Sound of Barra SCI
Status: Designated
Description
Site overview
This site is a mixture of islands, extensive rocky reefs, sandbanks and shallow channels between the southern end of South Uist and the north eastern shore of the island of Barra in the Outer Hebrides. There are seagrass beds in the Sound and maerl is also present over a wide area,although neither are in great condition. There are many types of reef here too, along with mixed kelp communities. Deeper rock surfaces are covered by a turf of red algae and the shores are dominated by the barnacles and small patches of mussels.
MPA Type
Site of Community ImportanceSpecial Areas of Conservation (SACs) are strictly protected sites designated under European legislation. They contribute both to the UK MPA network and set up to protect habitat types and species considered to be most in need of conservation at a European level (excluding birds). Sites that have been adopted by the European Commission but not yet formally designated by the government of each country are referred to as Sites of Community Interest (SCIs).
Designation date
1 August 2013Surface Area
124.85 km2 (48.20 mi.2)Perimeter
210.82 km (131.00 mi.)-
Common seal (Phoca vitulina)
Mammals that feed on fish at sea but regularly haul out on to rocky shores or inter-tidal sandbanks to rest, or to give birth and to suckle their pups. Though called ‘common’ they are actually less numerous than the grey seal, which is the other species f
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Subtidal sandbanks
Sandbanks which are slightly covered by sea water all the time
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Reefs
Areas where the bedrock, stable boulders and cobbles or structures created by animals arise from the surrounding seabed. They attract and provide a home to a huge variety of plant and animal life.
Did you know?…
Over 500,000 records of undersea species and habitats have been collected by volunteer Seasearch divers
Over 170 parliamentarians from across the political spectrum signed up to our Marine Charter calling for a network of ‘marine protected areas’ in UK Seas
Over 500,000 records of undersea species and habitats have been collected by volunteer Seasearch divers