a7d0d56fc7d04e23b947b16626e564f3
English
dataset
Scottish Natural Heritage, Inverness
Data Manager
data_supply@nature.scot
pointOfContact
2020-03-12
MEDIN Discovery metadata standard
2.3.8
urn:ogc:def:crs:EPSG::4326
2015 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) North Rona sea caves site condition monitoring survey
2018-12-31
publication
GB-SCT-SNH-ME-000293-MRSNH0300000002D-NRONA
http://www.nature.scot
The purpose of this survey of North Rona SAC sea caves, undertaken on the 18th August 2015, was to initiate site condition monitoring (SCM). The objectives of SCM were to establish a baseline biological data set that would facilitate the assessment of the condition of habitats in the future and to allow a judgement to be formed on the current condition of these habitats in the light of existing SAC management measures. At 4 selected sea caves, detailed biological and physical surveys were conducted; the topography was mapped and the biotopes surveyed by MNCR phase 2 methodology at relocatable points along the cave system. Two other sea cave surveys were conducted as part of the same research cruise at St. Kilda SAC and Loch Eriboll.
Natalie Hirst
Heriot-Watt University School of Life Sciences
natmanta@hotmail.com
originator
Scottish Natural Heritage, Inverness
Data Manager
data_supply@nature.scot
custodian
notPlanned
Database
Documents
Geographic Information System
Image
Marine Environmental Data and Information Network
NDGO0005
Habitats and biotopes
Species distribution
GEMET - INSPIRE themes, version 1.0
2008-01-06
revision
Zoobenthos taxonomy-related counts
Zoobenthos taxonomic abundance
Habitat extent
Habitat characterisation
SeaDataNet P021 parameter discovery vocabulary
2009-11-16
revision
Habitats and biotopes
INSPIRE THEMES
2011-02-16
creation
Biodiversity
GEMET
2011-07-06
creation
Protected Areas
MEDIN
2012-02-14
creation
Marine
Gardline
2012-03-16
creation
environment
International Standards Organisation ISO19115 Topic Categories
2005-04-27
revision
Marine Environment Monitoring
Global Change Master Directory Science Keywords V5
2006-08-31
creation
Species Distribution
INSPIRE
2017-05-12
creation
Not for navigational use; This survey recorded no species or biotope occurences that SNH consider as sensititive; 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.
otherRestrictions
No restrictions on public access
500
English
biota
biota
Charting Progress 2 Sea Areas
2009-06-18
creation
Scottish Continental Shelf
ICES Rectangles
2009-05-01
creation
47E4
International Hydrographic Bureau, Limits of Oceans and Seas
1954-01-01
creation
North Atlantic Ocean
SeaDataNet vertical extent keywords
2010-01-01
revision
circalittoral
SeaDataNet vertical extent keywords
2010-01-01
revision
infralittoral
-5.9916
-5.6730
59.0073
59.2272
2015-08-18
2015-08-18
Harries, D.B., Moore, C.G., Porter, J.S., Sanderson, W.G., Ware, F.J. & Kamphausen, L. 2018. The establishment of site condition monitoring of the sea caves of the St Kilda and North Rona Special Areas of Conservation with supplementary data from Loch Eriboll. Scottish Natural Heritage Research Report No. 1044.
Data Archive for Seabed Species and Habitats (DASSH)
Data Manager
01752 633102
01752 633291
Marine Biological Association of the UK,
The Laboratory,
Citadel Hill
Plymouth
PL1 2PB
dassh.enquiries@mba.ac.uk
distributor
dataset
MEDIN data guideline for video surveys of species and benthos.
2018-01-23
publication
See the referenced specification
true
This sea cave data from North Rona was collected by SNH and Heriot-Watt University on the 18th August 2015. Detailed biological data and physical surveys were conducted at 3 cave sites. The intended criteria for selecting specific caves for detailed survey included the requirement that individual caves should represent the broadest available range of cave habitats (i.e. longer, extensive caves with a large depth range). Ideally, sites would also represent a wide range of environmental conditions (i.e. caves from different parts of the coasts, caves of differing exposure levels etc.). However, choice of sites was severely constrained by weather conditions. Where sea conditions were suitable, the coast was systematically examined at close quarters from an inflatable boat. All inlets, alcoves or other potential cave sites were investigated. Cave entrances were photographed and coordinates recorded. Where time and sea conditions allowed, the caves were entered by a snorkeler to gather information on passage length and main biota. The purpose of this exercise was to work towards developing a comprehensive inventory of the caves around North Rona. Monitoring surveys of caves were initiated by conducting a physical survey and deploying a relocatable fixed datum line for precise spatial mapping of biotopes. The physical survey addresses the attribute extent of cave(s). It also provides a means of defining the location of points within the cave from which biological data was recorded and enables those points to be relocated by subsequent monitoring surveys. The position of the marker was fixed by dGPS and several photographs taken of it from different viewpoints, with the position of the camera recorded by dGPS and the bearing to the marker taken with a sight-bearing compass. An approximate plan view sketch was produced of the cave floor with notes on the composition of the substrate. At selected points along the line the cross-sectional shape of the passage was sketched and the cross sectional dimensions (e.g. distance to floor, ceiling and both walls) was estimated in relation to the fixed datum line. An assessment was also made of changes in biological communities along the length of the cave and a series of locations were identified for subsequent collection of biological data from cross sections of the cave passage. Typically, two biological cross section surveys were conducted in each cave at the specified distances along the datum line. The biological surveys were conducted within a 2 m wide band up one wall of the passage. 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. Note: Excessive wave surge necessitated modifications to the methodology at a number of sites. Wherever possible, in-situ species identifications were validated by detailed cross-referencing with the identifications of the voucher specimens and with macro photographs. In-situ abundance records were also validated by detailed cross-referencing with video footage and stills images. Abundance scales were assigned using the MNCR SACFOR scale and biotopes were assigned. Similarly, site descriptions were cross-referenced with video and stills imagery for consistency and validation.