AndreaBozzo/ceres-open-data-index huggingface dataset:
2017-2018 Benthic bycatch from dredge surveys for seed mussel (Mytilus edilus) stock assessment, Outer Ards, Northern Ireland

This dataset contains presence/absence information of infaunal bycatch from seed mussel stock (Mytilus edulis) assessment surveys off the Outer Ards Peninsula in Northern Ireland. The seed mussel survey is carried out each year and this particular dataset contains the bycatch information from initial ground truthing (dredge) on these surveys from 2017-02 to 2018-07. The dredge samples are taken from the DAERA Fisheries Protection Vessel Queen of Ulster (formally Banrion Uladh). The main aim of the seed mussel survey is to carry out a stock assessment of seed mussel in areas that are fished for these mussels. The stock assessment surveys use acoustic ground discrimination system (AGDS), dredge surveys (ground truthing) and then in areas where there appears to be high levels of seed mussel an underwater video camera sledge is towed from the RV Corystes for more ground truthing. In total there were 42 dredge tows carried out that contained bycatch in this dataset. It is important to note that the information in this dataset was not the key focus of these surveys. The most common species found were Laminaria species.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2015 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and CEFAS Moray Firth SAC benthic camera survey

The primary aim of this benthic survey in Moray Firth, run by Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) for SNH on the 5th - 7th December 2015 using CEFAS vessel RV CEFAS Endeavour, was to improve understanding of the distribution of benthic habitats within the SAC. Beyond the 30m depth contour was of particular interest and identification of the distribution of the feature 'Sandbanks which are slightly covered by sea water all the time'. Dropdown video drifts were undertaken at 30 stations. Through the analysis of seabed video, the images were used to describe the nature of the seabed in terms of the physical structure and the species assemblages. Runs and run segments were assessed for the presence of protected features and other PMFs, as well as for the presence of species and habitats of recognised conservation importance. Runs traversing a sequence of habitats were split into corresponding segments. Species present were, as far as possible, identified and quantified using the semi-quantitative MNCR SACFOR scale and biotopes were allocated based on the physical and biological attributes.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2010 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) biological analyses of Marine Scotland Science (MSS) Mingulay seabed camera survey

The purpose of this benthic survey to the east of Mingulay was to improve knowledge of the occurrence and distribution of species and habitats of recognised conservation importance, particularly priority marine features (PMFs), and to ground-truth multibeam data. An underwater video and still photograph survey was conducted by MSS for MSS between the 24th April and 3rd May 2010 to collect detailed biological information on the seabed species and habitat features present. Drop-down video drift tows were undertaken at 26 sites in the area. The images, analysed under SNH contract by Dr Colin Moore, were used to describe the nature of the seabed in terms of the physical structure and the species assemblages.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2008 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Mousa reef and sea caves habitats Site Condition Monitoring survey

The aim of this study was to initiate site condition monitoring (SCM) of the littoral and sublittoral reefs and sea caves within the Mousa SAC. The purpose of this SCM is: 1) to establish a baseline biological data set that will facilitate the assessment of the favourable condition status of the habitats in the future; and 2) to allow judgement on the current condition of the habitats in the light of existing SAC management measures. To fulfil these objectives an extensive drop-down video survey of the sublittoral reef habitats of the SAC was completed in conjunction with detailed MNCR phase 2 surveys of reef biotopes along relocatable transects spanning both the littoral and inshore sublittoral environments. Sea cave distribution was examined, and for selected caves, the topography was mapped and the biotopes surveyed at relocatable points within five selected caves along the cave system.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2017 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Sound of Barra benthic camera survey

The primary aim of this benthic survey in the Sound of Barra, run by SNH and Marine Scotland Science (MSS) for SNH on the 11th - 12th May 2017 using MSS vessel MRV Alba na Mara (cruise 0717A), was to further establish and refine the distribution of biotopes including Annex 1 habitats within and out with the SAC boundary using quantitative drop-down camera and grab sampling. Dropdown video drifts were undertaken at 30 stations, largely along the eastern fringe of the Sound. Through the analysis of seabed video, the images were used to describe the nature of the seabed in terms of the physical structure and the species assemblages. Runs and run segments were assessed for the presence of protected features and other PMFs, as well as for the presence of species and habitats of recognised conservation importance. Runs traversing a sequence of habitats were split into corresponding segments. Species present were, as far as possible, identified and quantified using the semi-quantitative MNCR SACFOR scale and biotopes were allocated based on the physical and biological attributes. Grab sampling was also undertaken on this survey at 107 sites. This data is yet to be analysed and reported.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2016 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Sound of Arisaig benthic camera survey

