AndreaBozzo/ceres-open-data-index huggingface dataset:
Habitat point records from 1987 NCC/MCS Seasearch Loch Sunart sublittoral survey

Loch Sunart is a sealoch set in an area of outstanding landscape and scenic value and surrounded by several areas of particularly high nature conservation importance. It is also subject to increasing development by the marine fish farming industry with, already, many large salmon and shellfish farms present. The geographical position, size and hydrography of Loch Sunart, together with the limited previous observations on the marine life present, suggested that the marine habitats, communities and species might be of particular interest. For these reasons, the Marine Nature Conservation Review gave a high priority to a systematic sublittoral survey of Loch Sunart. As a precursor to a more detailed Phase 2 survey of the loch, the NCC supported the present volunteer team to carry out an extensive Phase 1 survey to provide initial information on types and distribution of the main habitats and communities and conspicuous species. In addition, this survey had the objectives of evaluating recording and survey methods for volunteer groups and enabling further assessment of the potential role of such groups in the MNCR. The 24 sites surveyed during the 2 day expedition gave a good geographic and ecological coverage of Loch Sunart. Constraints on time prevented survey coverage of Loch na Droma Buidhe and Loch Teachuis which might have increased the range of habitats and communities recorded. At the sites surveyed, the major habitats and communities and conspicuous species were described. Features found in the loch which are considered to be of particular scientific interest include: - extensive Limaria hians (Gaping File Shell) beds in the Laudale Narrows; - mud sediments off Carna with a diverse megafaunal burrowing community including several less frequently occuring species; - circalittoral cliff habitats at the entrance to Loch Sunart which support rich communities and many animal species of high interest; - extensive infralittoral and circalittoral bedrock with well developed communities present throughout the length of the loch. This is a preliminary list and it is anticipated that a subsequent Phase 2 survey would significantly extend it. Records currently considered sensitive have been removed from this dataset.

Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Habitat point records from 1989 MNCR Cumbria littoral survey

The predominantly wild and unspoilt coastline within the survey area lies on the north-eastern side of the Irish Sea, between the expansive sediment shores of Morecambe Bay in the south and the more enclosed coast of the Outer Solway Firth to the north. The area is transitional between the Lake District massif to the east and the Irish Sea basin to the west. The shoreline has a natural grandeur, with spectacular sandstone cliffs at St Bees Head, sandy beaches backed by low boulder cliffs, rock scars and vast areas of wave-exposed mobile sand. Twenty-seven sites were surveyed on both rocky and sedimentary substrata. Open coast areas were dominated by mobile fine sand, with associated crustacean and polychaete dominated communities. These fine sands were interspersed with boulder scars (glacially derived boulders and cobbles) which increased habitat diversity and the range of species present. The polychaete Sabellaria alveolata was a major constituent of boulder scar communities forming extensive reefs in some of locations. Rocky shores were very limited in distribution. At St Bees Head, the northern limit of the survey area, a wide range of rocky littoral habitats were present, including horizontal rock platforms, crevices, pools, rockmills and overhangs. Beware ! the infauna has been put in the epifauna window Habitat diversity on the Cumbrian coast is limited leading to a limited range of species being recorded during the present survey. The nature conservation importance of the area has been assessed, with a number of habitats and species considered to be of local, regional, national or international importance.

Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Habitat point records from 1991 MNCR/UMBSM Norwegian fjords survey

Fjords in two areas of south-west Norway were surveyed to compare the benthic communities present with those found in Scottish sealochs. The results will assist in the evaluation of the nature conservation importance of habitats and communities in Scottish lochs. Forty four sublittoral sites were surveyed by diving to a maximum depth of 50m, and a number of shores were examined in a range of physiographically different fjords. Surface water temperatures, surface salinity reductions and water quality were all generally greater than in most Scottish lochs. The tidal range and strength of tidal currents were markedly reduced compared with western Scotland, and consequently the extent of oxygen depletion in enclosed basins was significantly higher. The variety, extent and richness of shore communities was very limited, due to the restricted tidal range (<0.6m) in the area and to reduced surface salinities throughout many of the fjords examined. The variety of sublittoral habitats present was limited, in comparison with areas of similar physiographic complexity in western Scotland, by the lack of tidal currents and the predominance of bedrock habitats in the upper 50m of the fjords examined. Prominant Scottish sealoch communities from current-swept habitats, such as beds of maerl, horse mussels and brittlestars, were either not found or were poorly developed in the fjords studied. The sublittoral rocky communities encountered in the fjords were broadly compatable with those known from the Scottish lochs, although there were notable variations in both species composition and zonation patterns. Circalittoral rock, especially vertical faces, was very well represented in the fjords. Sublittoral epibenthic sediment communities were poorly developed compared with similar sediment habitats in Scottish lochs. Bryozoans, fish, sponges and calcareous tube worms were better represented in the fjords, in terms of species numbers and/or abundance. In contrast, crustaceans, molluscs, hydroids and burrowing anenomes were less well represented. Over 460 taxa were recorded during the present fjord survey, of which about 95% have been recorded from recent surveys in Scottish lochs. Records currently considered sensitive have been removed from this dataset.

Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Habitat point records from 1988 MNCR Shetland littoral and sublittoral survey

This survey was carried out to fill gaps in the survey coverage of the earlier OPRU/MNCR surveys of Shetland, Foula and Fair Isle (Hiscock 1986; Howson 1987). 6 littoral sites, 31 sublittoral dive sites and 14 sublittoral dredging sites were surveyed. These sites were located mainly around Unst and Fetlar and west of Scalloway with an exposed littoral site on the west mainland. Shallow peat sediments in the Vadills and Marlee loch were also surveyed. A full survey report has not been produced. Records currently considered sensitive have been removed from this dataset.

Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Habitat point records from 1988 MNCR Skye sealochs survey

Skye is a large island lying off the north-west coast of Scotland, between the mainland and the Outer Hebrides. Its coastline is much indented with eleven large sealochs and several large bays. There are sounds between Skye and the smaller islands of Raasay, Rona, Scalpay, Pabbay and Soay, and between Skye and the mainland at Kyle Rhea. The survey included the lochs from Loch Brittle on west Skye, clockwise around the island to Loch na Cairidh in the east. Some sites on the open coast and in sounds were also surveyed en route. The survey was based on the converted trawler 'Ocean Bounty', which enabled a large area to be covered within the short time available. Sites surveyed were mainly sublittoral, with a few littoral sites of particular interest also investigated. 96 sites were surveyed, of which 7 were littoral and 89 were sublittoral. From this work, 8 littoral and 40 sublittoral communities have been described, together with 15 sublittoral sub-communities or facies. Results are summarised for the area as a whole, and separately for each of the sealochs surveyed. Littoral communities described include a brackish lochan, caves, rock pools, and a bed of the unattached brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum ecad mackaii. A wide variety of sublittoral communities and species was recorded, from exposed rock and sediments on the open coast to sheltered habitats inside the sealochs. On the west coast, communities on the open coast and in the loch entrances were more exposed to wave action, with coarse sediments and scoured rock communities. Rich and varied sediment communities were found around islands in the entrances to Loch Bracadale and Loch Dunvegan, and maerl beds were present around the Ascrib Islands. The east coast of Skye is more sheltered, and the communities in sounds and sealochs here were more similar to the adjacent mainland than to the west of Skye. Extremely tideswept bedrock and boulder communities were found in Kyle Rhea, where tidal currents reach 8 knots on spring tides. The area has been assessed for marine nature conservation interest, and separate assessments are given for individual lochs, sounds and open coast areas, as well as for individual communities and species. Dunvegan Head has already been cited as a Marine Consultation Area (MCA) on the basis of results from this survey, and it is recommended that Kyle Rhea should also be a MCA. A wide range of habitats were recorded during the survey from both hard and soft substrata. The Loch Dunvegan area is highlighted for the diversity of marine habitats it contains. Records currently considered sensitive have been removed from this dataset.

Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Habitat point records from 1988 MNCR Eigg survey

Five sites were investigated during this small opportunistic survey. All sites were within the confines of the Bay of Laig on the north-west coast of Eigg. In all cases the seabed was composed of a sandy plain. Zostera plants were rare and generally the sediment was described as poor in terms of species, those present were scattered. However, it is suggested that there was probably a rich infauna (not investigated). A report was not produced for this small survey due to the sparsity of data.

Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Habitat point records from 1977 SWBSS Ramsey sublittoral survey

The survey describes the range of sublittoral habitats and populations of plants and animals present around Ramsey Island and the offshore rocks. Systematic survey sites were located on Ordnance Survey grid intercepts of the coast and at selected sites. Stations were placed at depths below Chart Datum of 0,2,5,7.5,10,12.5,15 and 20 m along each survey line. In addition descriptive surveys were carried out by spot dives, drift dives and with a towed sledge. 115 stations at 18 sites were surveyed. The substrate present around Ramsey were found to be predominantly of clean stable rock. There was a marked zonation of species with depth and different populations were found on the west and east side of the island due to wave and tide exposure differences. Several species of algae and animals at or near the northern limits of their recorded distributions or of special interest because of their rarity were recorded. Full species lists are given for the sites surveyed in addition to substrate and habitat data. Records currently considered sensitive have been removed from this dataset.

Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Habitat point records from 1977 SWBSS Padstow sublittoral survey

The survey was planned in order to describe the range of sublittoral habitats and populations in the region of Padstow, to provide information for Underwater Conservation Year projects, and to give divers interested in natural history, the opportunity to take part in a field survey working with biologists involved in marine studies. 27 km of coastline including offshore rocks from Trevone Head to Port Issac were involved in the survey. Along most of the coast, a sand plain or gentle slope extended into shallow water at around 5 m. At headlands and offshore rocks, stable and often very broken rock substrates were present to 20 m and deeper. A distinct infralittoral fringe was present near to Chart Datum level followed by an upper infralittoral zone characterised by the presence of kelp forest which extended to only about 3 m. Algal populations were distinctly different in exposed and semi-exposed sites. The lower infralittoral zone dominated by foliaceous algae extended to 13 m and was followed by a circalittoral zone. Population types and richness is also discussed. Kellan Head is noted as the richest circalittoral site visited during the survey. 27 sites were surveyed. 99 species of algae and 158 species of animals were recorded. Records currently considered sensitive have been removed from this dataset.

Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Habitat point records from 1978-79 SWBSS Upper Bristol Channel sublittoral survey

This survey was carried out to describe the range of sublittoral habitats and the communities of plants and animals present adjacent to the coast of the upper Bristol Channel. On the north side, from the east side of Swansea Bay to Llantwit Major and on the south side, at Porlock Bay, Minehead and Watchet. 16 sites were surveyed by diving within 43 km of coastline. All of the sites, except Gore Point on the west side of Porlock Bay, included a very small number of species of algae and animals compared to open coast areas of south-west Britain. Algae were only recorded above Chart Datum level. Animal communities were similar from site to site with stable rock surfaces at most sites dominated by Sabellaria spp. (mostly S. alveolata) and at some sites by Dendrodoa grossularia, Mytilus edulis or Polydora ciliata. A small variety of sponges, hydrozoans and bryozoans were also present in large amounts. Mobile or scoured substrata were characterised by Balanus crenatus and Pomatoceros triqueter. Moving west to east along the coast reveals a gradual reduction in the number of conspicuous species with a sharp reduction across Swansea Bay resulting in highly impoverished communities here. Along the majority of the coast studied, it is suggested that the circalittoral zone extended above the Chart Datum level and that the upward extent of the sublittoral zone, based on the presence of sublittoral algae, extended to about 2.5 m above Chart Datum compared to about 1 m on the open coast. The presence of extensive areas of sand and of sand in suspension during strong tidal flow, is considered to be important in the development of large colonies of Sabellaria alveolata. This and previous surveys emphasise the importance of S. alveolata as a dominant species. Records currently considered sensitive have been removed from this dataset.

Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Habitat point records from 1979-80 Smith west Inverness-shire & north Argyll littoral mollusc survey

The report is in two parts - first from Malhaig to Ardnamurchan Point was resurveyed in May 1979 and May 1980. Results reinforce the conclusions in Smith (1978) and Powell et al (1980). That this region is of outstanding marine biological importance. The author emphasises the changes of one off surveys. The second part of the survey extends from the west side of Loch Linnhe and along the south side of Loch Eil. The fauna and flora is considerably reduced here, reflecting the salinity fluctuations. More fully marine conditions were found at Corran Ferry and at Ballachulish. Lochs include Arisaig, nan Uamh, Ailort, Eil, and Linnhe (Leven Narrows - Ballachulish). The author assesses the interest of sites and areas as follows: Grade 1+ Loch nan Uamh, Grade 1 Loch Ailort, Loch Carron (especially Plockton -Portneora), Ballachulish narrows, Grade 2 Arisaig (Traigh Torr Mor is Grade 1), Grade 3 Loch Linnhe-Loch Eil (because its peculiar)

Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Habitat point records from 1978 SWBSS South Pembrokeshire sublittoral survey

The survey was carried out to describe the range of sublittoral habitats and populations of plants and animals along 70 km of the south coast of Pembrokeshire from Sheep Island at the entrance to Milford Haven to Pendine in Camarthan Bay. 45 sites were surveyed. The results are presented as descriptions of the plants and animal populations present at different locations, diagrams of the distribution of species with depth at different sites and an annotated species list. Plant and populations were found to be broadly similar from site to site although there was considerable patchiness in the occurence of many dominant or characteristic species in apparently similar habitats. Site to site differences were related mainly to the position of each site along the coast and to the rock type (limestone or sandstone). Changes in plant and animal populations along the coast and differences with the offshore Pembrokeshire islands to the west are correlated with changes which occur from west to east along the coast as: a. an increase in turbidity b. a reduction in the strength of tidal streams c. increasing shelter from wave action d. an increased amount of sediment in shallow water e. increasing variability in salinity f. increasing range in seawater temperature Nine species are recorded as of particular biographic interest or are rare species.

Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Habitat point records from 1979 SWBSS North Pembrokeshire sublittoral survey

This report describes the range of sublittoral habitats and communities of plants and animals encountered during surveys along approximately 15 km of coastline from Solva to Dinas Head along the mainland coast of North Pembrokeshire. Thirty-two sites were surveyed. The results are presented as descriptions of the species composition of the main communities encountered and an annotated species list. A wide range of habitats and communities were present along the coastline studies particularly in relation to the degree of exposure of different areas to wave action and tidal streams. The habitats and communities present in Abereiddy Quarry are unique to south-west Britain and there is only one other known location with similar attributes in Britain. The conservation status and scientific interest of sites is discussed. The region of Abereiddy from Porth-y-Dwfr to Porthlynnon including the offshore reefs and the quarry are seen as including a wide range of scientifically interesting habitats and communities within a fairly small area.

Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Habitat point records from 1977-79 SWBSS Grassholm, Skomer & Marloes Peninsula survey

Surveys of nearshore sublittoral ecosystems were carried out at Skomer in August 1977, Grassholm in June 1979 and on the Marloes Peninsula near Martins Haven in July 1979. The Skomer surveys were mainly a reconnaissance of the area whilst at Grassholm and Martins Haven, systematic surveys of the abundance of species in different habitats were carried out. The sites studied were subject to widely different regimes of exposure to water movement and included steep cliffs often extending into deep water, broken rock slopes, boulders and a variety of mixed sediments. A total of twenty-one sites were surveyed and the survey results are presented as an annotated list of 89 plant and 201 animal species with a description of each site, and summary of the communities present in different habitats. The survey results for Skomer and Martins Haven have been compared with the descriptions of the nine sublittoral habitats and communities defined for the whole coast of the area by Hunnam (1976). Although there are many similarities in the two sets of data, several of the habitats described here were either not encountered by Hunnam or their individual characteristics were lost in the generalised description of communities within a small number of habitat categories. The area described here included a wide variety of habitats and communities compared to most other locations of similar area in south-west Britain. Several locations were identified as of scientific interest. In addition, several species normally confined to the south or west coasts of the British Isles and abundant around Lundy were recorded but in very small amounts. It is recommended that future work related to conservation interests in the area should include studies of the west coast of Grassholm and The Smalls, and detailed descriptions of habitats and communities at key sites already identified in the region of Skomer. Some further basic survey to include previously undescribed habitats and communities and to provide a basis for mapping is also required in the region of Skomer.

Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Habitat point records from 1978 SWBSS West Cornwall survey

18 sites were surveyed in west Cornwall between 4th - 8th September 1978, but no report was produced. Instead the original raw data sheets and copies of edge-punched cards have merely been included as a seperate volume of Hiscock, K. (1981) 'SWBSS: Final Report.' Area included north-west boundary near Pendeen. Extensive rock areas were present offshore dominated by algae with a kelp forest extending to 20 m. There was some cover on rocks. Distinguished from north-west Cornwall by the absence of thick sand cover in most areas. The small amount of work possible during the survey precludes any definitive statement regarding the best sites to observe the ecosystems present. The area of Kenidjack Castle near Cape Cornwall (SW 351 326) was clearly a good location to study extensive areas of rock from shallow to deep water. The Brisons, south-west of Cape Cornwall, most likely also include a wide range of habitats. The coast and areas to about 1 km offshore between Kenidjack Castle and The Brisons (about 4 km of coastline) should therefore provide examples of the main habitats and communities in this area.

Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Habitat point records from 1970 Ridley north-west Scotland sublittoral photographic survey

Gordon Ridley is a lecturer is photography at Glasgow University and also a professional underwater photographer. It was felt that it would be of value for the NCC to analyse his considerable underwater slide collection pertaining to north-west Scotland. the area for which slides were investigated is from Loch Fyne, near Inverary (NR 9080) in the south, to Whiten Head, east of Cape Wrath (NC 500 686) in the north and extends as far west as St Kilda. Slides from 16 sites were investigated, some 534 slides in total. Copies were made for the NCC. The species present at each site are summarised in tabular form with detailed annotated species lists in seperate tables. In these lists details of substratum, abundance and association with other species is given. A general description of each site in terms of habitats and communities present is given where enough slides were available. It was possible to get a good idea of the main features of each site and the species present. Of particular interest was the occurrence of a distinctive community - the Dendrodoa grossularia/Clathrina coriacea community - present at/near Cape Wrath. Another recognisable community that occurs in sounds exposed to very strong tidal streams is the Tubularia indivisa - Halichondria panicea community. Some photographs from St Kilda show large areas of sloping rock covered by T. indivisa and a yellow encrusting sponge that cannot be identified from the slides. Species of particular interest were Parazoanthus anguicomus recorded at St Kilda and Whiten Head, which although not rare is occasionally recorded around Scotland and Protanthea simplex only recently discovered in Great Britain, but now with several records from the coast of west Scotland. Records currently considered sensitive have been removed from this dataset.

Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee