Publication Abstract

The English Channel is a tide-dominated shelf sea situated between France and England. The central region of the Channel is a low-depositional environment and previous to this study the seabed was generally perceived to comprise mostly lag gravel, with a few isolated rock outcrops. Our geophysical and biological analysis revealed an extensive reef system located 30 km south of the Isle of Wight (Figure 1) in water depths ranging between 40 m and 80 m below Chart Datum. The reef extends 100 km in east-west direction and 15 km in north-south direction, covering ca. 1100 km² of seafloor. The rock habitat supports a substantial coverage of fauna including sponges, bryozoans, hydroids and anemones. The area has been mapped to level 3/4 of the EUNIS habitat classification system, and is currently being considered as a Special Area of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive.