Commercially important species associated with horse mussel (Modiolus modiolus) biogenic reefs: A priority habitat for nature conservation and fisheries benefits

• Published in: Marine pollution bulletin Vol. 118; no. 1-2; pp. 71 - 78
• Main Authors: Kent, Flora E.A., Mair, James M., Newton, Jason, Lindenbaum, Charles, Porter, Joanne S., Sanderson, William G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 15-05-2017
• Subjects: Animals; Biodiversity; Brachyura; Conservation of Natural Resources - methods; Ecosystem; Ecosystem based management; Ecosystem services; Essential fish habitat; Fisheries; Mytilidae; Resource management; Stable isotope analysis; United Kingdom; Stable isotope analysis; Essential fish habitat; Ecosystem services; Biodiversity; Resource management; Ecosystem based management
• ISSN: 0025-326X; 1879-3363
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.02.051

Horse mussel reefs (Modiolus modiolus) are biodiversity hotspots afforded protection by Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the NE Atlantic. In this study, horse mussel reefs, cobble habitats and sandy habitats were assessed using underwater visual census and drop-down video techniques in three UK regions. Megafauna were enumerated, differences in community composition and individual species abundances were analysed. Samples of conspicuous megafauna were also collected from horse mussel reefs in Orkney for stable isotope analysis.
Communities of conspicuous megafauna were different between horse mussel habitats and other habitats throughout their range. Three commercially important species: whelks (Buccinum undatum), queen scallops (Aequipecten opercularis) and spider crabs (Maja brachydactyla) were significantly more abundant (by as much as 20 times) on horse mussel reefs than elsewhere. Isotopic analysis provided insights into their trophic relationship with the horse mussel reef. Protection of M. modiolus habitat can achieve biodiversity conservation objectives whilst benefiting fisheries also.
•Communities of conspicuous megafauna were assessed on Modiolus modiolus reefs, sand and cobble habitats.•Tissue samples from reef fauna were subject to stable isotope analysis to investigate trophic structure.•Reef associated species included Aequipecten opercularis, Buccinum undatum and Maja brachydactyla.•Evidence of the commercial value of M. modiolus reefs in the UK.