The South Western Peninsula Marine Natural Area

Part of a series covering the waters and coastal areas around England published by Natural England. Billed as "a contribution to regional planning and management of the seas around England". Contains much useful information, especially on marine species and their exploitation.


Contents

Foreword

1 Introduction......3
1.1 Definition and role of Marine Natural Areas.....3
1.2 The basis for Natural Area boundary selection....4
1.3 The audience for this document....5
1.4 The aim and structure of this document.....5
1.5 Geographic Information System.....6
1.6 Conservation objectives ....6

2 General summary....8

3 Physical environment and character of the Natural Area ...10
3.1 Geology....10
3.2 Bathymetry....11
3.3 Tidal currents and range.....12
3.4 Sea-level change ....12
3.5 Water temperature......13
3.6 Salinity ....14
3.7 Water quality.......14

4 Key habitats........24
4.1 The water column ........24
4.2 Seabed substrata.....25
4.3 Notable biogenic habitats......32

5 Key species.........49
5.1 Marine birds .......49
5.2 Cetaceans .......53
5.3 Seals.........57
5.4 Marine turtles .......57
5.5 Fish.........58
5.6 Shellfish ........65
5.7 Invertebrates......65

6 Human activity and use.......70
6.1 Fisheries .........70
6.2 Oil and gas extraction .......74
6.3 Aggregate extraction.......74
6.4 Shipping.........76
6.5 Waste disposal ......78
6.6 Litter.......79
6.7 Submarine cables ......80
6.8 Recreational uses .....80

7 Acknowledgements ........88

8 References........89
Appendix 1 Marine Natural Areas and the ecosystem approach.......99
Appendix 2 Biodiversity Action Plan and Habitats Directive Classifications .....102
Appendix 3 Wentworth and Folk sediment classifications .........103
Appendix 4 Glossary and abbreviations .......104

This report should be cited as:
JONES, L.A*, IRVING, R.,* CORK, M., COYLE, M.D., EVANS, D, GILLILAND, P.M., &
MURRAY, A.R. South Western Peninsula Marine Natural Area Profile: A contribution to regional planning and management of the seas around England. Peterborough: English Nature.

Available at:

http://naturalengland.communisis.com/naturalenglandshop/docs/CORP1.48.pdf