2011, Natural Power, Zone 1 - Moray Firth, Cetacean Density Estimates and Habitat Association Modelling series https://portal.medin.org.uk/portal/start.php?tpc=015_f89995d6-bd2c-4c70-b019-4932b036a431 To assess habitat association of cetaceans in the Moray Firth, survey and habitat data were summarised across a 4 x 4 km grid. Based upon earlier analyses of data from within the SAC (Bailey & Thompson, 2009), four habitat variables were assessed: depth, sediment type, slope and distance to the coast (Figure 5.6a to d). For depth, slope and distance to the coast, a mean value for every 4 x 4 km grid cell was calculated using BGS data available through SeaZone. Survey effort and sightings data were also split into the same 4 x 4 km grid cells. Where multiple surveys covered the same cells, the data were treated separately, leading to some cells being included in the analysis up to four times. Cells were not included if they contained less than 1 km of effort. In total 429 cell observations were included in the model, from 241 unique cells (Figure 5.7). Each observation was coded to reflect the data collection method; either aerial or boat based, to allow models to account for the potential difference in sighting rate between these methods. The modelling was carried out for three species:- Harbour Porpoise, Bottlenose Dolphin and Harbour Seal. 20260910T10:35:51