Classifying Marine Habitats
Having a classification system for marine habitats provides a
useful tool for managing and conserving marine biodiversity.
In Britain and Ireland we have two compatible classification
schemes, which are summarised below.
Marine Habitat Classification for Britain & Ireland version
15.03
The
Marine Habitat Classification for Britain and
Ireland is one of the most comprehensive marine benthic
classification systems currently in use, and has been
developed through the analysis of empirical data sets, the review
of other classifications and scientific literature, and in
collaboration with a wide range of marine scientists and
conservation managers. Click on the Marine Habitat Classification
page in the tree to the left to see biotope descriptions and a full
expandable hierarchy of habitats/biotopes.
EUNIS Classification version 2007-11
The European Nature Information System (
EUNIS)
classification is a pan-European system, which covers terrestrial
and marine habitats. The marine section is based on, and is
fully compatible with, our national classification.
Marine habitats correlation table
A
correlation table has been prepared by JNCC
which allows users to translate between the EUNIS marine
classification, the Marine Habitat Classification for Britain and
Ireland, and other marine habitats listed as being important for
conservation under various legislative instruments (e.g. Habitats
Directive Annex I habitats, OSPAR habitats).