2012 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) biological analyses of Marine Scotland Science (MSS) south-west Islay benthic camera survey

The purpose of this benthic survey (cruise 1012S) south-west of the island of Islay was to improve knowledge of the occurrence and distribution of species and habitats of recognised conservation importance, particularly priority marine features (PMFs), because this area is one of the sites of interest to the development of marine renewables. The installation of tidal energy devices off Islay was proposed at the time of this survey. A further aim was to assess the implications of this planned renewable energy development on the features of importance. An underwater video survey were conducted by MSS for MSS on the 18-31st August 2012 to collect detailed biological information on the seabed species and habitat features present. Drop-down video drift tows were undertaken at 40 sites. Analyses on the seabed video and still photographic imagery, commissioned by SNH, were used to describe the nature of the seabed in terms of the physical structure and the species assemblages. MSS used the vessel FRV Scotia for this survey.