A combination of drop-down/towed video (DD/TV) and diver surveys were carried out on the subtidal seagrass beds within the Fal and Helford Special Area of Conservation (SAC) between June and September 2015. The DD/TV surveys were carried out by Ecospan Environmental Ltd, and the diver surveys by Natural England. The results and conclusions drawn from both survey methods are reported here together. The principal aim of the surveys was to obtain standardised biological information for the seagrass beds within the SAC, and to compare these data with previous studies for the purpose of condition monitoring of the seagrass sub-feature where possible. These surveys were intended to provide an ecological baseline for assessment of specific attributes to inform the condition from which to assess future change where previous data does not exist.

In order to meet conservation objectives under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, the Taw-Torridge estuary 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).