Substrate type classification layer for the French Natura 2000 MPA network area

This dataset contains the substrate-type spatial layer developed for the French Natura 2000 MPA network and surrounding areas within the Blue4All project. The layer covers the English Channel and adjacent parts of the North Sea and Celtic Sea. The layer was created to provide an ecologically meaningful predictor for non-indigenous species distribution modelling. The EMODnet EUNIS 2023 seabed habitat map was improved by integrating habitat information validated within the French Natura 2000 network and provided by the French Biodiversity Agency (OFB). Based on the best available habitat information, polygons were reclassified into three broad substrate types: (1) soft sediment, including sand, mud and clay; (2) mixed sediment, including sand with gravel and/or shells, debris or small stones; and (3) hard substrate, including large boulders, mussel reefs, stone-dominated or gravel beds. Artificial substrates were not included because neither the EUNIS classification nor the OFB habitat data contained sufficient information on artificial substrates within the modelling area. The resulting substrate classification was subsequently used as a predictor variable in the non-indigenous species probability-of-occurrence models. Within the raster 1=hard substrate, 2=mixed substrate, 3=soft substrate. The Coordinate Reference System (CRS) is EPSG:3035.