Mudflats and sandflats (1140)
Short description
Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide (according to Habitats Directive Annex I) are often devoid of vascular plants, usually coated by blue algae and diatoms. They are of particular importance as feeding grounds for wildfowl and waders. The distribution map is based on data submission by HELCOM contracting parties. Only Denmark, Germany and Estonia reported occurrences of mudflats and sandflats. Most of the submitted data is based on modelling and/or GIS analysis. Data coverage, accuracy and the methods in obtaining the data vary between countries.
Point of contact
HELCOM Secretariat
data@helcom.fi
Spatial extent
['7.530495', '34.131647', '52.277123', '66.475422']
Type
dataset
Metadata information
Identifier
Keywords
Habitats and biotopes ; GEMET - INSPIRE themes, version 1.0 ;

marine geology ; GEMET ;

MADS ; HOLAS2 ; ecosystem component ;

Resource provider(s)
HELCOM Secretariat
data@helcom.fi

Lineage
Data source: Denmark: Polygon data on mudflats and sandflats found within Natura 2000 sites. Source: Danish Nature Agency. Estonia: Modelled distribution of mudflats and sandflats based on observations from national monitoring and inventories. Source: Estonian Marine Institute. Finland: No reported mudflats or sandflats. Germany: Polygon data on distribution of mudflats and sandflats. Source: Landesamt für Umwelt, Naturschutz und Geologie Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Latvia: No reported mudflats or sandflats. Lithuania: No reported mudflats or sandflats. Poland: No reported mudflats or sandflats. Russia: Habitats Directive not implemented. Sweden: No reported mudflats or sandflats. Data quality: Data quality and habitat definitions vary between countries. Data is often based on modelling and ground-truthing has not always taken place. The dataset was approved by all HELCOM Contracting Parties in the HOLAS II Ecosystem component data review process during first quarter of 2017 after corrections from Germany. Attribute information: Raster value representing presence (1) or absence (0) of mudflats and sandflats.