AndreaBozzo/ceres-open-data-index huggingface dataset:
2007 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Treshnish Isles rocky reefs site condition monitoring survey

The purpose of benthic survey around the Treshnish Isles was to initiate site condition monitoring (SCM) of the littoral and sublittoral reef feature of the Isle of May SAC. The SCM survey was undertaken with the objectives to: establish a baseline biological data set that will facilitate the assessment of the favourable conditional status of the reefs in future; and to allow SNH to form judgement on the current condition of the reefs in light of existing SAC management measures. To fulfil these objectives an extensive drop-down video survey of the sublittoral reef habitats of the SAC at 86 sites to characterise the major reef biotopes and MNCR phase 2 surveys of reef biotopes along relocatable transects at 6 sites spanning both littoral and inshore sublittoral environments.

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

The purpose of this benthic survey in the Sound of Stroma 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 on the 25th of May 2010 to collect detailed biological information on the seabed species and habitat features present. Drop-down video drift tows were undertaken at 5 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
2004 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Loch Maddy SAC site condition monitoring inauguration survey

Loch Maddy has been established as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) as it is considered to provide outstanding examples of the following qualifying features:
     -  large shallow inlet and bays;
     -  saline lagoons;
     -  intertidal and sublittoral reefs;
     -  intertidal sediment flats;
     -  subtidal sandbanks.
     It is a mandatory requirement of SACs that monitoring of a site is carried out (site condition monitoring) to identify changes in the condition of the features for which the SAC has been established and the purpose of the current study was to initiate such a monitoring programme. This was done to establish a baseline 
     biological data set that would facilitate the assessment of the condition of the habitats in the future and to allow a judgement to be formed on the current condition of these habitats. The main approach taken to achieve these objectives was to perform a drop-down video survey of the biotopes of the SAC, concentrating
     on the sublittoral sediments, to characterize the infauna of the main sediment biotopes by means of grab and core sampling and to perform surveys of the epibiota of rock, lagoon, maerl and Zostera biotopes along relocatable transects.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2003 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Kentra Bay, Lochaber Site Condition Monitoring survey of intertidal mud and sandflats features

The purpose of this study was to initiate site condition monitoring (SCM) of the intertidal sediment flats of Kentra Bay and Moss SSSI, in order to establish a baseline biological dataset against which any future change in the condition of features for which the SSSI was established could be assessed. In addition, the data should also allow judgement to be made as to the current condition of these habitats. The approach taken to achieve these objectives was to establish a series of 16 relocatable stations along 5 transects, representing identifiable zones that reflect the biological and environmental diversity of the sediment flats in the SSSI.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2011 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) North Minch (Shiant East Bank and Little Minch) benthic camera and grab survey

The purpose of this benthic survey (cruise 1511A) in two areas of the North Minch - Shiant East Bank and Little Minch - was to gather biological data to help inform understanding of the importance of large-scale features within Scottish waters, specifically glacially eroded deeps and banks and mounds). An underwater video and still photograph survey was conducted by MSS for MSS between the 23rd October and 3rd November 2011 to collect detailed biological information on the seabed species and habitat features present. Drop-down video drift tows were undertaken at 35 sites around Shiant East Bank and 25 sites in Little Minch. 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. An infaunal survey was also undertaken in this area on the same survey by MSS and SNH for SNH, with the same purpose as the video survey to collect quantative biological data. A total of 17 samples were collected during this survey for faunal and PSA analysis. Seastar Survey Ltd was contracted by SNH to undertake the infaunal analysis. MSS and SNH used the vessel MRV Alba na Mara for this survey - video samples were also collected from Little Loch Broom on the same cruise.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2012 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) biological analyses of Marine Scotland Science (MSS) West Tiree benthic camera survey

