AndreaBozzo/ceres-open-data-index huggingface dataset:
2013 University of Plymouth Flamborough Head (UK) Special Area of Conservation (SAC) towed underwater video condition assessment of epibenthic communities and biotopes

This data set comprises of marine epibenthos (approx. 70 identified taxa derived from Algae, Annelida, Arthropoda, Bryozoa, Chordata, Cnidaria, Echinodermata, Mollusca, Porifera) data collected in June 2013 from Flamborough Head (UK) Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Data were collected using a high definition towed underwater video system . Fourteen areas were surveyed, seven areas were inside the SAC, one of which was a No Take Zone (NTZ) and seven were outside of the SAC. Three replicate 200 m x 0.5 m transects were recorded in each area. Locations of transects were selected based on previous surveys. The survey was commissioned by Natural England as part of a condition assessment to characterise the subtidal epibenthos and habitats within the SAC and in comparable areas outside the SAC. The extent and condition of biotopes was also identified and mapped.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
Mystery Wreck Project (Flower of Ugie)

Archaeological diving work by HWTMA began on a shipwreck site in the Eastern Solent in 2004 following a report from a fisherman of a net snag on a previously unknown obstruction. Survey between 2004 and 2008 revealed the remains of a wooden shipwreck, lying in two large pieces with an additional area of dispersed remains. At the time, the identification of the vessel remained unknown. Due to the urgent need to establish the date and identity of the vessel to help determine its archaeological significance and develop sustainable long-term monitoring and management of the site, funding from the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund (ALSF), was awarded to the project. A program of investigation into the material characteristics of the vessel (dendrochronology, timber species analysis, metal analysis, ship structure, small finds) was undertaken and indicated an early/mid-19th century date. Historical research and correlation with the recorded shipwreck losses for a 10 km area around the site revealed that that shipwreck represented the remains of the Flower of Ugie. The Flower of Ugie was a sailing barque, built in Sunderland in 1838. The vessel had a successful fourteen year career sailing to destinations in South Asia, the Far East, the Mediterranean, Black Sea, Baltic and North America. The vessel was wrecked on the Horse Tail Sand in the Eastern Solent on 27th December 1852. Research into the vessel will result in the publication of a monograph in the Spring of 2011 and a management report that has been submitted to English Heritage

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
1978 Dorset County Council, Portland Bill to Lyme Regis, Dorset Underwater Survey (DUS) Sublittoral dive survey and littoral survey

All these records are related to"Dorset Heritage Coast (1979)  - Report of the Third Dorset Underwater Survey" All original recording forms are held at Dorset County Museum. Copies of the forms are held at Dorset Environmental Records Centre.
     This is the third of the three Dorset Underwater Surveys (1976 - 1978). This survey recorded the wildlife in the underwater areas between Portland Bill and Lyme Regis and concentrated on the mapping of associations and their habitats. A diving team surveyed 35 sublittoral sites between 17.8.1978 and 15.9.1978.  An additional 5 sites were surveyed in the littoral zone. The seaward extent of the survey area was variable but reached a maximum of 2.5km from the coast near Seatown. Sites from the littoral zone to 18m below chart datum were visited.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2006 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
2014 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
England's Historic Seascapes: Solent and Isle of Wight

The England's Historic Seascapes: Solent and Isle of Wight project was undertaken by the Hampshire and Wight Trust for Maritime Archaeology (HWTMA), Bournemouth University and Southampton University. This coastal and marine area is diverse and dynamic, it includes the coastal area of the Solent, and Isle of Wight, (approximately a 150 mile stretch of coastline). The project is one of four pilot projects designed to apply the principles of HLC (Historic Landscape Characterisation) to the marine environment. This project built upon the intial methodology developed for the Liverpool Bay pilot study and seeks to develop MHLC (Marine Historic Landscape Characterisation) to ensure the final methodology is suitable to apply nationally. The project was funded by the Marine Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund as overseen by English Heritage.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
1948-1975 Lundy Field Society The Marine Fauna of Lundy Opisthobranchia

Collation of marine fauna records collected between 1948 and 1975 by taxonomic group experts. Phyla and other groups that were not included in the lists were: Ctenophora (Comb-jellies / sea gooseberries) Platyhelminthes (Flatworms) Nematoda (Roundworms) Gastrotricha (Hairworms) Rotifera (Wheel animals) Nermertea (Ribbon worms) Cephalorhyncha Echiura (Spoon worms) Sipuncula (Peanut worms) Chaetognatha (Arrow worms) Phoronida (Horseshoe worms) Entoprocta (Goblet worms / Kamptozoans) Brachiopoda (Lampshells) Arthropoda: Crustacea: Cirripedia (barnacles) were not listed. Chordata: Mammalia (seals, whales and dolphins) were not listed.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2004 Royal Haskoning Ltd Fal Estuary maerl and associated infauna core and grab survey

