The primary aim of this benthic survey in the Sound of Barra, run by SNH and Marine Scotland Science (MSS) for SNH on the 11th - 12th May 2017 using MSS vessel MRV Alba na Mara (cruise 0717A), was to further establish and refine the distribution of biotopes including Annex 1 habitats within and out with the SAC boundary using quantitative drop-down camera and grab sampling. Dropdown video drifts were undertaken at 30 stations, largely along the eastern fringe of the Sound. Through the analysis of seabed video, the images were used to describe the nature of the seabed in terms of the physical structure and the species assemblages. Runs and run segments were assessed for the presence of protected features and other PMFs, as well as for the presence of species and habitats of recognised conservation importance. Runs traversing a sequence of habitats were split into corresponding segments. Species present were, as far as possible, identified and quantified using the semi-quantitative MNCR SACFOR scale and biotopes were allocated based on the physical and biological attributes. Grab sampling was also undertaken on this survey at 107 sites. This data is yet to be analysed and reported.
