Output of the 2019 EUSeaMap broad-scale predictive model, produced by EMODnet Seabed Habitats.

The extent of the mapped area includes the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, Baltic Sea, and areas of the North Eastern Atlantic extending from the Canary Islands in the south to the Barents Sea in the north.

The map was produced using a "top-down" modelling approach using classified habitat descriptors to determine a final output habitat.

Habitat descriptors differ per region but include:

Biological zone

Energy class

Oxygen regime

Salinity regime

Seabed substrate

Riverine input

Habitat descriptors (excepting Substrate) are calculated using underlying physical data and thresholds derived from statistical analyses or expert judgement on known conditions.

The model is produced using R and Arc Model Builder (10.1).

The model was created using raster input layers with a cell size of 0.00104dd (roughly 100 metres). The model includes the sublittoral zone only; due to the high variability of the littoral zone, a lack of detailed substrate data and the resolution of the model, it is difficult to predict littoral habitats at this scale.

This map follows the EUNIS 2007-11 classification system where it is appropriate. It has also been classified according to MSFD Benthic Broad Habitat types.

This report details the methods used in the previous version (v2016) - a new report is in progress:

Populus J. And Vasquez M. (Eds), 2017. EUSeaMap, a European broad-scale seabed habitat map. Ifremer

Available from: http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00388/49975/