Intertidal Honeycomb Worm (Sabellaria alveolata) Reef Monitoring 2023: Condition Assessment for Northern Ireland

This report summarises the latest monitoring of honeycomb worm (Sabellaria alveolata) reefs in Northern Ireland, based on surveys from 2022–2023. It found that a true reef is now only confirmed at Glasdrumman (Co. Down), which is part of the Mournes Coast ASSI, where it has expanded but remains a dynamic and partly degraded habitat, while other sites only contain small colonies that do not qualify as reef. The findings highlight the importance of this rare habitat and the need for continued monitoring and protection.