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Glossary

This glossary provides additional descriptive information to help explain the terminology used within FeAST. If you require further information then, please use the form below to contact us directly.

General terms

Pressure benchmark/definition - A defined description or degree at which a pressure is exerted.
Exposure - The degree to which marine habitats and species overlap with pressures.
Pressure – Force acting upon the marine environment, for example smothering of seabed habitats and species.
Sensitivity - The degree to which species or habitats are tolerant to change (resistance) and their ability to recover (resilience) when exposed to a given pressure
Recovery - The ability to recover from disturbance or stress.
Tolerance - The ability to absorb or resist change or disturbance

Glossary

Name	Description
Barrier to species movement	The physical obstruction of species movements (local, regional, global), in rivers or open waters. May disrupt movements within & between roosting, breeding, feeding areas, or regional/global migrations (e.g. birds, eels, salmon, whales). Could be relevant to crabs that undertake migrations to over-winter or to breed, and where populations are dependent on larval or other propagule supply from outside the site.
De-oxygenation	The lowering, temporarily or more permanently, of oxygen levels in the water or substrate due to anthropogenic causes. Pressure is closely related to the N and P enrichment pressure. The water column immediately above the sea bed can have lower oxygen levels than the general water column, and this is closely linked to the Organic enrichment and Siltation pressures. The estuary standard is more precautionary as it also seeks to protect migratory fish, which are likely to be the most sensitive element. Oxygen is essential for most life, low levels can inhibit respiration, and other life functions.
Death or injury by collision above water	Injury or mortality from collisions of biota with both static &/or moving structures above the surface of the water. Collision at night may be associated with 'Introduction of light' pressure that may attract some birds.
Death or injury by collision below water	Injury or mortality from collisions of biota with both static &/or moving structures below the surface of the water, including vessels.
Electromagnetic changes	Localized electric and magnetic fields associated could alter behaviour (e.g. attract or repel) and migration patterns of sensitive species. Elasmobranch species (sharks, skates and rays) are relatively sensitive to electric fields, and diadromous species are expected to have relatively higher sensitivity to magnetic fields.
Emergence regime changes - local	Changes in water levels may reduce the intertidal zone (and the associated/dependent habitats) by changing either the spatial area and or duration of immersion/exposure during tidal cycles. Changes in tidal flushing can change sediment dynamics that may lead to changing patterns of deposition and erosion and extent of tidal immersion. Impacts include reduced habitats, resources, and feeding times, exposure, and desiccation.
Genetic modification & translocation of indigenous species	Moving of indigenous or genetically modified species to different areas may cause competition with local populations of species with different genetic make ups, alter the community of the receiving habitat, or provide the opportunity for hybridization between similar species (e.g. Spartina spp. and Mytilus spp.).
Hydrocarbon & PAH contamination. (Includes those priority substances listed in Annex II of Directive 2008/105/EC).	These standards provide good levels of protection for all living organisms where standards are adhered to. See separate pressures where exceeding EQS may occur and the potential ecological consequences include lethal and non-lethal effects, physiological changes. These are naturally occurring compounds, complex mixtures of two basic molecular structures: straight chained aliphatic hydrocarbons (relatively low toxicity and susceptible to degradation) and multiple ringed aromatic hydrocarbons (higher toxicity and more resistant to degradation). Ecological consequences include tainting, some are acutely toxic, carcinomas, growth defects.
Introduction of light or shading	Introduction of light on structures may disorientate, repel or attract species (affecting e.g. migration routes), increase algal growth, change communities or species present. Shading from structures may reduce growth, feeding or change communities/species present.
Introduction of microbial pathogens (disease), viruses or parasites	The introduction or increase in levels of pathogens, disease vectors or parasites from anthropogenic activities.
Introduction of other substances (solid, liquid or gas)	The 'systematic or intentional release of liquids, gases ' (from MSFD Annex III Table 2) is considered e.g. in relation to produced water from the oil industry. It should, therefore, be considered in parallel with the other chemical contaminants. Other solid debris such as shellfish shells and seaweed debris may also have detrimental effects which are not covered in other pressures.
Introduction or spread of non-indigenous species & translocations (competition)	The direct or indirect introduction of invasive non-indigenous species, e.g. Chinese mitten crabs, slipper limpets, Pacific oyster and their subsequent spreading and out-competing of native species. Sensitivity assessment will be made against a prescribed list of INIS as agreed with the Scottish Marine Invasive Non-Native Species Working Group.
