Assessing the sensitivity of marine habitats to anthropogenic pressures: a key tool in evaluating risks to Mediterranean benthic habitats

Standardised sensitivity data on marine habitats is an essential support in the management of human activities at regional, national and international scales. We developed a methodology for assessing the sensitivity of marine habitats to human pressures, as well as associated guidance on how to use the resulting sensitivity assessments. The sensitivity of 41 French Mediterranean benthic habitats to 12 physical pressures was assessed as part of the first stage of this project; other physical, chemical and biological pressures will be defined and assessed shortly. Results will feed into risk assessments allowing the identification of conservation priorities and the development of spatial planning strategies. By maximising methodological consistency in the generation of sensitivity data with other Member States, and sharing the outputs of this project internationally, we hope to facilitate collective use of sensitivity information under the Habitats Directive, the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, the Marine Spatial Planning Directive and the Regional Sea Conventions (such as Barcelona Convention).