Saltmarsh Monitoring Project 2006-2008

During the Saltmarsh Monitoring Project 2006-2008, initiated by the Research Branch of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Annex I Saltmarsh habitats according to the EU Habitats Directive were mapped around the coast of the Republic of Ireland, and their conservation status was assessed. The initial phase of the survey was carried out in 2006 and involved the survey of 31 sites. An additional 100 sites were covered in a second survey phase in 2007 and 2008. A monitoring methodology was developed based on JNCC guidelines for saltmarshes, based on vegetation surveys and assessments of threats and management practices. This methodology was adapted for Irish saltmarsh habitats. An assessment of the conservation status was derived for each habitat at the site level. Structure and Functions was assessed by collecting data at a representative number of stops across each habitat. A suite of indicators of condition was derived and targets were set for each indicator. A certain number of targets had to be reached for a monitoring stop to pass. The proportion of passes or fails was used to assess the Structure and Functions parameter. Future Prospects were assessed by determining the impact of positive and negative activities at the site.