The Devon Avon Estuary Intertidal Rock and Sediment Verification Survey

In order to meet conservation objectives under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, the Devon Avon rMCZ is being considered for inclusion in a network of marine protected areas (MPAs) within UK waters. Prior to the current survey, the Site Assessment Document (SAD) was largely based on ‘best available evidence’ drawn from historical data, stakeholder knowledge and modelled habitat maps. The key purpose of the current survey is to provide direct evidence of the presence and extent of the BSH and Habitats of Conservation Importance (HOCI) and the presence and distribution of Species of Conservation Importance (SOCI).