Broadscale habitat (EUNIS level3) for the Mid St Geroge's Channel recommended Marine Conservation Zone (rMCZ)

Feature class depicting broadscale habitat features at the Mid St GeorgeÔÇÖs Channel rMCZ. The map is a result of an integrated analysis of newly acquired and previously available acoustic data together with ground-truthing data collected by a dedicated survey of the sitein 2013. Habitat classes observed at each ground-truthing station were used to inform a semi-automated process of map production using object-based image analysis (OBIA). The map shows the seabed at the site to be characterised largely by ÔÇÿA5.1 Subtidal coarse sedimentÔÇÖ and ÔÇÿA5.4 Subtidal mixed sedimentsÔÇÖ, which are mapped together as a complex due to difficulty in separating the two from the underlying acoustic data. Smaller patches of ÔÇÿA5.2 Subtidal sandÔÇÖ and ÔÇÿA4.2 Moderate energy circalittoral rockÔÇÖ are also found within the site. A new habitat map for the Mid St Georges Channel Marine recommended Marine Conservation Zone (rMCZ) was produced by analysing and interpreting newly acquired and previously available acoustic data together with ground-truthing data collected by a dedicated survey of the site. Full coverage multibeam echosounder (MBES) data covering 70% of the Mid St GeorgeÔÇÖs Channel rMCZ was collected in 2012 by Osiris Projects. An additional block of full coverage MBES data was collected by RV Cefas Endeavour on CEND05/13, adding a further 5% area coverage of the site. The remaining 25% of the rMCZ has partial coverage (31%) MBES data collected under the Mid Irish Sea Project. More detail on the acoustic data used, and references to the aquisitieon reports can be found in the Mid St Georges Channel Marine rMCZ Post-Survey Site Report (Defra Contract Reference: MB0129; Report Number 29) Ground-truth sampling for the site was planned using a standard MCZ ground-truthing sampling grid, applied to different habitat types identified from the processed bathymetry and backscatter layers. Station positions were then modified to target features of interest, in particular suspected reef features. The survey was carried out between 1-6th May 2013 on the RV CEFAS Endeavour cruise CEND0513. Ground truth samples were collected from 130 stations. Benthic grab samples were recovered at 115 stations, video transects at 71stations and short (2 minute) deployments of the drop camera were carried out at a further 49 grab stations. Station metadata are presented in Appendix 1 of the Mid St GeorgeÔÇÖs Channel rMCZ Post-Survey Site Report (Defra Contract Reference: MB0129; Report Number 29) and further detail on ground-truth sample collection can be found in the Site Report and the Mid St GeorgeÔÇÖs Channel rMCZ Survey Report. The new habitat map was produced via a combination of object-based image analysis (OBIA) of the acoustic data, implemented in the software package eCognition┬« v8.7.2, and expert judgement aided by statistical analysis, linking the ground truth observations to the acoustic and topographic properties. Full methodology for production of the broadscale habitat layer, with appropriate references for methods used, can be found in the Mid St GeorgeÔÇÖs Channel rMCZ Post-Survey Site Report.