Broadscale habitat (EUNIS level3) for the Offshore Brighton recommended Marine Conservation Zone (rMCZ)

Broadscale habitat (EUNIS level 3) for Offshore Brighton recommended Marine Conservation Zone (rMCZ). Seabed texture polygons mapped using expert interpretation of acoustic data (MBES bathymetry and backscatter) and groundtruthing data from PSA analysis and image (stills and video) classification. Using data collected during cruise CEND0812 on the RV Cefas Endeavour (29/04/12 to 14/06/12) and previous surveys. A new habitat map for the site was produced by analysing and interpreting the available acoustic data and the ground truth data collected by the dedicated survey of the Offshore Brighton rMCZ, in addition to existing modelled bathymetry (Astrium,2011). The process involves geological review and expert judgement to interpret the sediment textures present. To map substrata type across the rMCZ, we assessemed the sea bed and generated line work based on MBES, backscatter and derivatives (rugosity, slope) in conjunction with ground truth information (PSA, video and stills) in order to assign BSH classsifications. For further information, refer to the Offshore Brighton rMCZ Post-survey Site Report (Dove and Green, 2015).