928a0bafb4235b748473b10b516923e9 English series English Nature +44 (0)1476 584821 The Maltings david.hodgson@english-nature.org.uk http://www.english-nature.org.uk pointOfContact 2008-03-18 MEDIN Discovery Metadata Standard Version 2.3.5 urn:ogc:def:crs:EPSG::27700 OGP 2007, Marine Ecological Surveys Limited, Recoverability of Sabellaria Spinulosa Following Aggregate Extraction, Aggregate Levy Sustainability Fund MAL0027 2007-04-01 publication 2006-01-01 creation 20397 Sabellaria spinulosa aggregations have long been a subject of discussion between regulators and marine developers in the UK. The habitat created by these sand grain structures have been widely reported as supporting a unique and diverse fauna that would not otherwise be found on the seabed (UKBAP, 2007). Aggregate dredging and trawling are known to cause physical damage to this habitat although prior to this study there was no information on the longevity and therefore significance of these impacts. There has been some dispute between those who have reported that S.spinulosa aggregations could take many years to recover (UKBAP, 2007) and those who have reported it to exhibit high recoverability (Jackson & Hiscock, 2006). These disputes and discussions have arisen from the paucity of research into this species and its life history traits. Comparatively extensive research has been carried out on Sabellaria alveolata, an intertidal relative of S.spinulosa and there are many instances in the literature where the differences between the two species is blurred (Vorberg, 2000). This has further complicated the situation with assumptions being made on the basis of these two species having the same or closely mirrored life history traits. The main objective of this investigation was to provide sound scientific information on the recoverability or colonisation potential of Sabellaria spinulosa following aggregate extraction, whilst clarifying some of the life history traits of this animal. In addition to this a detailed investigation into the biodiversity associated with the aggregations was carried out. The quality and physical properties of the aggregations were recorded in order to further our understanding of the environmental conditions most likely to be conducive to colonisation. Hastings Shingle Bank was chosen as the research study site after a number of S.spinulosa aggregations were identified within and adjacent to the active aggregate extraction area. In particular, aggregations had been identified within an area where dredging activities had ceased for less than a year. A comprehensive biological survey was undertaken at the site based on a blocked sampling grid shown opposite. Blocks were positioned in four of the Sabellaria spinulosa aggregations identified in the area as well as in the adjacent substrata and actively dredged part of the licence area. This design facilitated direct comparisons between the different aggregations and the dredged area as well as between each aggregation and the substrata immediately adjacent to them. The Crown Estate +44 020 7851 5000 16 New Burlington Place London W1S 2HX United Kingdom enquiries@thecrownestate.co.uk http://www.thecrownestate.co.uk custodian Marine Ecological Surveys Ltd +44 (0)1225 442211 +44 (0)1225 444411 3 Palace Yard Mews Bath BA1 2NH United Kingdom marine@seasurvey.co.uk http://www.seasurvey.co.uk/ originator notPlanned Government Funded biota BODC parameter semantic model matrices 2017-09-08 revision 21 Research The Crown Estate Renewable Energy Development Phases 2012-05-15 revision 1 Research and Development Activity The Crown Estate Renewable Energy Development Areas 2012-05-15 revision 1 Suspended particulate material aggregates SeaDataNet Parameter Discovery Vocabulary 2017-09-06 revision 103 Fauna abundance per unit area of the bed SeaDataNet Parameter Discovery Vocabulary 2017-09-06 revision 103 Marine Environmental Data and Information Network Marine Environmental Data and Information Network no conditions apply 1 eng biota environment geoscientificInformation oceans -7.5572338114 -7.55719702927 49.7672598192 49.7672631874 2006-09-01 2007-04-27 Presentation type: digital representation of a primarily textual item (can contain illustrations also) Spatial representation type: 001 Supply media: 001 Origin: Marine Ecological Surveys Ltd. http://www.marinedataexchange.co.uk/search?q=#fq=fq%3DProject%253Amde4malsf418 download https://www.marinedataexchange.co.uk/details/1590/summary A link to the web service or dataset. https://www.marinedataexchange.co.uk A link to the general host site. dataset Funding Partners NATURAL ENGLAND under the Marine Aggregate Levy Sustainability Fund (MALSF), THE CROWN ESTATE, MARINE ECOLOGICAL SURVEYS LIMITED