Vulnerable marine biotopes – modelled distribution

Modelled distribution of vulnerable marine biotopes based on quantity distribution from observations on MAREANO cruises and environmental data from other sources. Biotopes are characterised by fragile organisms that are easily crushed by physical influence of the seabed. The maps show areas where we can expect to find such habitats based on results from mathematical models. The value unit is n/100 m². The data set series contains the occurrence of five different biotopes that are defined as vulnerable by the Institute of Marine Research; Hard-bottom coral forest, Sponge sponge bottom, glass sponge communities (cold water sponge communities), sponge communities and Umbellula populations (deepwater-fruit spring populations). The dataset is based on video analysis and covers sea areas where the survey programme MAREANO has collected video material.