JNCC brought together representatives from a range
of organisations working on Sabellaria spinulosa to a
workshop in Peterborough on the 1-2 May, 2007. The aims of the
workshop were to:
- Exchange information on current research relating to
Sabellaria spinulosa reefs and the requirements for their
conservation under the Habitats Directive.
- Elaborate a definition of Sabellaria spinulosa reefs
which can be used by JNCC and the Country Agencies in relation to
implementing the Habitats Directive in UK waters.
- Discuss issues relevant to the management of Sabellaria
spinulosa reefs and identify potential areas of future
research to support the definition, management and monitoring of
Sabellaria spinulosa reefs in the context of the Habitats
Directive.
The simplest definition of Sabellaria spinulosa reef
in the context of the Habitats Directive was considered to be an
area of Sabellaria spinulosa which is elevated from the
seabed and has a large spatial extent. Colonies may be patchy
within an area defined as reef and show a range of elevations. In
UK waters elevations created by worm tubes of up to 30cm have been
recorded and spatial extents of more than 1km².
In seeking to provide greater guidance, workshop participants
tried to put some figures on the characteristics of elevation, area
and patchiness which could be used in combination to determine
whether an area might qualify as a reef (Table 4).
| NB. These figures are presented as a starting point for wider
discussion rather than accepted and fully agreed thresholds for
Sabellaria spinulosa reef identification. |
Further appreciation of the quality of the reef can be
determined by using a scoring system for a range of
characteristics. These characteristics include elevation, extent
and patchiness but could also cover sediment consolidation,
density, associated biodiversity and longevity. Development of this
approach, for example, with supporting guidance or perhaps an
indication of relative weighting of the different characteristics,
could be very useful as a second stage in the process of
identifying suitable areas of Sabellaria spinulosa reef
for protection within Natura 2000 sites.
A variety of survey methodologies and tools can be used to
detect, map, sample and monitor Sabellaria spinulosa
reefs. Guidance on what is most appropriate will depend on the
definition (and therefore parameters which need to be measured) and
what is practical under particular environmental conditions.
The focus of management is likely to be on the activities
which could have an impact on Sabellaria spinulosa reefs;
however, given that environmental conditions are a major influence
(e.g. sediment loads, presence of sand waves and drop offs), a
holistic approach to management will be required. Management
proposals also need to reflect the dynamic nature of reefs which
can colonise, evolve and degrade rapidly. This is well illustrated
by studies showing their natural temporal and spatial variation.
Risk assessments and management plans can be used to set out the
procedures which will assist with the management of Sabellaria
spinulosa reefs.
There are many potential areas for future research on
Sabellaria spinulosa to inform Natura 2000 work.
Of the list drawn up at the workshop the highest priority was
considered to be work on:
- How reefs form, evolve and decay and a better understanding of
the environmental conditions under which they do so.
- Controlled experiments to inform management decisions such as
the establishment of closed areas.
- Creating an inventory of possible areas of Sabellaria
spinulosa reef in UK waters.