f6db38b5-b0c7-4ed8-988a-2652382bbe13 English dataset NatureScot (HQ Inverness) data_supply@nature.scot pointOfContact 2025-06-10 MEDIN 3.1.2 EPSG Geodetic Parameter Registry 2021-01-06 revision WGS 84 2021 NatureScot Distribution Mapping and Baseline Monitoring survey of sea caves around Fair Isle 2022-06-30 publication MRSNH03000000048 Marine Recorder NS-000374 NatureScot project ID Survey data were acquired for four sea caves within the Fair Isle MPA for the purposes of condition monitoring. The information included physical data on the location and spatial configuration of the caves enabling their mapping, as well as depth data and descriptions of the physical habitat. Biological data in the form of SACFOR abundances were collected for cross sections at various points along the cave system, permitting the identification of biotopes present. Imagery collected included still photo and video footage along the cave system, with detailed coverage of the substrate and biota of the biotopes present at the cross-sections. In addition a cave inventory of Fair Isle caves was produced based on historical information and examination of the coastline by boat, with cave entrances photographed and positions recorded. When sea conditions allowed caves were entered by snorkellers and data collected on cave configuration, extent, water depth and light levels, and wherever possible, a sketch was made of the cave layout. 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 2025-06-10 revision NDGO0005 NDGO0005 2025-06-10 revision Habitats and biotopes GEMET - INSPIRE themes, version 1.0 2021-09-28 revision Habitat characterisation Habitat extent SeaDataNet Parameter Discovery Vocabulary 2021-09-28 revision otherRestrictions No restrictions on 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 -1.6637420654297 -1.5868377685547 59.500966675815 59.562245020122 SeaVox salt and freshwater body gazetteer 2021-01-06 creation North Atlantic Ocean 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 2021-08-14 2021-08-28 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 Harries, D. B., Purcell, A., Moore, C. G., Lyndon A. R., Porter, J. S. and Hume, C. 2023. Distribution mapping and Baseline Monitoring survey of Sea Caves around Fair Isle. NatureScot Research Report. In press. Database Marine Recorder Database GeMS 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 An inventory of the sea caves around Fair Isle was compiled detailing their location, extent and nature. The inventory involved the collation of existing cave records derived from local knowledge, Ordnance Survey mapping, the Grampian Speleological Group database, Marine Recorder and a 2019 NatureScot photographic survey of cave locations. During the current field survey, carried out 18 - 24 August 2021, the coast was systematically examined at close quarters from an inflatable boat whenever sea conditions were suitable. Cave entrances were photographed and the coordinates recorded by GPS. If sea conditions were safe, snorkelers entered the caves and made notes on the configuration, extent, water depth and light levels, and wherever possible, a sketch was made of the cave layout. Additionally, the study set out to gather detailed biological data from a series of selected caves in order to establish a baseline for condition monitoring of the Annex 1 feature 'submerged or partially submerged sea caves'. Four caves were subject to a detailed assessment by divers. This involved the deployment of one or more fixed relocatable datum lines along the cave system permitting spatial mapping and determination of cave position, extent, depth range and substrate type. Following the physical survey an assessment was made of changes in biological communities along the length of the cave and a series of locations (from one to three per cave) were identified for subsequent collection of biological data from cross sections of the cave passage. The biological surveys were conducted within a 2 m wide band up one wall of the passage at specified distances along the datum line. Where appropriate, the wall was subdivided into biological zones and the depth of the zone boundaries recorded. Within each biological zone, the abundance of each component species was estimated using the MNCR SACFOR scale and notes made on the nature and inclination of the substrate. Video footage was obtained along the length of the cave using the datum line for orientation and detailed footage was obtained of the biota at each of the biological cross sectional survey locations. Additional underwater wide angle and macro digital still images were taken to illustrate the biota at the biological cross sectional survey locations.