Conservation Implications of Sabellaria spinulosa Reef Patches in a Dynamic Sandy-Bottom Environment

Biogenic reefs form biodiversity hotspots and are key components of marine ecosystems, making them priority habitats for nature conservation. However, the conservation status biogenic generally depends on their size stability. Dynamic, patchy may therefore be excluded from protection. Here, we studied epibenthos epifauna density, richness, community composition patchy, dynamic Sabellaria spinulosa (ross worm) in North Sea. This study was conducted by comparing boxcore (endobenthos) video transect (epifauna) data two research campaigns 2017 2019 to Brown Bank area Dutch Continental Shelf, where S. were first discovered 2017. The is characterized dynamic, migratory bedforms at multiple scales which potentially affect reef We showed that had a distribution alternated with comprised plain sand. Average habitat patch 5.57 ± 0.99 m 3.94 0.22 2019, respectively (mean SE), especially closely resembled small-scale megaripple bedforms. Contrary endobenthos communities unaffected , density species richness least times higher compared sandy habitats, resulting different compositions between types. persisted almost 2 years. Although stability individual patches remained unclear, demonstrated even promote local mobile, epibenthic species, very likely as result increased heterogeneity provided patches. indicates occur environments also have high ecological value should (re)considered ensure