AndreaBozzo/ceres-open-data-index huggingface dataset:
Species point records from 1990 BP Handfast Point (Poole Bay) maerl bed infaunal survey

This survey was carried out as part of the Marine Nature Conservation Review (MNCR). The MNCR was started in 1987 by the Nature Conservancy Council and subsequent to the Environment Protection Act 1990, was undertaken by JNCC on behalf of the conservation agencies up to its completion in 1998. The MNCR was initiated to provide a comprehensive baseline of information on marine habitats and species, to aid coastal zone and sea-use management and to contribute to the identification of areas of marine natural heritage importance throughout Great Britain. Data collected through the MNCR was stored in the Marine Recorder database, and has been extracted from Marine Recorder to produce this dataset. For more details, see http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-1596.

Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Species point records from 1970-80 SMBA/MBA Great Britain littoral survey

This survey was carried out as part of the Marine Nature Conservation Review (MNCR). The MNCR was started in 1987 by the Nature Conservancy Council and subsequent to the Environment Protection Act 1990, was undertaken by JNCC on behalf of the conservation agencies up to its completion in 1998. The MNCR was initiated to provide a comprehensive baseline of information on marine habitats and species, to aid coastal zone and sea-use management and to contribute to the identification of areas of marine natural heritage importance throughout Great Britain. Data collected through the MNCR was stored in the Marine Recorder database, and has been extracted from Marine Recorder to produce this dataset. For more details, see http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-1596. Records currently considered sensitive have been removed from this dataset.

Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Species point records from 1985 NCC Loch Sween sublittoral survey

Loch Sween, in the Sound of Jura, south-west Scotland, has been selected as a proposed Marine Nature Reserve by the NCC. A considerable body of information exists on the sublittoral habitats of the Loch Sween system. NCC has contributed to this by extensive and intensive sublittoral surveys of the loch (Earll, 1982; Lumb, 1986). Sublittoral studies have generally concentrated on the 'arms' of Loch Sween and on the sill systems present, areas of particularly high scientific interest. There is a requirement for additional information on the sublittoral habitats and communities within the main body of the loch and in the approaches to Loch Sween. This is necessary for further assessment of the scientific interest and conservation importance of these areas, to assist selection of the PMNR boundaries and to provide information on management requirements. This report contains the results of sublittoral survey work carried out in 1985 using a mixture of diving and remote-sampling techniques. The habitats and communities recorded within the area are described. The results of previous year's surveys have not been incorporated into this report, nor is a detailed assessment of the scientific interest and conservation importance made. Several communities were recorded for the first time during this survey. The majority were found in the approaches to Loch Sween. There is now a relatively comprehensive coverage of the Loch Sween area. Some additional work may be required and this is indicated in the report. Records currently considered sensitive have been removed from this dataset.

Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Species point records from 1990 Collins/Mallinson Kimmeridge sublittoral survey

The date of this survey is not available in the report. In 1988, a permanent underwater nature trail was installed off Worbarrow Tout, Dorset, within the Purbeck Marine Nature Reserve. This consists of a fixed 150 m line extending from surface rocks, between gullies, down a boulder slope, across stoney gravel, to a low-lying rock pile in 15 m of water. A second 'hidden' trail was also set up to the east with the aim of comparative studies to determine the effect of intensive diver pressure. The details of this work is described in a previous report to the NCC, which also describes the general marine flora and fauna of the trails and adjacent areas. The numbered stations along the trails were originally intended to provide convenient points for description in diver guides. However, their permanence makes them ideal long-term monitoring stations. This study aimed to give a detailed description of each of the 9 stations along the primary trail. This includes habitat descriptions, species lists and diagrams. Additionally a set of slides for each station has been prepared with wide angle views (2 m across), closer views (60 cm across) and detailed shots (24 cm across). Underwater video footage has also been recorded and used in preparing the description of the stations.

Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Species point records from 1978 NCC Uists sublittoral survey

A survey of sublittoral sites around the Uists and Harris/Lewis. [N.B. In addition in this report there are notes on the Loch Obisary survey by Mitchell et al. in 1978 - Surv. No. 200 (R0318) and the Shelagh Smith survey of the Uists in 1978 - Survey. No. 94 (R0150).] The information is in essence from two surveys, one by the NCC's CST team and one by the Underwater Conservation Programme, running in conjunction with one another. 8 areas were visited, with sites in Lochs Eynort, Skipport, Carnan, Eport, Obisary, and Roag along with those at Scolpaig and the Shiant Islands being investigated. Records currently considered sensitive have been removed from this dataset.

Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Species point records from 1985-86 Irving Isles of Scilly sublittoral monitoring

The report summarises fieldwork undertaken in 1985 and 1986 in the Isles of Scilly. Photographic monitoring of communities on circalittoral bedrock was continued and changes in populations of Mediterranean-Atlantic species of high nature conservation importance recorded. The density, size and extent of Zostera plants at 2 locations within the island group was studied and the report incorporates an account of the algal flora associated with Zostera at these sites in 1985. The dominant component species of the circalittoral communities remained little changed between 1984 and 1986. Little apparent growth was noted in individual cup corals, soft corals and branching sponges. No recruitment to the cup coral populations was observed, although a few cup corals and sponges were lost from the monitoring sites. (Some of these losses may be attributable to damage during the monitoring exercise). These results are very similar to those obtained for the monitoring studies being undertaken at similar sites at Lundy and Skomer. The study of Zostera marina has demonstrated the dynamic nature of these sea-grass beds which show marked movement of the vegetated areas from year to year and variation in plant density and average leaf length.

Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Species point records from 1987 OPRU Salcombe & Kingsbridge estuaries spoil-dumping survey

The effects of a recent dumping of 16,000 m/3 of spoil in a licensed dumping ground within the Salcombe and Kingsbridge Estuary were studied during September 15th - 19th, 1987. The area was mapped using a combination of echo soundings and observations by divers. An area of earlier dumping activity was also included in the survey. The habitats and communities inside the area and on the surrounding sea bed were described and documented by diving biologists in September 1985, and results compared with those obtained during a survey carried out prior to the latest dumping programme. The main effect of the dredge spoil was to smother all life over approximately 23,000 m/2 of the sea bed. Outside this area of blanket cover there was increased siltation on the sea bed for at least 200 m to the north. Older clay from previous dumping operations was little different in appearance from the new clay and had only been colonised by a few species giving rise to a community very different from that of the natural sea bed. Sites well to the south around the Marine Hotel did not appear to be affected. The sea bed under the recent and earlier spoil dredgings, amounting in total to around 10% of the available habitat of mixed sediments, stones and shells is thus thought to be irreversibly changed by these operations and it is recommended that no further dumping of this type of spoil should be undertaken within the estuary. Records currently considered sensitive have been removed from this dataset.

Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Species point records from 1978 NCC Loch Obisary survey

A preliminary survey was made of Loch Obisary, the largest brackish water loch in North Uist, Outer Hebrides. The loch has a single narrow connection to the sea, through which sea water enters at high tides. Salinity, temperature and depth measurements were taken throughout the loch and revealed the presence of a distinct halocline and thermocline in the north basin of the loch at about 4 m depth, neither of which were present in the south basin. The salinity of the water above the halocline in the north basin and throughout the south basin was 13 - 14 ppt whilst that below the halocline had a maximum of 28.5 ppt. Temperature decreased by approximately 1 degree Centigrade at the level of the halocline and rose again by approximately 0.5 degree Centigrade near the bottom of the loch. The flora and fauna were investigated both by diving and by shore collections. Two distinct communities of plants and animals were found in the loch: i) A 'freshwater ' marginal component consisting of freshwater euryhaline species and true brackish water species found above the halocline in the north basin and throughout the south basin of the loch. ii) A marine component consisting of marine euryhaline species numerically dominated by the red alga Phyllophora pseudoceranoides and the tunicates Ciona intestinalis and Ascidiella aspersa. Comparisons are made with other studies of brackish lochs and waters and it is concluded that Loch Obisary is an interesting and unusual example of this scarce habitat type.

Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Species point records from 1982 University of Exeter Isles of Scilly littoral sediment survey

Of the 4 shores surveyed, our conclusion is that they rank as follows in descending order of importance: i) Old Grimsby Zostera bed and Rushy Point, ii) Tresco Flats, iii) St Martin's Flats, iv) Samson Flats. Each of the 4 shores has a certain number of species in common, such as heart-urchins, terebellid worms, bivalves and burrowing anemones. Rushy Point, Tresco, has persistent scoured channels with dense populations of the burrowing anemone Cereus pedunculatus and, not far away, an area of highly sorted gravel with dense populations of the large topshell, Gibbula magus; just to its north, the Zostera bed in Old Grimsby Harbour has a rich and varied fauna not repeated elsewhere. Again, the Tresco Flats, on the other side of the island, have rich beds of the tube-dwelling polychaetes Amphitrite edwardsi and Chaetopterus variopedatus, and of the burrowing heart-urhcins Echinocardium and Spatangus. There is a case for recognising the importance of such unique shores by appropriate conservation measures, or at least by calling attention to them in publicity or 'nature trail' brochures somewhat less than others. Records currently considered sensitive have been removed from this dataset.

Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Species point records from 1983 Rostron Isles of Scilly sublittoral sediment survey

The survey was carried out in July 1983 to obtain information on the communities present in the extensive shallow sublittoral sediments of the Isles of Scilly in relation to the proposals to establish a marine nature reserve there. Sites were chosen to be representative of different depths and exposures and also fairly evenly spaced throughout the survey area. A total of 9 sites were sampled. Sampling was achieved by means of a diver-operated suction sampler. Two 0.1 m/2 samples were obtained from each site for biological analysis and also one core sample for sediment analysis. All animals present in the samples were identified and the individuals of each taxon counted although no quantitative analyses of the data were attempted. Numbers of taxa obtained in each 0.2 m/2 area of sea bed ranged from 31 in homogeneous sand sediment to 104 from mixed gravel. Sediments around the Isles of Scilly were found to support a diverse fauna, especially at the deeper sites. The large variation in habitat conditions resulted in a mosaic of community types, some of which resembled communities previously described from other areas. Sediment particle size analyses were carried out for 6 of the 9 sites. Sediments were predominantly coarse gravel with small quantities of fine sand associated organic material. Many of the species present in the Isles of Scilly were characteristic of coarse sediments although areas of fine sand sediment were also present. The extensive beds of Zostera marina were of interest as they provided a particular habitat for a variety of species. The present survey was sufficient to describe only a limited number of sites. However, the results confirm the high diversity of communities present in the Isles of Scilly and demonstrate the very wide variety of rich and unusual shallow sedimentary habitats present within a small area.

Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Species point records from 1983 OPRU Bardsey and the Lleyn Peninsula littoral survey

The survey was carried out to describe the range of habitats, communities and species present on littoral rock on Bardsey and the Lleyn Peninsula and to classify the sites according to the communities present and their scientific interest and probable nature conservation importance. Sites were selected from the maps and charts to ensure that as wide a range of habitats as possible was surveyed in the time available. Systematic surveys were carried out of open-shore communities and records of the abundance of conspicuous species were obtained from the main subzones on the shore. These results enabled the classification of different shore types based on communities present and topographical features. Particular attention was given to the description of other habitats such as rockpools, boulders and caves. Colour transparency photographs were taken of the shores and species present. Twenty-five sites were described during the survey and a total of 118 algal, 9 lichen and 124 animal taxa was recorded. Six different shore types were described ranging from shores of steep rock which were very exposed to wave action to flat sheltered shores. Separate descriptions were made of the communities present under boulders, in caves and in rockpools. Much of the considerable length of coastline surveyed was of a wave-exposed nature and good examples of exposed shore communities were described. Other more sheltered types of habitat and associated communities were limited in extent. Although flora and fauna characteristic of more southerly latitudes were found within the survey area, the geographical position, range of sea temperatures and configuration of the coastline mitigated against the occurrence of many of these species within the littoral zone. The coastline of Bardsey Island included almost as many different shore types as the whole area surveyed and several southern species present on the island were absent from the adjacent mainland. Unusual communities present within large caves were encountered in the vicinity of St Tudwal's. The area surveyed includes a considerable extent of very similar coastline with locations identified as unusual or particularly rich in species widely seperated. Decisions regarding the location of boundaries for the proposed statutory marine nature reserve will have to consider whether these isolated sites of high scientific interest can be included or whether the central one of Bardsey and the nearby mainland coast, which includes a very wide range of habitats and communities, is a more practical area to propose.

Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Species point records from 1985 University of Bristol upper Severn Estuary survey

This study was commissioned to extend the sparse information on the ecology of the Upper Severn Estuary in relation to the feasibility study to place a tidal energy barrage at English Stones. The report is in 3 parts: literature survey, field survey and a discussion of possible changes due to barrage construction. The literature survey examines published information (44 papers) on algae, saltmarshes, fish, birds and invertebrates and discusses the findings. A field survey concentrated on the invertebrates occuring in the major habitats (rock, shingle, sand, mud and saltmarsh) in 5 sectors of the upper estuary from Avonmouth to the riverine stretches above Gloucester. The major conclusion is that tidal scour and its effects together with the different sediment types are equally important to reduced and varying salinity in controlling invertebrate distribution. As expected, major ecological changes are predicted if a barrage were constructed. Increased stability of the system due, in particular, to the reduction in current strength and scour could lead to increases in both the diversity and absolute number of invertebrates. There would also be an increase in the area occupied by Spartina marsh. The report concludes with recommendations for further research required necessary to properly evaluate the consequences of barrage construction. In addition, many samples of saltmarsh invertebrates from the present study still require examination. It seems clear from the engineering and economic studies of the English Stones barrage that the project would not be viable as rapid silting of the upper basin would prevent efficient operation.

Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Species point records from 1984 OPRU Lundy littoral survey and monitoring

Lundy shores have been studied over many years, providing a good descriptive basis for the assessment of the scientific interest of the area and for the location of sites and species of high conservation importance. The current status of Lundy as a voluntary marine nature reserve and the work being undertaken to obtain statutory designation make it important to understand the dynamics of littoral communities on Lundy and particularly of species of high scientific interest so that management is based on a good knowledge of the natural fluctuations and sensitivity of communities and species. The work undertaken in April 1984 was carried out to: 1. describe shore communities present at locations around Lundy, particularly in areas of high conservation interest or where little or no survey work had previously been carried out (Management Plan Project RL11); 2. photograph shore communities at locations around the island to provide a basis for future assessment of gross change and to provide illustrative material for lectures and displays (Management Plan Project RL05, RL09, RL10); 3. record in an accurate and repeatable manner, communities and species of high conservation importance (Management Plan Project RF/RA); 4. photograph species present on shores to provide illustrations for lectures and displays (Management Plan Project RL10); and 5. assess the suitability of selected shores for interpretative purposes and collect information for leaflets (Management Plan Project MD 01). Shores were studied and described at the Devil's Kitchen, the Landing Bay from the northern seawall to Surf Point, north of Gannet's Rock and south of Lametry. A circumnavigation of the island provided a general assessment of the shores all around Lundy and photographs for illustrative and monitoring purposes. Detailed monitoring studies were started of rockpools at the Devil's Kitchen, of populations of cup corals at the Devil's Kitchen and north of Gannet's Rock, of the algae Bifurcaria bifurcata, and of a cave community at Rat Island. A general assessment was made of the suitability of Lundy shores for interpretative purposes. The work was designed so that a warden or liason officer could undertake future monitoring. Other areas identified as worthy of monitoring include sandy rock areas below the jetty in the Landing Bay and the large pool between Rat Island and Surf Point.

Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Species point records from 1984-86 Dyrynda Fleet lagoon (entrance) survey

The Fleet, on the western coast of Dorset, is the largest lagoon in the British Isles. 14 km in length, it communicates with marine waters only through a single, artificially narrowed entrance. During August of 1983, the subtidal bed of the Fleet was surveyed in order to determine the range of substrates and biological communities present. The area covered was the down-stream-most section of the lagoon, which experiences moderate to strong tidal currents and flushing, but very weak wave exposure. Coarse sediments and exposures of bedrock were identified, and were found, under these favourable hydrological conditions, to be colonized by biological communities with a high content of species (Dyrynda, 1984). The survey preceded major construction work, undertaken during 1984/85 and necessitated by the deterioration of the Weymouth-Portland road bridge spanning the lagoon entrance. The programme aimed to maintain the road link and also tidal communication at all times, and avoid any long term effects on the hydrography of the lagoon. The work entailed the construction of a new channel and bridge within what was a solid embankment, and the simultaneous closure and infilling of the old channel, 200 m to the north. This report provides a brief update on the 1983 subtidal survey in the light of the development work. Three sampling stations within the locality of the lagoon entrance have been re-evaluated according to visual assessments made prior to, at the time of, and 18 months after the entrance was transferred. The locations are, i) the former channel, now part infilled and in part a small embayment, ii) the new entrance channel, and, iii) a station within the lagoon, upstream of the two entrances. Comparison of the results obtained with original baseline information allows for the identification of changes in substrates and benthos. Some local changes were identified. The significance of these is discussed, with the conclusion that whereas a proportion are inevitable and expected, others cannot at present be gauged in importance since they may be transitory, or even, in part, the result of other processes, e.g. the recent large scale build up of Sargassum within the outer Fleet. Whether or not longer term changes have occurred or are developing further afield within the lagoon or Portland Harbour, can only be answered by studies undertaken on an adequately wide scale and after a sufficient time interval.

Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Species point records from 1984 Dyrinda Poole Harbour (south) sublittoral survey

Dredge, grab and diving survey. Divided into 2 areas: a) upstream with muddy substrate; b) downstream with coarser sediments. 'Upstream Area' epibenthos dominated by mobile species - large numbers of Carcinus, and also of the juveniles and adults of a number of fish species including P. flesus, C. harengus, P. pollachius and A. anguilla, such that the channels are a significant nursery area. 'Downstream Area' - despite the absence of stable bedrock suitable for colonization, the biological communities are characterised by high-biomass epibenthic communities, including well over 100 sessile and semi-mobile biota. Records currently considered sensitive have been removed from this dataset.

Organization: Joint Nature Conservation Committee