This layer shows the extent of Seagrass collated by EMODnet Seabed Habitats in European waters. Seagrasses provide essential habitat and nursery areas for many marine fauna. There are approximately 72 seagrass species that belong to four major groups: Zosteraceae, Hydrocharitaceae, Posidoniaceae and Cymodoceaceae. Zosterabeds and Cymodecea meadows are named on the OSPAR Threatened or Declining Habitats list. Posidonia beds are protected under Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive.This EOV layer for Seagrass is a work in progress. This file was produced during EMODnet Seabed Habitats Phase 3 (2017-2019). It is hoped there will be future iterations of the project which will allow for updates to the EOV layer. |
Essential Ocean Variables - Seagrass cover |