2017 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Wester Ross benthic camera survey

The primary aim of this benthic survey in Wester Ross, run by SNH and Marine Scotland Science (MSS) for SNH on the 14th - 15th May 2017 using MSS vessel MRV Alba na Mara (cruise 0717A), was to refine knowledge of MPA protected feature distribution using quantitative drop-down camera. Dropdown video drifts were undertaken at 35 stations. 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; in particular maerl bed and flameshell bed. Runs traversing a sequence of habitats were split into corresponding segments. Species present were, as far as possible, identified and quantified using the semi-quantitative MNCR SACFOR scale and biotopes were allocated based on the physical and biological attributes.