin & Creed, 1986, Da Fonseca-Genevois & Cazaux, 1987, Chu & Levin, 1989, Lardicci et al., 1997). The case studies returned by literature reviews were based on Mediterranean case study sites, limiting confidence for the UK and Irish seas. The timing of reproduction and growth, although occurring throughout the year increased in late spring and early summer, but were strongly reduced during periods of higher temperatures in summer and disappeared or strongly reduced at lower temperatures in winter and (Lardicci et al., 1997). Streblospio shrubsolii show timing of growth and reproduction depends on synergistic effects of temperature and photoperiod, suggesting, temperature and photoperiod cues may differ at locations at different latitudes (Chu & Levin, 1989). Both a 5°C increase in temp for one month period or 2°C for one year are within the temperature range reproduction occurs within (7.5°C – 30°C) and within the temperature range where highest reproduction levels occur (16°C – 21°C). Timing and level of reproduction may be affected, however, with some limit on population abundance likely to be caused by a 5°C increase in temp for one month period but this would be unlikely to significantly impact the biotope.

Corophium volutator is widely distributed in the North Atlantic, American and European coasts, from western Norway to the Mediterranean and the Black Sea and Azov Sea (Neal & Avant, 2006). The amphipod is subject to temperatures of 1°C in the winter to 17°C in the summer (Wilson & Parker, 1996) but can resist much higher temperatures (Meadows & Ruagh, 1981).

Tubificoides benedii has increased in abundance in mudflat habitats in Jade Bay, the North Sea between 1930 and 2009 (Schueckel & Kroencke, 2013). Climate warming as well as decreasing nutrient loads and species introductions have occurred in the region since the 1970s, suggesting the species may adapt to temperature increases at benchmark pressures. Bamber & Spencer (1984) observed that Tubificoides were dominant species in an area affected by thermal discharge in the River Medway estuary.  Sediments were exposed to the passage of a temperature front of approximately 10^oC between heated effluent and estuarine waters during the tidal cycles.

Sensitivity assessment. As characterizing species show limited impacts and potentially show benefits to abundance and recruitment from European case studies (North Sea) resistance is assessed as ‘High’, resilience is assessed as ‘High’, and sensitivity as ‘Not Sensitive’.

Temperature decrease (local)

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

Evidence

The characterizing species Hediste diversicolor is adapted to living within the intertidal zone. Some resistance to temperature fluctuations is achieved by burying within the sediment, which buffers against acute temperature changes over the tidal cycle.

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

Corophium volutator is subject to temperatures of 1°C in the winter to 17°C in the summer (Wilson & Parker, 1996). The population may reduce activity and delay reproduction if the temperature drops below 7°C. Sudden pulses of very cold water can disrupt the circa-tidal rhythms of Corophium volutator by resetting the onset of swimming behaviour. For example, a six-hour cold spell would lead to the population trying to swim at low tide and leave them vulnerable to increased predation. However, it took temperatures of 15-20°C below ambient temperature to induce this response (Holmström & Morgan, 1983b). Drolet et al. (2013) sampled two intertidal mudflats in the upper Bay of Fundy, Canada, over two consecutive winters (2009–2011), where sediment temperature, 5 cm deep, reached −2°C. The authors concluded Corophium volutator survived winter through physiological adaptations

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

Sensitivity assessment. As characterizing species show limited impacts and potentially show benefits to abundance and recruitment from European case studies (e.g. in the North Sea) resistance is assessed as ‘High’, resilience is assessed as ‘High’, and sensitivity as ‘Not Sensitive’.

Salinity increase (local)

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

Evidence

The salinity ranges in which the variant sub-biotopes are found vary. LS.LMu.UEst.Hed.OL is found in reduced and variable salinity (JNCC, 2015), LS.LMu.UEst.Hed.Str is found in variable salinity (JNCC,2015) and LS.LMu.UEst.Hed.Cvol is found in full reduced and variable salinities.  Although salinity is a chemical factor that structures the biological assemblage, other factors such as height on the shore are also likely to be important in determining habitat suitability for the species that characterize the biotopes.

Environmental fluctuations in salinity are only likely to affect the surface of the sediment and not deeper buried organisms since the interstitial or burrow water is less affected. However, under a longer-term or permanent increase in salinity, sediment waters would be expected to also adjust.

Hediste diversicolor, the key characterizing species, occurs across all variant sub-biotopes and as such is resistant to the salinity range, from reduced to full, that the various sub-biotopes occur within. Hediste diversicolor is a euryhaline species, able to tolerate a range of salinities from fully marine seawater down to 5 psu or less (Barnes, 1994). 

Streblospio shrubsolii occurred in subtidal areas of the Thames estuary as well as intertidal flats, suggesting the species is resistant to higher salinities than the ‘variable’ levels occurring higher in estuaries (Attrill, 1998). Likewise, Tubificoides benedii has been recorded in high abundance in offshore areas of the North Sea (Gray et al., 1990). Although evidence was limited on the response of these species to rapid increases in salinity it is likely they would be resistant to an increase to the fully marine category (30-40‰). Giere & Pfannkuche (1982) identified how species change over a hypothetical salinity gradient with marine stenohaline species present at full salinities replaced by more euryhaline oligochaete species including Tubificoides benedii and Tubificoides pseudogaster, Paranais litoralis and Baltidrilus costata (formerly Heterochaeta costata).  Studies in the Rhine delta have found that Tubificoides benedii, is more tolerant of a range of salinities than Baltidrilus costata (as Heterochaeta costata) which preferred shallow water brackish stations (Verdonschot et al., 1982). However, numerous studies suggest that Baltidrilus costata tolerates a wide range of salinities from 1‰ to 28‰ (Giere & Pfannkuche, 1982), suggesting that while tolerant of some changes, an increase to full salinity may lead to reductions in abundance of this species.

Hylleberg (1975) also found that under controlled conditions of salinity ranging from 10 to 30ᵒ⁄ₒₒand temperatures ranging from 5 to 35° C, Hydrobia ulvae has maximal egestion at the combination of high salinity (30ᵒ⁄ₒₒ) and high temperature (30°C). The species would be likely to show high resistance to an increase in salinity from the reduced and variable conditions the biotope occurs within. 

The amphipod Corophium volutator occupies a greater variety of habitats and is found in fine sediments of mudflats, salt marsh pools and brackish ditches. It is therefore exposed in its natural range to salinity extremes, from freshwater flushing during periods of high rainfall and increases in salinity during periods of high evaporation. Corophium volutator is, therefore, an exceptionally euryhaline species able to tolerate 2-50 psu (McLusky, 1968) but growth is fastest at 15-20 psu (McLusky, 1967; McLusky, 1970 cited in Meadows & Ruagh, 1981). The interstitial salinity is more important for Corophium volutator than that of the overlying water. Sustained periods of increased salinity are required to alter that of the interstitial water and there is a lag between salinity changes and the response of Corophium volutator (McLusky, 1968). Sudden increases in salinity delay swimming activity (Harris & Morgan, 1984a). Corophium volutator will also migrate from areas of unfavourable salinity (McLusky, 1968). 

Sensitivity assessment. Hediste diversicolor and other characterizing species are likely to tolerate increased salinity levels above the reduced and variable levels encountered in the biotope and variant sub-biotopes. Biotope resistance is, therefore, assessed as ‘High’ and resilience as ‘High’ (by default) and the biotope is considered to be ‘Not sensitive’. 

