dataset · United Kingdom
UK Atlas of Seabed Habitats: Combined Map v2026.1
The UK Atlas of Seabed Habitats (UKASH) Combined Map is the most comprehensive full coverage (except in the intertidal zone, where UKSeaMap is not available to fill the gaps) map of seabed habitats in the UK. It combines the Mosaic of Localised Maps with the UKSeaMap Predictive Map. Source maps vary in terms of spatial and thematic detail. Where the source is UKSeaMap, the spatial and thematic detail is typically low. Its main strength is that it lets us calculate the total area of broad-scale h
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Licence: ["No limitations"]
Evidence quality: 36.1
Listed in data.gov.uk public catalogue API on 2026-10-16; relevance/value screened (haiku).
Metadata checked: 2026-10-14T13:20:00.000Z
What's in it
- Data offered docs-verified
- seabed habitat map (Marine Habitat Classification for Britain and Ireland and EUNIS) · broad-scale habitat areas within UK waters and regional seas
- Coverage docs-verified
- UK waters, full coverage except the intertidal zone; extent 47.4354° to 63.886944° N, 25.134449° W to 3.39855° E
- Resolution docs-verified
- varies by source map; typically low where the source is UKSeaMap
- Access docs-verified
- free and open; no access constraints; no authentication listed in entry (licence: No limitations)
Useful for
- Use cases llm-inferred
- Total area of broad-scale seabed habitats within a UK regional sea for a marine baseline or EIA marine chapter · Seabed habitat context for offshore cable or outfall route screening, with caveats on source map quality · Assessing adequacy of the UK marine protected area network for a marine consent or planning submission
- Audience llm-inferred
- marine ecologists · environmental consultants · GIS analysts · coastal and marine planners
Limitations
- Constraints docs-verified
- Spatial and thematic detail varies with source map; UKSeaMap-sourced areas are typically low detail · Intertidal zone not covered, as UKSeaMap is not available to fill the gaps · Use for purposes other than broad-scale area calculation needs caution and checking the data inventory in the download package · Method report not yet published ("will be provided in due course")
Evidence
- https://jncc.gov.uk/resources/2048c042-5d68-46c6-8021-31d177b00ac4
- https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/b8afd711-7a78-4c26-85d1-7f04f88fbf9a/uk-atlas-of-seabed-habitats-combined-map-v2026-1
Check upstream coverage, uncertainty and licence before use. Station observations are not forecasts or design levels.