AndreaBozzo/ceres-open-data-index huggingface dataset:
Habitat point records from 1982 Dipper Wash sublittoral diving/dredging survey

This report notes the importance in the Wash of the sublittoral faunal populations, which may be a source of recruitment to the intertidal areas, for nature conservation and for fisheries. Although some information is available on the sublittoral of the Wash from remote sampling, very little diving has been done in the area due to low visibilities and strong tides. Although most of the area consists of mobile soft sediments, indications of some type of hard substratum are given by the masses of bryozoa and hydroids regularly washed up on the beaches. The aims of this preliminary survey were therefore to establish the feasibility of using diving to carry out a survey in this area, to collect information on the sublittoral, particularly in the Lynn Well area where 'rocky' outcrops were suspected and to make contacts with other organisations and individuals interested in the sublittoral of the Wash. The survey was carried out during a period of neap tides from a trawler owned by the Eastern Sea Fisheries Joint Committee. Two dives and three dredges were made. Descriptions of dive and dredge sites are provided, and species identified listed. No evidence of hard substrata was found, the sediments apparently consisting of muds and sands with a considerable amout of shell and pebble debris. The epifauna in the deeper areas dredged in Lynn Well was found to be fairly rich, with abundant hydroid material, Flustra foliacea and worm tubes attached to stones and shells on the sea bed. The infauna was also thought to be fairly rich, but only the top few inches of sediment could be sampled by dredge. In the Roaring Middle area a harder substratum may be present since little sediment was brought to the surface, and Modiolus beds are thought to occur here. Diving in the Wash is not a very effective method of survey due to the constraints of slack water and low visibility. However, it does provide a better indication of the composition and spatial arrangement of the communities and also allows collection of small organisms and other fragile material; information which may be lost from dredged collections. The report suggests therefore that diving would be a useful tool for backing up remote sampling methods in areas where interesting hauls have come to the surface.

Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Habitat point records from 1986 Hiscock mid-Wales' sarns sublittoral survey

This survey was carried out to describe the sublittoral fringe communities on and around the Mid-Wales Sarns (Sarn Badrig, Sarn-y-Bwch and Cynfelin Patches), and to assess their scientific interest and nature conservation importance. The Sarns (reefs) are interesting geological features, being shallow sublittoral glacial moraines. The survey was conducted from the hard boat `St Margaret', and based at Abersoch on the Lleyn Peninsula in North Wales. Daily trips were made out to the reefs, and diving operations were based on the hard boat with inflatable tender for divers. At each site surveyed, records were made of abundance of plants and animals, and habitats were described. Suction samples were taken of sediment infauna at several sites. Photographs were taken to illustrate habitats, communities and species. The Sarns were remarkable for the extensive areas of distinctive communities on `unstable' substrata. A wide variety of algae, particularly Phaeophyta (brown algae), was recorded. At most survey sites, algae were dense and animal species were fewer and less varied. Twenty sites were surveyed, and descriptions of the different habitats and communities found on the reefs are given. The reefs were composed entirely of `unstable' substrata, of a wide range of sizes from large boulders down to fine sand. Distinctive communities dominated by ephemeral algae, were present in the sublittoral fringe on the reef crests, where there were mixed substrata exposed to fast tidal currents and strong wave action. In slightly deeper water, dense foliose algae dominated all hard substrata, with few animals present. Between 4 m and 9 m, Halidrys siliquosa forests covered extensive areas on boulders and cobbles in sediment. Pebbles were patchy but with a characteristic flora. In deeper water off the ends of the reefs, animal communities with a wide variety of species were present on tideswept boulders. Areas between the reefs were mainly covered with sand, and not investigated thoroughly. The conservation importance of the reefs as a whole is assessed, and of the 10 community types described. 11 algal and 4 animal species are identified as being of particular scientific interest. Many of the communities described are considered of regional or local importance; however the current-swept reef crests and the extensive Halidrys forests are considered to be of higher importance. The reefs as a whole are probably unique sublittoral features in the British Isles. Further work is recommended on Sarn-y-Bwch and Cynfelin Patches, both inadequately surveyed. The large boulder habitat, and areas at both the seaward and landward ends of the Sarns deserve further study.

Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Habitat point records from 1978 Smith Uists rocky shore mollusc survey

15 sites were surveyed, in 3 main categories: 1. west coast, exposed or semi-exposed; 2. east coast, mainly sheltered; 3. brackish water lochs. Brief descriptions of each site are given, with mollusc-orientated notes on habitats and other species. 117 species were found alive. The most interesting discoveries were, in addition to the specialised brackish water species (see species lists), amongst the chitons, with a further example of Acanthochitona sp. ('a handsome red one') being found on the Monach Islands. Amongst the Gastropoda, Diodora graeca, found at Aird an Runair and at Lochmaddy by SMBA, is a new live record for the Outer Hebrides, elegantly establishing a continuation of distribution between Ireland and Orkney. Species lists of molluscs on smaller algae are appended, as are recording forms.

Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Habitat point records from 1980 NCC Isles of Scilly & south Cornwall sublittoral survey

Survey was carried out to describe the range of sublittoral habitats and species. A specific survey was made on opisthobranch molluscs. Lists of species of flora and fauna are given for the areas investigated. Some work was done on the south Cornwall coast around Mounts Bay. Within the islands the variety of major habitats recorded was not high due to heavy wave action and variety of species was rather low. Records currently considered sensitive have been removed from this dataset.

Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Habitat point records from 1978 Smith Wester Ross littoral mollusc survey

Descriptions of the main features of 20 sites between Little Loch Broom and Loch Hourn. Chiefly covered with mollusca. Recording cards and mollusca species lists are appended. Photographs (zeroxes) are given of each site. Many photographs of Ob Meallaidh, which was by far the most interesting site. Of the others, the most interesting were: An t-Saothair, Loch Thurnaig, Loch Diabaig, Achintraid and Bagh an t-Straidh. Crania anomala was found in Ob Meallaidh. Lochs include Little Loch Broom, Loch Ewe, Gairloch, Torridon, Kishorn, Alsh, Hourn, Canor. Records currently considered sensitive have been removed from this dataset.

Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Habitat point records from 1982-85 NCC Loch Sween littoral habitats review

Loch Sween is one of several areas in the British Isles under investigation as a potential marine nature reserve, and a number of surveys have been carried out in recent years to collect information on littoral and sublittoral habitats, communities and species in the area. As well as recent surveys, Loch Sween has attracted much interest from marine biologists from as early as the 1900's, because of some special features. This report provides a review of the main work done in the littoral, and summary descriptions of the major littoral habitat and community types. The main features of the loch system, its geology, topography and hydrography are outlined, and their effects on habitats and communities present. A review of previous littoral studies in the area is given, with their major findings and conclusions. As well as a number of surveys of shore biota, marine biological investigations have also centred on the potential of some of the 'arms' of the loch system (particularly Linne Mhuirich) for shellfish farming. Some experiments on fertilisation of the water have been performed in Loch Craiglin. The major habitats in the area are littoral bedrock, boulders, pebbles and sediments at a range of exposure to wave action and tidal streams. Two brackish water lochans and a small rapids system are also present, and plant and animal communities in these various habitats are described briefly, including sediment infauna. Features of interest in the littoral are discussed, including aspects of zonation, the distribution of particular species and the diversity of communities and species in the Loch Sween area. Records currently considered sensitive have been removed from this dataset.

Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Habitat point records from 1984 OPRU Upper Loch Sween littoral survey

Loch Sween is one of 7 locations identified in Great Britain as proposed statutory marine reserves. In order to provide information to assist in management of these areas, basic survey work to describe littoral and sublittoral habitats and communities is being carried out. This report presents results from a littoral survey of Upper Loch Sween, and an assessment of scientific interest and nature conservation importance of the sites surveyed. Sites were selected to include areas likely to be of high conservation importance and a range of shore types. Most sites were located in Linnhe Mhuirich or around the rapids area at the entrance to Linnhe Mhuirich, with several additional sites in Caol Scotnish and on the west shores of Loch Sween. Two small brackish-water lakes were also examined. A brief description of the habitats and main biotic subzones present at each survey site is given. Plants and communities present in the survey area are classified into types according to habitat and height on the shore, and described in more detail using posted data from similar sites. An assessment of scientific interest and nature conservation importance of the shores at the sites surveyed was limited to the littoral subzone and sublittoral fringe, and it was considered that sublittoral populations are likely to be of more interest. The international, national, regional or local importance of sites was not assessed since this requires more detailed knowledge of other locations, particularly on the west coast of Scotland. Criteria used were applied in the sense of the NCC 'Handbook for the Preparation of Management Plans'. The main points in the assessment were: 1) The sites surveyed showed a generally low diversity of shore types, species and habitats, which was largely attributable to the very sheltered nature of all sites surveyed. Diversity of species increased greatly at and below low water. 2) The shores are good, with extensive examples of sheltered sea-loch communities and growth forms present, and as such may be useful for specialised research and education. However, the sublittoral fringe at many sites, particularly the Linnhe Mhuirich Rapids area, has many large or delicate growth forms which could be easily damaged by trampling. 3) Several species of plants and animals of scientific interest were recorded. Records currently considered sensitive have been removed from this dataset.

Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Habitat point records from 1985 Smith Loch Sween littoral survey

Loch Sween is situated on the east side of the Sound of Jura, in south-west Scotland. It opens to the south-west and its mouth is partially protected by the small MacCormaig Isles. The main body of the loch is relatively straight, with a fringe of rocks or gravel giving way to a sandy or muddy seabed. There are a number of arms to the loch which add considerably to the diversity of habitats present. Linne Mhuirich forms an arm to the west, with a constricted mouth into Loch Sween forming an area of tidal rapids. At the head of the loch, arms include the silled Caol Scotnish. Adjacent to Loch Sween, once connected to it but now separated by causeway, is Loch na Cille. Loch Sween has been proposed as a Marine Nature Reserve by NCC on account of the high scientific interest and conservation importance of the habitats and communities within the loch. Although a site of historical marine biological recording and research, NCC commissioned extensive systematic littoral and sublittoral surveys in 1982. Further information was required on the distribution and types of littoral habitats and communities present to assess the relative importances of individual areas and the integrated importance of the whole loch. The aims of the shore surveys in 1985 were; to investigate the shores around Ceann an t-Sailein; to assess any temporal variation in faunal communities, particularly molluscan, in the Linne Mhuirich area; and to describe the shores of Loch na Cille. Survey work was carried out during spring and autumn visits. Descriptions of all the sites are included in the report, which also contains a detailed species list and tables showing the numbers of Mollusca associated with algae. The discussion is limited to a summary of the more important information found during the spring surveys. The report concludes that Ceann an t-Sailein adds another habitat type (a shallow tidal bay with a clay floor) to those already known in Loch Sween. Several community types were recorded from the sediment shores. Further variability in molluscan populations was noted but showed no clear pattern which could be related to seasonality. Several mollusc species new to Loch Sween were recorded. Records currently considered sensitive have been removed from this dataset.

Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Habitat point records from 1982 Smith Lewis littoral survey

This report of a survey carried out under contract to the NCC, describes the shores of Lewis from Mealista on the west coast, north to the Butt of Lewis and south down the east coast as far as the Eye Peninsula, east of Stornaway. Full descriptions of the 33 stations visited are given and excerpts from Powell et al. (1979) included where these also describe the same sites. The area covered in the report is very large, some 150 km of coast excluding the Loch Roag complex. Apart from Loch Roag, the shores are mostly open, exposed to extremely exposed and except in their detail show little variety. Loch Roag, by contrast, is largely sheltered and has a great variety of habitats, rocky shores, various sediments, rapids, lagoons and brackish areas. The rocks are predominantly Lewisian Gneiss which restricts crevice and soft rock fauna. All littoral species which could be identified were recorded, but the list is weighted towards Mollusca. Attention is drawn towards species of particular significance for being at or near the limit of their range. It is noted that autumn populations of mollusca were more diverse and contained higher populations of animals than spring populations. The very exposed and most sheltered shores had the lowest diversity and, normally, lowest numbers of animals, and normally the sheltered sites were the most prolific. The author considers that Lewis is shown by the survey to be as rich and interesting as the more southern isles, and following upon Powell (1979), indicates that some areas are worthy of the highest conservation interest. An appraisal of the biological interest and importance of the shores of the Lewis area is made by the author, the coast being divided into regions. Of these, Loch Roag was found to be extremely rich and interesting in the intertidal, more so than other parts of Lewis with the possible exception of Loch Erisort (Smith, 1982). Judged as one of the most interesting and important areas in western Scotland with its great variety of habitat and high diversity of mollusca, it was assessed as Grade 1+. The coast south-west of Loch Roag is one of the most exposed in the Outer Hebrides, isolated, with an irregular coastline and interesting hanging saltmarsh at the tops of the cliffs. This region is assessed as Grade 1-2 for exposure and wildnerness. The north-west coast of Lewis is a uniform area of coastline which was assessed with reservations as Grade 2. The east coast of Lewis comprised several contrasting zones, much not of any especial importance. Port Skigersta is assessed as Grade 3 and Melbost Point as Grade 1. Records currently considered sensitive have been removed from this dataset.

Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Habitat point records from 1984 Bishop Scilly Isles Echinus population study

Echinus esculentus is the subject of a small scale commercial fishery in the Isles of Scilly. Collection is by diving during the winter months, and during 1983/84 it is estimated that a total of 71,000 to 83,000 individuals were taken from three shallow sublittoral areas. This report presents the results of a survey of selected E esculentus populations in the Isles of Scilly during September 1984. 7 areas were sampled, 3 of which are categorised as fished, and 4 as unfished. Within these 7 sampling areas, 28 dives were made and locations recorded with a sighting compass. The mean site density of urchins ranged from 0.09/m2 to 0.56/m2, with an overall mean of 0.36/m2. There was no difference in density between fished and unfished sites. Individual diameters of E. esculentus ranged from 61 mm to 143 mm with an overall site mean of 103.98 mm. No recruitment of juveniles was noted, and all populations examined are senescent. Density and size structure of the populations of E. esculentus examined in the Isles of Scilly compare closely to results from other locations in south-west Britain. This does not necessarily suggest that there are no noticeable effects of fishing on the Scilly urchin populations, since many of these other locations have experienced collecting in the recent past. However at present there is no evidence of differing population characteristics in Scilly when comparing fished and unfished areas.

Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Habitat point records from 1987 Heriot-Watt University Loch Moidart littoral survey

A survey of the intertidal area of SSSI at Loch Moidart, Ardnamurchan, for NCC Scotland, particularly the area likely to be affected by a proposed mussel farm development. The notification of this site includes tidal mudflats. The survey concentrates mainly on algal communities which are described. Only superficial observations of animals were possible. Conclusion: the North Channel is by far the richest of the sites surveyed, but still has poor flora compared with an open coast site. No rare species were found. The area as a whole is interesting, comprising a saltmarsh adjoining a typical sealoch habitat, with extensive mudflats culminating in estuarine algal communities. The area with the adjoining SSSI forms an unspoilt natural habitat of scientific interest and natural beauty.

Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Habitat point records from 1986 Bishop Scilly Isles Echinus population study

Echinus esculentus, normally the subject of a small scale commercial fishery in the Isles of Scilly during the winter months, was not collected during the winter of 1985/86. This report presents the results of the third survey of selected Echinus esculentus populations in the Isles of Scilly, which took place during September 1986. These are compared with data from the same sites obtained during September 1984 and 1985. Seven areas were sampled, four of which are classified as unfished and three as fished sites. Within each of the seven areas, sampling sites were located as closely as possible to those studied in the 1985 survey. The mean density of urchins ranges from 0.05/m2 to 0.49/m2. Within the precision of the methodology, these figures compare exactly to the range measured in 1985 (0.05/m2 to 0.40/m2). There is no significant difference in the density of urchins between fished and unfished sites. The mean diameter of E. esculentus ranged from 95 mm to 122 mm with an overall site mean of 105+2 mm (n = 12). This compares with a slightly lower and smaller range of 92 mm to 112 mm during 1985, but a similar overall site mean of 104+2 mm (n = 10). The mean diameter of urchins at unfished sites was smaller than that of fished sites (98+1, n = 4 and 107.6+2, n = 8 respectively), which was also true in both 1984 and 1985. No major physical changes have affected the sites since 1984, and the dominant fauna and flora appear to be unchanged. There is still no evidence of juvenile or young adult individuals (size <5 cm diameter) at the monitoring sites, although it is believed that juveniles are present at deeper sites which cannot be dived or remotely sampled within the remit of the present contract.

Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Habitat point records from 1985 Dyrynda Poole Harbour (north) sublittoral survey

This assessment provides a general synthesis of the results of three surveys, which together have covered all areas of the subtidal Harbour bed. It is also designed to serve as a baseline, according to which any changes concerning species or areas of particular interest can be identified by resurveying. The surveys were conditioned by the NCC, with additional funding and practical support from various authorities, industries and individuals concerned with the Harbour. The primary objective of this work is to provide an independent source of factual information of practical value in the context of Environmental Management within the Harbour. To this end, the report has been prepared for users concerned with various aspects of the Harbour and representing a wide range of scientific experience. Seperate sections, written in non-scientific and scientific language respectively, contain descriptions of the hydrography, and the substrates and biological communities of the Harbour bed. These have also been considered with respect to their environmental significance, and whether they have been affected by human activities, particularly navigation, reclamation, fisheries, pollution, or the introduction of alien species. The interdependences between natural and human aspects of the subtidal system are considered in the context of Environmental Management, and particularly the prospects for maintaining or improving natural environmental quality. Records currently considered sensitive have been removed from this dataset.

Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee