During the summer of 2000, a comprehensive biotope mapping survey of the shores was commissioned by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) with the objective of producing broad scale biotope maps of the intertidal habitats. These would be used to inform SNH's development of conservation objectives and the future management of the site. The survey was carried out at a Phase I level of detail (Hiscock 1996; Wyn et al. 2000) using the current national Marine Biotope Classification (Connor et al. 1997a, b.). A shoreline length of approximately 73 km and an area of 14.7 km2 were mapped during this project. The 53 biotopes recorded were combined into 33 biotope groups for presentation on the maps which included an overview of the shore biology as well as maps showing the distribution of biotopes around the island.
Additional information sources:
Howson, C (2000) Intertidal survey of Sanday cSAC and SPA. SNH Commissioned Report No: F00PA26
White, W.H., Foster-Smith, R.L. & Sotheran, I.S. (2000). Broad Scale Survey and Mapping of Seabed Biota: Sanday Kelp Beds. SNH Commissioned Report F99PA06
