29af37700a41bbb801250d143ada2e0f English dataset NatureScot (HQ Inverness) data_supply@nature.scot pointOfContact 2025-06-05 MEDIN 3.1.2 EPSG Geodetic Parameter Registry 2021-01-06 revision WGS 84 2011 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) biological analysis of Marine Scotland (MS) Orkney benthic survey 2013-12-31 publication GB-SCT-SNH-ME-000166-MRSNH02500000004-ORK Marine Recorder NS-000166 NatureScot project ID The purpose of this MPA assessment benthic survey in Orkney waters (Rousay to Copinsay, including Eday Sound, and points in Scapa Flow) was to improve knowledge of the occurrence and distribution of species and habitats of recognised conservation importance, particularly priority marine features (PMFs). This survey is part of the SNH and MS MPA assesment of Scotland 2011. Underwater video tows and day grab sampling were conducted by Heriot-Watt University for MS from the 1st to 11th September 2011 to collect detailed biological information on the seabed species and habitat features present and aid biotope assignments to each station. Diver MNCR surveys were conducted at sites where healthy Modiolus modiolus and Mearl beds were observed on video, and diver core samples taken to investigate infauna and PSA. Analyses of the seabed video and still photographic imagery were used to describe the nature of the seabed in terms of the physical structure and the species assemblages. Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), Headquaters Data Manager 01463 725000 data_supply@nature.scot owner Marine Directorate Scotland Scottish Government (formally Marine Science Scotland) +44 (0)131 556 8400 marinescotland@gov.scot owner NatureScot (HQ Inverness) NatureScot Data Manager data_supply@nature.scot custodian Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), Headquaters Data Manager 01463 725000 data_supply@nature.scot originator Marine Directorate Scotland Scottish Government (formally Marine Science Scotland) +44 (0)131 556 8400 marinescotland@gov.scot 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 2025-06-05 revision NDGO0005 NDGO0005 2025-06-05 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 occurrences 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 to public access English 8-bit variable size UCS Transfer Format, based on ISO/IEC 10646 biota environment oceans -3.4050 -2.2531 58.8056 59.4024 SeaVox salt and freshwater body gazetteer 2021-01-06 creation North Sea Charting Progress 2 Sea Areas 2021-01-06 creation Northern North Sea Charting Progress 2 Sea Areas 2021-01-06 creation Scottish Continental Shelf ICES Rectangles 2021-01-06 creation 46E6 ICES Rectangles 2021-01-06 creation 46E7 ICES Rectangles 2021-01-06 creation 47E6 ICES Rectangles 2021-01-06 creation 47E7 2011-09-01 2011-09-11 SeaVoX Vertical Co-ordinate Coverages 2021-01-06 revision circalittoral SeaVoX Vertical Co-ordinate Coverages 2021-01-06 revision infralittoral Hirst, N.E., Cook, R.L., James, B., Kent, F.E.A., Loxton, J.L., Porter, J.S. and Sanderson, W.G. (2012). The distribution of Priority Marine Features and MPA search features in Orkney waters: Rousay to Copinsay including Eday Sound and points in Scapa Flow. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No. 509. 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 Data collected by scientists from SNH, HWU and MSS. Standard survey methods were used to deploy a drop down video sledge to record footage from predetermined random points within the survey area, day grab samples with PSA subsamples were also taken at random sites to aid in biotope assignment to each station. Grab samples were processed on board over a 1mm sieve then analysed fully on return to the lab by external contractors for infauna and PSA. Diver MNCR surveys were carried out at healthy MPA search features stations, and core samples taken for infauna, epifauna and PSA analysis. Species data collected from DDV analysis and infaunal analysis were run through Primer V6, to asses any differences between stations. Biotopes were assigned to stations using Connor et al V 04.05.