Scottish Natural Heritage Loch Moidart and Shiel Woods (LMSW) SAC Site Condition Monitoring
The principle purpose of this project is to carry out site condition monitoring (SCM) of the intertidal sediment flats of Loch Moidart and Shiel Woods SAC site. SCM was inaugurated at this SSSI site in 2003, providing a baseline for future SCM surveys. The study approach taken aims to enable re-surveying of 16 relocatable stations along 5 transects that are representative of the biological and environmental diversity of the sediment flats in the SAC in order to 1) establish a baseline biological dataset to facilitate future assessment; 2) identify any deterioration in the condition of the mudflat feature; and 3) to form a judgement on its current condition.
series
GB-SCT-SNH-CMEU-SCM-LMSW
eng
urn:ogc:def:crs:EPSG::4326
biota
imageryBaseMapsEarthCover
biota
revision
2008-01-06
creation
2011-02-16
creation
2011-07-06
revision
2009-11-16
creation
2006-08-31
creation
2017-05-12
-5.8156
-5.7476
56.7968
56.7773
creation
2009-06-18
Minches & Western Scotland
creation
2009-05-01
42E4
2003-08-28
2022-11-29
publication
2004-10-11
notPlanned
Data collection for the SCM work takes place at a series of relocatable stations along transects that reflect the biological and environmental diversity of the intertidal sediment flats in the SAC. The 5 transects (MA to ME), which include a total of 16 sample stations, are laid out perpendicular to the shore and to low water channels at the seaward end. Each station lies within a perceived habitat zone identified from the physical appearance and biological surface features. The positions of both stations and zone boundaries are recorded. The physicochemical characteristics of the stations are assessed by measurement of sediment particle size, depth of the anaerobic layer and by noting the physical appearance of the sediment. The biotic composition is assessed by analysis of sediment cores, by digging over 1m2 for the presence of the larger species, and by estimation of the abundance of casts and other conspicuous surface signs of the presence of the larger infauna. Replicate photo quadrats are also taken at each station and video footage taken of both the stations and of the transect. At each station, a record of any surfical biota is made by photographing five replicate randomly placed 0.25 m2 quadrats and noting incidental visual records.In addition, approximately 1 m2 of sediment is dug-over using a spade, to a depth of about 30 cm to check for the presence of conspicuous infauna and estimates of their density made using the SACFOR scale. Smaller infauna is similarly recorded but sampled by sieving, using a 1 mm mesh, an area of sediment of c. 250 cm2.
publication
2011-02-02
true
See the referenced specification
publication
2018-01-23
true
See the referenced specification
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/
no restrictions to public access
Data Manager
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), Headquaters
Great Glen House, Leachkin Road
Inverness
IV3 8NW
01463 725000
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
2022-11-29