WHERE IS THE PINK SEAFAN FOUND?

HABITAT
Generally found on bedrock and areas of hard substratum where water flow is considerable. It can also be found on the hard (metal or wood) surfaces of shipwrecks and other human-derived debris. It ranges between 4 and 50 (at least) metres depth. The map shows confirmed sightings and estimated pink sea fan distribution in the UK and Ireland (as of late 2003) (Source: Wood, 2003).

1. Physiographic preferences: Open coast / offshore seabed / Straight or Sound
2. Biological zone preferences: Upper and lower circalittoral
3. Substratum preferences: Bedrock / Large to very large boulders that won’t be upturned during the heaviest wave action.
4. Tidal strength: Moderately strong (1-3 knots)
5. Wave exposure preferences: Very exposed / exposed / moderately exposed / sheltered.
6. Salinity preferences: Full (30-40 ppt).

DISTRIBUTION:
North West Africa, Western Europe (Spain, Portugal and France), and western Mediterannean. Extends into western and southern British Isles and Ireland. Northern extent may increase as a result of global warming. Unconfirmed sightings have been received by Seasearch in north Wales and Anglesey.