The primary aim of the survey was to improve knowledge of the occurrence and distribution of benthic species and habitats of recognised conservation importance. To achieve this aim, an extensive drop-down video drift survey of the component habitats of the feature was undertaken at 60 sites on the 6th and 7th of September 2016 from the Scottish Natural Heritage RIB Aphrodite. This survey also contributes to site condition monitoring of the Sound of Arisaig SAC and refine the distribution of Habitats Directive Annex 1 habitats - subtidal sandbank sub-types, maerl and eelgrass.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2016 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Sea Change Wester Ross/SubSea TVdiver benthic camera survey

The primary aim of this benthic survey in Wester Ross, run by Sea Change Wester Ross/SubSea TV for SNH on the 21st - 25th August 2016, was to improve knowledge of the occurrence and distribution of habitats and species and refine knowledge of the MPA protected feature distribution using diver handheld video. Video footage and still images were recorded at 9 stations. Through the analysis of seabed video and stills, the images were used to describe the nature of the seabed in terms of the physical structure and the species assemblages. Runs and run segments were assessed for the presence of protected features and other PMFs, as well as for the presence of species and habitats of recognised conservation importance. Runs traversing a sequence of habitats were split into corresponding segments. Species present were, as far as possible, identified and quantified using the semi-quantitative MNCR SACFOR scale and biotopes were allocated based on the physical and biological attributes.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2001-2019 The Marine Biological Association of the UK (MBA) Shore Thing Survey

ShoreThing is a citizen science project carried out between 2001-2019 at locations around the British Isles.  Volunteers, primarily from schools and colleges, conducted timed search surveys, looking for species from a predefined list across three coastal habitats: rockpools (RP); boulders/crevices (BC); and open rock (OR).

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2013 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) biological analyses of Marine Scotland Science (MSS) Buchan Deep benthic camera survey

The purpose of this benthic survey (cruise 1013A) off Peterhead at Buchan Deep was to improve knowledge of the occurrence and distribution of species and habitats of recognised conservation importance, particularly priority marine features (PMFs), because the area is one of a number of proposed renewable energy locations. An underwater video survey were conducted by MSS for MSS on the 10th and 11th August 2013 to collect detailed biological information on the seabed species and habitat features present. Drop-down video drift tows were undertaken at 16 sites. Analyses on the images, commissioned by SNH, were used to describe the nature of the seabed in terms of the physical structure and the species assemblages. MSS used the vessel FRV Alba na Mara for this survey.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2003 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Mousa broad-scale mapping survey

Mousa was identified as a candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC) because of the presence of a large breeding colony of common seals, Phoca vitulina, a species listed in Annex II of the EC Habitats Directive; and for the presence of âreefsâ and âsubmerged and partly submerged sea cavesâ, habitats that are listed in Annex 1 of the EC Habitats Directive. Mousa cSAC supports one of the largest groups of common seals in Shetland and one of the most northerly groups in the UK. The reefs and sea caves within Mousa cSAC are considered highly natural and representative of the Shetland environment.
            The seaward boundary extends to a minimum distance of 500m offshore, using the simplest straight-line boundaries possible. The boundary for the cSAC also includes all offshore rocks and skerries (Figure 1.1). The intertidal areas up to mean high water springs around the island are also included within the cSAC. 
            The present survey visited the island of Mousa cSAC in August and September 2003 with the aim of providing a comprehensive broad scale intertidal and subtidal biotope distribution map of Mousa cSAC. Particular emphasis was placed upon the mapping and recording of the reef and cave communities present on the island. Intertidal surveys of the island were supplemented by the use of acoustic ground discrimination system (AGDS) mapping techniques of the subtidal area. Photography, video footage and illustrations were used to illustrate habitats, communities and species.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
NatureScot Loch Sunart MPA(NC) Site Condition Monitoring

The aim of this Site Condition Monitoring (SCM) work is to improve knowledge of the current condition of the habitats and species features of the Loch Sunart and Loch Sunart to the Sound of Jura Nature Conservation Marine Protected Areas (MPA(NC)), prior to and following its designation in 2014.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2010 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) biological analyses of Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) Loch Sween sublittoral survey

The purpose of this benthic survey in Loch Sween was for routine statutory monitoring by SEPA. The purpose of SNH contracting analysis of the video data obtained from this survey by SEPA was to improve knowledge of the occurrence and distribution of species and habitats of recognised conservation importance, particularly priority marine features (PMFs). Grab sampling was undertaken at 5 sites, namely Sron Bheith and Craiglin in the upper loch, the Surveillance Site and Port Mhicheal in the mid loch and Mid Danna in the outer loch, by SEPA for SEPA on the 17th of August 2010 to collect detailed biological information on the seabed species and habitat features present.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2016 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) biological analyses of Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) Loch Etive benthic camera survey

