Annex I Habitat SACs fully detached from the coast
Three habitat types listed on Annex I to the Habitats
Directive are known to occur in UK waters away from the
coast:

These three habitats are subject to a scientific reserve in the
EU Atlantic Biogeographic region, and
additional SACs are required for their adequate
protection in waters away from the coast.
The official habitat definitions used for inshore marine SAC
selection are applicable, with minor clarification of national
interpretation, to habitats fully detached from the
coast in the UK. Further information about the identification and selection of offshore
SACs (beyond 12nm) for these three habitats is available.
For information on the identification of Annex I habitat
SACs within 12nm of the coast, please contact the relevant
country conservation agency (Natural England (formally English
Nature), Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Scottish Natural
Heritage or the Countryside Council for Wales).