2015 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) North Rona sea caves site condition monitoring survey

The purpose of this survey of North Rona SAC sea caves, undertaken on the 18th August 2015, was to initiate site condition monitoring (SCM). The objectives of SCM were to establish a baseline biological data set that would facilitate the assessment of the condition of habitats in the future and to allow a judgement to be formed on the current condition of these habitats in the light of existing SAC management measures. At 4 selected sea caves, detailed biological and physical surveys were conducted; the topography was mapped and the biotopes surveyed by MNCR phase 2 methodology at relocatable points along the cave system. Two other sea cave surveys were conducted as part of the same research cruise at St. Kilda SAC and Loch Eriboll.