Devoid of life.

The mixture of minerals commonly used in the construction industry, that may be sourced from the seabed (Defra, 2007).

List of 189 habitats to be protected under the EC Habitats Directive by means of a network of sites.

List of 788 species to be protected under the EC Habitats directive by means of a network of sites.

The assessment that is required to determine the potential effect of a project or plan on an SPA or SAC (Defra, 2007).

They are fine landscapes, of great variety in character and extent. The criteria for designation is their outstanding natural beauty. Many AONBs also fulfil a recreational role but, unlike national pa [..]

Any man-made structure that is submerged, or partially submerged, at any stage of the tidal cycle. It may be placed by design for a multitude of purposes, eg piers, jetties, coastal defence, fishery e [..]

A description for animals, plants and habitats associated with the seabed. All plants and animals that live in, on or near the seabed are benthos (Defra, 2007).

Those organisms attached to, or living on, in or near, the seabed, including that part which is exposed by tides as the littoral zone (based on Lincoln & Boxshall, 1987).

"The variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes [..]