Litter	Marine litter is any manufactured or processed solid material from anthropogenic activities discarded, disposed or abandoned (excluding legitimate disposal) once it enters the marine and coastal environment including plastics, metals, timber, rope, fishing gear etc. and their degraded components, e.g. microplastic particles.
Nitrogen & phosphorus enrichment	Increased levels of the elements nitrogen, phosphorus, silicon (and iron) in the marine environment compared to background concentrations. It may be possible to use information from WFD and CEMP assessments in relation to winter concentrations of DIN (a measure of state) and compare these to WFD standards and status classification outputs. Adverse environmental effects include deoxygenation, algal blooms, changes in community structure of benthos and macrophytes.
Organic enrichment	This pressure is referring to particulate organic matter and is therefore closely associated with the Siltation pressures. Adverse environmental effects include deoxygenation, algal blooms, changes in community structure of benthos and macrophytes.
Physical change (to another seabed type)	Two separate possibilities 1) Change in sediment type by one Folk class, 2) Change from sedimentary or soft rock substrata to hard rock or artificial substrata or vice-versa. A change from sediment to hard rock (or vice versa) would affect all types of substratum, and all habitats would be assessed as highly sensitive.
Physical loss (to land or freshwater habitat)	The permanent loss of marine habitats by activities or infrastructure that encroaches on the marine area so as to move the MHWS mark seawards
Physical removal (extraction of substratum)	This pressure relates to extraction of sediment substrate
Removal of non-target species (including lethal)	Any damage, loss or removal of species through accidental or incidental catch (or by-catch) associated with fishing, harvesting and extraction activities, including extraction of substrate or water. Also includes accidental entanglement in ropes or lines associate with various activities.
Removal of target species (including lethal)	Ecological consequences include the sustainability of populations, impacting energy flows through food webs and the size and age composition within populations, alteration to habitat structure, biodiversity or function.
Salinity changes - local	Activities have the potential to increase or decrease local salinity through either input of fresh water or physical changes that may alter water exchange and therefore salinity. Changes to salinity can impact growth, respiration, behaviour, and reproduction, and may ultimately alter communities/habitats, particularly if combination with other stresses such as temperature.
Siltation rate changes (heavy)	Siltation (or sedimentation) is the settling out or deposit of silt or sediments suspended in the water column to the sea bed. Changes relate to those over natural siltation and those above 5 cm (less than this depth is covered by different pressure), or where a high level of deposition is continuous (e.g. fish farming). Siltation of this level can completely smother species and habitats, particularly sessile organisms. Impacts are mainly from hypoxia, inability to feed or photosynthesise and potentially death unless tolerance species or species that can re-emerge.
Siltation rate changes (light)	Siltation (or sedimentation) is the settling out or deposit of silt or sediments suspended in the water column to the sea bed. Changes relate to those over natural siltation and up to 5 cm (more than this depth is covered by different pressure), or where a light level of deposition is continuous (e.g. shellfish farming). Siltation of this level may completely smother smaller species and habitats, particularly sessile organisms. Effects can be hypoxia, physical difficulties in feeding, reproduction, reduction in photosynthesis and potentially death for more sensitive species.
Sub-surface abrasion/penetration	Abrasion damage involving some degree of physical penetration to the seabed or disturbance of habitats or species below the surface of the seabed. Penetration and damage to the soft rock substrata are considered, however, penetration into hard bedrock is deemed unlikely.
Surface abrasion	Abrasion damage at the surface of the substratum in sedimentary or rocky habitats e.g. epiflora and epifauna.
Synthetic compound contamination (inc. pesticides, antifoulants, pharmaceuticals). Includes those priority substances listed in Annex II of Directive 2008/105/EC.	The EQS standards provide good levels of protection for all living organisms where standards are adhered to. See separate pressures where exceeding EQS may occur and the potential ecological consequences include lethal and non-lethal effects, physiological changes (e.g. growth defects, carcinomas).
Temperature change	Events or activities increasing or decreasing local water temperature. This is most likely from thermal discharges, e.g. the release of cooling waters from power stations. This pressure only applies within the thermal plume generated by the pressure source.
Transition elements & organo-metal (e.g. Chromium, Copper, TBT) contamination. Includes those priority substances listed in Annex II of Directive 2008/105/EC.	These standards provide good levels of protection for all living organisms where standards are adhered to. For marine sediments the main elements of concern are Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Mercury, Nickel, Lead and Zinc Organo-metallic compounds such as the butyl tins (Tri butyl tin and its derivatives) can be highly persistent and chronic exposure to low levels has adverse biological effects, e.g. Imposex in molluscs.
