Benthic habitat data with EUNIS classification

Output of the 2023 EUSeaMap broad-scale predictive model, produced by EMODnet Seabed Habitats. The extent of the mapped area includes the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, Baltic Sea, and areas of the North Eastern Atlantic extending from the Canary Islands in the south to the Barents Sea in the north. The map was produced using a "top-down" modelling approach using classified habitat descriptors to determine a final output habitat. Habitat descriptors differ per region but include: Biological zone Energy class Oxygen regime Salinity regime Seabed substrate Riverine input Habitat descriptors (excepting Substrate) are calculated using underlying physical data and thresholds derived from statistical analyses or expert judgement on known conditions. The model is produced using R and Arc Model Builder (10.1). The model was created using raster input layers with a cell size of 0.00104dd (roughly 100 metres). The model includes the sublittoral zone only; due to the high variability of the littoral zone, a lack of detailed substrate data and the resolution of the model, it is difficult to predict littoral habitats at this scale. EUSeaMap is classified into EUNIS 2019 level 3 (or more detailed levels where appropriate), EUNIS 2019 level 2 , EUNIS 2007-2011, the MSFD benthic broad habitat types, the HELCOM HUB classification in the Baltic, and the recently revised habitat classification in the Mediterranean. In the Black Sea, EUSeaMap is not classified into EUNIS 2007-2011 (due to inapplicability), but is classified according to a classification that was developed by EMODnet Seabed Habitats (Populus et a, 2017, and for a revised version Vasquez et al, 2020, See Online resources). Reports that provide methods used for the classification of the predicted habitats into the new 2019 EUNIS classification, regional classifications, and MSFD BBHT (v.2017) are linked in Online Resources. A report on the methods used in the 2023 version of EUSeaMap and reports on previous versions (v2019 and V2021) are linked in Online Resources. Credit: Licensed under CC-BY 4.0 from the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet) Seabed Habitats initiative (www.emodnet-seabedhabitats.eu), funded by the European Commission.

Data and Resources

Additional Info

Field Value
Original title EUSeaMap 2023 Broad-Scale Predictive Habitat Map for Europe
Original abstract
Topic category
  • types_of_habitat
Sub category
Resource language English
Domain area
Owner IFREMER
Provider IFREMER
Data portal EMODnet
Presentation form Map (map represented in raster or vector form)
Spatial representation Vector - polygon
Coordinate reference system epsg:3035 - ETRS89 / LAEA Europe
Web services OGC-WFS
Derives from
Derived datasets
Successor of
Predecessor of
Temporal extent 2022-11-01
2025-10-31
Spatial extent
Data accessibility
Validation level Official data
Additional information
Metadata completeness Complete
Notes

Additional info - MSP - Environment

Species, habitats, ecosystems, pressures

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MSFD Classes
    MSFD Descriptors/Criteria D6 Sea-floor integrity/D1 Biodiversity - benthic habitats
    Non MSFD Classes Habitats
    WFD

      Additional info - MSP - Oceanographic and CC

      Physics, biochemistry, EOV, ECV

      Field Value
      Variables

        Additional info - MSP - Conservation

        Protected areas, OECM, IBA, EBSA, CCH, IMMA, ...

        Field Value
        Types
          Zonation

          Additional info - MSP - Maritime activities

          Aquaculture, fishing, transport, energy, ...

          Field Value
          Activity types

            Additional info - MSP - Coastal & Land use and planning

            Land use, land cover, planning (strategic, coordination, operational)

            Field Value
            Types

              Additional info - MSP - Socio-economic

              Living and non-living resources, shipping, tourism, energy, ...

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              Activity types
                Value types
                  Categories

                    Additional info - MSP - Ecosystem Services

                    Provisioning, regulation & maintenance, cultural

                    Field Value
                    CICES classes

                      Additional info - MSP - Legal, Governance & Planning

                      Strategic, legislation, planning, administrative, enforcement

                      Field Value
                      Themes Environment (e.g. pollution and biodiversity)
                      Functions
                        Who is in charge?

                        Additional info - MSP - Relevance

                        Relevance of the dataset / resource in supporting the MSP process at different spatial scales and temporal frames

                        Field Value
                        Relevance (spatial and temporal)