title: Commercially important species associated with horse mussel (Modiolus modiolus) biogenic reefs: A priority habitat for nature conservation and fisheries benefits.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Marine Biodiversity & Biotechnology, EGIS, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK. Electronic address: kent.flora@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Flora E A
authors.initials: FEA
authors.lastname: Kent
authors.affiliation: Centre for Marine Biodiversity & Biotechnology, EGIS, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK.
authors.forename: James M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Mair
authors.affiliation: NERC Life Sciences Mass Spectrometry Facility, Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre, Rankine Avenue, East Kilbride G75 0QF, UK.
authors.forename: Jason
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Newton
authors.affiliation: Natural Resources Wales, Maes y Ffynnon, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2DW, UK.
authors.forename: Charles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lindenbaum
authors.affiliation: International Centre Island Technology, Heriot Watt University, Orkney Campus, The Old Academy, Back Road, Stromness, Orkney, Scotland KW16 3AW, UK.
authors.forename: Joanne S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Porter
authors.affiliation: Centre for Marine Biodiversity & Biotechnology, EGIS, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK; St Abbs Marine Station, St Abbs, Scottish Borders, TD14 5PW, UK.
authors.forename: William G
authors.initials: WG
authors.lastname: Sanderson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D044822:Biodiversity; D003386:Brachyura; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources / Q000379:methods; D017753:Ecosystem; D005398:Fisheries; D049879:Mytilidae; D006113:United Kingdom
keywords: Biodiversity; Ecosystem based management; Ecosystem services; Essential fish habitat; Resource management; Stable isotope analysis