2014 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) biological analyses of Marine Scotland Science (MSS) Cruden Bay (Aberdeenshire coast) benthic camera survey

The main aim of this investigation at Cruden Bay (Peterhead) was to improve knowledge of the occurrence and distribution of the benthic species and habitats of recognized conservation importance. This site was selected for survey as it is a proposed renewable energy location. A drop-down video survey of benthic habitats was undertaken by MSS at 6 sites from the 16th July 2014 on board the MSS vessel MRV Alba na Mara (cruise 1214A). SNH analysis of this 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.本次在位于彼得黑德（Peterhead）的克鲁登湾（Cruden Bay）开展的调查，主要目标是深化对具有公认保护价值的底栖物种及其生境的分布与发生情况的认知。该站点被选为调查区域，因其为拟建可再生能源场址。2014年7月16日起，MSS依托其科考船MRV Alba na Mara（航次1214A），在6个站点开展了底栖生境下放式视频调查。SNH通过对本次海底视频及静态摄影影像的分析，以物理结构与物种群落为维度，刻画该区域海底的特征。本次调查对各视频航段及其子航段开展评估，核查是否存在保护特征及其他PMFs，同时确认是否存在具有公认保护价值的物种与生境。