dlr Biodiversity Marine Surveys Capture a Grey Seal and Pup Playing in the Sea Meadows

The reef areas in our seawaters were surveyed in 2021 and 2022 by marine biologists as part of the actions of our DLR County Biodiversity Action Plan 2021 – 2025. The reefs that stretch along our coastline are significant, especially in the context of the relatively low extent of this habitat on the east coast of Ireland and very low level of detailed surveys previously carried out. These reefs are considered important habitats and are classified as EU Annex habitats.

Reefs are characterised by communities of attached algae such as seaweeds (where there is sufficient light – on the shore and in the shallow subtidal) and invertebrates, usually associated with a range of mobile and sessile animals, including invertebrates and fish such as starfish and sponges.

They can occur in the subtidal (under seawater) but may extend into the intertidal zone, where they are exposed to the air at low tide.

Check out our report and grey seals video on our webpage here.