Anemone (Credit Amy Lewis)
Large numbers of anemones and hermit crabs dominate the shallow waters here.
Burrowing worms and bivalve molluscs make their homes in subtidal sand and mud.
The East of Celtic Deep recommended MCZ is located 40km south of the Pembrokeshire coast in Wales.
Subtidal sand and mud provides habitats for an abundance of marine species here. Many of which are critical in the functioning of the marine ecosystem, such as burrowing worms and bivalve molluscs. Large numbers of anemones and hermit crabs have been observed dominating the shallower waters of the area.
Frontal systems which occur here give rise to a highly productive area during the summer months. This increase in food supply attracts a significant number of whales, common dolphins and seabirds. Outside of summer the area remains particularly important for wintering birds.
This recommended Marine Conservation Zone is ON HOLD at the moment as Defra has indicated that there is not enough evidence to support designation.
We need you to urge Defra to use data gathered as soon as possible to inform designation of this site as a high and urgent priority:
This site is on hold at the moment as Defra has indicated the need for additional information for all species and habitats recommended by stakeholders. This site has been identified as being at risk by Natural England and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee as due to the presence of vulnerable features which are under pressure from human activity. Defra has carried out additional survey work within this site in 2012 and this evidence has not yet been taken into account.
We need you to urge Defra to use this evidence as soon as possible to help inform decisions on designation of this site. Due to the fact that this site has been identified as at risk, this site should be considered an urgent and high priority for designation and protected from further damage and degradation in the meantime.
Contains UKHO Law of the Sea data. Crown copyright and database right and contains Ordnance Survey Data Crown copyright and database 2012
Other nearby MCZs
Downloads
| Filename | File size |
|---|---|
| East of Celtic Deep.pdf | 192.77 KB |