A verified species distribution model predicts the occurrence and density of the lesser sandeel (Ammodytes marinus) in the North Sea and Celtic Seas. The model, developed using a hurdle model approach, includes four geotiff files showing probability of presence and predicted density. It was published by the Government Digital Service on the eu_open_data platform.
Use Cases
- Predicting habitat suitability for the lesser sandeel based on the probability of presence layers.
- Estimating prey availability for marine predators based on the predicted sandeel density.
- Informing marine spatial planning to mitigate anthropogenic impacts based on the identified distribution areas.
- Refining ecological models of the North East Atlantic food web based on the verified distribution data.
Strengths
- Model was evaluated with independent data and demonstrated significant discrimination ability.
- Includes outputs for two distinct study regions: the North Sea and the Celtic Seas.
- Provides both probability of presence and predicted density (number per m²) as separate geospatial layers.
Limitations
- Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
- Row count and dataset size are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
- Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.
Provenance
- Source
- Government Digital Service
- Collection Method
- Species distribution modeling using a hurdle model, with detailed metadata following a reproducibility checklist.
- Time Range
- null
- Freshness
- unknown
- Geography
- North Sea and Celtic Seas regions