Salinity decrease (local)

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

Evidence

The salinity ranges in which the variant sub-biotopes are found vary. LS.LMu.UEst.Hed.OL is found in reduced and variable salinity (JNCC, 2015), LS.LMu.UEst.Hed.Str is found in variable salinity (JNCC,2015) and LS.LMu.UEst.Hed.Cvol is found in full reduced and variable salinities. As most examples of this biotope occur in reduced or variable salinity the decrease in salinity assessed at the benchmark is to low salinity (<18 ppt). The available evidence (summarised below) suggests that the characterizing species are tolerant of a short-term decrease to low salinity.

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

Oligochaete dominated biotopes are recorded from a range of salinity regimes from full (LS.LSa.MoSa.Ol; LS.LSa.MoSa.Ol.FS), variable (SS.SMu.SMuVS.CapTubi) reduced (SS.SMu.SMuVS.CapTubi; LS.LMu.UEst.Tben ) and low (SS.SMu.SMuVS.LhofTtub) habitats (JNCC, 2015). In very low salinities from <15 to 0 ‰, species such as Limnodrilus spp. and Tubifex tubifex are found (Giere & Pfannkuche, 1982).  A decrease in salinity at the pressure benchmark would probably result in replacement by oligochaete species more tolerant of lower salinities such as Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri and Tubifex tubifex that characterize the low salinity biotope SS.SMu.SMuVS.LhofTtub. Numerous studies suggest that Baltidrilus costata tolerates a wide range of salinities from 1‰ to 28‰ (Giere & Pfannkuche, 1982 and references therein), suggesting that this species is likely to still be present in the biotope.

Conde et al. (2013) found that Streblospio shrubsolii were a dominant species in low salinity, estuarine conditions (5-9‰) in the Tagus estuary, Portugal. In Ria de Aveiro, western Portugal Streblospio shrubsolii were characterizing species of communities in estuarine sample sites further upstream with lower salinity, suggesting a high resistance to a decrease in salinity (Rodrigues et al., 2011). Opportunistic, deposit-feeding polychaetes, such as Streblospio shrubsolii and Manayunkia aestuarina tolerate stressful conditions, and often out-compete more sensitive species due to tolerance of decreased salinity (or other pressures such as organic enrichment). These species may increase in abundance following a decrease in salinity.

Corophium volutator is an exceptionally euryhaline species able to tolerate 2-50 psu (McLusky, 1968) but growth is fastest at 15-20 psu (McLusky, 1970 cited in Meadows & Ruagh, 1981). Corophium volutator requires a salinity greater than 5 psu to moult since osmoregulation is lost during moulting (McLusky, 1967). A salinity of at least 7.5 psu is required for reproduction (McLusky, 1968). Mills & Fish (1980), found that Corophium volutator is more tolerant of low salinity (2 to 10‰) than Corophium arenarium. Females undergoing a pre-copulatory moult failed to lay eggs below salinities of 3‰ (Corophium volutator) and 10‰ (Corophium arenarium), but in both species, the lowest salinity at which all females moulted and laid eggs was 20‰. Changes in salinity are very unlikely to cause mortality but may alter population distribution and abundances within the biotope as the species is likely to move to more favourable conditions or to suffer some effects on reproduction with resulting decreases in abundance.

Sensitivity assessment. It is considered likely that a decrease in salinity at the pressure benchmark will lead to some species replacement by polychaetes and oligochaetes more tolerant of low salinity. Hediste diversicolor and oligochaetes are likely to remain in low salinity conditions. A similar biotope could remain where salinities were close to 18 ppt but a severe reduction in salinity would probably lead to loss of the biotope. Resistance is, therefore, assessed as ‘Medium’.  Resilience (following the restoration of typical conditions)  is ‘High’ and sensitivity is assessed as ‘Low’. It should be noted that resistance would be lower, and sensitivity greater, where salinity was reduced to a level close to freshwater.

Water flow (tidal current) changes (local)

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

Evidence

This biotope occurs in wave-sheltered areas but no information on the strength of tidal streams was provided in the JNCC (2015) biotope description. Hediste diversicolor characteristically inhabits littoral mudflats predominantly of clay (particles < 4 µm), silt (4-63 µm) and to a lesser extent very fine sand (63-125 µm) (Jones et al., 2000). Littoral mud biotopes and the characterizing species occur in very weak (negligible) to weak < 1 knot (<0.5 m/sec.) currents in other biotopes (JNCC, 2015).

Experimental increases in near-bed current velocity were achieved over intertidal sandflats by placing flumes on the sediment to accelerate water flows (Zuhlke & Reise, 1994). The increased flow led to the erosion of up to 4 cm depth of surface sediments.  No significant effect was observed on the abundance of Capitella capitata and numbers of Tubificoides benedii and Tubificoides pseudogaster were unaffected, as they probably avoided suspension by burrowing deeper into sediments. This was demonstrated by the decreased abundance of oligochaetes in the 0-1 cm depth layer and increased abundance of oligochaetes deeper in sediments (Zuhlke & Reise, 1994).  A single storm event had a similar result with decreased abundance of oligochaetes in surficial layers, coupled with an increase in deeper sediments (Zuhlke & Reise, 1994). Although Tubificoides spp. can resist short-term disturbances their absence from sediments exposed to higher levels of disturbance indicate that they would be sensitive to longer-term changes in sediment mobility (Zuhlke & Reise, 1994). Birtwell & Arthur (1980) reported seasonal changes in abundance in Baltidrilus costata (as Tubifex costatus) which they attributed to the erosion of the upper sediment layers caused by high river flows and wave action. It should be noted that the experiment refers to sands, which erode at lower velocities than muds as they are less cohesive.

In the turbid waters of estuaries, where many mud habitats develop, a reduction in water flow is likely to result in a significant increase in siltation increasing the silt and clay content of the substratum. Decreases in water flow with increased siltation of fine particles are considered unlikely to alter the physical characteristics of this habitat type as it is already found in sheltered areas where siltation occurs and where particles are predominantly fine. Reductions in water flow through the presence of trestles (for off-bottom oyster cultivation) arranged in parallel rows in the intertidal area (Goulletquer & Héral, 1997) that reduce the strength of tidal currents (Nugues et al., 1996) has been observed to limit the dispersal of pseudofaeces and faeces in the water column and thus increase the natural sedimentation process by several orders of magnitude (Ottman & Sornin, 1985, summarised in Bouchet & Sauriau, 2008). As the characterizing oligochaetes can live relatively deeply buried and in depositional environments with low water flows (based on habitat preferences) and low oxygenation they are considered to be not sensitive to decreases in water flow.

Sensitivity assessment. Where increased or decreased water flows altered the sediment type this could lead to sediment reclassification.  Such a change is assessed in the sedimentary change assessment. As muds tend to be cohesive and the surface tends to be smooth reducing turbulent flow, an increase at the pressure benchmark may not lead to increased erosion, biotope resistance is assessed as ‘Medium’ as a precautionary assessment, resilience is assessed as ‘High’ (following restoration of usual conditions) and sensitivity is assessed as ‘Low’. The biotope is not considered to be sensitive to decreased flows due to its presence in sheltered habitats and the tolerance of Hediste diversicolor andTubificoides benedii for low oxygen and sediment deposition.

Emergence regime changes

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

Evidence

The variant sub-biotopes within LS.LMu.UEst.Hed occur from the upper to the lower shore (JNCC, 2015) with the exception of LS.LMu.UEst.Hed.Str, which is found on the lower and mid shore (JNCC, 2015). 