Underwater noise	Anthropogenic sounds may be of short duration (e.g. impulsive such as from seismic surveys and piling for wind farms and platforms, as well as explosions) or be long lasting (e.g. continuous such as dredging, shipping and energy installations) affecting organisms in different ways. Marine mammals are most susceptible, however fish and other benthic species including invertebrates may also be affected, although literature is limited.
Visual disturbance (behaviour)	Visual disturbance is only relevant to species that respond to visual cues, for hunting, behavioural responses or predator avoidance, and that have the visual range to perceive cues at distance. It is particularly relevant to fish, birds, reptiles and mammals that depend on sight but less relevant to benthic invertebrates. The cephalopods are an exception but they are only likely to respond to a visual disturbance at close range (from e.g. divers). Not including introduction of light as addressed by separate pressure.
Water clarity changes	Changes in water clarity (or turbidity) due to changes in sediment & organic particulate matter and chemical concentrations. It is primarily related to activities disturbing sediment and/or organic particulate matter and mobilizing it into the water column. Particle size, hydrological energy (current speed & direction) and tidal excursion are all influencing factors on the spatial extent and temporal duration. Salinity, turbulence, pH and temperature may result in flocculation of suspended organic matter. Changes in suspended sediment loads can also alter the scour experienced by species and habitats. Therefore, the effects of scour are also addressed here.
Water flow (tidal current) changes - local	Changes in water movement associated with tidal streams (the rise and fall of the tide, riverine flows), prevailing winds and ocean currents. The pressure extremes are a shift from a high to a low energy environment (or vice versa), which can alter the biota, substratum, sediment transport and seabed elevation. The potential exists for profound changes (e.g. coastal erosion/deposition) to occur at long distances from responsible activity, with complex interactions.
Wave exposure changes - local	Exposure on open shore determined by local changes in wave length, height and frequency. Significant wave height = the average height of the highest one third of waves and is dependent upon the distance of open sea water over which wind may blow to generate waves (the fetch) and the strength and incidence of winds, and topography; generally significant wave height is <1.2m but can be up to 3m around UK coast.

Glossary Information
Name	Barrier to species movement
Description	The physical obstruction of species movements (local, regional, global), in rivers or open waters. May disrupt movements within & between roosting, breeding, feeding areas, or regional/global migrations (e.g. birds, eels, salmon, whales). Could be relevant to crabs that undertake migrations to over-winter or to breed, and where populations are dependent on larval or other propagule supply from outside the site.
Name	De-oxygenation
Description	The lowering, temporarily or more permanently, of oxygen levels in the water or substrate due to anthropogenic causes. Pressure is closely related to the N and P enrichment pressure. The water column immediately above the sea bed can have lower oxygen levels than the general water column, and this is closely linked to the Organic enrichment and Siltation pressures. The estuary standard is more precautionary as it also seeks to protect migratory fish, which are likely to be the most sensitive element. Oxygen is essential for most life, low levels can inhibit respiration, and other life functions.
Name	Death or injury by collision above water
Description	Injury or mortality from collisions of biota with both static &/or moving structures above the surface of the water. Collision at night may be associated with 'Introduction of light' pressure that may attract some birds.
Name	Death or injury by collision below water
Description	Injury or mortality from collisions of biota with both static &/or moving structures below the surface of the water, including vessels.
Name	Electromagnetic changes
Description	Localized electric and magnetic fields associated could alter behaviour (e.g. attract or repel) and migration patterns of sensitive species. Elasmobranch species (sharks, skates and rays) are relatively sensitive to electric fields, and diadromous species are expected to have relatively higher sensitivity to magnetic fields.
Name	Emergence regime changes - local
Description	Changes in water levels may reduce the intertidal zone (and the associated/dependent habitats) by changing either the spatial area and or duration of immersion/exposure during tidal cycles. Changes in tidal flushing can change sediment dynamics that may lead to changing patterns of deposition and erosion and extent of tidal immersion. Impacts include reduced habitats, resources, and feeding times, exposure, and desiccation.
Name	Genetic modification & translocation of indigenous species
Description	Moving of indigenous or genetically modified species to different areas may cause competition with local populations of species with different genetic make ups, alter the community of the receiving habitat, or provide the opportunity for hybridization between similar species (e.g. Spartina spp. and Mytilus spp.).
