2010 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) biological analyses of Aquatera Noss Head seabed ROV survey
The purpose of this benthic survey off Wick to Noss Head was originally needed to aid in the routing of an electrical cable and the original survey was commissioned by Scottish and Southern Energy Ltd., contracting to Aquatera Ltd and Triscom Marine. SNH analysis of the survey data was for the purpose of delineating a Modiolus bed. The overarching aim was to improve knowledge of the occurrence and distribution of species and habitats of recognised conservation importance, particularly priority marine features (PMFs). An underwater video and was conducted by Triscom Marine for Aquatera Ltd on the 21st and 22nd October 2010 using an ROV to collect detailed biological information on the seabed species and habitat features present. ROV runs were undertaken at 10 sites in the area. The images, analysed under SNH contract by Dr Colin Moore, were used to describe the nature of the seabed in terms of the physical structure and the species assemblages.
dataset
GB-SCT-SNH-ME-000138-MRSNH0180000000C-NH
http://www.nature.scot
eng
urn:ogc:def:crs:EPSG::4326
Moore, C. G. and Roberts, J. M. (2011). An assessment of the conservation importance of species and habitats identified during a series of recent research cruises around Scotland. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No. 446.
biota
biota
revision
2008-01-06
revision
2009-11-16
creation
2011-02-16
creation
2011-07-06
creation
2012-03-16
revision
2005-04-27
creation
2006-08-31
creation
2017-05-12
-3.0687
-2.9862
58.5089
58.4169
creation
2009-06-18
Northern North Sea
creation
2009-05-01
45E6
creation
1954-01-01
North Sea
revision
2010-01-01
circalittoral
revision
2010-01-01
infralittoral
2010-10-21
2010-10-22
publication
2011-12-31
notPlanned
This subtidal seabed data from Noss Head was collected by Triscom Marine on the 21st and 22nd October 2010. Video images were obtained from ROV runs deployed just above the seabed. Full tracking information, including positional, time and depth data are available for the entire video runs. Depth data were overlaid on the video footage. Analyses of the video footage was undertaken by Dr Colin Moore, contracted by SNH, to describe the physical structure and species assemblages present. Based on the physical and biological attributes, biotopes were allocated. Species present were identified and quantified using the semi-quantitative MNCR SACFOR scale, as far as possible. Where video runs traversed a sequence of biotopes, the runs are split into corresponding segments with the transition points recorded using time. Segmentation of runs was not practicable in the case of mosaics of recurring biotopes, in which case all biotopes observed were simply listed. Runs and run segments were assessed for the presence PMFs, as well as for the presence of species and habitats of recognised conservation importance according to a number of additional criteria, including citation on the following lists: the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (lower risk category), the OSPAR List of Threatened and/or Declining Species and Habitats and the Scottish Biodiversity List.
publication
2018-01-23
true
See the referenced specification
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 permissable under Open Government Licence terms. Any re-use of this data will acknowledge the copyright owner.
No restrictions on public access
Consultant
Colin Moore
originator
Data Manager
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), Headquaters
Great Glen House, Leachkin Road
Inverness
IV3 8NW
01463 725000
custodian
Data Manager
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), Headquaters
Great Glen House, Leachkin Road
Inverness
IV3 8NW
01463 725000
pointOfContact
2019-10-25