Whilst Hendrick and Foster‐Smith (2006) provided a starting point in evaluating reefiness, JNCC have since conducted a workshop (2007) the results of which have been drawn up and published in (Gubbay, 2007). The main focus of the workshop was seeking agreement on a definition of Sabellaria reefs. Participants agreed that the simplest definition of Sabellaria reef in the context of the Habitats Directive was considered to be an area of Sabellaria which is elevated from the seabed and has a large spatial extent (two of the characteristics presented by Hendrick and Foster‐Smith (2006)). Colonies may be patchy within an area defined as reef and show a range of elevations. In addition, the report states that, regardless of extent, patchiness appears to be a feature of reefs and therefore 100% coverage should not to be expected within an area defined as a Sabellaria reef (Gubbay, 2007).
63.
In seeking to provide greater guidance, the workshop participants tried to put some figures on the characteristics of elevation and patchiness which could be used in combination to determine whether an area might qualify as a reef. The best, although not unanimous, agreement reached on the day is given below in Table 3.4, which provides the most up to date, currently available guidelines for Sabellaria reef assessment.
Benthic Characterisation Report November 2013
East Anglia THREE and FOUR Offshore Cable Corridor
