Lophelia pertusa Reefs

Habitat: Lophelia pertusa Reefs

Description: Lophelia pertusa a cold-water, reef-forming coral, has a wide geographic distribution ranging from 55°S to 70°N, where water temperatures typically remain between 4 - 8°C. The majority of records occur in the North-east Atlantic. The biological diversity of the reef community can be three times as high as the surrounding soft sediment (ICES, 2003), suggesting that these cold-water coral reefs may be biodiversity hotspots. Characteristic species include other hard corals, such as Madrepora oculata and Solenosmilia variabilis, the redfish Sebastes viviparous and the squat lobster Munida sarsi. L.pertusa reefs occur on hard substrata; this may be Lophelia rubble from an old colony or on glacial deposits. For this reason, L.pertusa reefs can be associated with iceberg plough-mark zones.

OSPAR Regions where it occurs: I, II, III, IV, V

OSPAR Regions where under threat and/or in decline: I, II, III, IV, V

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?

An implementation report will be published in late 2022