2010-2011, EMU, Zone 1 - Moray Firth, Benthic Characterisation Survey series https://portal.medin.org.uk/portal/start.php?tpc=015_d988c30b-df6b-4c6a-9409-925f16f276eb Following successful award of exclusive development rights from Crown Estate, Moray Offshore Renewables Ltd. (MORL) (a consortium developer comprising EDP Renovaveis and Repsol Nuevas Energias UK (formerly SeaEnergy Renewables)) commissioned a series of detailed technical studies to support a consent application and associated Environmental Statement (ES) for the eastern phase of the Moray Firth Round 3 offshore wind farm zone. To address these aspects, EMU Limited (EMU) was commissioned to undertake a benthic ecology sampling survey of the proposed turbine array site. As a preliminary stage in informing the benthic habitat/species survey, an important component of the data acquisition process is clarification of the benthic ecology (comprising habitat, species and communities) of the eastern phase of the zone and local surrounding areas using pre-existing research and commercial reports. In relation to this work, a benthic data review was undertaken (Emu Ltd. 2010) which identified previous studies, data sources and gaps. Subsequent to the review, site specific sampling within and around the eastern phase of the zone was undertaken to ensure adequate coverage of seabed habitat conditions and communities relevant to the proposed offshore wind farm development. 20260908T15:29:30