2011 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) biological analyses of Marine Scotland (MS) Sound of Sleat, Loch Hourn and Loch Nevis benthic camera survey

The purpose of this benthic survey in the Sound of Sleat and the outer basins of Loch Hourn and Loch Nevis was to improve knowledge of the occurrence and distribution of species and habitats of recognised conservation importance, particularly priority marine features (PMFs). An underwater video and still photograph survey was conducted by SNH for MS on the 15th and 16th June 2011 to collect detailed biological information on the seabed species and habitat features present. Drop-down video drift tows were undertaken at 35 sites in the area. The images, analysed under SNH contract by Dr Colin Moore, were used to describe the nature of the seabed in terms of the physical structure and the species assemblages. SNH used the SEPA vessel SV Sir John Murray for this survey - footage was collected from the Sound of Canna on the same cruise.