SH8 Directive shore habitat types

>> Background information

Current conservation status

The EU Habitats Directive includes 17 shore habitat types, 13 of which occurs solely on the shores of the Baltic Sea. All habitat types are found in the boreal region, but only alluvial forests also in the alpine region. Forests of primary succession stages of landupheaval coast and dry sand heathts may also occur further away from the shoreline, in which case these occurences have also been included in the assessment.

Perennial vegetation of stony banks, islets and islands in outer archipelago and open sea areas as well as vegetated sea cliffs are common and wide ranging habitat types which represent favourable conservation status class. The threats they encounter are usually local. The status of most shore habitat types has been evaluated as unfavourable, and six of these as unfavourable-bad. Even though many of these are widely distributed, the occurences are often small in area and sensitive to erosion.

Sand beaches and dunes have been destroyed by construction. The eroding effects of recreational activity have weakened their structure and function. Construction is no longer a direct threat to sand beaches and dunes, since they are protected by law. Instead, forestation, increasing abundance of reed beds and dispersion of invasive species Rugosa Rose have become the greatest threats to sand beaches and dunes.

Coastal meadows and alluvial meadows are shore habitat types which have been affected the most by a significant decrease in grazing pressure. Forestry has had an impact especially on forests of primary succession stages of landupheaval coast and wooded dunes. Alluvial forests have been affected by forestry as well as water construction. Esker islands have been threatened by soil extraction and construction.