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UK SeaMap 2010: Predictive mapping of seabed habitats in UK waters 2011

Abstract

UKSeaMap 2010 was established to produce an ecologically relevant, full-coverage map of seabed habitats across the entire UK marine area. UKSeaMap 2010 builds on previous work to develop predictive habitat models using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), particularly UKSeaMap 2006 and the MESH project. The importance of seabed habitat mapping has been increasingly recognised in recent years: information on seabed habitats is essential both for the development of new economic activities and for assessing the impact of these activities on the marine environment.

The report provides a full coverage predictive seabed habitat map for the sublittoral UK marine area using the EUNIS (2007-11) classification, filling the geographic gaps evident in earlier predictive mapping projects (UKSeaMap 2006 and MESH). UKSeaMap’s primary purpose is to provide a national and regional perspective on the UK’s marine habitats, including their distribution and extent, to support national- and regional-scale planning and management requirements.

The report refers to a series of Technical reports, which are also provided here:

  • Technical Report 1 – Bathymetry
  • Technical Report 2 – Light penetration
  • Technical Report 3 – Substrate
  • Technical Report 4 – Energy
  • Technical Report 5 – Analysing the relationship between substrate and energy data
  • Technical Report 6 – Comparison of UKSeaMap 2010 predictive habitat map with other predictive habitat maps and maps derived from surveys
  • Technical Report 7 – External review of confidence assessment methods.

Resource type Publication

Topic category Oceans

Reference date 2011·10·01

Citation
McBreen, F., Askew, N., Cameron, A., Connor, D., Ellwood, H. & Carter, A. 2011. UKSeaMap 2010: Predictive mapping of seabed habitats in UK waters. JNCC Report No. 446, JNCC, Peterborough.

Lineage
UKSeaMap 2010 was established to produce an ecologically relevant, full-coverage map of seabed habitats across the entire UK marine area.

Responsible organisation
Communications, JNCC publisher

Limitations on public access No limitations

Use constraints Available under the Open Government Licence 3.0

Metadata date 2020·07·01

Metadata point of contact
Communications, JNCC

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