Sound of Harris — Biotopes

The Sound of Harris is a topographically complex marine area situated between North Uist and Harris in the Outer Hebrides. Very little is known of the marine biota of the area but it is likely to be largely unmodified by anthropogenic influences. An increased knowledge of the marine biotope distribution in the Sound of Harris is desirable in order to assess the potential impacts of any proposed future developments in the area. Specifically, proposals to build access causeways linking Hebridean Islands are increasingly under consideration. Such developments have the potential to radically modify environmental conditions in neighbouring marine habitats. This study utilised satellite imagery, underwater acoustic sensing techniques and biological ground surveys to develop a biotope distribution map of the area and relate this distribution to prevailing environmental conditions.