Survey to provide further information on the effects of maerl extraction on the cSAC.  Core, grab and hoover extractions of maerl and infauna and particle size analysis.
      See '2004a Royal Haskoning Ltd Fal Estuary marine ecological grab and core survey'

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
The Depositional and Landscape Histories of Dungeness Foreland and the Port of Rye

The The Depositional and Landscape Histories of Dungeness Foreland and the Port of Rye (ALSF 4521) project explored the long term resilience of the Romney Marsh / Dungeness Foreland depositional complex in the Southeast of England. The project was funded through the English Heritage distributed Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund, and undertaken by staff from Durham University, University of Liverpool, University of Wales Aberystwyth and Kingston University London. The research has resulted in the publication of a major research monograph:
     Long, A.J., Waller, M.P. and Plater, A.J. 2007: Dungeness and Romney Marsh: Barrier Dynamics and Marshland Evolution. ISBN-13: 978-1-84217-288-9; ISBN-10: 1-84217-288-3
     The project ultimately combined the research and results of two earlier ALSF projects - The Evolution and Landscape History of Dungeness Foreland (ALSF 3280) and Evolution of the Port of Rye, Romney Marsh, Sussex (ALSF 3281) - under a single title.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2002 The Marine Conservation Society - Seasearch, Various locations in Dorset, Diver observations and detailed survey records

Seasearch survey of Dorset using mostly amateur recorders. Records subsequently validated by an expert post-survey assessor and biotopes assigned according to the MNCR 04.05 key.
     Seasearch is a marine habitat and species recording project for recreational SCUBA divers in the UK. The main aim of these surveys is to gather information on the marine habitats and species surrounding the UK coast, which will assist with their known extent and distribution, and ultimately contribute towards their conservation. Seasearch is co-ordinated nationally by the Marine Conservation Society. Dorset Seasearch has been active since 1995. Original survey sheets are held by Dorset Wildlife Trust, with copies held at Dorset Environmental Records Centre.
     Please note: All of these Seasearch records were originally input into the old Dorset database and were converted over to Marine Recorder v2 in April 2003. The old Dorset database only stored locations as Eastings and Northings values despite entries being made as Lat/Longs. The result is that all these Seasearch records have a Coordinate system of OS ref by default, even though the original paperwork recorded them as Lat/Longs. No accuracy has been lost for the OSGB36 Lat/Longs, as these allegedly translate directly. However, the surveys that used WGS84 Lat/Longs will have a small associated error, so where possible these locations have been re-entered with their original Lat/Longs. Where the Lat/Long datum has not been stated, these records have not been changed as the small error arising from the conversion is believed to be less than the error (~100m) between todays difference between OSGB36 and WGS84 Lat/Longs and the ~100m accuracy error before selective availability was turned off. Please use the Derived from field on the survey event screen to clarify how the location was recorded in the field.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2000 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Loch Crinan macrobenthic intertidal survey

An intertidal macrobenthic survey of the intertidal sediments of Loch Crinan was carried out on 16th June 2000 to acquire data on faunal assemblages present. The objective of the work was to add data to the Marine Nature Conservation Review (MNCR) database for a location not previously sampled and to inform further development of the classification of intertidal sediments in the UK. Four sites were sampled, each with three stations, strategically located to cover the full tidal range and conspicuous differences in habitat character.  These sites were surveyed using standard MNCR methodologies.  Both the macrobenthos and granulometry were sampled for subsequent laboratory analysis.  A photographic record of each station was also made during the survey phase.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
1997-2004 Natural Resource Wales (NRW) Welsh records for Crassosstrea gigas, Crepidula fornicata, Ficopomatus enigmatus, Sargassum muticum and Styela clava

A collection of Non-Native Species sightings from Natural Resource Wales (NRW). The species listed are Crassosstrea gigas, Crepidula fornicata, Ficopomatus enigmatus, Sargassum muticum and Styela clava.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2003 The National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOC), Poole Bay, Swanage and Kimmeridge, Dorset. Dive survey of Maerl, worm reefs, bream nests, sea fans and brittlestars

