2012 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) biological analyses of Marine Scotland (MS) Lochs Alsh, Duich, Creran and Fyne benthic camera survey

The aim of the survey work was to validate historical PMF records of Limaria, Modiolus and maerl beds within search areas located in Loch Alsh, Loch Fyne and Loch Creran, and to obtain an understanding of the distribution of burrowed and deep mud PMF habitats and component species in Loch Duich. An indication of the probable extent and condition of the features was also sought. The main approach to achieve these aims was by use of diving and remote video and grab sampling techniques. The following PMFs were surveyed at the locations and times (Table 1) provided below: • Loch Alsh - Modiolus and Limaria beds • Loch Duich - burrowed mud, deep mud, Pachycerianthus and, in the approaches, Limaria • Otter Spit, Loch Fyne - Limaria and maerl beds • Furnace area, Loch Fyne - Limaria and Modiolus beds • Loch Creran - Limaria beds