Name	Hydrocarbon & PAH contamination. (Includes those priority substances listed in Annex II of Directive 2008/105/EC).
Description	These standards provide good levels of protection for all living organisms where standards are adhered to. See separate pressures where exceeding EQS may occur and the potential ecological consequences include lethal and non-lethal effects, physiological changes. These are naturally occurring compounds, complex mixtures of two basic molecular structures: straight chained aliphatic hydrocarbons (relatively low toxicity and susceptible to degradation) and multiple ringed aromatic hydrocarbons (higher toxicity and more resistant to degradation). Ecological consequences include tainting, some are acutely toxic, carcinomas, growth defects.
Name	Introduction of light or shading
Description	Introduction of light on structures may disorientate, repel or attract species (affecting e.g. migration routes), increase algal growth, change communities or species present. Shading from structures may reduce growth, feeding or change communities/species present.
Name	Introduction of microbial pathogens (disease), viruses or parasites
Description	The introduction or increase in levels of pathogens, disease vectors or parasites from anthropogenic activities.
Name	Introduction of other substances (solid, liquid or gas)
Description	The 'systematic or intentional release of liquids, gases ' (from MSFD Annex III Table 2) is considered e.g. in relation to produced water from the oil industry. It should, therefore, be considered in parallel with the other chemical contaminants. Other solid debris such as shellfish shells and seaweed debris may also have detrimental effects which are not covered in other pressures.
Name	Introduction or spread of non-indigenous species & translocations (competition)
Description	The direct or indirect introduction of invasive non-indigenous species, e.g. Chinese mitten crabs, slipper limpets, Pacific oyster and their subsequent spreading and out-competing of native species. Sensitivity assessment will be made against a prescribed list of INIS as agreed with the Scottish Marine Invasive Non-Native Species Working Group.
Name	Litter
Description	Marine litter is any manufactured or processed solid material from anthropogenic activities discarded, disposed or abandoned (excluding legitimate disposal) once it enters the marine and coastal environment including plastics, metals, timber, rope, fishing gear etc. and their degraded components, e.g. microplastic particles.
Name	Nitrogen & phosphorus enrichment
Description	Increased levels of the elements nitrogen, phosphorus, silicon (and iron) in the marine environment compared to background concentrations. It may be possible to use information from WFD and CEMP assessments in relation to winter concentrations of DIN (a measure of state) and compare these to WFD standards and status classification outputs. Adverse environmental effects include deoxygenation, algal blooms, changes in community structure of benthos and macrophytes.
Name	Organic enrichment
Description	This pressure is referring to particulate organic matter and is therefore closely associated with the Siltation pressures. Adverse environmental effects include deoxygenation, algal blooms, changes in community structure of benthos and macrophytes.
Name	Physical change (to another seabed type)
Description	Two separate possibilities 1) Change in sediment type by one Folk class, 2) Change from sedimentary or soft rock substrata to hard rock or artificial substrata or vice-versa. A change from sediment to hard rock (or vice versa) would affect all types of substratum, and all habitats would be assessed as highly sensitive.
Name	Physical loss (to land or freshwater habitat)
Description	The permanent loss of marine habitats by activities or infrastructure that encroaches on the marine area so as to move the MHWS mark seawards
Name	Physical removal (extraction of substratum)
Description	This pressure relates to extraction of sediment substrate
Name	Removal of non-target species (including lethal)
Description	Any damage, loss or removal of species through accidental or incidental catch (or by-catch) associated with fishing, harvesting and extraction activities, including extraction of substrate or water. Also includes accidental entanglement in ropes or lines associate with various activities.
Name	Removal of target species (including lethal)
Description	Ecological consequences include the sustainability of populations, impacting energy flows through food webs and the size and age composition within populations, alteration to habitat structure, biodiversity or function.
Name	Salinity changes - local
Description	Activities have the potential to increase or decrease local salinity through either input of fresh water or physical changes that may alter water exchange and therefore salinity. Changes to salinity can impact growth, respiration, behaviour, and reproduction, and may ultimately alter communities/habitats, particularly if combination with other stresses such as temperature.
Name	Siltation rate changes (heavy)
Description	Siltation (or sedimentation) is the settling out or deposit of silt or sediments suspended in the water column to the sea bed. Changes relate to those over natural siltation and those above 5 cm (less than this depth is covered by different pressure), or where a high level of deposition is continuous (e.g. fish farming). Siltation of this level can completely smother species and habitats, particularly sessile organisms. Impacts are mainly from hypoxia, inability to feed or photosynthesise and potentially death unless tolerance species or species that can re-emerge.
