Sabellaria spinulosa Reefs

Habitat: Sabellaria spinulosa Reefs

Description: The tube‐building polychaete Sabellaria spinulosa can form

dense aggregations on mixed substrata and on rocky habitats. In mixed substrata habitats, comprised variously of sand, gravel, pebble and cobble, the Sabellaria covers 30% or more of the substrata and needs to be sufficiently thick and persistent to support an associated epibiota community which is distinct from surrounding habitats. On rocky habitats of bedrock, boulder and cobble, the Sabellaria covers 50% or more of the rock and may form a crust or be thicker in structure. In some areas, these two variations of reef type may grade into each other. Sabellaria reefs have been recorded in depths between 10‐50m BCD or more.

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

What is the latest status of Sabellaria spinulosa reefs?

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?