Loch Roag, Lewis: lifeforms map area 4

This evaluation of the RoxAnn system as a tool for mapping the distribution of kelp biotopes has been undertaken as part of the BioMar Project which is funded by the European Community through the LIFE Programme. The central aim of the present project was to evaluate of the RoxAnn system as a tool for mapping the distribution of kelp on the north west coast of the Isle of Lewis. If the RoxAnn system could map the distribution of kelp biotopes, it could prove to be a valuable tool for gathering resource data to assist management decisions — for instance assessing kelp harvesting proposals. The BioMar team carried out the field work for this study from August 27 to September 2, 1994. Five areas were studied on the NW coast of Lewis, Western Isles: four areas within East Loch Roag and the open coast from East Loch Roag to Bragar. Biological data were collected for 59 remote video samples, and the change in kelp density with depth measured at ten sites using SCUBA diving.