2012 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) biological analyses of Marine Scotland (MS) Fetlar to Haroldswick benthic MPA search feature survey

The purpose of this benthic survey within the Fetlar to Haroldswick MPA propasal (at time of survey) was to determine the wider distribution and validate the continued presence, extent, and status of specified proposed protected features maerl beds, horse mussel beds, and shallow tide-swept coarse sands with burrowing bivalves within the MPA proposal and to inform future site management. An underwater video survey was conducted by SNH, Heriot-Watt University (HWU) and MS for MS on the 27th-5th September 2012 to collect detailed biological information on the seabed species and habitat features present. Drop-down video drift tows were undertaken at 69 sites, grab sampling was undertaken in 19 locations and in situ diver surveys (MNCR phase 2 style) were undertaken at 5 sites (three horse mussel beds and two maerl beds were investigated). Analyses on the seabed video and still images and infaunal samples by Heriot-Watt University, commissioned by SNH, were used to describe the nature of the seabed in terms of the physical structure and the species assemblages. The survey vessel Moder Dy, owned by NAFC, was used from 27th-31st Aug to undertake drop-down video and grab survey work and a second vessel MZ Halton was used from 1st-5th September to undertake diving work.