AndreaBozzo/ceres-open-data-index huggingface dataset:
1995 IFREMER Cartopep Acoustic Survey data - Habitat map

Interpretation of Multibeam Bathymetry and Backscatter data from the Cartopep campaign carried out by Ifremer, France (1995). Multibeam bathymetry data processed with the Caraibes software (v3.9) and a 30m grid created.The data was acquired in 1995 when multibeam systems were first emerging onto the commercial market. The number of beams per ping was limited and thus the data density low in comparison to more modern data. Data editting was only done on data that was significantly in error. The multibeam backscatter data was also processed in the Caraibes software package and produced 2 mosaics at 50m resolution. The backscatter data did not have higher resolution data. Correlation with ground truth data, consisting of sediment samples and photographic imagery samples, predominantly toward the top of slope and seamount summit and flanks,allowed basic interpretation of the bathymetry and backscatter data near the sample locations. To aid interpetation, the sediment samples had been divided into FOLK categoriesand habitat type determinations, as well as faunal communities in some instances, had beeen made for the photographic imagery samples.Characterisation was spread over the whole area and divided into polygon regions by finding interpretive boundaries on either backscatter imagery (such as texture changes or contrast changes) or on the bathymetric layers of slope, rugosity and relief.

Derived using acoustic data supplied by Ifremer (FR).

Additional information source:

Sotheran, I., Benson, A. & Crawford-Avis, O., (2014), Mapping habitats and biotopes from acoustic datasets to strengthen the information base of Marine Protected Areas in Scottish waters – Phase 2 (Barra Fan and Hebrides Terrace Seamount Area), JNCC Report 527, ISSN 0963 8901

Tags: Corpulent, GB200057, MNCR (deep water section), Marine, Seabed Habitats and Geology
Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
East Rockall habitats

Translated from East Rockall habitat map showing all Annex I and non-Annex I habitats. Translated to EUNIS by JNCC.
Data collected in 2009 aboard the MV Franklin in July 2009: Acoustics (Multibeam echosounder), Sidescan Sonar, Drop camera/towed video (17 sites).

For the East Rockall Bank AoS the original survey plan consisted primarily of a series of traverses along the top and base of the eastern flank of Rockall Bank and several traverses at right angles across the top of the bank and down into the Rockall Trough. However to maximise the coverage along the rocky escarpment that runs along the length of the AoS, this initial plan was replaced with a long double swath width of multibeam echosounder data acquired along the escarpment; the upper break in slope, roughly coincident with the 500m bathymetric contour, as imaged previously by the SEA 7 2005 multibeam echosounder datasets. 

From previous studies (including FRS drop camera surveys), this area was selected as being the most likely place to host Annex I reef habitats, in particular as potential sites for Lophelia pertusa. A number of survey lines at right angles to the break in slope were added to the along-escarpment line to better characterise features of interest observed on the 2005 multibeam echosounder dataset downslope of the escarpment.

Additionally several survey lines were located on the top of the bank, across an area of suspected iceberg ploughmarks.

Additional information source:

Long, D., Howell, K.L., Davies, J., Stewart, H. & Golding, N. (Editor).  2010.  JNCC Offshore Natura Survey of Anton Dohrn Seamount and East Rockall Bank Areas of Search.  JNCC Report No. 437.

Tags: Corpulent, Drop camera, EUNIS, GB003012, Marine, Multibeam echo sounder, Nature Conservation, Seabed Habitats and Geology, Side scan sonar, Towed video
Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
MNCR Area Summaries - South-east Scotland and north-east England

The coast from North Berwick in Lothian to Flamborough Head in the East Riding of Yorkshire has been studied as part of the Marine Nature Conservation Review programme (MNCR Sector 5). This included field surveys of the shores and nearshore subtidal zone to describe biotopes. Comparable data from other organisations have been added to provide information on over 1000 sites within the region and analysed to classify the biotopes present. The information available for MNCR Sector 5 is presented as 24 area summaries.

Additional information source:

Brazier, D.P., Davies, J., Holt, R.H.F., & Murray, E. (1998) Marine Nature Conservation Review Sector 5. South-east Scotland and north-east England: area summaries. Peterborough, Joint Nature Conservation Committee. (Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom.

