The MSFD commission staff working paper (CSWP) defines predominant habitat types required for use in MSFD habitats initial reporting article 8 Analysis of essential features and characteristics (Art 8.1a Habitats). These predominant habitat typologies broadly correspond to EUNIS level 2 habitat typologies. This supported the process of mapping existing habitat types (evidence based and predicted) to the CSWP PHT classification by means of data re-engineering. The PHT layer has been derived from, Evidence based data source (EMODnet sediment and substrate) Predicted habitats data source (Predicted EUNIS habitats (2008 MESH model)

In areas where neither evidence nor predicted data was available, a depth proxy was created using INFOMAR bathymetry.

When viewing the PHT habitats layer, the Predominant Habitat Confidence should be also be used as reference as this provides the user with a means to establish the data source underpinning the derived PHT habitat type per polygon.