The purpose of this benthic survey (cruise 1621A) west of the island of Tiree 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 one of the sites of interest to the development of marine renewables. The establishment of wind turbines off Tiree was proposed at the time of this survey. A further aim was to assess the implications of this planned renewable energy development on the features of importance. An underwater video survey were conducted by MSS for MSS on the 22nd September 2012 to collect detailed biological information on the seabed species and habitat features present. Drop-down video drift tows were undertaken at 9 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. MSS used the vessel FRV Alba na Mara for this survey.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2012 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) biological analyses of Marine Scotland Science (MSS) Loch Kishorn benthic camera survey

The purpose of this benthic survey (cruise 1621A) in Loch Kishorn 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 one of the sites of interest to the development of marine renewables. The fabrication of wind turbines at Kishorn Port was proposed at the time of this survey. A further aim was to assess the implications of this planned renewable energy development on the features of importance. An underwater video survey were conducted by MSS for MSS on the 25-27th September 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. MSS used the vessel FRV Alba na Mara for this survey.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2004 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Lochs Duich, Long and Alsh biogenic and rocky reefs survey

Emu Limited (Emu Ltd.) was commissioned by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) to carry out fieldwork to initiate the monitoring of the reef features within the Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC). The purpose of the fieldwork was to establish a series of relocatable survey transects and single point survey stations at locations which reflected the biological and environmental diversity of the rocky and biogenic reef features of the site. The data acquired from each of these survey stations is to be used to assess the âfavourable conditionâ status of the interest features on future monitoring surveys and provide sufficient information from which a judgement on the existing condition of the interest features can be made.
          The Lochs Duich, Long and Alsh (DLA) cSAC is designated for the intertidal and subtidal rocky reefs found throughout the site and biogenic reefs formed by dense beds of horse mussel, Modiolus modiolus. Sub-features of interest for which survey effort was targeted were:
          Very sheltered, rocky reefs subject to variable salinity (Loch Long);
          Deep sublittoral bedrock cliffs supporting communities characterised by the brachiopods Neocrania anomala, Terabratulina retusa and the anemone Protanthea simplex (Loch Duich),
          Dense beds of the normally cryptic brittlestar Ophiopholis aculeata (sills within the centre of Loch system); and
          Tide-swept bedrock communities (Kyle Rhea).
          Where possible, survey stations were placed in the same location as earlier survey visits to the area in order to allow the current condition of the site to be assessed in relation to information on its former condition.
          In addition to this, selected elements of a survey carried out by Heriot-Watt University (HWU) in 1999 on the dense aggregations of the horse mussel Modiolus modiolus within Kyle Akin were repeated. The aim was to directly compare the results from the two surveys to enable an assessment to be made on the condition of the M. modiolus bed.
          The following is a summary of the survey work carried out:
          MNCR phase 2 surveys along 6 transects comprising littoral (by shore worker) and sublittoral (by diver) sections and one sublittoral transect
          MNCR phase 2 surveys by diver at 9 spot locations
          estimates of frequency of occurence of dominant/characteristic taxa (by use of replicate quadrats) in biotopes of interest at above locations
          MNCR phase 2 surveys by ROV along 12 transects
          Modiolus bed surveys by ROV at 6 spot locations

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2009 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) North Rona broad scale mapping survey

The purpose of this broad scale mapping (BSM) study was to obtain an estimation of the geographic distribution and extent of the qualifying biological resources (habitats and their associated biological communities â biotopes) within the protected area in  order that a comprehensive management plan can be developed for North Rona marine SAC. The survey area encompasses the seabed all around North Rona. BSM was conducted in two phases: 1) an acoustic survey; 2) a ground-truthing survey through camera deployments (video and still photography). The aim of the acoustic element of the survey was to identify different backscatter returns and describe, as well as delineate, the extent of the various seabed habitat types occurring around North Rona. A digital sidescan sonar mosaic, in conjunction with single beam echo sounder derived bathymetry, provided the initial broadview to map the substrata present throughout the survey area as well as allowing the identification of any features of interest. The aim of the ground-truthing element of the survey was to provide a description of the richness and diversity of the habitats on both rocky reef and the softer sediments. The biotope distribution and species composition was developed through interpretation of dropdown video footage and digital still photography, taken after evaluation of the sidescan mosaic. All survey operations were conducted by contractors Seastar Survey Ltd from their vessel SV Otarie.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2011 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) biological analyses of Marine Scotland Science (MSS) Armadale benthic camera survey (October)

The purpose of this benthic survey (cruise 1211S) off Armadale was to improve knowledge of the occurrence and distribution of species and habitats of recognised conservation importance, particularly priority marine features (PMFs). An underwater video and still photograph survey was conducted by MSS for MSS between the 31st October 2011 to collect detailed biological information on the seabed species and habitat features present. Drop-down video drift tows were undertaken at 11 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. MSS used the vessel MRV Scotia for this survey - footage was collected from around Fetlar and south-west of Scalloway on the same cruise.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2005 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Loch Creran site condition monitoring survey of subtidal reefs

The purpose of this survey was to initiate site condition monitoring of the biogenic and rocky reefs of Loch Creran. This survey took place between the 11th July and 23rd December 2005, run by Heriot Watt University for NatureScot (Scottish Natural Heritage at time of survey). The extent and distribution of serpulid reefs was determined from observations by divers along 110 transects around the loch between 11th-25th July 2005. Detailed studies were also performed at four of the major serpulid reef sites in the loch; distribution of the serpulid reefs was examined with sidescan sonar between 6th-8th September 2005, reef density by video and the community of organisms associated with the habitat by diver survey of the reefs themselves and of the surrounding sediment was undertaken between 23rd-26th July 2005. The distribution and abundance of Modiolus was also examined along seven relocatable transects and, at one of the major mussel beds, the size structure of the population and associated community surveyed.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2007 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Isle of May rocky reefs site condition monitoring survey

The purpose of benthic survey around the Isle of May was to initiate site condition monitoring (SCM) of the littoral and sublittoral reef feature of the Isle of May SAC. The SCM survey was undertaken with the objectives to: establish a baseline biological data set that will facilitate the assessment of the favourable conditional status of the reefs in future; and to allow SNH to form judgement on the current condition of the reefs in light of existing SAC management measures. To fulfil these objectives an extensive drop-down video survey of the sublittoral reef habitats of the SAC at 60 sites to characterise the major reef biotopes and MNCR phase 2 surveys of reef biotopes along relocatable transects at 5 sites spanning both littoral and inshore sublittoral environments.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2009 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) biological analysis of Fisheries Research Services (FRS) Orkney west coast and Pentland Firth seabed camera survey

In order to assess the likely environmental impact of the development of renewable energy schemes around the Orkney Islands, the Scottish Government commissioned Marine Scotland Science to map relevant areas of the seabed.  MSS subsequently requested Scottish Natural Heritage to provide commentary on the conservation status of species and habitats in the area.  This study provided a description of the habitats observed by video during a survey carried out by MSS in 2009.  The aim was to inform SNH and MSS on the habitats and species of the area, with a view to assessing their conservation importance. 
            See also 2008 corresponding survey: dad19c700b0445839c274631c2f3e163.

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

The purpose of this benthic survey in the Sound of Canna 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 on the 20th of May 2010 to collect detailed biological information on the seabed species and habitat features present. Drop-down video drift tows were undertaken at 3 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
2011 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) biological analyses of Marine Scotland Science (MSS) Loch Eriboll benthic camera survey

The purpose of this benthic survey (cruise 1311A) in Loch Eriboll was to improve knowledge of the occurrence and distribution of species and habitats of recognised conservation importance, particularly priority marine features (PMFs). An underwater video and still photograph survey was conducted by MSS for MSS between the 22nd and 26th September 2011 to collect detailed biological information on the seabed species and habitat features present. Drop-down video drift tows were undertaken at 32 sites within the loch. 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. MSS used the vessel MRV Alba na Mara for this survey - footage was collected from off Armadale on the same cruise.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2012 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Cree Estuary SSSI intertidal site condition monitoring survey

