2014 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) biological analyses of Marine Scotland Science (MSS) Armadale (Sutherland) benthic camera survey

The main aim of this investigation off Armadale, Sutherland coast 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 63 sites from the 16th to 30th May 2014 on board the research vessel Scotia (cruise 0614S). 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.