These records all relate to 'Collins, K. (2003) Dorset marine habitat surveys: Maerl, worm reefs, bream nests, sea fans and brittlestars. 2003 survey results'. A copy of the report is held at Dorset Environmental Records Centre. 
     This report is the third in a series describing marine biodiversity habitats in Dorset surveyed during 2001-3. The report includes survey work documented in previous reports by the same author. However, to avoid duplication, only the survey work undertaken since January 2003 (when the second report was published) has been entered here. 
     The distribution and density of live maerl (Phymatolithon calcareum) was resurveyed in western Poole Bay, finding no significant change over the period 2000 - 2003. Two other habitats have been further mapped: biogenic worm reefs (Sabellaria spinulosa) off Swanage and brittlestar (Ophiothrix fragilis) beds off Kimmeridge. Bream nests and a specimen of the pink seafan Eunicella verrucosa were discovered whilst investigating a patch reef in Poole Bay and are also reported here. 
     The survey data entered into this database has been supplied electronically by Dr. Ken Collins.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2021 NatureScot predictive seaduck model within Special Protected Areas Moray Firth and Outer Firth of Forth and St Andrews Bay Complex

In December 2020, a recent focus on the marine environment (Marine special protection areas selection process) included the classification of 12 marine special protection areas (SPAs) in Scotland for the protection of seabirds, divers, grebes and seaduck. Seven of these sites include one or more species of inshore wintering waterfowl (divers, grebes, seaduck) as qualifying features. Marine Protected Areas, including SPAs, contribute towards achieving Favourable Conservation Status of vulnerable species and habitats across the Atlantic Biogeographic Region. Seaducks feed upon a range of prey, some of which have specific benthic habitat requirements and/or form biogenic habitat features. In order to meet specific Conservation Objectives, site management requires an understanding of the distribution and extent of relevant prey and associated supporting habitats within individual SPAs. NatureScot commissioned this project to test and evaluate the use of predictive modelling and mapping approaches to identify prey-supporting habitats for wintering seaducks within the Moray Firth and the Outer Firth of Forth and St Andrews Bay Complex (OFFSABC) marine SPAs. The project resources include: Project report, supplementary technical report, two html maps for SPA species sample coverage and SPA biotope sample coverage, and a CSV file showing associations between species and biotopes. Predictive model outputs have been produced by mapping the known and predicted distributions and extents of bivalve and gastropod prey, and associated supporting seabed habitats for wintering seaducks within the two marine SPA's.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
Kent and Essex IFCA Cockle Surveys 1994 - present ongoing data

Cockle stock assessment data including density, biomass and stock size from the populations within the Kent and Essex IFCA district. The data is collected in the intertidal areas using either shore based or vessel based survey methodologies for the purposes of; informing the necessary Appropriate Assessment for this fishery as it operates within a designated site, and informing the annual management of the fishery.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2013 onwards, Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA), Rye, small fish surveys by beach seine, fyke net and beam trawl

The Sussex IFCA in collaboration with the Environment Agency (EA) and Rye Harbour Nature Reserve (RHNR) undertook small fish surveys monthly June-September on the beach to the west of Rye harbour entrance using fyke nets and a beach seine net, and in Rye bay and off Hastings and Eastbourne in September using a 2m survey beam trawl. The IFCA standard operating procedure for surveying small fish was used (a copy of this document is held by the IFCA) and the methodology conforms with the Water Framework Directive (Directive 2000/60/EC) and the Centre for Environment and Fisheries and Aquaculture (Cefas) advice for surveying juvenile bass.  All fish caught were identified to species level. The first 50 of each fish species were measured (total length from snout to tip of tail) with the remainder being counted. In addition, fork length was measured for bass, and for all bass greater than 21cm a scale sample was taken for age determination. Additional information recorded includes; water analysis (temperature, salinity, specific conductivity, dissolved oxygen (percentage and mg/L) and pH), tidal state, tidal height, persons present, fish identifier and meteorological information. The data is currently stored in MS Excel spreadsheets. The objective of monitoring small fish is to develop a time series of relative abundance in the near shore habitats (areas which are commonly utilised by juvenile fish as nursery grounds). The information collected has many applications e.g. to monitor abundance over time in Marine Protected Areas, to investigate responses to specific events or to investigate the growth rate of a species.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2003 King et al. Anglesey Crassostrea records

