AndreaBozzo/ceres-open-data-index huggingface dataset:
1994 Ambios Environmental Consultants Ltd, Lyme Bay Dorset sites, Intertidal benthic ecology Rocky shore types survey

Survey run by Ambios Environmental Consultants Ltd. for Kerr-McGee Oil (UK) plc. All these records relate to "Rostron, Little (1995)  - Lyme Bay Environmental Study Volume 6. Intertidal benthic ecology: Rocky shores" Copy of the report is held at Dorset Environmental Records Centre.
     This report forms part of the 'Lyme Bay Environmental Study' series. This volume aimed to provide an assessment of the ecology of a range of rocky shore types in Lyme Bay. Field survey, using MNCR methodology, took place during spring tide periods of May (23rd-28th) and June (22nd - 27th) 1994. 12 sites in Dorset were surveyed (18 sites surveyed overall, 6 were in Devon) - only the Dorset sites have been entered onto the Dorset database. Numerous site photographs appear throughout report.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2008 The Marine Conservation Society - Seasearch, Various locations in Dorset, Diver observations and detailed survey records

Seasearch surveys from the Dorset coast during 2008.
     Photographs were taken on all Dorset Wildlife Trust charter weekends and are held by DWT in Dorchester. 
     Records are verified post survey and biotopes are assigned according the information available by DWT using the MNCR 04.05 key.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2012 University of Plymouth Jersey towed underwater video Epifauna survey

This dataset comprises marine epibenthos (approx. 26 identified taxa derived of Algae, Annelida, Arthropoda, Bryozoa, Chordata, Cnidaria, Echinodermata, Mollusca, Nemertea, Porifera) and associated habitat data (percentage cover maerl, sand, reef and shell) collected during August 2012 as part of an investigation to identify and map maerl beds off the east coast of Jersey, Channel Islands, UK. Jerseyâs coastline plays host to a rich variety of marine life, the waters around the island were previously thought to host maerl beds although the location and extent of this ecologically important habitat was unknown. 47 transects were undertaken using a towed high definition video camera, each transect being approximately 200 x 0.5 metres. As a result of this work the maerl beds identified in south east Jersey were subsequently protected from destructive bottom towed fishing activity.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
1991 Alconbury Environmental Consultants, The Fleet, Dorset, quadrat survey of Zostera and Ruppia

Survey run by N.T.H. Holmes for English Nature (Peterborough). All these records relate to "Holmes (1991) The Distribution of Zostera and Ruppia in the Fleet 1991". A copy of the report is held at English Nature (Dorset Team).
     This is the third of three surveys by the author which aim to determine the abundance and distribution of two Zostera species (Z. nolti and Z. angustifolia) and two Ruppia species (R. cirrhosa and R. maritima) in the Fleet, Dorset. Fieldwork was carried out on August 9th and 10th 1991. Results are compared with two previous surveys by the author in 1983 and 1985. At each site a quadrat of approximately 100 square metres was surveyed and the percentage cover of the individual plant species estimated. For the purpose of this survey, cover from non-attached algae was considered separately from that which was rooted; therefore a total cover of more than 100% was possible if algae were deposited on top of eel-grass. In total 151 quadrats were surveyed. The author notes that it is impossible to be precise about where each of the quadrats were located, but the report provides a detailed map comparing the sites surveyed in the three different survey years. A grid reference has therefore been allocated to each quadrat using the map from the report. The report confirms the west-east and north-south zonation of species reported from previous surveys. Ruppia cirrhosa is very dominant west of Rodden Hive Point but then gives way gradually to Zostera on passing east down the Fleet; Z. noltii thrives best along the northern coves whilst Z. angustifolia dominates along the shore in the shadow of Chesil and in the main body of the Fleet.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
1977 Dorset County Council, Ringstead to Studland, Dorset Underwater Survey (DUS) Intertidal and dive transect survey

All these records relate to "Dixon, Harrison, Hodder, Roberts (1978)  - Report of the Second Dorset Underwater Survey (July 1977 - March 1978)" All the original recording forms are held at the Dorset County Museum. Copies of the forms are held at Dorset Environmental Records Centre.
     This is the second of three Dorset Underwater Surveys (1976 -1978). This survey recorded the wildlife of the underwater areas between Ringstead and Poole Harbour entrance. Transects were undertaken at eight sites along a 50km stretch of the Dorset coast between Ringstead to Studland. Transects were sampled by shore collecting, shore diving and diving from a boat.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2006 Palma and Parham Swash Channel Bonnemaisonia hamifera records

