2017 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Rattray Head benthic camera survey

The primary aim of this contingency benthic survey off Rattray Head (Aberdeenshire), run by JNCC and Marine Scotland Science (MSS) for SNH on the 7th and 8th November 2017 using the vessel MRV Scotia (cruise 1517s), was to improve knowledge of the distribution of biotopes within the proposed Southern Trench MPA. Quantitative drop-down camera sampling, undertaken at 17 stations, was used to collect this data. 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.