2014 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) South Arran MPA benthic camera and dive survey

The purpose of this benthic survey around South Arran was to collate the evidence base for the Marine Protected Area (MPA) and to establish a baseline against which to assess the effectiveness of any new management measures. An underwater video and a dive survey were conducted between the 15th and 26th September 2015 to collect detailed biological information on three of the MPAs protected features: 'maerl beds', 'kelp and seaweed communities on sublittoral sediment' and 'seagrass beds'. MNCR phase ll style dive surveys were conducted at 6 sites within the South Arran MPA and drop-down video tows were undertaken along 177 transects within 6 search areas of the MPA. SNH used SEPAs survey vessel Kelpie to undertake both surveys.