UK wide update of the sensitivity evidence base for marine habitats

The project aims to update the sensitivity evidence base for UK marine habitats and species. The current evidence base was developed by the MarLIN programme between 1999 and 2005 and is hosted by the MarLIN website. It remains the largest, most comprehensive review of the effects of human activities and natural events on the marine life of the UK. The MarLIN sensitivity database and website is a very well-known among the marine community, and still widely used, reporting in excess of one million website hits a year from over 200 countries. Marine habitat and species sensitivity assessments provide the scientific basis of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), Environmental Statements (ES), statutory conservation advice (advice on operations), management planning and decision making, Habitat Regulations assessments, wide-scale condition assessment and many other outputs. In addition to enabling the SNCBs to deliver their statutory duties, the sensitivity assessments are also used by local governments, universities and colleges, research institutes, environmental consultancies, NGOs, the Natural History Museum, and numerous private individuals and amateur naturalists.