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

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

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

Wave exposure changes (local)

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

Evidence

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

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

Transition elements & organo-metal contamination

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

Evidence

This pressure is Not assessed but any evidence is presented where available. The following review discusses impacts at higher concentrations than the pressure benchmark.

Contamination at levels greater than the pressure benchmark may adversely affect the biotope. Bryan (1984) reported that short-term toxicity in polychaetes was highest to Hg, Cu and Ag, declined with Al, Cr, Zn and Pb with Cd, Ni, Co and Se being the least toxic. It was recorded that polychaetes have a range of tolerances to heavy metals levels of Cu, Zn, As and Sn being in the order of 1500-3500 µg/g.

Hediste diversicolor is known to be relatively tolerant of chemicals in estuarine environments, having a role on metal speciation through bioturbation, particle mixing, and irrigation (Dedeh et al. 2014; Berthet et al. 2003; Mouneyrac et al. 2003). Hediste diversicolor has been found successfully living in estuarine sediments contaminated with copper ranging from 20 µm Cu/g in low copper areas to >4000 µm Cu/g where mining pollution is encountered e.g. Restronguet Creek, Fal Estuary, Cornwall (Bryan & Hummerstone, 1971). Attempts to change the tolerance of different populations of Hediste diversicolor to different sediment concentrations of copper have shown that it is not readily achieved suggesting that increased tolerance to copper has a genetic basis (Bryan & Hummerstone, 1971; Bryan & Gibbs, 1983).

Hediste diversicolor was not affected by lower environmentally relevant concentrations but displayed DNA alterations and significant increase in Cd and Hg concentrations when exposed to metal mixtures at strongest environmentally relevant concentrations out of two experimental mixtures (Cd 17 Ug/l, Hg 1.1 Ug/l, Pb 55 Ug/l) (Dedeh et al., 2014). DNA damage was also observed in Hediste diversicolor exposed to soluble Ag in the form of nanoparticles (used in a range of products and processes for their antibacterial properties, electric and thermal conductivity) (Buffet et al., 2014) and burrowing decreased when exposed to soluble Cu (Buffet et al., 2014).

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

Crompton (1997) reviewed the toxic effect concentrations of metals to marine invertebrates. Annelid species, such as Hediste diversicolor were found to be at risk if metals exceeded the following concentrations during 4-14 days of exposure: >0.1 mg Hg l-1, > 0.01 mg Cu l-1, > 1 mg Cd l-1, >1 mg Zn l-1,>0.1 mg Pb l-1, >1 mg Cr L-1, >1 mg As l-1 and >10 mg Ni l-1.

In general, for estuarine animals, heavy metal toxicity increases as salinity decreases and temperature increases (McLusky et al., 1986). For example, Fernandez & Jones (1990) calculated 96 hour LC50 Zinc values for Hediste diversicolor at four salinities 5, 10, 17.5 and 30 psu at 12°C. The 96 hour LC50 at 17.5 psu and 12°C was 38 mg Zn l-1, while at 5 and 10 psu it was 7 and 19 mg Zn l-1 respectively. Toxicity decreased with increasing salinity. When salinity remained constant at 17.5 psu, but temperature varied, the following 96 hour LC 50 values for Zinc were recorded: 40 mg Zn l-1 at 6°C, 32 mg Zn l-1 at 12°C and 9.1mg Zn l-1 at 20°C. Toxicity increased with increasing temperature. Accumulation of zinc was also greater at the lowest salinities and when the temperature was highest at 20°C. In a parallel experiment, the presence of sediment was found to reduce toxicity and body accumulation of zinc in Hediste diversicolor.

Recovery of this species would be influenced by the length of time it would take for the potential habitat to return to a suitable state (e.g. factors such as the decline of bioavailable metals within the marine environment), recolonization by adult and juvenile specimens from adjacent habitats, and the establishment of a breeding population. Since juveniles remain in the infauna throughout their development selection for metal tolerance can be expected to be operative from an early stage (Bryan & Gibbs, 1983).

Corophium volutator is highly intolerant of metal pollution at levels often found in estuaries from industrial outfalls and contaminated sewage. A concentration 38 mg Cu/l was needed to kill 50% of Corophium volutator in 96-hour exposures (Bat et al., 1998). Other metals are far more toxic to Corophium volutator, e.g. zinc is toxic over 1 mg/l and toxicity to metals increases with increasing temperature and salinity (Bryant et al., 1985b). Mortality of 50% is caused by 14 mg/l (Bat et al., 1998). Although exposure to zinc may not be lethal, it may affect the perpetuation of a population by reducing growth and reproductive fitness. Mercury was found to be very toxic to Corophium volutator, e.g. concentrations as low as 0.1 mg/l caused 50% mortality in 12 days. Other metals known to be toxic include cadmium, which causes 50% mortality at 12 mg/l (Bat et al., 1998), and arsenic, nickel and chromium which are all toxic over 2 mg/l (Bryant et al., 1984; Bryant et al., 1985a, 1985b).

Hydrocarbon & PAH contamination

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

Evidence

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

Suchanek (1993) reviewed the effects of oil spills on marine invertebrates and concluded that, in general, on soft sediment habitats, infaunal polychaetes, bivalves and amphipods were particularly affected. Hailey (1995) cited substantial kills of Nereis, Cerastoderma, Macoma, Arenicola and Hydrobia as a result of the Sivand oil spill in the Humber estuary in 1983.

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

Tubificoides benedii are often abundant in polluted coastal muds (Giere & Rhode, 1987) and Capitella capitata increase in abundance in highly polluted sites compared to sites at a distance from contamination (oil drilling waste) (Gray et al., 1990), suggesting these species would increase in abundance under this pressure.

Light fractions (C10 - C19) of oils are much more toxic to Corophium volutator than heavier fractions (C19 - C40). In exposures of up to 14 days, light fraction concentrations of 0.1 g/kg sediment caused high mortality. It took 9 g/kg sediment to achieve similar mortalities with the heavy fraction (Brils et al., 2002). In the Forth Estuary, Corophium volutator was excluded for several hundred metres around the outfalls from hydrocarbon processing plants. Roddie et al. (1994) found high levels of mortality of Corophium at sites contaminated with crude oil.

Synthetic compound contamination

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

Evidence

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

Hediste diversicolor shows sensitivity to pesticides, particularly those used in association with control of sea lice and mosquito larvae in salmon farms. Reports of the effects of synthetic chemicals on Hediste diversicolor illustrate that the intolerance of the species is highly dependent upon the molecular structure of the chemical, which determines the chemicals properties and use. For example:

Collier & Pinn (1998) observed significant differences in both the abundance and biomass of a benthic community from the Ythan Estuary, Scotland, experiencing contamination by Ivermectin. Ivermectin is the 22,23-dihydro derivative of avermectin ß which is highly efficient in the treatment of sea lice. Hediste diversicolor was the most intolerant species to Ivermectin in the benthic community studied. A rapid decline in both abundance and total biomass of Hediste diversicolor occurred within 7 days and with increasing concentration. An Ivermectin concentration of 8.0 mg m² caused 100% mortality within 14 days. Davies et al., (1998) modelled factors influencing the concentration of Ivermectin reaching the seabed which ranged from 2.2 to 6.6 mg m². The upper limit of this range was only slightly less than the concentrations found to be toxic by Collier & Pinn (1998) and Black et al. (1997). Davies et al. (1998) concluded that there was a significant risk to benthic organisms within a radius of 50 m of salmon farms utilizing Ivermectin and that Ivermectin could accumulate (half-life of Ivermectin in marine sediments > 100 days) within the sediment beyond a single treatment and reach toxic levels.