The primary aim of this survey in Loch Etive on the 11th August 2016 was to improve knowledge of the occurrence and distribution of the species and habitats in this loch.  Dropdown video drifts at 20 stations where used to achieve this, using SEPAs vessel SV Sir John Murray. Further aims of this survey were to monitor the impacts of human activities and as inventory samples to fill 'gaps' in current understanding. This survey contributes to ongoing monitoring of pressures in the Loch by SEPA. Through the analysis of seabed video, the images were used to describe the nature of the seabed in terms of the physical structure and the species assemblages. Runs and run segments were assessed for the presence of protected features and other PMFs, as well as for the presence of species and habitats of recognised conservation importance.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2013 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) South Arran benthic camera survey (March)

The purpose of this benthic survey around South Arran, Clyde sea was to improve knowledge of the occurrence and distribution of species and habitats of recognised conservation importance, particuarly proposed protected features (PPFs) and other priority marine features (PMFs). An underwater video survey were conducted by SNH for SNH between the 18th and 27th March 2013 to collect detailed biological information on the seabed species and habitat features present. Drop-down video drift tows were undertaken at 71 sites. The images were used to describe the nature of the seabed in terms of the physical structure and the species assemblages. SNH used the vessel Sir John Murray for this survey.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2014 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Wester Ross benthic camera survey (November)

The main aim of this investigation in the Wester Ross MPA was to improve knowledge of the occurrence and distribution of the species and habitats of recognized conservation importance. This site was selected for survey because it is an MPA. A drop-down video survey of benthic habitats was undertaken by SNH and the Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) at 49 sites on the 8th and 9th of November 2014 on board the vessel Lady Nicola. Analysis of seabed video and still photographic imagery is used to describe the nature of the seabed in terms of the physical structure and the species assemblages. Runs and run segments were assessed for the presence of protected features and other PMFs, as well as for the presence of species and habitats of recognised conservation importance.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2017 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Loch Carron and Inner Sound benthic camera survey (July)

This work, undertaken by SNH in July 2017, consisted of a 3-day drop-down video survey in Loch Carron and Inner Sound.  86 sites were surveyed to further knowledge of the distribution of PMF habitats, with particular emphasis on flame shell and maerl beds.  The survey was carried out from the vessel FV Shearwater throughout the Loch Carron urgent MPA (May 2017 designation boundary) and extended beyond the south-western boundary to encompass an area of maerl and historic seagrass bed records in Port Luinge, west of Plockton.  Eight drop-down video sites were located in the Inner Sound to the north of Loch Carron in order to confirm the presence of a previously unreported flame shell bed there.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2014 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) South Arran MPA benthic camera and dive survey

The purpose of this benthic survey around South Arran was to collate the evidence base for the Marine Protected Area (MPA) and to establish a baseline against which to assess the effectiveness of any new management measures. An underwater video and a dive survey were conducted between the 15th and 26th September 2015 to collect detailed biological information on three of the MPAs protected features: 'maerl beds', 'kelp and seaweed communities on sublittoral sediment' and 'seagrass beds'. MNCR phase ll style dive surveys were conducted at 6 sites within the South Arran MPA and drop-down video tows were undertaken along 177 transects within 6 search areas of the MPA. SNH used SEPAs survey vessel Kelpie to undertake both surveys.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2013 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) biological analyses of Marine Scotland Science (MSS) East of Aberdeen benthic camera survey

The purpose of this benthic survey (cruise 1013A) east of Aberdeen was to improve knowledge of the occurrence and distribution of species and habitats of recognised conservation importance, particularly priority marine features (PMFs), because the area is one of a number of proposed renewable energy locations. An underwater video survey were conducted by MSS for MSS on the 8th and 9th August 2013 to collect detailed biological information on the seabed species and habitat features present. Drop-down video drift tows were undertaken at 18 sites. Analyses on the images, commissioned by SNH, were used to describe the nature of the seabed in terms of the physical structure and the species assemblages. MSS used the vessel FRV Alba na Mara for this survey.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2004 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Moray Firth SAC sublittoral biotope mapping survey

