Translation of biological and sedimentological point data towards habitat suitability maps of biological communities and EUNIS level 5 maps. Part 2: From habitat suitability maps of biological communities towards EUNIS level 5 maps

The full coverage habitat suitability maps of the macrobenthic communities serve as an input to apply the EUNIS classification on the Belgian Continental Shelf and to translate the maps into EUNIS habitat types (EUNIS level 5 maps). The whole analysis was performed within a GIS (Geographic Information System). The habitat suitability maps were classified by means of the natural breaks classification scheme. Two derivative maps were generated, respectively exceeding probabilities of 60% and 70%. Subsequently, the derived habitat suitability maps were translated into EUNIS habitat types. A large proportion of the Belgian shelf is covered and assigned to EUNIS classes. Each defined EUNIS habitat type has a habitat suitability percentage exceeding 60%. So far, only the Macoma balthica community matches within the current EUNIS classification. The other communities do not exactly match classes within the EUNIS classification. As such, only temporary codes are created and those need an expert review. The Habitat model (Degraer et al., in prep.) does not foresee transitional communities; as such they cannot be mapped. Once these are defined, a complete full coverage EUNIS map can be attained

Recognizing the seafloor’s characteristics using habitat signatures

Seafloor images become increasingly available, both derived from video or photographs and from acoustic remote sensing. Very-high resolution acoustic imagery has indeed the potential of depicting a recognisable sign on an image that relates to a physical and biological nature, i.e. its habitat signature. Still, most of this information is stored at institutes or universities and no up-to-date comprehensive compilation is yet available. Moreover, the acoustic imagery often remains hard to interpret; this is mainly because of the multitude of factors influencing the image and the lack of reference material. When an interpreter studies a remote sensing image, he indeed needs to refer to particular textures and patterns that are recognisable on the image and relate that to reality. Ground truthing remains crucial; still comparison with a large number of similar cases is a necessity. In the framework of marine environmental issues this becomes increasingly important and the need for sound interpretations is real. To anticipate on this need, a web-based catalogue of seabed habitat signatures is being built in the framework of the MESH project (Mapping European Seabed Habitats), for both scientists and non-scientists. The catalogue contains a collection of images produced by different remote sensing techniques (acoustic and optically derived images, photographs and video). As such, the results of the different techniques can be compared and can strengthen interpretations in view of seabed assessments. The catalogue has a comprehensive list of metadata per habitat signature, both in terms of its physical and biological environment and the conditions under which the signatures were generated. The web catalogue is easy manageable. Habitats can be searched using their own name or by typing a key word or choosing a EUNIS code or making a query on physical factors. For every habitat one or more significant locations in the Mesh area are chosen and every location displays all the signatures available. Every location is identified by its coordinates (lat., long.) to be easily positioned on the MESH webGIS (http://www.searchmesh.net/webGIS). The signatures are presented as little thumbnails to let the web user have an easy overview. These link to a page where a description of the image, an enlarged image and all technical data referred to it can be found. The catalogue will largely increase the visibility of how the seafloor looks like, but above all it is hoped that it will assist in the interpretation of newly acquired data in view of - 48 - environmental assessments. Any potential contributor to this catalogue is invited to share their images to a wider European community. The web-catalogue is developed at Ifremer (http://www.ifremer.fr/meshmalo/ essai_signatures). RCMG is responsible for the input of imagery related to the Belgian part of the North Sea

Risk perception – issues for flood management in Europe

Public perception of flood risk and flood risk information is often overlooked when developing flood risk management plans. As scientists and the public at large perceive risk in very different ways, flood risk management strategies are known to have failed in the past due to this disconnect between authorities and the public. This paper uses a novel approach in exploring the role of public perception in developing flood risk communication strategies in Europe. Results are presented of extensive quantitative research of 1375 questionnaire responses from thirteen communities at risk across six European countries. The research forms part of two research projects funded under the 2nd ERA-Net CRUE Funding Initiative: URFlood and FREEMAN. Risk perception is conceptualised as a pillar of social resilience, representing an innovative approach to the issue. From this process recommendations are identified for improving flood risk management plans through public participation.Deposited by bulk impor