Intertidal sediment infauna and epibiota species abundance data and associated habitat descriptors from a baseline survey of the Cree Estuary SSSI.  The main aims of the survey were to provide sufficient information for site condition assessment and as a baseline for future site condition monitoring.  Species abundance data and habitat data was collected in-situ.  Six other marine sediment SSSIs were surveyed under the same contract, using similar methods.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2012 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Bogside Flats SSSI intertidal site condition monitoring survey

Intertidal sediment infauna and epibiota species abundance data and associated habitat descriptors from a baseline survey of the Bogside Flats SSSI.  The main aims of the survey were to provide sufficient information for site condition assessment and as a baseline for future site condition monitoring.  Species abundance data and habitat data was collected in-situ.  Six other marine sediment SSSIs were surveyed under the same contract, using similar methods.

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

The purpose of this benthic survey south of the Crowlin Islands 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 on the 21st of May 2010 to collect detailed biological information on the seabed species and habitat features present. Drop-down video drift tows were undertaken at 3 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
2011 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) North Minch ROV survey

The purpose of this benthic survey in the Minch, north-east of Shiant East Bank, was to identify priority marine features (PMFs). An ROV survey was conducted by the National Oceanographic Centre (NOC) for SNH on the 20th May 2011 to collect detailed biological information on the seabed species and habitat features present. ROV runs were undertaken at 3 sites. 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
2003 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Sound of Arisaig Site Condition Monitoring survey

The purpose of the current study was to initiate site condition monitoring (SCM) of the inshore sublittoral sediment habitats of the cSAC. This was done to establish a baseline biological dataset that would facilitate the assessment of the condition of the inshore sublittoral sediment habitats in the future and to allow a judgement to be formed on the current condition of these habitats. The approach taken to achieve these aims was to perform an extensive dropdown video survey of the biotopes (habitats and their associated species) of the cSAC, concentrating on the shallow inshore sediments. Characterisation of the subsurface fauna and sediment composition of the main sediment biotopes was performed by means of grab sampling. Detailed surveying of the sea bed and subsurface communities at selected maerl sites was carried out using diving techniques.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2012 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Luskentyre Banks and Saltings SSSI intertidal site condition monitoring survey

Intertidal sediment infauna and epibiota species abundance data and associated habitat descriptors from a baseline survey of the Luskentyre Banks and Saltings SSSI.  The main aims of the survey were to provide sufficient information for site condition assessment and as a baseline for future site condition monitoring.  Species abundance data and habitat data was collected in-situ.  Six other marine sediment SSSIs were surveyed under the same contract, using similar methods.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2008 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) site condition monitoring within the Sanday SAC and East Sanday Coast SSSI

Sanday is one of the northernmost islands in the Orkney Islands archipelago.  In 2005 Sanday was designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), based on the island’s role in supporting one of the largest colonies of common seals Phoca vitulina in Scotland, and for its ‘subtidal sandbanks’, ‘intertidal mud and sandflats’ and ‘rocky reefs’.  This designation built upon the existing East Sanday Coast Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), notified in 1999, which recognised the importance of varied and extensive intertidal sediment flats and rocky reef habitats in supporting common seals and a range of ornithological and botanical interests.
     The aim of the current study (2008) was to initiate site condition monitoring of the marine habitat features present within the SAC and SSSI, establishing a baseline biological dataset against which to underpin future condition assessments.  In the subtidal an extensive drop-down video survey of reef and sediment biotopes (different habitats with their recurring characteristic species communities) guided a subsequent targeted programme of semi-quantitative diver sampling and quantitative benthic infaunal sampling.  In the intertidal, relocatable transects were established at ten locations deemed to best represent the shore types present.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network