Carbonate Mounds

Habitat: Carbonate Mounds

Description: Carbonate mounds are distinct elevations of various shapes, which may be up to 350m high and 2km wide at their base. They occur offshore in water depths of 500- 1100m with examples present in the Porcupine Seabight and Rockall Trough. They typically provide a range of habitats associated with different substrate types including stabilised sediment, mobile sediments, cobble grounds, coral rubble, coral reef and consolidated carbonate hardgrounds, each supporting distinct faunal assemblages. The composition of this patchwork of habitats can vary considerably between mounds mainly due to differences in hydrodynamic conditions and the growth and activity stages the mounds are in.

OSPAR Regions where it occurs: I, V

OSPAR Regions where under threat and/or in decline: V⁸

What is the latest status of the feature?

The status assessment describes the latest changes in distribution, abundance and range of the feature, as well as any changes in the threats and pressures impacting the feature. The status assessments are updated regularly and inform OSPAR’s consideration of the effectiveness of the measures and actions that have been adopted and implemented by Contracting Parties.

Why is this feature included on the OSPAR List?
What protective measures and actions has OSPAR committed to taking?
What actions have been implemented by OSPAR?