Nature types — DN Handbook 19

The dataset shows nature type localities as mapped according to DN handbook 19 Mapping of marine biodiversity and published by the Norwegian Environment Agency. The mapping instructions are based on DN handbook 19, revised in 2007, when field mapping started in full. The individual locality is registered with a habitat type, which can be registered in more detail as design. Habitats prioritised for mapping are described in DN handbook 19. Each registered location is given a natural scientific value, based on size, condition and biodiversity. The locations have an area description with an emphasis on explaining the valuation. The geographical precision is evenly good for the entire data set. Improving models for prediction of habitats has also yielded somewhat better precision over time. The data set also includes key locations for some species of shells, which for practical reasons have been established as habitat type data. The mapping programme has been carried out in cooperation with the Directorate of Fisheries.