6f23acb42fc942ffa1c235cb733de09f English dataset 96287cc08c593be3646f68c87183a22c NatureScot (HQ Inverness) data_supply@nature.scot pointOfContact 2025-06-03 MEDIN 3.1.2 EPSG Geodetic Parameter Registry 2021-01-06 revision WGS 84 2003 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Sound of Arisaig Site Condition Monitoring survey 2004-05-31 publication GB-SCT-SNH-ME-000086-MRSNH0110000000F-SoA http://www.nature.scot NS-000086 NatureScot project ID The purpose of the current study was to initiate site condition monitoring (SCM) of the inshore sublittoral sediment habitats of the cSAC. This was done to establish a baseline biological dataset that would facilitate the assessment of the condition of the inshore sublittoral sediment habitats in the future and to allow a judgement to be formed on the current condition of these habitats. The approach taken to achieve these aims was to perform an extensive dropdown video survey of the biotopes (habitats and their associated species) of the cSAC, concentrating on the shallow inshore sediments. Characterisation of the subsurface fauna and sediment composition of the main sediment biotopes was performed by means of grab sampling. Detailed surveying of the sea bed and subsurface communities at selected maerl sites was carried out using diving techniques. 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 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), Headquaters Data Manager 01463 725000 data_supply@nature.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 2025-06-03 revision NDGO0005 NDGO0005 2025-06-03 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 to public access 500 English 8-bit variable size UCS Transfer Format, based on ISO/IEC 10646 biota environment oceans -5.9670 -5.6665 56.7328 56.9024 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 Minches and Western Scotland ICES Rectangles 2021-01-06 creation 42E4 2003-07-01 2003-09-30 SeaVoX Vertical Co-ordinate Coverages 2021-01-06 revision circalittoral SeaVoX Vertical Co-ordinate Coverages 2021-01-06 revision infralittoral Moore, C.G., Lyndon, A.R. and Mair, J.M. (2004). The establishment of site condition monitoring of marine sedimentary habitats in the Sound of Arisaig cSAC. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No. 071 (ROAME No. F02AA409). Database Documents Geographic Information System 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 The investigation was divided into three stages: 1) Dropdown Video: Knowledge of the distribution, diversity and extent of biotopes was gained by performing a stratified random sampling drop-down video survey, supplemented by a limited amount of focussed sampling. To promote adequate coverage of the different regions within the cSAC, the survey area between the 0m and 20m contours was split up into 20 strata. The area of each of these strata was measured within ArcView and a number of video samples allocated to each stratum in proportion to its size. The positions of sample stations within each stratum was determined by employing random numbers to generate a large list of potential positions which fell within the northern, southern, eastern and western bounds of the stratum. 150 stratified random sampling stations were selected using this method. At each station the video was deployed briefly from a drifting vessel, noting the times, depths and precise positions at the start and end of the drift. The runs averaged 4 minutes duration and 50m in length. In addition to the 150 stratified random sample sites, a farther 53 drop-down video sites were worked to provide coverage of the deeper areas, to fill in any perceived geographical gaps in the random samples and to position sites in the vicinity of locations previously surveyed by others. This fieldwork was carried out by SNH from the RIB Aphrodite, survey dates 05/07/2003 - 13/07/2003. 2) Grab Survey: Following categorisation of sample stations on the basis of biotope, sample stations representative of the different sedimentary biotopes were selected for analysis of the infauna and sediment composition by grab sampling at 20 stations. At each station a single 0.1m2 van Veen grab sample was collected using the vessel RV Serpula. A subsample of c.150ml sediment was taken from the surface of the grab contents for particle size analysis and the remaining material sieved on a 1mm mesh screen, the sievings being retained in borax-buffered 5% formalin. 3) Maerl Survey: Five maerl sites were selected for detailed examination of the infauna and epibiota along a 25m transect. A band 2m either side of the tape was surveyed by two divers, one on each side, who noted the presence, and where possible, estimates of the abundance of conspicuous biota, collecting material which needed to be identified in the laboratory. Representative samples of the algal community were also taken as well as samples of stones and shells for study of their epibiota in the laboratory. To supplement the real-time visual records and collections, the transect band was videoed using a hand-held digital video camera (Sony DCR-TRV900 in an Amphibico Navigator 900 housing) and at some sites still photographs taken of the maerl and associated community using a digital stills camera. The epibiota was surveyed using MNCR Phase II methods and 5 replicate cores, 10.3cm diameter corer to a depth of 20cm, were taken for infaunal analysis, and an additional 20cm sediment core of 5cm diameter was taken for grain size analysis. The areal extent of these maerl beds beyond the 25m transect was also assessed by performing drop-down video surveys at stations along lines radiating out from the station marker.