predicted distribution of three deep-sea habitats in part of the northeast Atlantic

26 October 2015

This map illustrates the predicted distribution of three deep-sea (found at depths of 200m or more) habitats in part of the northeast Atlantic within the UK and Irish exclusive economic zones (200m offshore) and continental shelves. In areas in UK waters which have been designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Marine Protected Area (MPAs), no ban on bottom trawl fishing has yet been implemented making the habitats in these areas at risk of destruction. The current areas closed to bottom trawling only cover a small percentage of the areas where these three key habitat forming species are likely to occur. Even if bans were adopted within these SACs and MPAs, these areas, together with the closures currently in place would have limited protection in the areas where these key habitats are likely to occur A complete phase-out of bottom trawling below 600m would likely protect 100% of the sponge and xenophyophore habitats, and close to 90% of the deep-water coral habitats found around the British Isles.