Name	Siltation rate changes (light)
Description	Siltation (or sedimentation) is the settling out or deposit of silt or sediments suspended in the water column to the sea bed. Changes relate to those over natural siltation and up to 5 cm (more than this depth is covered by different pressure), or where a light level of deposition is continuous (e.g. shellfish farming). Siltation of this level may completely smother smaller species and habitats, particularly sessile organisms. Effects can be hypoxia, physical difficulties in feeding, reproduction, reduction in photosynthesis and potentially death for more sensitive species.
Name	Sub-surface abrasion/penetration
Description	Abrasion damage involving some degree of physical penetration to the seabed or disturbance of habitats or species below the surface of the seabed. Penetration and damage to the soft rock substrata are considered, however, penetration into hard bedrock is deemed unlikely.
Name	Surface abrasion
Description	Abrasion damage at the surface of the substratum in sedimentary or rocky habitats e.g. epiflora and epifauna.
Name	Synthetic compound contamination (inc. pesticides, antifoulants, pharmaceuticals). Includes those priority substances listed in Annex II of Directive 2008/105/EC.
Description	The EQS standards provide good levels of protection for all living organisms where standards are adhered to. See separate pressures where exceeding EQS may occur and the potential ecological consequences include lethal and non-lethal effects, physiological changes (e.g. growth defects, carcinomas).
Name	Temperature change
Description	Events or activities increasing or decreasing local water temperature. This is most likely from thermal discharges, e.g. the release of cooling waters from power stations. This pressure only applies within the thermal plume generated by the pressure source.
Name	Transition elements & organo-metal (e.g. Chromium, Copper, TBT) contamination. Includes those priority substances listed in Annex II of Directive 2008/105/EC.
Description	These standards provide good levels of protection for all living organisms where standards are adhered to. For marine sediments the main elements of concern are Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Mercury, Nickel, Lead and Zinc Organo-metallic compounds such as the butyl tins (Tri butyl tin and its derivatives) can be highly persistent and chronic exposure to low levels has adverse biological effects, e.g. Imposex in molluscs.
Name	Underwater noise
Description	Anthropogenic sounds may be of short duration (e.g. impulsive such as from seismic surveys and piling for wind farms and platforms, as well as explosions) or be long lasting (e.g. continuous such as dredging, shipping and energy installations) affecting organisms in different ways. Marine mammals are most susceptible, however fish and other benthic species including invertebrates may also be affected, although literature is limited.
Name	Visual disturbance (behaviour)
Description	Visual disturbance is only relevant to species that respond to visual cues, for hunting, behavioural responses or predator avoidance, and that have the visual range to perceive cues at distance. It is particularly relevant to fish, birds, reptiles and mammals that depend on sight but less relevant to benthic invertebrates. The cephalopods are an exception but they are only likely to respond to a visual disturbance at close range (from e.g. divers). Not including introduction of light as addressed by separate pressure.
Name	Water clarity changes
Description	Changes in water clarity (or turbidity) due to changes in sediment & organic particulate matter and chemical concentrations. It is primarily related to activities disturbing sediment and/or organic particulate matter and mobilizing it into the water column. Particle size, hydrological energy (current speed & direction) and tidal excursion are all influencing factors on the spatial extent and temporal duration. Salinity, turbulence, pH and temperature may result in flocculation of suspended organic matter. Changes in suspended sediment loads can also alter the scour experienced by species and habitats. Therefore, the effects of scour are also addressed here.
Name	Water flow (tidal current) changes - local
Description	Changes in water movement associated with tidal streams (the rise and fall of the tide, riverine flows), prevailing winds and ocean currents. The pressure extremes are a shift from a high to a low energy environment (or vice versa), which can alter the biota, substratum, sediment transport and seabed elevation. The potential exists for profound changes (e.g. coastal erosion/deposition) to occur at long distances from responsible activity, with complex interactions.
Name	Wave exposure changes - local
Description	Exposure on open shore determined by local changes in wave length, height and frequency. Significant wave height = the average height of the highest one third of waves and is dependent upon the distance of open sea water over which wind may blow to generate waves (the fetch) and the strength and incidence of winds, and topography; generally significant wave height is <1.2m but can be up to 3m around UK coast.