Seabed surveys around the Isles of Scilly find more than 90 species across habitats poorly captured by classifications

Scientists have completed an extensive study of the seabed around the Isles of Scilly, uncovering a rich array of sediment habitats supporting over 90 species of seabed animals. Led by the University of Plymouth, the research employed various techniques, including towed and baited video surveys, to examine 10 locations outside existing marine protected areas.

The findings, published in the Journal of Applied Ecology, demonstrate that these sediment habitats, ranging from sandy bedforms to boulders and cobbles, harbor diverse species including corals, sponges, worms, sharks, rays, and starfish. However, the study reveals that existing European habitat classifications, such as those in the EUNIS system, do not fully capture this diversity, potentially limiting their effectiveness in conservation planning.

The researchers argue that current marine management policies may be based on shifted baselines, reflecting habitats altered by human activity rather than their natural composition. They recommend updating habitat classifications and monitoring to better inform conservation efforts and ensure the effective protection of marine ecosystems.