2013 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) biological analyses of Marine Scotland Science (MSS) Carn Skerries benthic still camera survey

The purpose of this benthic survey (cruise 1213A) at Carn Skerries in the Ullapool approaches was to improve knowledge of the occurrence and distribution of species and habitats of recognised conservation importance, particuarly proposed protected features (PPFs) and other priority marine features (PMFs). An underwater photography survey was conducted by MSS for MSS on the 14th September 2013 to collect biological information on the seabed species and habitat features present. Still photographs were taken along transects at 16 sites within the Carn Skerries area, that at the time of sampling was being proposed as a location for a possible Marine Protected Area (pMPA). Video was not taken on this survey. Analyses on the seabed still images, commissioned by SNH, were used to describe the nature of the seabed in terms of the physical structure and the species assemblages. SNH used the vessel FRV Alba na Mara for this survey.