| Rocky Seabed- North Devon |
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| Extent/Distribution The rocky seabed is defined as the area of sublittoral hard substrates, typically bedrock reefs and boulder plains, out to 6 nautical miles or to the 50m depth contour, whichever is further from the land. The seabed habitats of North Devon support some of the richest plant and animal communities in the country. The area is a zone where the colder waters of the north Atlantic meet the warmer southern waters resulting in the presence of several species living at their limit of distribution. Distribution The is currently no accurate analysis of the composition of marine substrates around Devon, although available information suggests that approximately 60% of the sub-tidal environment is dominated by rocky substrates. Unlike most other environments in North Devon, the seabed is poorly understood in terms of the natural and man-induced processes that determine the abundance, distribution and diversity of its sea life. However, it is known that man can and does have a role in the well being of the seabed. Factors such as oil and chemical pollution, and damage to sensitive animal and plant communities by scallop dredging, beam trawling and sediment dredging are some of the impacts of man activities are concentrated on a small area. OBJECTIVE 1 TARGET: Ongoing OBJECTIVE 2 OBJECTIVE 3 Foster increased understanding and awareness by all users of the marine environment of the importance of the habitat, the threats it faces and the ways in which damage to it can be ameliorated. TARGET: Ongoing see above The Voluntary Marine Conservation Area affords non-statutory protection in this important area. Managed by Devon Wildlife Trust it aims to protect the coastal environment by promoting understanding and enjoyment of the marine environment, including the seabed, by members of the public. Policy and legislation No actions currently proposedManagement
No actions currently proposed Research
and monitoring
Identify key sites of conservation importance, in addition to
those already under consideration, and instigate survey and monitoring
programmes, particularly in relation to populations of key species of
cup corals and of pink sea fan on these sites. By 2002 Contribute to research programmes, which strive for better understanding
of natural and human processes that impact upon the marine environment.
Ongoing Education and awareness raising
Produce and promote information and interpretation facilities
for key user groups, in order to foster understanding of the threats
to, and proper management of, the rocky seabed. Highlight the importance of, and issues facing the seabed at events such as the annual Marine Week. By 2002 LEAD: NDDCS, DWT, NDDC, WWF-UK [no information currently available] |
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