2013 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) biological analyses of Marine Scotland (MS) Shiant East Bank benthic camera and infaunal grab survey

The purpose of this benthic survey (cruise 1213A) at Shiant East Bank in the Minch 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 video survey was conducted by SNH and Marine Scotland Science (MSS) for MS on the 21-24th September 2013 to collect detailed biological information on the seabed species and habitat features present. Drop-down video drift tows were undertaken at 36 sites within the Shiant East Bank area, that at the time of sampling was a Marine Protected Area (pMPA) search location, and grab sampling was undertaken in 14 locations. Analyses on the seabed video and still images, undertaken by Dr Colin Moore commissioned by SNH, were used to describe the nature of the seabed in terms of the physical structure and the species assemblages. Infaunal analysis of the grab samples was undertaken by Precision Marine Survey Limited. SNH used the vessel FRV Alba na Mara for this survey.