In contrast, Craig & Caunter (1990) examined the effects of the organosilicon compound, Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) in sediment on Hediste diversicolor. PDMS fluids are less dense than water and insoluble and form a discrete layer on the surface of the water. In an intertidal environment, PDMS fluids are deposited upon the sediment surface at low tide and into contact with Hediste diversicolor. In laboratory tests, exposure to 10,000 mg PDMS per kg of sediment caused no deaths over 96 hours, and exposure to 1,000 mg PDMS per kg of sediment caused no deaths of Hediste diversicolor after 28 days.

Corophium volutator is paralysed by pyrethrum based insecticide sprayed onto the surface of the mud (Gerdol & Hughes, 1993) and pyrethrum would probably cause significant mortalities if it found its way into estuaries from agricultural runoff. Nonylphenol is an anthropogenic pollutant that regularly occurs in water bodies, it is an oestrogen mimic that is produced during the sewage treatment of non-ionic surfactants and can affect Corophium volutator (Brown et al., 1999). Nonylphenol is a hydrophobic molecule and often becomes attached to sediment in water bodies. This will make nonylphenol available for ingestion by Corophium volutator in estuaries where much of the riverine water-borne sediment flocculates and precipitates out of suspension to form mudflats. Nonylphenol is not lethal to Corophium volutator but does reduce growth and has the effect of causing the secondary antennae of males to become enlarged which can make the amphipods more vulnerable to predators (Brown et al., 1999). Corophium volutator is killed by 1% ethanol if exposed for 24 hours or more but can withstand higher concentrations in short pulses. Such short pulses, however, have the effect of rephasing the diel rhythm and will delay the timing of swimming activity for the duration of the ethanol pulse (Harris & Morgan, 1984b).

Radionuclide contamination

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

Evidence

No Evidence’. Insufficient evidence was found on the effects of radionuclide contamination to assess this pressure.

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

Introduction of other substances

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

Evidence

This pressure is Not assessed

Some, all be it limited evidence was returned by searches on activated carbon (AC). AC is utilised in some instances to effectively remove organic substances from aquatic and sediment matrices. Lillicrap et al. (2015) demonstrate that AC may have physical effects on benthic dwelling organisms at environmentally relevant concentrations at remediated sites.

De-oxygenation

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

Evidence

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

Oligochaete species vary in their tolerance of hypoxia and associated high sulphide levels. Most enchytraeids and naidids are sensitive to hydrogen sulphide and hypoxia while tubificids are often more resistant (Giere, 2006). Tubificoides benedii has a high capacity to tolerate anoxic conditions, its extreme oxygen tolerance is based on an unusually low respiration rate (Giere et al., 1999).  Respiration rates of Tubificoides benedii measured at various oxygen concentrations showed that aerobic respiration is maintained even at very low oxygen concentrations (Giere et al., 1999). Birtwell & Arthur (1980) showed that Tubificoides benedii could tolerate anoxia in the Thames Estuary (LT₅₀ = 58.8 hours at 20^oC, 26.6 hours at 25^oC  and 17.8 hours at 30^oC in experiments with worms acclimated to 20^oC). Tolerance experiments by Gamenick et al.  (1996) found that Baltidrilus costata (as Heterochaeta costata)  was not affected by hypoxic conditions for at least 3 days but the addition of sulphide 91.96 mmol/litre) caused mortality after 1 day (Gamenick et al., 1996)

In a series of experiments Gamenick et al. (1996) suggested that Corophium volutator is highly sensitive to hypoxia and suffers 50% mortality after just 4 hours in hypoxic conditions, or within 2 hours if there is a rapid build-up of sulphide (Gamenick et al., 1996). These results are largely in concordance with other work by Gamble (1970) who found that survival rates were temperature-dependent with individuals surviving longer at lower temperatures. The level of oxygen was not assessed by Gamenick et al. (1996) and the description of the experimental set-up suggests that anoxic test conditions were used rather than hypoxic. Gamble (1970) found that at 5°C most individuals were inactive after 30 minutes exposure to anaerobic seawater and that mortality occurred later, the inactivity may have allowed the species to survive longer (Gamble, 1970). 

Sensitivity assessment. Resistance to exposure to dissolved oxygen concentration of less than or equal to 2mg/l for 1 week is assessed as ‘High’ given the tolerance of the characterizing species Hediste diversicolor and oligochaetes, Corophium volutator may be more sensitive, however, as the biotope is intertidal the biotope will be oxygenated when immersed reducing effects and Corophium volutator may migrate landwards to reduce exposure.  Recoverability is assessed a ‘High’ (by default) and the biotope is assessed as ‘Not sensitive’ to this pressure at the benchmark level.

Nutrient enrichment

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

Evidence

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

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

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

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

Organic enrichment

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

Evidence

All species apart from two that are abundant in the biotope are classed in a Marine Biotic Index as being indifferent to, tolerating or proliferating under organic enrichment conditions (Borja et al., 2000). Only Macoma balthica and Manayunkia aestuarina are recorded as being sensitive to organic enrichment.

However, case studies demonstrate the resilience of Macoma balthica populations to enrichment. Macoma balthica (as Macoma balthica) have been shown experimentally to be able to resist periods of up to 9 weeks under algal clover, their long siphon allowing them to reach oxygenated water although other bivalves decreased in abundance (Thiel et al., 1998). Organic enrichment from waste-water discharge in the Dutch Wadden Sea resulted in positive effects on Macoma balthica abundance, biomass, shell growth and production. These effects were concluded to be due to increased food supply (Madsen & Jensen, 1987). Tubificoides benedii and other oligochaetes are very tolerant of high levels of organic enrichment and often dominate sediments where sewage has been discharged or other forms of organic enrichment have occurred (Pearson & Rosenberg, 1978; Gray, 1971; McLusky et al., 1980). 

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

Physical loss (to land or freshwater habitat)

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

Evidence

All marine habitats and benthic species are considered to have a resistance of ‘None’ to this pressure and to be unable to recover from a permanent loss of habitat (resilience is ‘Very Low’). 

Sensitivity assessment. Sensitivity within the direct spatial footprint of this pressure is, therefore ‘High’.  Although no specific evidence is described confidence in this assessment is ‘High’, due to the incontrovertible nature of this pressure.

Physical change (to another seabed type)

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

Evidence

This biotope is only found in sediment, in particular, sandy mud or mud and the burrowing organisms, Hediste diversicolor, would not be able to survive if the substratum type was changed to either a soft rock or hard artificial type.  Consequently, the biotope would be lost altogether if such a change occurred. 

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

Physical change (to another sediment type)

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

Evidence

The benchmark for this pressure refers to a change in one Folk class.  The pressure benchmark originally developed by Tillin et al. (2010) used the modified Folk triangle developed by Long (2006) which simplified sediment types into four categories: mud and sandy mud, sand and muddy sand, mixed sediments and coarse sediments.  The change referred to is, therefore, a change in sediment classification rather than a change in the finer-scale original Folk categories (Folk, 1954).  The biotope occurs in sandy mud and mud and the variant sub-biotopes show some variation in species communities and sediment type (JNCC, 2015) so that some changes in the proportion of finer or coarser sediments may lead to biotope reversions between the sub-biotopes. There may also be broad areas of transition between the biotope LS.LMu.UEst.Hed and between the sub-biotopes of HedMx (JNCC, 2015). The boundaries may be very indistinct, with the HedMx groups present in patches of gravelly mud on areas of mudflat where the main biotopes are their corresponding mud or sandy mud biotopes (JNCC, 2015). Changes in sediment type may, therefore, be part of usual temporal variation within this biotope, so that the assessment (based on no recovery) is precautionary, the confidence levels have been set as 'Low' to reflect this.

