AndreaBozzo/ceres-open-data-index huggingface dataset:
England's Historic Seascapes: Withernsea to Skegness

The project was carried out by the Museum of London Archaeology Service (MoLAS) on behalf of English Heritage, and was been funded by the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund (ALSF). The project is part of the second round of seascapes analysis funded by the ALSF; the first round was carried out by Wessex Archaeology at Liverpool Bay. This project attempts to develop the ideas developed as part of this Wessex project and apply them to a different coastal area. The pilot area runs between Withernsea in Yorkshire to Skegness in Lincolnshire, including the Humber Estuary, and extends out into the open sea as far as the median line with Holland. The overall aim of the project is to map and interpret current sea uses in the pilot area, with a view to identifying historic significance of the maritime environment.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
1998 Fawley Aquatic Research Labs Ltd, Hydrocyclone discharge area, Furzey Island, Dorset, Benthic Day grab sampling survey

These records all relate to "Coughlan, Bamber, Somes (1998) Furzey Island Hydrocyclone:1998 Benthic Survey (FCR 297/98)" A copy of the report is held at Dorset Environmental Records Centre.
     This report gives the findings of a benthic survey carried out in July 1998 - the first post-commissioning study of the hydrocyclone facility. The hydrocylcone abstracts sea water from Poole Harbour for down well injection. The sea water intake is close to the sea bed at the head of a wooden jetty on Furzey Island. Six sites were surveyed, with three replicate 'Day' grab samples taken from each site. The abundance of species at each station has been entered onto the database rather than the abundance of species in each sample. Station position fixing was by GPS and by reference to landmarks, however in the report they are only displayed on a map and not stated directly. Therefore, the coordinates used in the database have been derived from a combination of the Admiralty chart (unknown scale) in the report in conjunction with MapInfo. The methods and sampling stations (where possible) were the same as those used in a baseline benthic survey of the discharge area carried out in December 1995, and results from the two surveys have been compared in this study.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
1988-2011 Stebbing et al. British records of American lobsters, Homarus americanus

American lobsters (Homarus americanus) are native to the east coast of North American and Canada, but have been imported live into Europe for several decades resulting in their escape into the wild. American lobsters have the potential to have a significant impact on the European lobster (Homarus gammarus) fisheries in Europe, but the status of American lobsters is not well understood, especially in Great Britain (GB) where reports have been sporadic. Reports were collated from across GB of American lobsters being caught in coastal waters. Between 1988 and 2011, 26 individuals have been positively identified using standard taxonomic techniques. American lobsters were found predominantly in waters off southern England, with no confirmed reports from Wales and a single report from Scotland. However, there are anecdotal reports of American lobsters being found in much greater numbers from around GB. The potential threat that American lobsters pose to fisheries in GB and the rest of Europe is discussed along with recommendations to better estimate the numbers of animals being released.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2011 Natural England Isles of Scilly Seagrass Mapping

A Natural England commissioned study conducted by MarLin at the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, in order to utilise aerial surveys to accurately map the current extent of Seagrass Zostera marina in the Isles of Scilly. The aim was to integrate aerial survey and GIS methods with historic information, contextual information and groundtruthing to produce and upto date accurate map showing the extent of Seagrass in the Isles of Scilly.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
1994-1996 Lindley et al. River Tamar and River Exe Acartia tonsa records

Acartia tonsa were found in the Tamar and Exe  (http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-1706) when taking samples for experiments on eggs (See J.A. Lindley, P. Donkin, S.V. Evans, C.L. George, K.F. Uil.1999.  Effects of 2 organochlorine compounds on hatching and viability of calanoid copepod eggs. J. exp. mar. Biol. Ecol. 242, 59-74). Sampling in the Exe from the pontoon at the Turf Locks Inn was April and October 1994  and May 1996 and in the Tamar at Cotehele Quay in June and July 1996.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
1996 Farrell and Fletcher Torbay Undaria pinnatifida records

As part of a study into the ecology of the recently introduced macroalga Undaria pinnatifida in the British Isles, the competitive ability of this adventive kelp with native species was investigated in Torquay Marina (Devon, UK). Sites of introduction were surveyed for the presence of native species filling a similar ecological niche and long-term competition experiments set up over 6 years. Experiments involving clearance, removal and monitoring showed that Undaria has a low competitive ability in the infralittoral and sublittoral of a rocky breakwater. Undaria did not manage to colonise the nearby (200 m) shoreline for at least 7 years from the date of its original introduction to the floating pontoons of Torquay Marina. Undaria did out-compete native species in a marina environment: two kelp species, Laminaria digitata and Laminaria saccharina, and a sea squirt, Styela clava.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2018 Cornwall Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) Fal Oyster Survey

