f3feadc9-c064-4e7a-b45d-626c08f6ad94 English dataset NatureScot (HQ Inverness) data_supply@nature.scot pointOfContact 2025-06-11 MEDIN 3.1.2 EPSG Geodetic Parameter Registry 2021-01-06 revision OSGB 1936 / British National Grid 2000 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Loch Crinan macrobenthic intertidal survey 2003-02-18 publication GB-SCT-SNH-ME-000060-MRSNH00100000006-CRIN Marine Recorder NS-000060 NatureScot project ID An intertidal macrobenthic survey of the intertidal sediments of Loch Crinan was carried out on 16th June 2000 to acquire data on faunal assemblages present. The objective of the work was to add data to the Marine Nature Conservation Review (MNCR) database for a location not previously sampled and to inform further development of the classification of intertidal sediments in the UK. Four sites were sampled, each with three stations, strategically located to cover the full tidal range and conspicuous differences in habitat character. These sites were surveyed using standard MNCR methodologies. Both the macrobenthos and granulometry were sampled for subsequent laboratory analysis. A photographic record of each station was also made during the survey phase. 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 BMT Cordah Data Manager +44 (0) 1224 414 200 enquiries@bmtcordah.com originator 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 2025-06-11 revision Geology Habitats and biotopes Species distribution GEMET - INSPIRE themes, version 1.0 2021-09-28 revision Habitat characterisation Habitat extent Macroalgae and seagrass taxonomy-related counts Sediment grain size parameters Zoobenthos taxonomic abundance Zoobenthos taxonomy-related counts SeaDataNet Parameter Discovery Vocabulary 2021-09-28 revision otherRestrictions no restrictions to public access otherRestrictions Not for navigational use; SNH copyright data which is available for re-use under government licence terms: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/ English 8-bit variable size UCS Transfer Format, based on ISO/IEC 10646 biota environment geoscientificInformation oceans -5.5913543701172 -5.5103302001953 56.071268961594 56.116466986937 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 2000-06-16 SeaVoX Vertical Co-ordinate Coverages 2021-01-06 revision circalittoral SeaVoX Vertical Co-ordinate Coverages 2021-01-06 revision infralittoral SeaVoX Vertical Co-ordinate Coverages 2021-01-06 revision littoral Cordah BMT Ltd (2000) Intertidal survey of Loch Crinan cSAC Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report F00PA46 (Unpublished report). Database Marine Recorder Documents Unpublished report dataset 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 MEDIN data guideline for sediment sampling by grab or core for benthos 2011-01-28 publication true At each site, sampling stations were located at upper, middle and lower shore positions with particular reference to visible differences in biotope, if notable (such as Zostera beds adjacent to Arenicola colonised sandflats) or at least where minor physical differences were observed (such as wet sand adjacent to drained sand patches). Each sample station consisted of an area of some 10m2 or more (as appropriate) from which observations were made, photographs taken and samples collected. It was ensured that stations were located within main habitat areas and not transitional reaches between habitats. Field notes, using MNCR recording forms, recorded the following: location details, survey details (personnel, date, methodology), topographical and physical features (with positions noted by land mark bearings), biotopes and species details, and epibiota (using the SACFOR scale of abundance). Sampling consisted of, for the smaller infauna, the combination of eight cores (10.3cm diameter) with a core penetration to 20cm where practicable. Cores were gently washed, by puddling in adjacent water, using a 0.5mm mesh sieve. Retained material was fixed in 4% formalin. Photographs were taken at each station to illustrate the station character, its locality and provide images suitable for relocating station positions. In order to identify the presence of larger macrofauna, unlikely to be present in core samples, a single 1.0m2 area was dug over to a depth of 30cm. Any large macrofauna this exposed and recorded. Samples for sediment granulometry were collected at each station. The sample was collected with the intention of being representative of the upper 15cm, where practicable. Where shallower depths were sampled for the macrofauna, this was mirrored in the depth of sampling for the grain size analysis. Grain size analyses were completed on 29 samples and the method applied complied with the appropriate British Standard (BS1377, 1990). Samples were dried then sieved through a geometric stack of brass sieves (i.e. 200mm, 75mm, 37.5mm down to 0.150mm and 0.063mm). Proportions retained from each mesh size were determined by weight and have been reported as a percentage of the total. Particle size fractions were defined as follows: cobbles more than 60mm, coarse gravel 20-60mm, medium gravel 6-20mm, fine gravel 2-6mm, coarse sand 0.6-2mm, medium sand 0.2-0.063mm and silt and clay less than 0.063mm. Macrofauna was separated from sample sediment after being fixed in 4% formaldehyde solution by a combination of elutriation and manual picking. To aid the sorting process, a white tray was used to view the sample which was maintained under water to aid faunal separation. Identification of specimens was achieved with the aid of dissecting and compound microscopes as necessary and with reference to the identification keys widely regarded as the standard ones to use. Nomenclature has followed the MCS species directory (Howson and Picton, 1997) though at least one of the names, Hediste diversicolor, is in dispute being regarded as a synonym of Nereis by some authorities (e.g. Chambers and Garwood, 1992).