This report represents the work undertaken by Bournemouth University and Poole Harbour Commissioners on the Protected Wreck site of the Swash Channel Wreck located in the approached to Poole Harbour, Dorset. Part of MSFD NNS baseline data collation project (Jan 2016). Subset of a dataset as we were only pulling out records for a selection of INNS. Contains records for Bonnemaisonia hamifera.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2015 - Ongoing North Western Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (NWIFCA) Crab Tile Surveys

In 2015 the North Western Inshore Fisheries and Conservation began to carry out surveys of crab tiling activities in its district. Crab tiles are small structures that are placed on the foreshore by bait gatherers. These structures provide shelter from crabs and the crabs can be collected from under the tiles at low tide. Crab tiles are usually made out of lengths of guttering or pipe stuck almost vertically into the mud or sand. This survey technique has been developed by Officers to provide an overview of crab tiles in an area and consists primarily of mapping but also interviews with gatherers encountered. The data collected will be used to inform fisheries management decisions and also Habitats Regulations Assessments carried out under the review of fishing activity in European Marine Sites.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2018-2019 Marine Biological Association of the UK (MBA) Batten Bay Corella eumyota and Watersipora subatra winter survey

Volunteer records of non-native intertidal fauna during Timed Species Searcheson shores between December and February 2018/19 at Mt Batten, South Devon. This survey started in December 2018, usually these surveys are completed within a day, where as during this survey the sites had to be revisited in February 2019 of the next year for survey completion.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
Teign Mussel Stock Assessment 2012

In 2018 Devon and Severn IFCA has carried out a stock assessment on the public mussel beds on the Teign Estuary, south Devon. These surveys determine the area of each bed, the density of mussels, the percentage cover, and the estimated stock (in tonnes), and marketable stock (mussels greater than 50mm in length) for each bed, and are used to assess the condition of the bed and whether the bed could support a viable mussel fishery.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
1991-2013 Northern Ireland Environment Agency Northern Ireland Rapid assessment of marinas for the invasive alien species Undaria pinnatifida, Caprella mutica and Crassostrea gigas

Eleven marina sites were sampled using the Abundance and Distribution Range methodology during late August to early September 2012 on the coastline of Northern Ireland. This study involved sampling thirty different positions at each large marina for non-indigenous species that were targeted, following an initial study of the current distribution of non-indigenous species within northern Europe. The fifty sevenspecies selected for the target list were mainly of species that have demonstrated some impact elsewhere or were otherwise of general interest. Nine smaller floating units (pontoons) were sampled at small marina sites or where there was a single floating boardwalk. Some shore surveys took place, both during this survey, and a post-contract survey. Oysters were selected for examination at some sites.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2003-2009, North East Cetacean Project, Location of White beaked dolphin critical habitat

White-beaked dolphin critical habitat and areas of interest around the UK. 
      
      See Clark, Dolman and Hoyt (2010) Towards Marine Protected Areas for Cetaceans in Scotland, England and Wales: A scientific review identifying critical habitat with key recommendations. WDCS Report - for detailed methodology and criteria.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
1992 Institute of Offshore Engineering, Blue Lagoon, Poole Harbour Dorset, Intertidal survey with special reference to Nematostella vectensis

Survey run by the Institute of Offshore Engineering for English Nature (Peterborough). All these records relate to "Sheader, Sheader (1992)  - A survey of Blue Lagoon, Poole Harbour, with special reference to the anemone, Nematostella vectensis" A copy of the report is held at English Nature (Dorset Team).
     The Startlet Anemone, Nematostella vectensis, was recorded at Blue Lagoon, Poole Harbour in 1984. A proposed dredging scheme for the site was identified as a potential threat to the population, so English Nature comissioned a survey to determine the current status of the species. The survey concluded that the species is no longer present at the site. The abundance of Nematostella at Blue Lagoon, as documented in 1984, was extremely low and the habitat was documented as being atypical for the species. In this survey, six sites were sampled in the lagoon at low tide over a 3-day period in September 1992. No coordinates were stated in the paperwork, so site locations have been estimated from the map provided. Both quantitative and qualitative samples were taken. Quantitative sampling involved the collection of 5 cores (6cm diameter, 20cm deep = 141.5cm2) at each site. Qualitative sampling consisted of a general collection of weed, and sieving on site (0.5mm mesh) of surface sediment. A single species list has been compiled from both methods.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2013 University of Plymouth Thanet Coast (UK) Special Area of Conservation (SAC) towed underwater video condition assessment of epibenthic communities and biotopes