The purpose of this benthic survey in the Moray Firth was to map the main sediment features and biota of the subtidal areas of the SAC, to provide a broadscale biotope distribution map of the area, between 3m and 30m below CD. To collect detailed biological information on the seabed species and habitat features present, acoustic remote sensing techniques combined with ground-truthing by drop down video sampling at 228 sites and quantitative infaunal sampling using a Van Veen grab at a subset of 30 sites. This work was conducted by Envision Mapping Ltd for SNH between the 24th July and 12th August 2004. The images, analysed under SNH contract by Dr Colin Moore, were used to describe the nature of the seabed in terms of the physical structure and the species assemblages.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2013 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Loch Goil benthic camera survey

The purpose of this benthic survey in Loch Goil, which lies in the Upper Loch Fyne and Loch Goil ncMPA, was to improve knowledge of the occurrence and distribution of species and habitats of recognised conservation importance, particuarly proposed protected features (PPFs) and other priority marine features (PMFs). An underwater video survey were conducted by SNH for SNH on the 19th and 20th March 2013 to collect detailed biological information on the seabed species and habitat features present. Drop-down video drift tows were undertaken at 27 sites. The images were used to describe the nature of the seabed in terms of the physical structure and the species assemblages. SNH used the vessel Sir John Murray for this survey.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2017 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Southern Trench benthic camera survey

The primary aim of this benthic survey in the Southern Trench, run by SNH and Marine Scotland Science (MSS) for SNH on the 14th and 15th July 2017 using MSS vessel MRV Alba na Mara (cruise 1117A), was to refine knowledge of MPA protected feature, burrowed mud habitat, distribution. This 1117A survey is part of a series of surveys conducted around the North-east coast of Scotland, at Noss Head, Moray Firth and Southern Trench, to establish the extent of benthic habitats. Quantitative drop-down camera sampling undertaken at 18 stations in the Southern Trench.  Through the analysis of seabed video, the images were used to describe the nature of the seabed in terms of the physical structure and the species assemblages. Runs and run segments were assessed for the presence of protected features and other PMFs, as well as for the presence of species and habitats of recognised conservation importance.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2012 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and Cefas Loch Sunart benthic camera survey

The purpose of this benthic survey (cruise Pole Star 1/12) in Loch Sunart was to improve knowledge of the occurrence and distribution of species and habitats of recognised conservation importance, particularly priority marine features (PMFs), because this area is of interest to the development of marine renewables. An underwater video survey were conducted by CEFAS for SNH on the 30-31st August 2012 to collect detailed biological information on the seabed species and habitat features present. Drop-down video drift tows were undertaken at 29 sites. Analyses on the seabed video and still photographic imagery, commissioned by SNH, were used to describe the nature of the seabed in terms of the physical structure and the species assemblages. CEFAS used the vessel NLV Pole Star for this survey.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2010 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Lamlash Bay monitoring survey

Following proposals made by the Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST), a no take zone (NTZ) of 268 ha was established in the northern part of Lamlash Bay in 2008 under the Inshore Fishing (Scotland) Act 1984. Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has a commitment to contribute to monitoring the success of the management measures in delivering benefits to the subtidal habitats and species of the bay. Earlier surveys in 2008 and 2009 mapped the seabed habitats of Lamlash Bay and surrounding waters. The aim of the study described in this report was to refine the biotope mapping within and immediately adjacent to the NTZ, to design a monitoring programme for the NTZ and to conduct baseline monitoring. The baseline survey and monitoring programme focuses on benthic habitats and sessile and low mobility species although highly mobile species (e.g. fish species) were also noted. A combination of methods, including remote video, remote stills, grab sampling and diving, were employed to collect this baseline data. The baseline monitoring survey was conducted between the 21st August and the 4th September 2010. All survey work was conducted from Marine Bio-images road-trailable vessel Freyja, a 5.4m Avon rigid hulled inflatable. In order to identify suitable areas in which to locate monitoring stations it was first necessary to refine the biotope maps produced in the earlier survey (Axelsson et al., 2010). In particular, the Phymatolithon calcareum maerl bed biotope (SS.SMp.Mrl.Pcal) provisionally mapped were expected to be the highest priority and so identifying the boundaries of the bed was prioritised. As a deeper draft vessel was used for mapping during the earlier survey it was also necessary to complete the mapping exercise in the shallow areas that had not been covered. Once this mapping was achieved 12 dive monitoring stations and 12 grab stations were identified, plus 20 stations for towed video and stills. The locations of these were evenly split between inside and outside the NTZ to provide comparative data.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
NatureScot Loch Sween MPA(NC) Site Condition Monitoring

The aim of this Site Condition Monitoring (SCM) work is to improve knowledge of the current condition of the Burrowed mud, Maerl beds, Native oysters and Sublittoral mud and mixed sediment communities habitats and species of the Loch Sween Nature Conservation Marine Protected Area, prior to and following its designation in 2014.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network