Sensitivity assessment. An increase in sand or gravel content is likely to lead to a change to comparable mixed sediment biotopes and biotope reclassification. Resistance to a change in one Folk class is assessed as ‘Low’ as biotopes are likely to change to corresponding mixed sediment biotope, while increased gravel content is likely to lead to reduced abundance of characterizing species. Resilience is assessed as ‘Very Low’ as a change at the benchmark is permanent. The sensitivity of the biotope is, therefore, considered to be ‘High’.

Habitat structure changes - removal of substratum (extraction)

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

Evidence

The substratum of this biotope consists of sandy mud or mud (JNCC, 2015).  The characterizing infaunal species, including Hediste diversicolor and oligochaetes, burrow into the sediment, to depths not exceeding 30 cm.  The process of extraction is considered to remove all biological components of the biotope group in the impact footprint and the sediment habitat.

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

Abrasion / disturbance of the surface of the substratum or seabed

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

Evidence

Muddy sand sediments, in general, tend to be cohesive although high levels of water content will reduce this and destabilise sediments. Sediment cohesion provides some sediment stabilisation to resist erosion following surface disturbance. The characterizing species associated with this biotope are infaunal and hence have some protection against surface disturbance. The snail Hydroia ulvae is present on the surface and abrasion may result in burial or damage to this species. Surface compaction can collapse burrows and reduce the pore space between particles, decreasing penetrability and reducing stability and oxygen content (Sheehan, 2007).  Trampling (3 times a week for 1 month) associated with bait digging reduced the abundance and diversity of infauna (Sheehan, 2007; intertidal muds and sands).

The burrowing life habits of Corophium volutator are likely to provide some protection from abrasion at the surface only. However, any abrasion or physical disturbance is likely to reduce the density of Corophium spp. by emigration and increased mortality. For example, the sediment turnover caused by cockles and lugworms disturbs the burrows of Corophium volutator and caused a significant negative effect on Corophium volutator density as a result of an increased rate of swimming making the amphipod more vulnerable to predation (Flach & De Bruin, 1993, 1994).  Corophium arenarium is also sensitive to sediment disturbance from bioturbating species (Flach, 1993).

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

Penetration or disturbance of the substratum subsurface

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

Evidence

As the characterizing species are burrowing species, the impact from damage to the sub-surface sea bed would be greater than damage to the sea bed surface only (see abrasion pressure). A number of studies have assessed the impacts of activities resulting in penetration and disturbance of sediments on the characterizing species in similar habitats. The characterizing species have some protective traits such as infaunal life habit, with deeper burrowing species less exposed.

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

In the Columbia River, no significant difference was found in Corophium volutator densities before and after dredging a channel and no difference between the dredged site and a control site (McCabe et al., 1998). Presumably, the dredging did cause mortality of Corophium volutator but recolonization was so rapid that no difference was found. The extraction of cockles by sediment raking and mechanical disturbance and digging for lugworms for bait is likely to cause significant mortality of Corophium volutator. Bait digging was found to reduce Corophium volutator densities by 39%. Juveniles were most affected suffering a 55% reduction in dug areas (Shepherd & Boates, 1999).

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

Changes in suspended solids (water clarity)

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

Evidence

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

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

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

Smothering and siltation rate changes (light)

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

Evidence

The biotope is located mainly in mid and lower shore sandy mud or mud in lower estuaries, sheltered bays and marine inlets (Connor et al., 2004). These locations would be likely to experience some redistribution of fine material during tidal cycles. Although the biotope occurs in sheltered locations some mixing from wave action may also be expected. The characterizing species Hediste diversicolor live in the sediment, to depths to 15cm and 5-6 cm respectively (Esselink & Zwarts, 1989; Stekoll et al., 1980, Volkenborn & Reise, 2006) and would be expected to be well adapted to these conditions.

Long-term deposition of fine material (e.g. continuous deposition) would be expected to lead to higher densities of macrobenthic organisms. For example, in the North Sea (Belgium) deposition of fine particle sediment, disturbed by scour around the base of a wind farm tower led to higher macrobenthic densities and created a shift in macrobenthic communities around the wind farm tower (influenced by the direction fine material had settled) (Coates et al., 2014).  The degree to which the characterizing species can resist this pressure depends primarily on species mobility, ability to survive within sediment without contact with the surface and ability to escape from the over-burden. Factors that affect the ability to regain the surface include grain size (Maurer et al., 1986), temperature and water content (Chandrasekara & Frid, 1998).

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

Tubificoides spp. and other oligochaetes live relatively deeply buried and can tolerate periods of low oxygen that may occur following the deposition of a fine layer of sediment.  Tubificoides spp. showed some recovery through vertical migration following the placement of a sediment overburden 6cm thick on top of sediments (Bolam, 2011). Whomersley et al., (2010) experimentally buried plots on intertidal mudflats at two sites (Creeksea- Crouch Estuary, England and Blackness- lower Forth Estuary, Scotland), where Tubificoides benedii were dominant species. For each treatment, anoxic mud was spread evenly to a depth of 4 cm on top of each treatment plot. The mud was taken from areas adjacent to the plots and was obtained by scraping off the surface oxic layer and digging up the underlying mud from approximately 20 cm depth. Plots were subject to either low intensity treatments (burial every four weeks) or high (burial every two weeks). The experiment was carried out for 10 months at Creeksea and a year at Blackness. At Creeksea numbers of Tubificoides benedii increased in both burial treatments until the third month (high burial) and sixth month (low burial). At Blackness increased numbers of Tubificoides benedii were found in both burial treatments after one month (Whomersley et al., 2010).

Laboratory experiments have shown that the snail Hydrobia ulvae can rapidly resurface through 5cm thick fine deposits, although this ability is reduced where deposited sediments contain little water (Chandrasekara & Frid, 1998). Field experiments where 10 cm of sediment were placed on intertidal sediments to investigate the effects of the beneficial use of dredged materials found that the abundance of Hydrobia ulvae had returned to ambient levels within 1 week (Bolam et al., 2004). The amphipod Corophium volutator may be sensitive to deposits at the pressure benchmark. Experimental fences placed on mudflats that caused sedimentation rates of 2-2.5 cm/month and reduced Corophium volutator densities from approximately 1700 m² to approximately 400 m². In areas without fences, Corophium volutator numbers increased from approximately 1700 per m² to 3500 per m² (Turk & Risk, 1981). In intertidal mudflats with similar characterizing species, experiments testing the effects of deposition of sediments typical of beach recharge, have found that recovery of biological assemblages is complete within two years (Bolam & Whomersley, 2003).

Sensitivity assessment. As the exposure to the pressure is for a single discrete event resistance is assessed as ‘High’, resilience is also ‘High’ and sensitivity is assessed as ‘Not Sensitive’. Confidence in this assessment is lower as the assessment is based on traits of the species characterizing the biotope and the relevant direct case studies present examples where impacts are not from single discrete events.

