2014 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Wester Ross MPA benthic camera survey (August)

The main aim of this benthic habitat survey in the Wester Ross MPA was to improve knowledge of the occurrence and distribution of the species and habitats of recognised conservation importance. The survey was undertaken by SNH and Marine Scotland Science (MSS) on board the MSS vessel MRV Alba na Mara (cruise 1414A) on the 9th to 12th August 2014. A drop-down video survey of benthic habitats was undertaken at 27 sites in the Ullapool Approaches, within the MPA. Analysis of seabed video and still photographic imagery is 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. This survey was part of a two week research cruise undertaking work in the MPAs Wester Ross, Fetlar to Haroldswick, Mousa to Boddam and Noss Head collecting drop-down video footage, grab samples and sandeel dredge tows.

本次西罗斯海洋保护区（MPA）底栖生境调查的主要目的是提升对已知具有保护意义的物种及其生境的分布与出现情况的认知。该调查由苏格兰自然遗产保护局（SNH）和苏格兰海洋科学（MSS）于2014年8月9日至12日，在MSS船只阿尔巴·纳·马拉号（MRV Alba na Mara，巡航编号1414A）上实施。在保护区内的乌尔波尔普罗克斯附近27个地点进行了底栖生境的下降式视频调查。通过分析海底视频和静态摄影图像，以物理结构和物种群聚为依据，描述海底的性质。对运行轨迹及其段落进行了评估，以确定受保护特征和其他PMFs的存在，以及已知具有保护意义的物种和生境的存在。此次调查是为期两周的研究巡航的一部分，该巡航在西罗斯、费瑟尔至哈罗德威克、穆萨至博达姆以及诺斯海德等海洋保护区开展工作，收集下降式视频、抓取样本和鳎鱼拖网拖捞作业。