Cornwall Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) conduct annual dredge surveys within the Fal Oyster Fishery since taking over management of the fishery in 2014.  The purpose of the survey was initially to assess the distribution and abundance of native oysters (Ostrea edulis) within the Fal Fishery management area in the River Fal, Cornwall. Since 2016 the survey has been developed to also assess queenies (queen scallop, Aequipecten opercularis; variegated scallop, Mimachlamys varia) distribution and abundance. In 2018, an addition to the survey was made to record the number of individual slipper limpets (Crepidula fornicata) at each site instead of the subjective broad approach of a SACFOR style recording system which was used prior to this.
     The aims of the survey were to investigate the relative abundance and distribution of native oysters, O. edulis,  scallops (queen scallop, A. opercularis; variegated scallop, M. varia) and slipper limpets (C. fornicata) within the Fal Oyster Fishery. The distribution of substrate types across the fishery and species of bycatch were also recorded at each site. 
     In 2018, a total of 83 sites were completed and a total of 1501 oysters, 4145 scallops and 11525 slipper limpets were recorded. The analysis was done by sections; Harbour, Outer Harbour and River.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2013 The Environment Agency (EA) Tamar and Lynher Rivers and Estuaries Shad surveys and records

1. Records of Shad sp. and Allis Shad catches by commercial salmon netsmen (Allis Shad where species identification confirmed from examination by expert); 2. Records of Shad and Allis Shad (Allis Shad where species identification confirmed from examination by expert) caught by rod anglers, angling clubs and commercial salmon and sea trout estuary netsmen; 3. Records of Allis Shad caught and examined at Gunnislake Fish Trap; 4. Records of Shad (presumed Allis Shad as inferred from trap records) counted by Gunnislake Fish Counter and observed on camera footage as they migrate upstream at the tidal limit; 5. Sightings of live Shad; 6. Records of dead Shad carcasses; 7. Records of Shad egg surveys. Egg surveys in estuary or river using a standard long-handled macroinvertebrate kick-sampling net and technique.
      The original database is held by the Environment Agency.  If you have any questions about data contained within it, contact Robert Hillman (see contacts).

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
HMS Colossus Wrecking Project 2017

In December 1798 HMS Colossus, a 74 gun warship built in 1787 at Gravesend, was on her way home to England with wounded from the Battle of the Nile and with cargo, including part of Sir William Hamiltonâs second collection of Greek pottery. She was sheltering from a gale in St Maryâs Roads, Isles of Scilly, when the anchor cable parted and she was driven aground to the south of Samson. All but one member of the crew were taken off safely before Colossus turned onto her beam ends and proceeded to break up. To date, two main areas of wreckage have been identified, the bow site and the stern site. In 1975 part of the wreck (probably the bow) was designated under the Protection of Wrecks Act. This designation was revoked in 1984. The current site, the stern, was designated in 2001.
     Fieldwork was undertaken by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Maritime Archaeology Society (CISMAS) for two weeks in May 2017. Large areas of the seabed around the stern site were searched in detail in order to better understand the events leading to the present disposition of wreck material on the seabed. This was mainly prompted by the proposal of a new wrecking theory by CISMAS in 2015.
     This project revisits the loss of the ship, the historic salvage of the wreck and the rediscovery of the site and subsequent excavation by Roland Morris in the 1970s. The evolution of our understanding of how and where Colossus was wrecked is examined in some detail. This is followed by an explanation of the new wrecking theory - and how the results of this yearâs survey accord with it.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2011-Present Eastern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (Eastern IFCA) Horseshoe Point cockle surveys

Since January 2011, Eastern IFCA have carrried out foot surveys at Horseshoe Point, Lincolnshire for the purpose of a cockle (Cerastoderma edule) stock assessment and monitoring, and to assess the possibility of opening the fishery if deemed viable. The surveys have been carried out bi-annually where possible, otherwise surveys have been conducted annually.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
Camel Estuary Wreck

This project presents the results of the emergency recording and undesignated site assessment of the possible wreck of the barque Antoinette, Camel Estuary, Padstow, Cornwall carried out by Historic Environment, Cornwall Council and maritime archaeologist Kevin Camidge for English Heritage in 2010.
     The wreck had been exposed early in 2010 by shifting sands upon Town Bar at the entrance to the Camel Estuary, which is sited close to a navigational channel (NGR centred at SW 92650 75380). The Padstow Harbour Master proposed to remove the wreck as a hazard to shipping in the week commencing 1 March 2010; given the size of the remains, the use of explosives was proposed, along with the possibility of dismantling the wreck with a dredger-mounted crane and barge. Emergency recording of the wreck was therefore carried out on 28 February and a watching brief undertaken during demolition when some of the vessel's timbers were recovered and recorded.
     The results of the emergency recording and the desk-based assessment indicate that there can be little doubt that the wreck is the middle part of the Canadian barque Antoinette. The Antoinette was wrecked on the Doom Bar on 2 January 1895 bound for Santos from Newport, Gwent with a cargo of coal. Part of the wreckage was carried by spring tides on to Town Bar where it became a hazard to fishermen and ferrymen and the remains became buried by sand following unsuccessful attempts at demolition using explosives.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2001 The National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOC), Dorset, Maerl and Seagrass mapping (2001 dive survey results)