Smothering and siltation rate changes (heavy)

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

Evidence

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

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

The amphipod Corophium volutator may be sensitive to deposits at the pressure benchmark. Experimental fences placed on mudflats that caused sedimentation rates of 2-2.5 cm/month and reduced Corophium volutator densities from approximately 1700 m² to approximately 400 m². In areas without fences, Corophium volutator numbers increased from approximately 1700 per m² to 3500 per m² (Turk & Risk, 1981). In intertidal mudflats with similar characterizing species, experiments testing the effects of deposition of sediments, typical of beach recharge have found that recovery of biological assemblages is complete within two years (Bolam & Whomersley, 2003).

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

Litter

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

Evidence

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

Studies of sediment-dwelling, subsurface deposit feeding worms, a trait shared by species abundant in this biotope, showed negative impacts from ingestion of microplastics. For instance, Arenicola marina ingests micro-plastics that are present within the sediment it feeds within. Wright et al. (2013) carried out a lab study that displayed the presence of micro-plastics (5% UPVC) significantly reduced feeding activity when compared to concentrations of 1% UPVC and controls. As a result, Arenicola marina showed significantly decreased energy reserves (by 50%), took longer to digest food, and as a result decreased bioturbation levels which would be likely to impact the colonization of sediment by other species, reducing diversity in the biotopes the species occurs within. Wright et al. (2013) also present a case study based on their results, that in the intertidal regions of the Wadden Sea, where Arenicola marina is an important ecosystem engineer, Arenicola marina could ingest 33m² of micro-plastics a year.

Sensitivity assessment. Impacts from the pressure ‘litter’ would depend upon the exact form of litter or man-made object introduced. Marine litter in the form of cigarette butts or microplastics may impact the health of populations of characterizing species.  Significant impacts have been shown in laboratory studies but impacts at biotope scales are still unknown. Evidence and confidence in the assessment are limited and this pressure is 'Not assessed'.

Electromagnetic changes

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

Evidence

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

Electric and magnetic fields generated by sources such as marine renewable energy device/array cables may alter the behaviour of predators and affect infauna populations. Evidence is limited and occurs for electric and magnetic fields below the benchmark levels, confidence in the evidence of these effects is very low. Field measurements of electric fields at North Hoyle wind farm, North Wales recorded 110µ V/m (Gill et al. 2009). Modelled results of magnetic fields from typical subsea electrical cables, such as those used in the renewable energy industry produced magnetic fields of between 7.85 and 20 µT (Gill et al. 2009; Normandeau et al. 2011). Electric and magnetic fields smaller than those recorded by in field measurements or modelled results were shown to create increased movement in thornback ray Raja clavata and attraction to the source in catshark Scyliorhinus canicular (Gill et al. 2009).  Flatfish species, which are predators of many polychaete species, including dab Limanda limanda and sole Solea solea have been shown to decrease in abundance in a wind farm array or remain at distance from wind farm towers (Vandendriessche et al., 2015; Winter et al. 2010). However, larger plaice increased in abundance (Vandendriessche et al., 2015). There have been no direct causal links identified to explain these results.

Underwater noise changes

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

Evidence

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

Introduction of light or shading

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

Evidence

There is no direct evidence of the effects of changes in incident light on the characterizing species of this biotope. All characterizing species live in the sediment and do not rely on light levels directly to feed or find prey so that limited direct impact is expected.  As this biotope is not characterized by the presence of primary producers it is not considered that shading would alter the character of the habitat directly.

More general changes to the productivity of the biotope may, however, occur. Beneath shading structures, there may be changes in microphytobenthos abundance. Littoral mud and sand support microphytobenthos on the sediment surface and within the sediment. The microphytobenthos consists of unicellular eukaryotic algae and cyanobacteria that grow within the upper several millimetres of illuminated sediments, typically appearing only as a subtle brownish or greenish shading. Mucilaginous secretions produced by these algae may stabilise fine substrata (Tait & Dipper, 1998).  Shading will prevent photosynthesis leading to death or migration of sediment microalgae altering sediment cohesion and food supply to higher trophic levels. The impact of these indirect effects is difficult to quantify.

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

Barrier to species movement

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

Evidence

Barriers that reduce the degree of tidal excursion may alter larval supply to suitable habitats from source populations. Barriers may also act as stepping stones for larval supply over greater distances (Adams et al., 2014). Conversely, the presence of barriers at brackish waters may enhance local population supply by preventing the loss of larvae from enclosed habitats to environments, which are unfavourable, reducing settlement outside of the population. If a barrier (such as a tidal barrier) incorporated renewable energy devices such as tidal energy turbines, these devices may affect hydrodynamics and so migration pathways for larvae into and out of the biotope (Adams et al., 2014). However, evidence on this pressure is limited.

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

Death or injury by collision

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

Evidence

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

Visual disturbance

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

Evidence

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

Genetic modification & translocation of indigenous species

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

Evidence

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

Introduction or spread of invasive non-indigenous species

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

Evidence

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

The Pacific oyster, Magallana (syn. Crassostrea) gigas, is native to warm temperate regions from the northwest Pacific to Japan and northeast Asia, including Cape Mariya (Russia) to Hong Kong (China) (Carrasco & Baron, 2010; GBNNSS, 2011, 2012). It is a fast-growing and tolerant species that has become a successful invader in the coastal waters of all continents, aside from Antarctica (Wrange et al., 2010; Carrasco & Baron, 2010; Padilla, 2010). Magallana gigas is recognised as a beneficial and important species in aquaculture worldwide (Padilla, 2010). It was initially introduced for aquaculture in Europe and the UK in the 1960s due to a decline in the Portuguese oyster (Crassostrea angulata) and the European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) (Spencer et al., 1994; GBNNSS, 2011, 2012; Humphreys et al., 2014 cited in Alves et al., 2021; Hansen et al., 2023).

Since introduction, the species has invaded and established self-sustaining natural populations throughout Europe from the North Sea, Wadden Sea and Scandinavian coastlines to the Atlantic coastlines of Spain and Portugal, as well as the Mediterranean and Adriatic Sea (Wrange et al., 2010; GBNNSS, 2011, 2012; Ezgeta-Balic et al., 2019; Spagnolo et al., 2019; Bergstrom et al., 2021; Hansen et al., 2023). In the UK, the species predominantly occurs around the southern and western coastlines (OBIS, 2024; NBN, 2024). Shipping activity has also been associated with the introduction of Magallana gigas in the northeastern Adriatic Sea, where it was not introduced for aquaculture (Ezgeta-Balic et al., 2019). It was also suggested that some Magallana gigas populations were established in southwest England from France possibly via fouling on ships (GBNNSS, 2011, 2012; Padilla, 2010; Ezgeta-Balic et al., 2019).

Magallana gigas has a high fecundity, a long-lived pelagic larval phase (2 to 4 weeks) and can produce up to 200 million eggs during spawning (Herbert et al., 2012, 2016; Alves et al., 2021; Wood et al., 2021; Hansen et al., 2023). Hence, as a broadcast spawner, it has a high dispersal potential of more than 1000 km (Padilla, 2010; Wood et al., 2021). Larval mortality can be as large as 99%, as larvae are sensitive to environmental conditions (Alves et al., 2021). However, adults are long-lived so populations can survive with infrequent recruitment (Padilla, 2010). Larval dispersal and mass spawning events have facilitated the settlement and establishment of Pacific oysters, as seen in the Oosterschelde estuary, Netherlands (Hansen et al., 2023). It has been suggested that the spread of the Pacific oyster in Scandinavia is due to northward larval drift on tidal and wind-driven currents (Hansen et al., 2023). Wood et al. (2021) suggested that larval dispersal of the Pacific oyster from populations within and outside the UK was possible via unaided (passive) transport by currents, but that aquaculture and offshore structures (e.g. windfarms) increased the risk of the invasive species spreading and the geographical extent of spread.