This data set comprises of marine epibenthos (approx. 57  identified taxa derived of Algae, Annelida, Arthropoda, Bryozoa, Chordata, Cnidaria, Echinodermata, Mollusca, Porifera) data collected in July 2013 from Thanet Coast  (UK) Special Area of Conservation (SAC) using a high definition towed underwater video system. 12 areas were surveyed, six inside the SAC and six outside the SAC. Three replicate 200 m x 0.5 m transects were recorded in each area.  The survey was commissioned by Natural England as part of a condition assessment to report the extent and condition of habitats and biotopes, and to determine the composition of the benthic species present.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2018 - 2019 Eastern IFCA North Norfolk Coast Habitat Mapping

Over the last three years Eastern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (EIFCA) have completed six habitat mapping surveys along the North Norfolk Coast. These surveys had the aim of identifying and classifying areas of differing seabed type in order to produce a habitat map of the area and inform current and future fishery management decisions. Broadscale area characterisation was achieved using side scan sonar and ground truthing data collected from footage obtained from seabed video surveys. Data was subsequently processed and analysed, and a habitat map produced for the survey area. The resulting habitat map indicates an area made up of predominantly mixed sediment and sand and muddy sand habitats. A large area of mixed sediment stretches across the top of the survey area, with smaller patches closer to shore. An area of stony reef habitat inshore off Salthouse (near Blakeney) was also identified. The findings provide us with higher confidence habitat data within the survey area and support the spatial restrictions that have been proposed along the North Norfolk Coast to protect vulnerable mixed sediment habitats within The Wash and North Norfolk Coast SAC.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2020 Cornwall Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) Fal Oyster Survey

Cornwall Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) conduct annual dredge surveys within the Fal Oyster Fishery since taking over management of the fishery in 2014.  The purpose of the survey was initially to assess the distribution and abundance of native oysters (Ostrea edulis) within the Fal Fishery management area in the River Fal, Cornwall. Since 2016 the survey has been developed to also assess queenies (queen scallop, Aequipecten opercularis; variegated scallop, Mimachlamys varia) distribution and abundance. In 2018, an addition to the survey was made to record the number of individual slipper limpets (Crepidula fornicata) at each site.
     The aims of the survey were to investigate the relative abundance and distribution of native oysters (O. edulis),  scallops (queen scallop, A. opercularis; variegated scallop, M. varia) and slipper limpets (C. fornicata) within the Fal Oyster Fishery. The distribution of substrate types across the fishery were also recorded at each site and species of bycatch were recorded across the survey area as a list of species present. 
     In 2020, a total of 82 sites were completed and a total of 1265 oysters, 4977 scallops and 8753 slipper limpets were recorded. The analysis was done by Management Areas; A, B and C.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
1990 University of Southampton, Studland Bay, benthic dive and core survey

All these records are related to "Jensen, Collins, Mallinson, Sheader, Ovenden (1990)  - Studland Bay Baseline Survey 1990" A copy of the report is held at Dorset Environmental Records Centre.
     This study is a continuation of the environmental monitoring undertaken for BP by Southampton University. 14 dive sites recorded epifauna and seabed type. Six sites were chosen to be representative of sediment types in Studland Bay. Eight cores were taken at each of these sites, seven for infaunal analysis and one for granulometric analysis. Photographs of the seabed were taken. Appendix 9 lists slides taken.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2001-2014 Eastern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (Eastern IFCA) River Stour and Orwell cockle surveys

Eastern IFCA (and its predeccesor, ESFJC) have conducted stock assessment surveys of cockle (Cerastoderma edule) every two years from 2001-2009 (excluding 2005), and then annually since 2009 along both the River Stour and River Orwell, Suffolk. The aim of the surveys has been to undertake a stock assessment of the cockles to identify any potential commerical stocks.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
1997 The Environment Agency (EA) Tamar and Lynher Rivers and Estuaries Shad surveys and records

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

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2000 National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOC), Portland Harbour to Ringstead, Dorset, Seagrass and Sea pen video sledge survey