These records all relate to 'Collins, K (2002) Dorset Maerl and Seagrass. 2001 survey results.' The majority of survey work was undertaken in 2001, but the report also draws together additonal survey work on biodiversity habitats from as early as 1998 which had not yet been published. A copy of the report is held at Dorset Environmental Records Centre.
     The report forms part of a continuing study of biodiversity habitats by the author working with volunteer divers. In 2001, the distribution and density of maerl was further mapped in western Poole Bay and for the first time off Kimmeridge. The extent of the seagrass (Zostera marina) has been mapped in Weymouth Bay and along the Poole Harbour entrance Training Bank. During the course of these surveys, further information was found on the extent of two other habitats: biogenic reefs (Sabellaria spinulosa) off Swanage and brittlestar (Ophiothrix fragilis) beds off Kimmeridge. 
     The majority of these records were provided electronically by Dr. Ken Collins, a note to clarify where each record was sourced is noted in the description section on the sample screen. Please note, these records have also been incorporated into subsequent reports written by the same author.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2017 Eastern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (EIFCA) The Wash (Box 2) Ground Truthing Survey

This survey forms part of the preliminary survey work for the Shrimp trial project. Ground truthing was conducted using a video camera sled and day grab to assess and identify areas of subtidal mixed sediment within boxes identified as potentially suitable for the trial. The survey work was conducted to the East of Roger Sand within waters of up to 20m deep.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
1995 Purbeck Marine Research Unit, Canford School, Handfast Point to Ballard Point, Ross Coral Mapping Project

These records all relate to "Powell (ed) (1995)  - Ross Coral Mapping Project 1995". A copy of the report is held at English Nature (Dorset Team).
     Following on from the survey work carried out in 1994, thirteen survey dives were undertaken in 1995 to provide further information on the extent of the Ross Coral colonies between Handfast Point and Ballard Point. Drift dives were used to make transects of the area. GPS/Decca navigation on the charter vessel Sea Ranger was used to pinpoint the position of divers at the start, during and at the end of the dive (following the diver's Surface Marker Buoy). The majority of dives were made at a working depth of 15-20m. Ross coral was found to be in the greatest abundance at 50'37.90N  01'55.00W. The largest colonies seen (50cm diameter) were in the area of more extensive chalk outcrops and ridges. The cobbles, small boulder and chalk ridges, that provide the most suitable substrate for attachment, change to gravel and sand, both unsuitable for the attachment of Ross coral, to the north (Poole Bay) and to the south (Swanage Bay) of the main survey area. The deeper water (>20m) to the west of the survey area has not yet been explored but its likely that Ross coral should occur if there is suitable substrate. Underwater photography was used extensively.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2008 Emu Consultants Kentish Flats Offshore Wind Farm Turbine Foundation Faunal Colonisation Diving Survey

The aims of the study were to investigate the faunal colonisation of the subsea monopile foundations, using diver collected stills photography and video footage, MNCR Phase II recording data, and collection of scrape samples. The survey was undertaken approximately three years after installation of the turbine foundations.
      This dataset is a subset of the whole report and only contains one record of Styela clava.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2015 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Southern Trench (outer Moray Firth) benthic camera and infaunal grab survey

This benthic habitat survey was carried out by Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) for SNH within the Southern Trench MPA proposal from the vessel RV Endeavour from 5th-7th December 2015.  The main aim of this survey was to improve understanding of the distribution of benthic habitats within the proposed site, contributing to a programme of refining the distribution of protected features within the pMPA. Fourteen dropdown video stations were surveyed and at a selection of these stations seven grab samples were collected. Further aims of the investigation were to improve knowledge of the occurrence and distribution of species and habitats of recognised conservation importance and opportunistic/contingency sampling. Seastar Survey Ltd. was contracted by SNH to undertake the infaunal analysis of the grab samples, including identifying all the faunal components within the grab samples, sediment particle size analysis (PSA), and assigning a biotope to each sample. Dr Colin Moore was contracted by SNH to undertake video analysis and assign biotopes to each sample based on the physical and biological attributes.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2005 English Nature (EN) Thanet Coast, intertidal monitoring

Report following a study of the interidal zone of the Thanet coast Special Area of Conservation (SAC).  The study aimed to monitor and assess the conditions of the reefs and caves in the Thanet coast SAC. In addititon, specific objectives of the study included using the methodology from previous studies, GIS mapping of biotopes and comparison of results with those of previous surveys (in 1997 and 2001).