Tags: B229, Confidence assessment complete, Corpulent, Diver survey, GB000281, Intertidal survey, MNCR, Marine, Nature Conservation, Seabed Habitats and Geology, Show on webGIS, Translated to EUNIS
Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Broadscale habitat (EUNIS level3) for the Mid St George's Channel recommended Marine Conservation Zone (rMCZ)

Feature class depicting broadscale habitat features at the Mid St George’s Channel rMCZ. The map is a result of an integrated analysis of newly acquired and previously available acoustic data together with ground-truthing data collected by a dedicated survey of the site in 2013. Habitat classes observed at each ground-truthing station were used to inform a semi-automated process of map production using object-based image analysis (OBIA). The map shows the seabed at the site to be characterised largely by ‘A5.1 Subtidal coarse sediment’ and ‘A5.4 Subtidal mixed sediments’, which are mapped together as a complex due to difficulty in separating the two from the underlying acoustic data. Smaller patches of ‘A5.2 Subtidal sand’ and ‘A4.2 Moderate energy circalittoral rock’ are also found within the site.

Additional information source:

Downie, A., Eggleton, J., Schinaia, S. 2015. Mid St George's Channel rMCZ Post-survey Site Report
http://randd.defra.gov.uk/Document.aspx?Document=12842_MidStGeorgesChannelrMCZSiteReport_V5.pdf

Tags: Corpulent, Data Provider Agreement not required - FULL ACCESS, Drop camera, EUNIS, GB001503, Grabs, Marine, Multibeam echo sounder, Nature Conservation, Particle size analysis, Seabed Habitats and Geology
Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Broadscale habitat (EUNIS level 3) for Western Channel recommended Marine Conservation Zone (rMCZ)

Broadscale habitat (EUNIS level 3) for Western Channel recommended Marine Conservation Zone (rMCZ), based on acoustic data and 58 PSA samples collected during the survey on board research vessel Cefas Endeavour, cruise ID CEND0312, between 20/02/2012 and 25/02/2012.

Additional information source:

Jones, A., Le Bas, T., Wynn, R. 2014. Western Channel rMCZ Post-survey Site Report
http://randd.defra.gov.uk/Document.aspx?Document=12859_WesternChannelrMCZSummarySiteReport_v10.pdf

Tags: Corpulent, EUNIS, GB001226, Grabs, Marine, Multibeam echo sounder, Nature Conservation, Seabed Habitats and Geology, Video Tows
Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Broadscale habitat (EUNIS level 3) for Markham's Triangle recommended Marine Conservation Zone (rMCZ)

Updated habitat map resulting from an integrated analysis of the dedicated 2012 survey (CEND8/12a) data for Markham's Triangle rMCZ.

Map created via unsupervised classification and expert interpretation.

Additional information source:

Green, S., Cooper, R. 2014. Markham's Triangle rMCZ Post-survey Site Report
http://randd.defra.gov.uk/Document.aspx?Document=12836_MarkhamsTrianglerMCZSummarySiteReport_v6.pdf

Tags: Corpulent, EUNIS, GB001222, Grabs, Marine, Multibeam echo sounder, Nature Conservation, Particle size analysis, Seabed Habitats and Geology, Towed video
Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Solan Bank Annex I habitat map (translated to EUNIS)

Annex I habitat map created from data collected on the CEND 11/08 survey to Solan Bank - subsequently translated to EUNIS. Sublittoral sediments defined using acoustic and groundtruth data.

Survey Techniques: Kongsberg EM3000D multi beam echosounder; Benthos SIS 1624 towed sidescan sonar; 0.1m2 Hamon grab; Rock dredge; Camera sledge; Drop frame video camera.

See JNCC report 430, 2010 for more information.

Additional information source:

Acoustic data collected with Kongsberg EM3000D and a Benthos SIS 1625 sidescan sonar. 44 video tows completed and particle size analysis carried out on 0.1m2 Hamon grab samples. QA procedures carried out on image analysis, including expert verification of cryptic and rarer species. QA procedures described in accompanying report.

Tags: Corpulent, Dredges, Drop camera, GB001132, Grabs, Habitats Directive - Annex I, Marine, Multi-beam echo sounder, Nature Conservation, Seabed Habitats and Geology, Side scan sonar, Towed video
Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Broadscale habitat (EUNIS level 3) for East of Haig Fras recommended Marine Conservation Zone (rMCZ)

Updated habitat map resulting from an integrated analysis of the 2012 (CEND 3/12a) and 2013 (CEND 5/13) dedicated survey data for East of Haig Fras recommended Marine Conservation Zone (rMCZ). It shows the seabed at the site to be a heterogenous fine scale mosaic of sand, coarse and mixed sediments, with mud habitat in deeper areas. The two broadscale habitats ‘A5.1 Subtidal coarse sediment’ and ‘A5.4 Mixed sediments’ are presented as a complex ‘A5.1/A5.4 Subtidal coarse/mixed sediments’. They show no differentiation in their acoustic or topographical properties that would allow them to be mapped separately. The ‘A4 Circalittoral rock’ habitat is present in scattered small patches.

