Species

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Species	Pink sea fan - Eunicella verrucosa, coral
Habitat	ROCKY SEABED
Background and status	The pink sea fan is a soft coral that is largely confined to boulders or bedrock in areas of weak or moderate tidal streams and reduced levels of wave exposure. It is believed to be very slow growing, mature individuals over 50 cm in height or width are likely to be be several decades old. Populations in areas of strong tidal streams and high wave exposure typically support small fans. Populations such as those found in Lyme Bay may reach densities of greater than 5/m² . These relatively stable populations of many mature fans are typically associated with a rich and diverse seabed fauna which includes large numbers of slow-growing species, such as sponges and cup corals. The stronghold of the pink sea fan is off the South West coast of Devon and Cornwall. Particularly dense populations are known to occur in waters to the east of the Lizard, the east of Lundy island and around Plymouth.
Main Threats	Mobile fishing gear such as scallop dredges, bar and rockhopper trawls sweep across or just under the seabed which crushes or detaches elements of seabed fauna and flora. Lost or discarded netting and angling line entangles and abrades sea fan colonies. Nutrient enrichment of water is likely to have an adverse affect on shallow water populations due to increased algal competition.
Conservation and targets	Ensure the survival of the pink sea fan population at current levels and reduce loss through human influence at all known new sites. Increase our knowledge of the effects of reduced water quality and fisheries activity on pink sea fan populations Increase our knowledge of the distribution and ecological requirements of the species An initial series of priority pink sea fan areas need identifying and promoting as protected or sanctuary areas. Further research on its distribution and ecological requirements, effects of reduced water quality and fisheries activity should be promoted.