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
1984-1986 T.G. Skinner Solway Firth Occurrence of some prominent zooplankton

Five surveys were carried out by T.G. Skinner in the Solway Firth Areas.  Surveys were carried out with plankton nets and a count of the species captured was carried out.  This survey is the third survey and is documented in the following three papers: The Seasonal Occurence of Some Prominent Zooplankton Species in Rough Firth between March 1984 to March 1986. I. Scyphomedusae (Glasg. Nat. 22 Part 5: 471-484 (1995)), The Seasonal Occurence of Some Prominent Zooplankton Species in Rough Firth. II. Chaetognatha (Glasg. Nat. 22 Part 5: 479-484 (1995)), and The Seaonal Occurence of Some Prominent Species in Rough Firth. III. Decapod Larvae. (Glasg. Nat. 23. Part 1: 51-56 (1996)).

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
Taw-Torridge Mussel Stock Assessment 2020

Since 2012 Devon and Severn IFCA has carried out stock assessments on the public mussel beds on the Taw-Torridge Estuary, North Devon. These surveys determine the area of each bed, the density of mussels, the percentage cover, and the estimated stock (in tonnes), and marketable stock (mussels greater than 50mm in length) for each bed, and are used to assess the condition of the bed and whether the bed could support a viable mussel fishery.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
1960-1970 Barnes, RSK and Coughlan, J Blackwater Estuary Bottom Fauna Dredge Survey

A number of additions and corrections are made to the Blackwater Estuary fauna list.  Distribution patterns revealed by a survey of the benthic fauna of the Blackwater Estuary in May 1970 are described, and changes in the frequency of occurrence of a number of species between 1960 and 1970 are discussed.  It is concluded that the fauna of the region has, to a large extent, recovered from the severe winters of 1961-62 and 1962-63.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2009 British Geological Survey, Seabed mapping and surveys (BGS_multibeam)

This shapefile outlines the current multi-beam data holdings of the British Geological Survey. The multibeam has been collected from a variety of vessels and contractors for the purpose of seabed mapping.  Surveys may not meet all requirements of IHO order 1.
     The data is available for download in various formats from The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) website.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
Early Years Children's Book: Derek the Dredger

The project aimed to expand knowledge, interest and engagement in issues surrounding marine archaeology and aggregates through an early years children's story book. Both the marine aggregate industry and maritime archaeology were used as key themes to develop the concept of 'Derek the Dredger and the Underwater Archaeologists'. The book is an illustrated full colour story book that can be used as bedtime reading with younger children or as an aid to learning for slightly older children.
     An initial story for the book was developed which was subject to extensive consultation with heritage, industry, education and library specialists asked to provide feedback. Responses were used to refine the story and establish an illustrated story board for a further round of consultation.
     The resulting product has been made available through a bulk print of copies and through a print on demand facility. The book has been marketed through a range of activities, events and publications.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
1972-2015 Sussex Biodiversity Record Centre (SBRC) Sussex non-native species records

A collection of Non-Native Species sightings from Sussex Biodiversity Record Centre (SBRC). The species listed are Spartina anglica, Sargassum muticum, Undaria pinnatifida, Styela clava, Didemnum vexillum, Eriocheir sinensis, Crepidula fornicata, Ficopomatus enigmaticus and Crassostrea gigas.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2009-2016 Loxton et al., Distribution of the invasive bryozoan Schizoporella japonica in Great Britain and Ireland and a review of its European distribution

The bryozoan Schizoporella japonica Ortmann (1890) was first recorded in European waters in 2010 and has since been reported from further locations in Great Britain (GB) and Norway.  This dataset provides a new earliest European record for the species from 2009.  The presence records of Schizoporella japonica at 28 sites in Europe are reported only, out of the 231 sites surveyed through rapid assesment surveys. This species is typically associated with human activity, including commercial and recreational vessels, aquaculture equipment, and both wave and tidal energy devices. It has also been observed in the natural environment, fouling rocks and boulders. The species has an extensive but widely discontinuous distribution in GB and Ireland. Although found frequently in marinas and harbours in Scotland, it inhabits only a few sites in England, Wales and Ireland, interspersed with wide gaps that are well documented as genuine absences. This appears to be a rare example of a southward-spreading invasion in GB and Ireland. The species has been reported from the Isle of Man and Norway but has not been found in France or Portugal. In the future we expect S. japonica to spread into suitable sections of the English, Welsh and Irish coasts, and further within Europe. The speciesâ capability for long-distance saltatory spread and potential for negative impact on native ecosystems and economic activity suggests that S. japonica should now be considered invasive in GB and Ireland. As such, it is recommended that biosecurity procedures alongside effective surveillance and monitoring should be prioritised for regions outside the speciesâ current distribution.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network