Additional information source:

Eggleton, J., Downie, A. 2014. East of Haig Fras rMCZ Post-survey Site Report
http://randd.defra.gov.uk/Document.aspx?Document=12829_EastofHaigFrasrMCZ_SummarySiteReport_V12.pdf

Tags: Corpulent, Data Provider Agreement not required - FULL ACCESS, EUNIS, GB001128, Grabs, Marine, Multibeam echo sounder, Nature Conservation, Particle size analysis, Seabed Habitats and Geology, Towed video
Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Broadscale habitat (EUNIS level 3) for North East of Farnes Deep recommended Marine Conservation Zone (rMCZ)

Updated habitat map resulting from integrated analysis of the CHP acoustic data and the 2012 dedicated ground truth survey data for North East of Farnes Deep (formerly known as Rock Unique) rMCZ.

Additional information source:

Murray, J. et al 2015. North East of Farnes Deep rMCZ Post-survey Site Report
http://randd.defra.gov.uk/Document.aspx?Document=12968_NorthEastofFarnesDeeprMCZ_SummarySiteReport_V9.pdf

Tags: Confidence assessment complete, Corpulent, Data Provider Agreement not required - FULL ACCESS, EUNIS, GB001126, Grabs, Marine, Seabed Habitats and Geology, Show on webGIS, Translated to EUNIS, Video tows
Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Broadscale habitat (EUNIS level 3) for East of Celtic Deep recommended Marine Conservation Zone (rMCZ)

Updated broadscale habitat map for East of Celtic Deep recommended Marine Conservation Zone (rMCZ), resulting from an analysis of the dedicated survey data. The broadscale habitat ‘A5.2 Subtidal sand’ was the most widespread habitat, occupying roughly two-thirds of the rMCZ site. The sand is shaped into subaqueous dunes in the east and the northwest of the site, but occurs as flat seabed in the central area. ‘A5.4 Subtidal mixed sediments’ are found in the east, in the troughs between dunes and on flat areas of seabed. ‘A5.3 Subtidal mud’ is limited to water depths >90 m in the west of the site.

Additional information source:

Ware, S., Barrio Frojan, C., Diesing, M., Stephens, D. 2013. East of Celtic Deep rMCZ Post-survey Site Report

Tags: Confidence assessment complete, Corpulent, Data Provider Agreement not required - FULL ACCESS, EUNIS, GB001118, Grabs, Marine, Multibeam echo sounder, Seabed Habitats and Geology, Show on webGIS, Translated to EUNIS, Video Tows
Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Croker carbonate slabs, Mid-Irish Sea

In May 2008 (18-27 May), a survey commissioned by JNCC undertook seabed habitat investigations of two Areas of Search (AoS) for offshore SACs. The objectives of this survey, within the Submarine structures in the mid-Irish Sea AoS and the Solan Bank AoS, were to acquire high quality acoustic data capable of identifying and delineating habitats listed under Annex I of the 1992 EC Habitats Directive; primarily the Annex I habitat Submarine structures made by leaking gases in the former AoS and Annex I Reef habitat in the latter AoS. Surveys consisted of both broad-scale and fine-scale acoustic techniques, utilising sidescan sonar and multibeam swathe bathymetry, along with a variety of ground-truthing techniques including towed and drop down video/stills and Hamon grab sampling. A Rock dredge was also used at a few stations in order to gather samples of epibiota from hard substrata to assist with the taxonomic identification of the video and still images. The range of sampling techniques employed ensured that any Annex I habitats could be adequately described and  characterised. For both AoSs survey planning and interpretation of survey data utilised extensive pre-existing data sets.

Additional information source:

Whomersley, P., Wilson, C., Clements, A., Brown, C., Long, D., Leslie, A., Limpenny, D. 2010. Understanding the marine environment - seabed habitat investigations of Submarine Structures in the mid-Irish Sea and Solan Bank Area of Search (AoS). JNCC Report 430

Tags: Confidence assessment required, Corpulent, Dredges, Drop camera, EUNIS, GB001117, Grabs, Marine, Multibeam echo sounder, Seabed Habitats and Geology, Show on webGIS, Side scan sonar, Towed video
Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Broadscale habitat maps for Pisces Reef area 1, 2 and 3 showing Annex I reef feature

Predicted distribution of Annex 1 Reef habitat using data from SEA 6 survey data from S/V Kommander Jack Irish Sea survey 2004, Legs 2 and 3. Geophysical acoustic data and groundtruthing by photos and video was used for analysis.