Magallana gigas is an ecosystem engineer and can dramatically change habitat structure when it invades. Once successfully settled, groups of Pacific oysters may form dense aggregations, potentially forming a reef, which in some regions can reach densities of 700 individuals m² (Herbert et al., 2012, 2016). Once, the density of live or dead Pacific oysters reaches or exceeds 200 ind./m² little of the underlying substratum remains visible (Herbert et al., 2016). These reefs can stabilize the sediment surface locally (Troost, 2010). When such reefs are formed or, particularly when the species colonizes soft sediments such as mud or sand, it can change and affect local communities, by creating hard substrata for mobile species, which might not otherwise be present before the invasion (Padilla, 2010). However, Hansen et al. (2023) suggested that no immediate ecosystem risk is observed where the Pacific oyster occurs sporadically.

Magallana gigas requires hard substrata for successful settlement and establishment, including littoral rock, bedrock, chalk, bare boulders, cobbles and pebbles and shells (Kochmann, 2012; Kochmann et al., 2013; Mckinstry & Jensen, 2013; Herbert et al., 2016; Tillin et al., 2020). It also prefers mudflats with mixed sediment composed of shingle and sand, attaching to whatever hard substrata are available within otherwise unsuitable fine muddy sediment (Spencer et al., 1994; Mckinstry & Jensen, 2013; Tillin et al., 2020).

Magallana gigas has been reported from estuaries growing on intertidal mudflats, sandflats, and other soft sediments (Padilla, 2010; Herbert et al., 2016; Cabral et al., 2020). The settlement of spat on hard substrata within sediments has been observed in the estuaries of the River Dart, Exe, Fal, Fowey, Tamar, Teign, and Yealm in Devon and Cornwall, the Menai Straits, Wales and large estuaries of Lough Swilly, Lough Foyle and the Shannon in Ireland, and the Tagus Estuary in Portugal (Spencer et al., 1994; Kochmann, 2012; Kochmann et al., 2013; Cabral et al., 2020). In Lough Swilly, Lough Foyle and the Shannon, the Pacific oyster was often associated with intertidal mud or sandflats (Kochmann et al., 2013). In contrast, the Pacific oysters were absent from sandflat areas in Poole Harbour (Mckinstry & Jensen, 2013).

Although shorelines comprised of mainly mud were suggested to be unsuitable for spat settlement (Spencer et al., 1994), the presence of smaller hard substrata, such as shells or pebbles, can enable larvae to settle (Tillin et al., 2020). For example, in the River Teign estuary, Pacific oyster settlement was observed on shell-covered ground mainly attached to mussel shells, and occasionally attached to cockles, stones and common periwinkle (Littorina littorea) shells on a mud flat in the estuarine intertidal zone otherwise mainly comprised of sand and mud (Spencer et al., 1994). In addition, the Blue Lagoon on the north shore of Poole Harbour had the highest abundance of oysters on mud mixed with shingle and shell (Mckinstry & Jensen, 2013). Outside of the Blue Lagoon, oysters were also recorded on mixed substrata composed of mud, gravel, and shell (McKinstry & Jensen, 2013). In the Wadden Sea, the distribution of Magallana gigas on soft sediment shores can overlap with native bivalve species such as Cerastoderma edule, Macoma balthica and Scrobicularia plana (Troost, 2010; Herbert et al., 2012, 2016). However, these native species are likely to occur at higher shore elevations compared to the lower shore habitats preferred by the Pacific oyster (Troost, 2010; Herbert et al., 2012, 2016). For example, in the Wadden Sea greater densities of Cerastoderma edule and Macoma balthica were found above the level of Magallana gigas reef development (Herbert et al., 2012). Tillin et al. (2020) concluded that while successful invasions occurred on mudflats, Magallana gigas prefers mixed substrata. Fine mud sediments without hard substrata (such as small stones, gravel, and shell) are unlikely to be suitable (Tillin et al., 2020). The speed of Magallana gigas reef formation on soft substrata seems to be dependent on the amount of hard substrata present, developing quicker once there is a sufficient amount (Troost, 2010). Bergstrom et al. (2021) reported that the presence of Magallana gigas was partially dependent on increasing gravel content up to 15% but remained stable with increasing percentages (measured up to 80%).

The oyster reefs, in the Wadden Sea and Brittany, on littoral muddy and sandy habitats formed predominantly at lower tidal levels from Mean Low Water levels to the shallow subtidal (Troost, 2010; Herbert et al., 2012, 2016). Pacific oyster spatfall was recorded in the estuarine intertidal zone on areas with hard substrata of stone and shell, particularly between the low water of spring tides and high water of neap tides, such as in the Menai Strait (Spencer et al., 1994).

At high densities the Pacific oyster reef smothers sediment, provides hard substrata in an otherwise sedimentary environment with additional niches for colonization by other species that require hard substratum (e.g. barnacles), and changes surface roughness and local hydrography (Troost, 2010; Herbert et al., 2012, 2016; Tillin et al., 2020). Lejart & Hily (2011) found the surface available for epibenthic species in the Bay of Brest, increased 4-fold when oysters were present on mud, for every 1 m² of colonized substrata the oyster reef added 3.87 m² of surface area on mud sediment. An increase in available settlement substrata, free of epibiota, could be the reason oyster reefs see an increase in macrofaunal abundance. This can change the community composition and habitat structure in reefs on soft mud sediments, creating new habitats for an increasing abundance of infaunal and epibenthic mobile species (Kochmann et al., 2008; Lejart & Hily, 2011; Zwerschke et al., 2018). Results have shown 38% of species present in the oyster reefs on mud were characteristic of rocky substratum habitats (Lejart & Hily, 2011).

In the Bay of Brest, Pacific oyster reefs had a higher diversity and species richness than surrounding mud habitats, including the mud underneath the reefs, where the population was dominated by carnivores rather than suspension the feeders found on the mudflats (Lejart & Hily, 2011; Herbert et al., 2012). In addition, in muddy habitats around the UK, Ireland and Northern France, macrofaunal diversity increased as Pacific oyster density increased but epifaunal diversity decreased as oyster densities increased (Zwerschke et al., 2018). It was suggested that the decrease in epifaunal diversity was due to a decrease in settlement space and a increase in habitat fragmentation because of dense oyster assemblages (Zwerschke et al., 2018).

Green & Crowe (2014) examined the effects of Magallana gigas density in experimental plots (0.25 m²) in Lough Swilly and Lough Foyle, Ireland. The number of species and species diversity increased with oyster cover on mudflats, depending on site and duration. The assemblage also changed due to the increased abundance of barnacles and bryozoans on the oyster shells and polychaetes within the sediment (Green & Crowe, 2014). Zwerschke et al. (2020) suggested that Pacific oyster beds could replace the ecosystem services provided by native oysters, in areas where native oysters had been lost. Morgan et al. (2021) suggested that the smothering of sediment habitats could prevent fish and bird species from feeding on infauna like worms, molluscs, and crustaceans. Also, the development of tidepools within mixed Pacific oyster and blue mussel reefs in soft sediment intertidal sites has been observed in the Wadden Sea, which can create new microhabitats within the reefs (Weniger et al., 2022).

