Coralligenous habitats are remarkable marine ecosystems primarily found in the Mediterranean Sea. These habitats are created through a process known as “bioconstruction,” where various plant and animal organisms with calcareous skeletons build complex, three-dimensional structures. These formations are akin to tropical coral reefs and are highly valued for their rich biodiversity and ecological significance.
Typically developing at depths of 10 to 120 meters, coralligenous habitats thrive in low-light conditions that still allow the growth of coralline algae. These algae, along with other organisms like bryozoans and serpulids, are the main architects of these habitats. The resulting structures provide numerous microhabitats, making them hotspots of biodiversity.
In the MSP Challenge this layer is editable and provides insight into the current identified coralligenous habitats. Players can only view the data as this is not an editable layer.
Not applicable. This layer is not yet available in the MSP Challenge North Sea Edition.
Not applicable. This layer is not yet available in the MSP Challenge Baltic Sea Edition.
Not applicable. This layer is not yet available in the MSP Challenge Clyde Marine Region Edition.
Not applicable. This layer is not yet available in the MSP Challenge Adriatic Sea Edition.
EMODnet
"Modelled Spatial Distributions of Coralligenous Habitats"
"This dataset shows modelled spatial distributions of coralligenous outcrops across the Mediterranean Sea. These bioconstructions are typical Mediterranean underwater seascapes, comprising coralline algal frameworks that grow in dim light conditions. They are the result of the building activities of algal and animal constructors, counterbalanced by physical, as well as biological, eroding processes. Because of their extent, biodiversity and production, coralligenous habitats rank among the most important ecosystems in the Mediterranean Sea, and they are considered of great significance both for fisheries and carbon regulation."
Not applicable.
Co-funded by the European Union.