Additional information source:

2010. Offshore Special Area of Conservation: Pisces Reef Complex SAC Selection Assessment Version 2.1

Tags: Corpulent, GB001094, Habitats Directive - Annex I, Marine, Multibeam echo sounder, Nature Conservation, Seabed Habitats and Geology, Show on webGIS, Side scan sonar, still and video imagery, sub-bottom profiler
Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Species point records from 1990 NRA Essex/Suffolk estuaries littoral survey

Intertidal, benthic samples were taken at 67 sites on the estuaries of Essex and Suffolk in the autumn 1990, as part of the NRA's 1990 National Estuaries Survey. Most sites had typically estuarine fauna, with the exception of the seaward end of the Deben estuary which had low species diversity and abundance, which is thought to be related to the low levels of organic carbon in the sediments of the area. The upper estuaries all had large populations of oligocheates. However, the total number of species found at the upper estuarine sites was about average for the area as a whole. Some species, notably Hediste and the bivalves, were represented by large specimens so that the relative biomass of oligochaetes was low. The conclusion reached was that although the organic load in the areas studied may be high, it is unlikely that there are any gross pollution effects. A 10cm corer was used to sample to a depth of 15cm at each site. Three replicates were taken at each site and sieved through a 500 æm sieve. A sediment core of 44mm diam and 15cm deep was used to take samples from each site, but only those from the Suffolk estuaries were analysed for particle size, and organic carbon content.

Tags: JNCCMNCR10000346, MNCR, Marine, Marine Recorder, Species
Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Habitat point records from 1990 NRA Essex/Suffolk estuaries littoral survey

Intertidal, benthic samples were taken at 67 sites on the estuaries of Essex and Suffolk in the autumn 1990, as part of the NRA's 1990 National Estuaries Survey. Most sites had typically estuarine fauna, with the exception of the seaward end of the Deben estuary which had low species diversity and abundance, which is thought to be related to the low levels of organic carbon in the sediments of the area. The upper estuaries all had large populations of oligocheates. However, the total number of species found at the upper estuarine sites was about average for the area as a whole. Some species, notably Hediste and the bivalves, were represented by large specimens so that the relative biomass of oligochaetes was low. The conclusion reached was that although the organic load in the areas studied may be high, it is unlikely that there are any gross pollution effects. A 10cm corer was used to sample to a depth of 15cm at each site. Three replicates were taken at each site and sieved through a 500 æm sieve. A sediment core of 44mm diam and 15cm deep was used to take samples from each site, but only those from the Suffolk estuaries were analysed for particle size, and organic carbon content.

Tags: Habitat, JNCCMNCR10000346, MNCR, Marine, Marine Recorder
Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Third UK Habitats Directive report (2013) -  Habitat range boundary data

This dataset contains the range map data for all the Habitats included as part of the 3rd UK Habitats Directive Report submitted to the European Commission in 2013. The range maps are derived from the distribution maps. 
Every six years, all EU Member States are required (under Article 17 of the Directive) to report on the implementation of the EU Habitats Directive. 
Most of the data are at the 10km square resolution and based on a standardised EU wide grid rather than GB and Ireland Grids. (The transformation process is described in the lineage section). 
The Report considered the conservation status of all terrestrial and marine habitats listed under Annex I of the Directive that were present within the UK during the reporting period (2007-2012).  This included:
*69 terrestrial habitats within the UK Atlantic region;
*8 marine habitats within the UK Marine Atlantic region;

Tags: Article 17, European Reporting, Freshwater, Habitats, Habitats Directive, Marine, Terrestrial
Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Third UK Habitats Directive report (2013) - Habitat distribution boundary data

This dataset contains the distribution map data for all the Habitats included as part of the 3rd UK Habitats Directive Report submitted to the European Commission in 2013.
Every six years, all EU Member States are required (under Article 17 of the Directive) to report on the implementation of the EU Habitats Directive. 
Most of the data are at the 10km square resolution and based on a standardised EU wide grid rather than GB and Ireland Grids.
The Report considered the conservation status of all terrestrial and marine habitats listed under Annex I of the Directive that were present within the UK during the reporting period (2007-2012).  This included:
*69 terrestrial habitats within the UK Atlantic region;
*8 marine habitats within the UK Marine Atlantic region;

