Description of biotope or habitat type
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Saltmarsh
Physical habitat description
| Salinity | Full (30-35 ppt), Reduced (18-30ppt), Variable (18-35 ppt) |
|---|---|
| Wave exposure | Sheltered, Very sheltered, Extremely sheltered |
| Tidal streams | |
| Substratum | Sandy or muddy sediments |
| Zone | Littoral fringe |
| Depth Band | Strandline, Upper shore |
| Other Features |
Download comparative physical and biological data. The comparative tables enable a rapid comparison of the species composition and principal physical characteristics between a given set of biotopes.
- Records used to define the biotope (core records)
- Other records assigned to this biotope, marked as 'certain'
- Other records assigned to this biotope, marked as 'uncertain'
Point data based on records in the UK Marine Recorder Snapshot.
Description
Angiosperm-dominated stands of vegetation, occurring on the extreme upper shore of sheltered coasts and periodically covered by spring high tides. The vegetation develops on a variety of sandy and muddy sediment types and may have admixtures of coarser material. The character of the saltmarsh communities is affected by height up the shore, resulting in a zonation pattern related to the degree or frequency of immersion in seawater. Saltmarsh vegetation is generally well studied; its classification is fully covered by the UK National Vegetation Classification, where 26 types are defined (Rodwell, 2000). The species listed below give a general indication of the infaunal component of saltmarsh communities. Users are referred to the chapter on saltmarsh communities in Rodwell (2000) for details on the plant communities which characterise the different saltmarsh biotopes.
Situation
On the upper shore above sheltered sand, muddy sand, mud, and more marine biotopes. Saltmarshes are generally confined to estuaries and other sheltered marine inlets.
Temporal variation
Saltmarsh vegetation tends to die back during the winter season due to cold temperatures and increased storminess, and saltmarshes may increase in area during the growing period in summer. This is particularly the case for the Salicornia spp. - dominated pioneer saltmarsh communities at the lower end of the saltmarsh zone.
Characterising species
| Taxon | Relative importance of taxon for defining this community (%) | Typical abundance - SACFOR scale | Typical abundance - (count per m2) | % of core records where taxon was recorded |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enchytraeidae | 53 | Common | 728 | 41-60% |
| Hediste diversicolor | 19 | Abundant | 110 | 21-40% |
| Corophium volutator | 18 | Abundant | 165 | 41-60% |
| Peringia ulvae | 4 | Common | 603 | 21-40% |
| Manayunkia aestuarina | 3 | Frequent | 333 | 21-40% |
Similar biotopes or habitat types
Not applicable or unknown.
Classification history of this biotope or habitat type
| Classification version | Code |
|---|---|
| 1997 (97.06) | LMU.SM |
| 1995 | LMUD.SAL |
