Updated habitat map resulting from an integrated analysis of the dedicated 2013 survey data for Bristow to Stones rMCZ.

Broadscale habitat (EUNIS level 3) for the Dover to Deal 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).

The purpose of this section of the project is to utilise the provided multibeam bathymetry and backscatter mosaic, processed sidescan sonar data layers and seabed substrate layers for integration and interpretation with other datasets to ultimately deliver seabed habitat data layers. JNCC required Fugro EMU to map the Annex 1 Reef habitat where possible and, where sufficient data exist, Annex 1 Reef subtypes. JNCC also require that a seabed habitat map is created to as detailed a hierarchical level as possible within EUNIS, where data are sufficient to enable this. The project report (14/J/3/02/2570/1626) details the methods used in analysing the data providedwith a specified level of confidence. The following deliverables were produced with the report: ÔÇó Derived data layers from MBES (hillshade, slope and rugosity) ÔÇó Seabed substrate data layer ÔÇó Seabed habitat data layers (including Annex 1 reef and reef subtypes and EUNIS) ÔÇó MEDIN metadata (xls/xml) All data have been referenced to the WGS84 datum.

A broadscale habitat layer was produced by analysising and interpreting the acoustic and ground truth data collected at Needles rMCZ. Particle size data for the sediment samples were used to assign each sample to one of the four sediment classes, namely coarse sediment, sand, mud and mixed sediment. The assignments were used to inform the semi-automated process of map production using object-based image analysis (OBIA). Statistical modelling was combined with the OBIA image analysis to aid production of the final broadscale habitat map.

Broadscale habitat (EUNIS level 3) for Runswick Bay recommended Marine Conservation Zone (rMCZ) BSH

A broadscale habitat layer was produced by analysising and interpreting the acoustic and ground truth data collected by Gardline onboard the MV Tridens onboard 29th February and 31st March 2012and RV Cefas Endeavour between 11th and 12th July 2012 . PSA data were used to assign each sample a EUNIS class which then informed theexpert visual interpretation process of map production. Updated version of earlier broadscale habitat feature class NWJB_20140912_BSH_DRAFT, with all polygons less than 200 sqm in area merged to neigbouring polygon with the longest shared border. Bathymetry and backscatter data collected by Gardline onboard the MV Tridens onboard 29th February and 31st March 2012 were used in conjunction with ground thruth samples to produce a Broadscale habitat map of North West of Jones Bank. Ground thruth samples were collected on both Gardline and Cefas survey cruises from 50 stations. Benthic grabs were taken at 44 stations. An underwater camera system was deployed at 17 stations to collect video and still information. Sediment samples were collected with a grab system consisting of a 0.1 m2 mini Hamon grab and Day Grab. On recovery, the grab was emptied into a large plastic bin and a representative subsample of sediment (approx. 0.5 litres) taken for particle size analysis (PSA). The remaining sample was photographed, then sieved over a 1 mm mesh to collect the benthic macrofauna. Camera deployments lasted a minimum of 10 minutes, with the vessel using its dynamic positioning capability to move along the planned transect at c. 0.5 knots (c. 0.25 ms-1) across a 100 m ÔÇÿbullringÔÇÖ centred on the sampling station. Still photographic images were captured at one minute intervals and opportunistically if features of interest were observed. Video and photographic still images were processed by Envision Mapping Ltd in accordance with the guidance documents developed by Cefas and the JNCC for the acquisition and processing of video and still data (Coggan and Howell, 2005). Particle size analysis (PSA) was carried out by Cefas following standard laboratory practice, and results were checked by Cefas specialist staff following the recommendations of the National Marine Biological Analytical Quality Control (NMBAQC) scheme (Mason, 2011). Setup and operation followed the MESH ÔÇÿRecommended Operating Guidelines (ROG) for underwater video and photographic imaging techniquesÔÇÖ (Cogganet al., 2007).

Updated habitat map resulting from an integrated analysis of the dedicated 2012 survey data (CEND3/12b) for South East of Falmouth rMCZ. A new habitat map for the site was produced by analysing and interpreting the available acoustic data and the groundtruth data collected by the dedicated survey of this site. The process is a combination of two approaches, auto-classification (image analysis) and expert interpretation, as described below. The routine for auto-classification is flexible and dependent on site-specific data, allowing for application of a bespoke routine to maximise the acoustic data available. ArcGIS was used to perform an initial unsupervised classification on the supplied backscatter image. The single band backscatter mosaic was filtered and smoothed prior to the application of an Iso cluster/maximum likelihood classification routine. For further information, refer to the South-East Falmouth rMCZ Post-survey Site Report vs. 8 (Green, S. & Cooper, R., 2015).

Updated habitat map resulting from an intergrated analysis of the EGS 2012 acoustic data and the Cefas Survey of 2012 (Fulmar rMCZ groundtruthing survey onboard the RV Cefas Endeavour between 6 and 10 May 2012, Cruise ID: CEND 8/12). Sediment types at each ground-truthing station were used to inform a semi-automated process of map production using object-based image analysis (OBIA). The Majority of the seabed was classified as "A5.3 Subtidal mud" with smaller areas of "A5.4 Subtidal mixed sediments"

Updated habitat map resulting from an integrated analysis of the dedicated 2012 survey (CEND8/12a) data for Markham's Triangle rMCZ. Map created via unsupervised classification and expert interpretation. A new habitat map for the site was produced by analysing and interpreting the available acoustic data and the groundtruth data collected by the dedicated survey of this site. The process is a combination of two approaches, auto-classification (image analysis) and expert interpretation, as described below. The routine for auto-classification is flexible and dependent on site-specific data, allowing for application of a bespoke routine to maximise the acoustic data available. ArcGIS was used to perform an initial unsupervised classification on the supplied backscatter image. The single band backscatter mosaic was filtered and smoothed prior to the application of an Iso cluster/maximum likelihood classification routine. For further information, refer to: Green, S. & Cooper, R. (2013), MarkhamÔÇÖs Triangle rMCZ Post-survey Site Report.

Broadscale habitat (EUNIS level 3) for Western Channel recommended Marine Conservation Zone (rMCZ), based on acoustic data and 58 PSA samples collected during the survey on board research vessel Cefas Endeavour, cruise ID CEND0312, between 20/02/2012 and 25/02/2012.