Two sites in North Wales, UK, were compared for growth, survival, immunocompetence and gonad development of Crassostrea gigas. Juvenile C. gigas spat were purchased as a cohort and placed in bags on trestles at the Menai Strait (MS, two heights on the shore) and the Inland Sea (IS) in the summer of 2003. Performance was examined as a function of several environmental parameters; temperature, coloured dissolved organic material absorption coefficient (cDOM), organic and inorganic nutrient levels, chlorophyll a and phytoplankton community composition. Both sites produced variations in growth, as assessed by dry weight indices and condition index, which were found to be lower at IS, where the animals were permanently immersed, than at MS, where they were emersed for at least 1 h/tide (at the low shore height) and 4 h/tide (at the high shore height) during spring tides. Condition index was also significantly higher at MS high shore than at MS low shore. Mortality was low at all sites, though an increase at IS at the end of the trial led to a significantly greater final percentage mortality of 15.6%. Gonad development was limited, particularly at IS where most animals remained undifferentiated. Gonad development was significantly higher at MS high shore than at MS low shore. cDOM, organic and inorganic nutrients were similar at the two areas. At IS the temperature and chlorophyll a levels were higher than MS. The phytoplankton communities were significantly different, with a bloom of Prorocentrum micans dominating at the Inland Sea for much of the experimental period. Differences in the hydrodynamics, as well as Phytoplankton community appeared to be the only parameters that might cause a lower growth rate in the Inland Sea. The possibilities of P. micans having a sub-lethal effect on C. gigas are discussed.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
Refining Areas of Maritime Archaeological Potential (AMAPs) for Shipwrecks

In May 2007, English Heritage commissioned Bournemouth University to undertake a project entitled Refining Areas of Maritime Archaeological Potential for Shipwrecks - AMAP1 funded by the Aggregate Levy Sustainability Fund (ALSF). The aim of the project was to undertake quantitative spatial analysis of shipwreck data using GIS to compare typologised wreck scatters to environmental, historical and hydrographic datasets in order to identify biases in the data and refine areas identified as AMAPs during a previous ALSF project - Navigational Hazards project.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
Stirling Castle Archive Assessment

The Stirling Castle was a 70-gun 3rd-rate ship-of-the-line, built in Deptford in 1679, rebuilt at Chatham in 1699 and lost on the Goodwin Sands during the Great Storm of 1703. The ship is highly significant from an historical perspective because it was launched as part of the Thirty Ships building programme overseen by Samuel Pepys and Charles II. Following the discovery of the site in 1979 it has been subject to continued archaeological activity and has been designated under the 1973 Protection of Wrecks Act (PWA) since 1980. The wreck lies in a dynamic environment with the movement of sand causing the site to be covered and un-covered which has resulted in significant degradation, however, it is still an exceptional site being one of the best-preserved shipwrecks from the late 17th century in English waters. Numerous individuals, groups, Trusts and organisations have been involved in the investigation of the site over the past 40 years which has resulted in the recovery of a significant artefact assemblage, in addition to an extensive supporting archive recording the vessel structure and other in situ material. Work on the archive generated between 1979 - 2009, which is dispersed across a number of locations, has been funded by Historic England (previously English Heritage) and sought to summarise current understanding as an aid to long-term management and to encourage further research. The output of this work is a Monograph publication, and the deposited digital archive provides access to the archive database and artefact images created as part of the project.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2007 Envision Mapping Ltd, Poole Bay Dorset, drop down video survey for Annex 1 habitat

Search for Annex 1 habitats in the Poole to Lyme Bay area. Survey run by Envision Mapping Ltd. on behalf of Natural England in 2007 as part of the selection process for a set of Special Areas of Conservation in the region. Data set is derived from drop down video surveys carried out by Envision Mapping Ltd in September 2007. Full report produced by Envision and their survey results were used by Royal Haskoning (2008) and Natural England (2009) to select draft SACs for the region.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
England's Historic Seascapes: Demonstrating the Method

The HSC: Demonstrating the Method Project, funded by the ALSF, marks the initial implementation of a rigorous, repeatable methodology for Historic Seascape Characterisation, applying the principles already underpinning Historic Landscape Characterisation (HLC) to the coastal and marine zones.
     Extending those principles to the coastal and marine zone to produce a Historic Seascape Characterisation (HSC) Method presents challenges due to the inherent differences between marine and terrestrial environments. The methodology was developed through the England's Historic Seascapes Programme involving five pilot method development studies, beginning in 2004, in which each presented different but related approaches to HSC. The results were consolidated into a single nationally-applicable HSC methodology for the area-based characterisation of historic coastal and marine landscapes.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network