AquaBiota has created maps of macro vegetation and habitats in the Gårdskär coastal area, in relation to the establishment of a marine nature reserve. The area was surveyed with underwater video, and field data from the 200 sampled stations was then used together with comprehensive maps of environmental conditions to create distribution maps of macro vegetation and HUB habitats. Maps of environmental conditions were also used to produce maps of Natura 2000 habitats along with orthophotos.
The highest conservation values in the area were related to vascular plant communities in the Natura 2000 habitat lagoons. The lagoonal inlets contained a relatively species rich vascular plant community. Najas marina and Chara tomentosa formed dense stands in the lagoons more separated from the sea. These habitats serve important ecological functions for fish communities and are sensitive to disturbance in the form of dredging and boat traffic.
Reference: Florén, K., Guri, G., Skoglund, S. & Tano, S. 2016: Dropvideoinventering, habitatmodellering och kartering av marina naturtyper i Gårdskär, Uppsala län. AquaBiota Rapport 2016:08. 65 sid.
Probability of presence of Najas marina within the Gårdskär area.
Inlet to a Natura 2000 habitat 1150 Lagoons. Photo: AquaBiota.