2012 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Loch Sunart benthic camera survey

The purpose of this benthic survey (cruise Pole Star 1/12) in Loch Sunart was to improve knowledge of the occurrence and distribution of species and habitats of recognised conservation importance, particularly priority marine features (PMFs), because this area is of interest to the development of marine renewables. An underwater video survey were conducted by CEFAS for SNH on the 30-31st August 2012 to collect detailed biological information on the seabed species and habitat features present. Drop-down video drift tows were undertaken at 29 sites. Analyses on the seabed video and still photographic imagery, commissioned by SNH, were used to describe the nature of the seabed in terms of the physical structure and the species assemblages. CEFAS used the vessel NLV Pole Star for this survey.