Survey run by Dr Ken Collins of the NOC (Southampton) on behalf of Dorset Wildlife Trust.  These records all relate to 'Collins, K., Johnson, M., Mallinson, J. and Markey, M. (2000) Seagrass (Zostera marina) and Sea Pen (Virgularia mirabilis) surveys, Portland Harbour to Ringstead, Dorset' A copy of the report is held at Dorset Environmental Records Centre.
     The main focus of this work was a video sledge survey of Portland Harbour. A colour video camera was towed at 1-2 knots over the seabed of the Harbour. Tracks at 200m spacing were followed through the whole of the Harbour with the exception of the port exclusion zone and around a very large vessel moored in the centre of the harbour. In the shallow, western part of the harbour, the survey was extended to the extent of the low water springs. Differential GPS positions were continuously recorded against the video time code. A detailed study of the Portland Harbour video records has been made by Mike Johnson as part of his BSc dissertation - see references for full title.
     The survey vessel is based in Poole Harbour and en route to Portland Harbour tows were made from off Ringstead to Weymouth Bay. In the very shallow waters off Ringstead, a small 4m inflatable was used to tow a sledge with a self contained camcorder in underwater housing. Here, positions were recorded using a handheld GPS unit. Please note, these records have also been incorporated into subsequent reports written by the same author. 
     The survey data entered into this database has been supplied electronically by Dr. Ken Collins.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
1971-Ongoing Dove Marine Laboratory Benthic Station P (North Sea) Time Series Data

1971 - 2015 Dove Marine Laboratory Benthic Station P (North Sea) Time Series Data. Benthic samples taken from Station P, 18.5 km off the North - East coast of England, using a 0.1m2 Van Veen grab, since January 1971, initially at 2 monthly intervals (1971) with 30 replicates taken. The frequencies of sampling occurrences declined to one sampling occurrence in January - March with five replicates taken per occurrence until 2015. The samples are sieved over a 0.5mm mesh and fixed in formaldehyde. The samples are processed in the lab and fauna is extracted and identified to species level, where possible, in abundance per square metre. Sample collection and data processing and publication was finalised in 2015. 
     Benthic sampling has been re-initiated in March 2021, with PSA and sediment for eDNA taken.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2015 - 2018 Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom (MBA) Western English Channel standard haul demersal fish survey data

Time series data of demersal fish populations in the Western English Channel sampled using a large otter trawl (15m headline) by the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom from 2015-2018. This data set contains vertebrate data from 108 trawls. For each trawl, the entire catch was identified to species level. This dataset contains abundance, length, weight and disk width (if applicable) measurements. This dataset contains consistent sex data for elasmobranchs. Invertebrate abundance data was also collected on each survey and is available on request to MBASepia@mba.ac.uk. These data include high confidence cephalopod, scallop and large crab abundance as well as counts of other invertebrates including other crustaceans and echinoderms.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2010-2014 Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) United Kingdom Shag, Guillemot, Kittiwake and Razorbill distributions

Population-level estimates of species' distributions can reveal fundamental ecological processes and facilitate conservation. However, these may be difficult to obtain for mobile species, especially colonial central-place foragers (CCPFs; e.g., bats, corvids, social insects), because it is often impractical to determine the provenance of individuals observed beyond breeding sites. Moreover, some CCPFs, especially in the marine realm (e.g., pinnipeds, turtles, and seabirds) are difficult to observe because they range tens to ten thousands of kilometers from their colonies. It is hypothesized that the distribution of CCPFs depends largely on habitat availability and intraspecific competition. Modeling these effects may therefore allow distributions to be estimated from samples of individual spatial usage. Such data can be obtained for an increasing number of species using tracking technology. However, techniques for estimating population-level distributions using the telemetry data are poorly developed. This is of concern because many marine CCPFs, such as seabirds, are threatened by anthropogenic activities. Here, we aim to estimate the distribution at sea of four seabird species, foraging from approximately 5,500 breeding sites in Britain and Ireland. To do so, we GPS-tracked a sample of 230 European Shags Phalacrocorax aristotelis, 464 Black-legged Kittiwakes Rissa tridactyla, 178 Common Murres Uria aalge, and 281 Razorbills Alca torda from 13, 20, 12, and 14 colonies, respectively. Using Poisson point process habitat use models, we show that distribution at sea is dependent on (1) density-dependent competition among sympatric conspecifics (all species) and parapatric conspecifics (Kittiwakes and Murres); (2) habitat accessibility and coastal geometry, such that birds travel further from colonies with limited access to the sea; and (3) regional habitat availability. Using these models, we predict space use by birds from unobserved colonies and thereby map the distribution at sea of each species at both the colony and regional level. Space use by all four species' British breeding populations is concentrated in the coastal waters of Scotland, highlighting the need for robust conservation measures in this area. The techniques we present are applicable to any CCPF.
      The maps were updated in May 2018 to correct a small error. The updated maps should be used in place of those available before May 2018.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2018 North Devon Coast Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Northam Burrows BioBlitz

Bioblitz survey which took place in Northam Burrows. This survey's aim was to record as many species as possible as being present within a set survey area over 8-hours.  A variety of different methods were employed, including plankton netting and walkovers although most records were ad-hoc sightings made during the 8 hour survey.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network