91730509a5830e39c3e34c617808817c English dataset 063b385b-d843-4933-84e2-3e51a4d70d49 NatureScot (HQ Inverness) data_supply@nature.scot pointOfContact 2025-06-10 MEDIN 3.1.2 EPSG Geodetic Parameter Registry 2021-01-06 revision WGS 84 2010 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Clyde Sea area survey to establish the distribution of Priority Marine Features 2013-12-31 publication GB-SCT-SNH-ME-000130-MRSNH01600000008-CS Marine Recorder NS-000130 NatureScot project ID The purpose of this benthic survey in the Clyde Sea area was to establish the occurrence and distribution priority marine features (PMFs). An underwater video and still photograph survey was conducted by Seastar Survey Ltd for SNH between the 4th August and 15th October 2010 to collect detailed biological information on the seabed species and habitat features present. A range of survey methods were employed, including drop-down video camera operations, sediment grab sampling and scientific diving. The main aim of the survey was to initiate a broad-scale validation survey of historic PMF records (extent, quality and health) and to conduct detailed assessments of discrete features. In addition the survey work aimed to identify new records and achieve a broad coverage of the Clyde Sea area ensuring areas with limited or no data were also surveyed. A total of 129 drop-down video stations, 15 grab samples and 6 dive stations were completed across the Clyde Sea area. All survey operations were conducted from Seastar Survey's own vessel Otarie. Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), Headquaters Data Manager 01463 725000 data_supply@nature.scot owner NatureScot (HQ Inverness) NatureScot Data Manager data_supply@nature.scot custodian M. Axelsson SeaStar Survey info@seastarsurvey.co.uk originator Esther Hughes Data Archive for Seabed Species and Habitats (DASSH) Data Manager 01752 633102 dassh.enquiries@mba.ac.uk distributor notPlanned Marine Environmental Data and Information Network MEDIN metadata record availability 2025-06-10 revision NDGO0005 NDGO0005 2025-06-10 revision Habitats and biotopes GEMET - INSPIRE themes, version 1.0 2021-09-28 revision Habitat characterisation Habitat extent Zoobenthos taxonomic abundance Zoobenthos taxonomy-related counts SeaDataNet Parameter Discovery Vocabulary 2021-09-28 revision otherRestrictions Not for navigational use; This survey recorded no species or biotope occurences that SNH consider as sensitive; all records may therefore be released in response to requests covered by Environmental Information Regulations or Freedom of Information Regulations; additionally its re-use and dissemination is permissible under Open Government Licence terms. Any re-use of this data will acknowledge the copyright owner. otherRestrictions No restrictions on public access 2000 English 8-bit variable size UCS Transfer Format, based on ISO/IEC 10646 biota environment oceans -5.5240 -4.6160 55.4030 56.2960 SeaVox salt and freshwater body gazetteer 2021-01-06 creation Inner Seas off the West Coast of Scotland Charting Progress 2 Sea Areas 2021-01-06 creation Irish Sea Charting Progress 2 Sea Areas 2021-01-06 creation Minches and Western Scotland ICES Rectangles 2021-01-06 creation 39E4 ICES Rectangles 2021-01-06 creation 39E5 ICES Rectangles 2021-01-06 creation 40E4 ICES Rectangles 2021-01-06 creation 40E5 2010-08-04 2010-10-15 SeaVoX Vertical Co-ordinate Coverages 2021-01-06 revision circalittoral SeaVoX Vertical Co-ordinate Coverages 2021-01-06 revision infralittoral Allen, C., Axelsson, M., Dewey, S., and Clark, L. 2013. Marine biological survey to establish the distribution of Priority Marine Features within the Clyde Sea area. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No.437. Database Marine Recorder Documents Published report Geographic Information System shapefile Image dataset MEDIN data guideline for sediment sampling by grab or core for benthos 2011-01-28 publication See the referenced specification true MEDIN data guideline for video surveys of species and benthos 2018-01-23 publication See the referenced specification true Commission Regulation (EU) No 1089/2010 of 23 November 2010 implementing Directive 2007/2/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards interoperability of spatial data sets and services 2010-12-08 publication This subtidal seabed data from Clyde Sea area was collected by Seastar Surveys Ltd between the 4th August and 15th October 2010. Video images were obtained from a drop-down video camera system deployed approximately 1m above the seabed at 129 sites. The camera system used was a Kongsberg OE 14-208 digital still camera mounted obliquely on a drop-down camera frame. Photographs were taken at the discretion of the camera operator rather than at a set time or distance interval, with a particular focus to identify any key fauna or PMFs. Camera work took priority over grabbing effort and was always carried out before any grab deployments at each of the sites. Grab samples were taken using a 0.1 m2 van Veen grab at 15 locations in the survey area. A small sub sample (~100 g) was taken from each grab sample for Particle Size Analysis (PSA). The remaining grab sample was gently washed through a 1 mm sieve. The material retained on the sieve was then fixed using a 4% buffered formaldehyde solution to prevent sample degradation. This remaining material was retained for macrofaunal processing and analysis. In addition to the grab samples collected from Otarie by Seastar Survey, 18 grab samples from the Clyde Sea were collected during an independent survey by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) and were also analysed. The SEPA samples were collected using a 0.1 m2 Day grab deployed from the SV Sir John Murray from the 16th - 17th of September 2010. At each site two grab samples were collected, one for biological analysis, and one for sediment analysis. Scientific scuba diving was completed at 6 locations from the 13th - 15th of October. The main aim was to investigate the presence of flame shells and maerl within Loch Fyne. A combination of diver operated video, still photography and in-situ observations were used to assess the makeup, condition and coverage of a feature. The methodology for the majority of the dives involved the divers descending down a shot line at each dive site. The divers then followed a circular search pattern around the shot line at set distances – immediately around the shot line; 5 m from the shot line; and at 10 m from the shot line. Analyses of all the benthic data was undertaken by Seastar Surveys Ltd, contracted by SNH, to describe the physical structure and species assemblages present. Based on the physical and biological attributes, biotopes were allocated. Species present were identified and quantified using the semi-quantitative MNCR SACFOR scale, as far as possible. For video runs, where a run traversed a sequence of biotopes, the runs are split into corresponding segments with the transition points recorded using time. Segmentation of runs was not practicable in the case of mosaics of recurring biotopes, in which case all biotopes observed were simply listed. Runs and run segments were assessed for the presence PMFs, as well as for the presence of species and habitats of recognised conservation importance.