Emu Limited was commissioned by Natural England to carry out an acoustic and ecological survey of the subtidal zone (areas below the Mean Low Water mark) within the Solent Maritime Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The remit of the survey was to produce data and maps characterising the overall subtidal seabed surface topography, surface sediment composition and the main subtidal biotopes which fall within the Solent Maritime SAC's designated boundaries using rapid field assessment techniques with the minimal environmental impact.