WFD Cycle2 TraC Seagrass Classification for UK Coastal Waters

WFD Cycle2 TraC seagrass classification is a retired dataset from the UK Environment Agency containing classification data for seagrass beds in transitional and coastal water bodies. The data includes metrics on seagrass diversity, density, and meadow extent processed through the SAILOR tool to produce Ecological Quality Ratios and a status classification. This dataset was superseded by a newer record in 2024.

Use Cases

• Assessing the ecological status of transitional and coastal water bodies based on seagrass indicator metrics.
• Monitoring changes in seagrass bed health and extent over time for conservation planning.
• Calibrating or validating the SAILOR classification tool for intertidal seagrass assessment.

Strengths

• Data is produced by a national environmental authority, the UK Environment Agency.
• Classification follows a defined methodology using the SAILOR tool and predefined reference scores.
• Provides a specific status classification (High, Good, Moderate, Poor, Bad) for regulatory reporting.

Limitations

• The dataset is explicitly retired and superseded by a newer version, indicating it is not the current authoritative source.
• The SAILOR classification tool is noted as suitable only for intertidal seagrass beds, limiting applicability to subtidal areas.
• Row count, column details, and sample data are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.

Provenance

Source

Environment Agency (UK)

Collection Method

Metrics on seagrass diversity, density, and extent are run through the SAILOR classification tool to generate Ecological Quality Ratios.

Freshness

Last updated metadata date is 2026-07-17, but the dataset is retired; data freshness should be verified against the superseding record.

Geography

Transitional and coastal water bodies, likely within the UK.