The document discusses the functional and societal importance of biogenic reefs and the role of marine protected areas (MPAs) in their conservation. It provides background on the author's 17 years of experience in government agencies as a marine ecologist and monitoring specialist focusing on species, habitats of conservation importance including biogenic structures and lagoons. It also discusses current research interests in the ecology, biodiversity, monitoring and societal benefits of MPAs and habitats of conservation importance like shellfish reefs and photosynthetic microbial films. Past and ongoing work is also summarized relating to specific studies and locations.
Overall , work has management implications - the reef is an important component of a SAC this M. modiolus reef type is morphologically and acoustically distinct can be mapped and monitored accurately using acoustics Side-scan sonar was the most discriminating method used Similarity over several years indicates that a spatially targeted, long-term programme of acoustic monitoring is achievable. However, to detect anthropogenic impact and the possible consequences of it: a swathe system ability to analytically differentiate acoustic backscatter would probably be most appropriate. because degradation to clumps requires backscatter analysis when the relief is nolonger visible Degradation of Modiolus in Strangford Lough has possibly occurred as a result of trawling causing progressive fragmentation (Roberts et al 2004)