Pacific oysters have been found to reduce the proportion of fine particles and increase the proportion of large particles in the mud under the reef (Lejart & Hily, 2011). The evidence suggests that Pacific oyster reefs change sediment characteristics, by affecting nutrient cycling and increasing the organic content of sediment, sand-to-silt ratio and levels of porewater ammonium (Kochmann et al., 2008; Padilla, 2010; Wagner et al., 2012 cited in Tillin et al., 2020; Green & Crowe, 2014; Herbert et al., 2012, 2016; Zwerschke et al., 2020; Hansen et al., 2023).  Zwerschke et al. (2020) found no significant differences in nutrient cycling rates of native oyster beds or Magallana gigas beds or their associated benthic communities, in experimental plots in Ireland. Persistent changes in the rates of nutrient cycling were driven by the density and presence of oysters (Zwerschke et al., 2020).

The deposition of faeces and pseudo-faeces by Magallana gigas can increase the toxic levels of sulphide in sediments and associated hypoxic sediment conditions, which can reduce photosynthesis and growth in eelgrass (Kelly & Volpe, 2007). Faecal deposition and hypoxia have also been suggested to explain a reduction in species diversity in the sediment underlying high-density oyster reefs (Green & Crowe, 2013, 2014; Herbert et al., 2016). However, Lejart & Hily (2011) observed no organic or silt enrichment by Pacific oysters in mud beneath oyster reefs in the Bay of Brest, and no significant difference in the amount of organic matter found in the mud underneath oyster reefs and on bare mud not colonized by the oyster. The biodeposits excreted by the oyster may be washed away by powerful tides and currents seen in the Bay of Brest and the effects of organic enrichment at oyster reefs might be minimal due to wave action (Lejart & Hily, 2011).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Manila clam (Tapes philippinarium), which was introduced to Poole Harbour for aquaculture in 1998, has become a naturalised population on the intertidal mudflats (occurring at densities of 60 clams/m² in some locations within the harbour (Jensen et al. 2007, cited in Caldow et al. 2007).  Densities of Cerastoderma edule and Abra tenuis increased following the introduction of the Manila clam although the abundance of Scrobicularia plana and Macoma balthica declined (Caldow et al., 2005), although the decline of these species may have been caused by tri-butyl tin pollution (Langston et al., 2003) and may have facilitated the naturalization of the Manila clam. The predatory veined whelk (Rapana venosa) and Hemigrapsus takinei are not established in the UK (although Hemigrapsus takinei has been recorded at two locations) could become significant predators of Cerastoderma edule and other species associated with the biotope in the future.

Sensitivity assessment. Intertidal muddy sands may be exposed to invasive species which can alter the character of the habitat (primarily Crepidula fornicata at the sublittoral fringe and Magallana gigas), leading to re-classification of this biotope. The above evidence suggests that this biotope is unsuitable for the colonization of Crepidula fornicata due to a lack of gravel, shells, or any other hard substrata used for larvae settlement (Tillin et al., 2020). Despite the extremely sheltered conditions of the habitat that would otherwise be suitable for Crepidula, the mobility of the sediment is unsuitable and makes it unlikely for Crepidula to become established. There may be higher densities of Crepidula in the lower shore examples of the biotope, but the densities may be lower in the mid-shore, and it may be absent from the upper shore due to the unsuitable extreme conditions in the intertidal zone preventing Crepidula post-settlement recruitment and mitigating colonization (Bohn et al. 2015). In addition, the reduced salinity levels in this biotope might prevent colonization at high densities, because the majority of evidence records of Crepidula occur in salinities from 30-35 psu (OBIS, 2023). In addition, Powell-Jennings & Calloway (2018) noted that Crepidula is killed by sudden burial and possibly burial due to deposition, which could mitigate Crepidula density. Therefore, resistance to colonization of Crepidula fornicata is assessed as 'High' and resilience as 'High' so the biotope is assessed as 'Not sensitive'. The confidence in the assessment is 'Low' because the sensitivity of this biotope to Crepidula is potentially site-specific, there is a risk of its introduction by artificial means, and the is a lack of direct evidence of Crepidula being reported to occur in the biotope. 

The above evidence suggests that this biotope is unsuitable for the colonization of Magallana gigas due to a lack of gravel, shells, or any other hard substrata required for successful settlement and establishment (Kochmann, 2012; Kochmann et al., 2013; Mckinstry & Jensen, 2013; Herbert et al., 2016; Tillin et al., 2020). However, some examples of the biotope have low percentages of hard substrata (such as boulders, cobbles and shell), which could allow the settlement and establishment of Magallana gigas.  The evidence suggests the distribution of Magallana gigas can overlap with Macoma balthica and other native bivalve species (Troost, 2010; Herbert et al., 2012, 2016). The distribution of Magallana gigas can overlap with Macoma balthica and other native bivalve species (Troost, 2010; Herbert et al., 2012, 2016). However, the mid-shore and upper-shore extent of this biotope is probably not suitable for colonization of the Pacific oyster, which is found predominantly at the Mean Low Water levels to shallow subtidal (Troost, 2010; Herbert et al., 2012, 2016). But, the oyster could colonize the lower shore extent or examples of the biotope. Therefore, resistance to colonization by Magallana gigas is assessed as 'Medium' as a 'worst-case' scenario. Resilience is assessed as 'Very low' as the Magallana gigas population would need to be removed for recovery to occur. Hence, sensitivity is assessed as 'Medium'. The confidence in the assessment is 'Low' because the sensitivity of this biotope to Magallana gigas is potentially site-specific and there is a risk of its introduction by artificial means. 

Introduction of microbial pathogens

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

Evidence

Limited evidence was returned by searches on the effect on Hediste diversicolor of the introduction of relevant microbial pathogens or metazoan disease vectors to an area where they are currently not present. Desrina et al. (2014) failed to induce infection of the ‘White Spot Shrimp’ virus in Hediste diversicolor by both feeding and immersion; a virus that can cause large scale mortality in shrimp. Marine oligochaetes host numerous protozoan parasites without apparent pathogenic effects even at high infestation levels  (Giere & Pfannkuche, 1982). 

Sensitivity assessment. Evidence and so confidence is limited, resistance is assessed as ‘High’, resilience is assessed as ‘High’ and sensitivity is, therefore assessed as ‘Not sensitive’.

Removal of target species

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

Evidence

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

Populations of Hediste diversicolor are dominated by females; males may constitute up to 40% of the population but several reports suggest that the proportion of males is frequently lower (< 20%) (see Clay, 1967c). The sexes are externally indistinguishable except when approaching maturation and during spawning (see reproduction and adult general biology). Consequently, extraction e.g. by bait digging, of 50% of the specimens from within an area is likely to remove more females than males. A reduction in the female proportion of the population prior to spawning could reduce recruitment to the population. The mechanical action of the digging, even if the worms were not actually taken, may also cause some damage to the bodies. Recovery is dependent on the reproductive success and survival of the remaining population and colonization by adults from unaffected areas.

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

Removal of non-target species

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

Evidence

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

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

A dense field of Corophium volutator in the Wadden Sea disappeared completely during spring 1990 as a result of an epizootic by trematodes. The collapse of its population led to drastic changes in erosion patterns, sediment characteristics, and microtopography, as well as marked changes in the abundance of other macrofaunal species in the mudflat (Poulin & Mouritsen, 2006).

Sensitivity assessment. Removal of the characterizing species would result in the biotope being lost or reclassified. Thus, the biotope is considered to have a resistance of 'Low' to this pressure and to have 'High' resilience, so that sensitivity is assessed as 'Low'.