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MSFD: Predicted Broadscale EUNIS Habitats - Atlantic area

The MSFD Predominant Habitat Types map layer has been derived from;
Evidence based data source (EMODnet sediment & substrate)and
Predicted habitats data source (Predicted EUNIS habitats (2008 MESH model).

The Predicted broad-scale EUNIS habitats - Atlantic area dataset represents the predicted component from which the MSFD PHT habitat map was derived.

The predicted habitats dataset is available to download from








A key aim of the modelling work of the MESH project was to produce a transnational predictive habitat map covering as much as possible of the sea areas of all 5 MESH countries. The EUNIS habitat classification scheme was selected for this habitat modelling. On a finer scale, some partners investigated habitat modelling on national, regional or local scales. The types of habitat modelled included EUNIS habitat types, but also habitats of conservation interest such as OSPAR protected habitats. Work was done to predict the distribution of macrobenthic communities from physical data, and to look at the prediction of habitat types from benthic.

MESH EUNIS Model
Each habitat class within EUNIS is defined by its unique combination of environment variables (referred to as the habitat envelope) together with its associated biological community. The aim of this modelling study was to use these ‘habitat envelopes’ to predict/model the distribution of broad-scale EUNIS marine habitats, using physical environmental data. Data were summarised to a vector grid of approximately one nautical mile which covered the extent of the MESH project area. Data for each cell were compared with the habitat envelopes and assigned an appropriate EUNIS code. These codes were used to create a thematic map predicting the distribution of EUNIS habitat types for the MESH study area. Further information can be found here: http://www.searchmesh.net/default.aspx?page=1627

Marine Institute

2015-06-23 12:59:06

Marine Institute

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