Tags: Article 17, European Reporting, Freshwater, Habitats, Habitats Directive, Marine, Terrestrial
Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Moray Firth benthic biotope map of Guillam area

Envision Mapping Ltd was contracted to undertake a survey of the Moray Firth cSAC within the 30m contour. The purpose was to map the main sediment features and biota using  acoustic remote sensing techniques combined with grab and video sampling. A RoxAnn™ acoustic ground discrimination system was used in conjunction with a GeoSwath™ interferometric swath bathymetric system. The survey was comprehensive (100% cover with the swath system or a minimum track spacing of 80m) over priority areas but incomplete over areas outside these priority areas. The biotopes were classified using the most recent Marine Habitat Classification (Connor et al. 2004) using a combination of multivariate analysis and video analysis and matching the characterising species to the classification system.

Additional information source:

Foster-Smith, R., Sotheran, I., and Foster-Smith, D. (2009). Sublittoral Biotope Mapping of the Moray Firth SAC Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No.338

Tags: AGDS, Corpulent, GB100078, Grabs, Interferometric sonar, MNCR, Marine, Nature Conservation, Seabed Habitats and Geology, Show on webGIS, Towed video, Translated to EUNIS
Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Mapping the distribution of benthic biotopes of Loch Maddy. Small area. Biotopes

The study ‘Trialing of AGDS and video sledge monitoring techniques in Loch Maddy’ is part of a larger project ‘Loch Maddy monitoring trials’ which itself contributes to Task 2.1 of the UK marine SACs LIFE project. This aims to establish an appropriate programme of surveillance and monitoring for the Special Areas for Conservation (SAC) and to trial monitoring methodologies and protocols for the features of a site. The Loch Maddy project will assist in the development of best practise for future monitoring and reporting programmes for other marine SACs in the UK and Europe. The first phase (1998-9) concentrates on testing variability within methodologies and the determination of the minimum intensity of sampling necessary to provide adequate data for monitoring. The second phase (1999-2000) will concentrate on repeatability. However the major part of the 1998-9 study,  which concentrates on the use of acoustic ground discrimination systems (AGDS) for biotope mapping, will make use of previous mapping studies undertaken in 1996 and will provide valuable guidance for future studies on repeatability of mapping.

Additional information sources:

Foster-Smith et al. (2000). 1999 Field survey & summary of the 1998/99 monitoring trials. Unpublished report to SNH

SSRG and Submetrix Ltd (2000). 1999 Swath-sounding survey of Loch Maddy cSAC, North Uist using Submetrix System 2000. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report F99PA19.

Tags: AGDS, Corpulent, GB100030, MNCR, Marine, Nature Conservation, R3272, Seabed Habitats and Geology, Show on webGIS, Towed video, Translated to EUNIS
Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Mapping the distribution of benthic biotopes of Loch Maddy. Lifeforms

The study ‘Trialing of AGDS and video sledge monitoring techniques in Loch Maddy’ is part of a larger project ‘Loch Maddy monitoring trials’ which itself contributes to Task 2.1 of the UK marine SACs LIFE project. This aims to establish an appropriate programme of surveillance and monitoring for the Special Areas for Conservation (SAC) and to trial monitoring methodologies and protocols for the features of a site. The Loch Maddy project will assist in the development of best practise for future monitoring and reporting programmes for other marine SACs in the UK and Europe. The first phase (1998-9) concentrates on testing variability within methodologies and the determination of the minimum intensity of sampling necessary to provide adequate data for monitoring. The second phase (1999-2000) will concentrate on repeatability. However the major part of the 1998-9 study, which concentrates on the use of acoustic ground discrimination systems (AGDS) for biotope mapping, will make use of previous mapping studies undertaken in 1996 and will provide valuable guidance for future studies on repeatability of mapping.

Additional information sources:

Foster-Smith et al. (2000). 1999 Field survey & summary of the 1998/99 monitoring trials. Unpublished report to SNH

SSRG and Submetrix Ltd (2000). 1999 Swath-sounding survey of Loch Maddy cSAC, North Uist using Submetrix System 2000. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report F99PA19.

Tags: AGDS, Corpulent, GB100029, Lifeforms, Marine, Nature Conservation, R3272, Seabed Habitats and Geology, Show on webGIS, Towed video, Translated to EUNIS
Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee