The conservation status of maerl habitats in northwest Scotland. A report for the Blue Hope Alliance
Date Issued
May 20, 2026
Abstract
This report explains why maerl habitats are irreplaceable marine habitats and how information collected by the Blue Hope Alliance around Loch Carron, Upper Loch Torridon, and in the Wester Ross Marine Protected Area between 2016-2025 has been analysed. This includes monitoring transects used to assess the conservation status of these ancient marine habitats. Phymatolithon calcareum is the main maerl-forming species in the region. Surveys in 2025 included a study of seawater nutrient levels and provided data on maerl habitat condition. Wester Ross has biodiverse maerl beds that provide herring spawning grounds, but blooms of an invasive seaweed and illegal scallop dredging are hindering their recovery. It is recommended that the Blue Hope Alliance digital archive is analysed statistically and published in peer reviewed literature and that there is follow-up monitoring of water quality around urban and fish farm inputs of organic and inorganic waste.
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Name
Jason's.BHA.report.2026.pdf
Size
4.56 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
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