This layer shows the distribution of polygon records of sea pen and burrowing megafauna communities, an OSPAR Habitat.
This layer forms one of a set of data layers created for the Defra MB0102 contract. This work will support the delivery of a network of Marine Protected Areas as required to meet existing international and national obligations and commitments, including Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs), a new measure to be delivered as part of the Marine and Coastal Access Bill, and equivalent measures under Scottish legislation. The availability of these data layers will also be of importance in underpinning Marine Planning (e.g. licensing) in our marine area.
