Multibeam bathymetry in the framework of a paleoceanographic study in order to analyze the variability of the North Atlantic deep circulation through the study of sedimentary records in the Charlie-Gibbs fracture zone.

For the mapping of the canyon features a database with over 1500 km of 2D multi- and single-channel seismic lines, with different degrees of resolution (from a few metres to metric) together with high-resolution multi-beam bathymetry has been analysed and interpreted. Multi-channel seismic records were downloaded from the Archivo Técnico de Hidrocarburos (https:// geoportal.minetur.gob.es/ATHv2/welcome.do). Single-channel records were mostly obtained with airgun systems (140 to 530 c.i.) and are included in the database from the Instituto de Ciencias del Mar, ICM-CSIC, http://www.icm.csic.es/geo/gma/SurveyMaps. Several multi-beam bathymetry datasets obtained with Simrad EM12 and Atlas HYDROSWEEP DS multibeam echosounders were also compiled and integrated for the present study from the MARCONI, CONTOURIBER, MOWER and BARACA projects, the Fishing General Secretary (Spanish Government) and the EMODnet bathymetry. These data were gridded to a resolution of 200, 100 and 50 m.

Mapping of the recent and subrecent faults in the Alboran Sea based on multibeam bathymery and seismic records. They are related to NNE-SSW broad band of deformation due to the convergence between Iberia and African plates. The mapping of the faults has been done based on a high resolution multibeam bathymetry (grid cell 50 m and 100) and multi- and single-channel seismic records from low to very high resolution.

A geotechnical survey campaign was undertaken within the vicinity of the Westermost Rough Offshore Wind Farm. This was supported by a preliminary review of acoustic data and assessment for the presence of Annex I reefs to minimise the risk of potential damage to protected features. Following the review of existing data, a drop down video survey protocol was developed (EMU, 2011) and approved by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO). Part of this protocol identified that a number of proposed geotechnical sampling sites were likely to be in the vicinity of potential Annex I reefs and therefore warranted field ground-truthing by means of drop down video to verify the presence and status of these features. The video ground-truthing survey has now been completed. Drawing upon the findings of this survey, the 2012 EMU report present within this series provides an update of the assessment of the potential Annex I reefs present at the proposed geotechnical sample locations and fulfils condition 3.1.1 of the Marine Licence (Licence L/2011/001075). The aim of the 2013 Fugro EMU document also present within this series was to satisfy Marine Licence condition 31.22 and to address the responses from the MMO regarding the Annex I reef features (letter ref: REN024, dated 12th April 2013, and 21st June 2013). The objectives were to assess the impacts (direct and indirect) of the construction activities on the potential Annex I features. The objectives of this report were to: 1. Assess the direct impact (loss of habitat) of each of the construction activities; 2. Assess the associated indirect impacts (increase in sediment smothering, and suspended sediment concentrations. 3. Assess the cumulative impacts of all construction activities.

For the mapping of the canyon features a database with over 1500 km of 2D multi- and single-channel seismic lines, with different degrees of resolution (from a few metres to metric) together with high-resolution multi-beam bathymetry has been analysed and interpreted. Multi-channel seismic records were downloaded from the Archivo Técnico de Hidrocarburos (https:// geoportal.minetur.gob.es/ATHv2/welcome.do). Single-channel records were mostly obtained with airgun systems (140 to 530 c.i.) and are included in the database from the Instituto de Ciencias del Mar, ICM-CSIC, http://www.icm.csic.es/geo/gma/SurveyMaps. Several multi-beam bathymetry datasets obtained with Simrad EM12 and Atlas HYDROSWEEP DS multibeam echosounders were also compiled and integrated for the present study from the MARCONI, CONTOURIBER and MOWER projects and the Fishing General Secretary (Spanish Government). These data are gridded to a resolution of 50 m

Classification of the Atlantic Ocean seabed into broad-scale benthic habitats employing a hierarchical top-down clustering approach aimed at informing Marine Spatial Planning. This work was performed at the University of Plymouth in 2021 with data provided by a wide group of partners representing the nations surrounding the Atlantic Ocean. It classifies continuous environmental data into discrete classes that can be compared to observed biogeographical patterns at various scales. It has 3 levels of classification. For ease of use, a layer is provided for each level. Level 1 has 4 classes. Level 2 has 15 classes nested within level 1. Layers indices are 2 digits (1[level1 class index]1[level 2 class index]). Level 3 has 157 classes nested within level 2 and class names have 4 digits (1digit[level1 class index]1[level 2 class index]2[level 3 class index]). Note that the classification was performed for the whole world and thus it has more classes than in the presented layer.

Classification of the seabed in the Atlantic Ocean into broad-scale benthic habitats employing a non-hierarchical top-down clustering approach aimed at informing Marine Spatial Planning. This work was performed at the University of Plymouth in 2021 with data provided by a wide group of partners representing the nations surrounding the Atlantic Ocean. It classifies continuous environmental data into discrete classes that can be compared to observed biogeographical patterns at various scales. It has 3 levels of classification. The numbers in the raster layer correspond to individual classes. Description of these classes is given in McQuaid, K.A. et al. (2023).

This geographic dataset contains geospatial information related to events (sightings and interactions) with orcas along the Iberian coast, reported through the portal https://geoanavnet.hidrografico.pt. For more information, please consult https://arcg.is/1POGT9. This dataset is part of the High-Value Datasets (HVD) identified in accordance with Implementing Regulation No. 2023/138 of Directive (EU) 2019/1024, concerning open data and the re-use of public sector information.

Geological features of seabed habitats extracted from an extant layer of the official cartography of the MPA

The Institute of Estuarine and Coastal Studies (IECS) was commissioned by Forewind Ltd to carry out a Phase 1 biotope survey of the intertidal zone located between the towns of Redcar and Marske-by-the-Sea, Tees estuary, Teesside. This area has been identified as a preferred landfall location for export cables, with the ultimate aim of connecting offshore wind farms off the Teesside coastline to the National Grid. The intertidal survey was completed as part of the development of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) required from Forewind Ltd to continue with the proposal to use this area as a landfall site.