Mapping the distribution of benthic biotopes of Loch Maddy. Lifeforms

The study ‘Trialing of AGDS and video sledge monitoring techniques in Loch Maddy’ is part of a larger project ‘Loch Maddy monitoring trials’ which itself contributes to Task 2.1 of the UK marine SACs LIFE project. This aims to establish an appropriate programme of surveillance and monitoring for the Special Areas for Conservation (SAC) and to trial monitoring methodologies and protocols for the features of a site. The Loch Maddy project will assist in the development of best practise for future monitoring and reporting programmes for other marine SACs in the UK and Europe. The first phase (1998-9) concentrates on testing variability within methodologies and the determination of the minimum intensity of sampling necessary to provide adequate data for monitoring. The second phase (1999-2000) will concentrate on repeatability. However the major part of the 1998-9 study, which concentrates on the use of acoustic ground discrimination systems (AGDS) for biotope mapping, will make use of previous mapping studies undertaken in 1996 and will provide valuable guidance for future studies on repeatability of mapping. Additional information sources: Foster-Smith et al. (2000). 1999 Field survey & summary of the 1998/99 monitoring trials. Unpublished report to SNH SSRG and Submetrix Ltd (2000). 1999 Swath-sounding survey of Loch Maddy cSAC, North Uist using Submetrix System 2000. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report F99PA19.