The conservation status of Sabellaria alveolata (L.) (Polychaeta: Sabellariidae) reefs in the Bay of Mont‐Saint‐Michel

Sabellaria alveolata reefs in the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, Europe's most extensive intertidal biogenic structures, have shown significant deterioration since 2001. This decline is attributed to increased oyster farming, silt deposition, and recreational harvesting, which fragment the reef and alter hydrodynamics. The study used a Health Status Index (HI) combining physical and biological parameters to map reef health spatially and temporally, revealing rapid degradation, particularly in central areas. These findings underscore the need for targeted conservation strategies to protect these endangered ecosystems.

Desroy, N., Dubois, S. F., Fournier, J., Ricquiers, L., Le Mao, P., Guerin, L., Gerla, D., Rougerie, M., & Legendre, A. (2011). The conservation status of Sabellaria alveolata (L.) (Polychaeta: Sabellariidae) reefs in the Bay of Mont‐Saint‐Michel. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 21(5), 462–471. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.1206