Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report
Contract Reference: MB0120 Report Number: 32 Version 6 September 2015
Project Title: Marine Protected Areas Data and Evidence Co-ordination Programme Report No 32. Title: Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report Defra Project Code: MB0120 Defra Contract Manager: Carole Kelly
Funded by:
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Marine Science and Evidence Unit Marine Directorate Nobel House 17 Smith Square London SW1P 3JR
Authorship
Clare Fitzsimmons Newcastle University [email protected]
Paula Lightfoot Newcastle University [email protected]
Fabrice Stephenson Newcastle University [email protected]
Acknowledgements
We thank Alex Callaway, Jacqueline Eggleton, Stefan Bolam and Robin Law for reviewing earlier drafts of this report.
Disclaimer: The content of this report does not necessarily reflect the views of Defra, nor is Defra liable for the accuracy of information provided, or responsible for any use of the report’s content. Although the data provided in this report have been quality assured, the final products - e.g. habitat maps – may be subject to revision following any further data provision or once they have been used in SNCB advice or assessments. Cefas Document Control
Title: Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report
Submitted to: Marine Protected Areas Survey Co-ordination & Evidence Delivery Date submitted: September 2015 Project Manager: David Limpenny Report compiled by: Clare Fitzsimmons, Paula Lightfoot and Fabrice Stephenson Quality control by: Jacqueline Eggleton, Stefan Bolam, Alex Callaway and Robin Law Approved by & date: Keith Weston (22/09/2015) Version: V6
Version Control History Author Date Comment Version Fitzsimmons, C., 11/11/2014 First draft of report to Cefas 1 Paula Lightfoot, P. & Stephenson, F. Fitzsimmons, C., 09/01/2015 Second draft of report to Cefas 2 Paula Lightfoot, P. & Stephenson, F. Fitzsimmons, C., 04/02/2015 Third draft of report to Cefas 3 Paula Lightfoot, P. & Stephenson, F. Fitzsimmons, C., 11/02/2015 Fourth draft of report to Cefas 4 Paula Lightfoot, P. & Stephenson, F. Callaway, A. and 18/06/2015 Updated following external reviewers’ comments 5 Weston, K. K Weston 22/09/2015 Updated following Defra comments 6
Table of Contents
Table of Contents ...... i List of Tables ...... iii List of Figures ...... iv 1 Executive Summary: Report Card ...... 1 1.1 Features proposed in the SAD for inclusion within the MCZ designation ...... 1 1.2 Features present but not proposed in the SAD for inclusion within the rMCZ designation ...... 2 1.3 Evidence of human activities occurring within the rMCZ ...... 2 2 Introduction ...... 3 2.1 Location of the rMCZ ...... 3 2.2 Rationale for site position and designation ...... 4 2.3 Rationale for prioritising this rMCZ for additional evidence collection ...... 5 2.4 Survey aims and objectives ...... 6 3 Methods ...... 7 3.1 Acoustic data acquisition ...... 7 3.2 Ground truth sample acquisition ...... 7 3.3 Production of the updated habitat map ...... 9 3.4 Quality of the updated map ...... 11 4 Results ...... 12 4.1 Site Assessment Document (SAD) habitat map ...... 12 4.2 Updated habitat map based on new survey data ...... 13 4.3 Quality of the updated habitat map ...... 15 4.4 Broadscale habitats identified ...... 15 4.5 Habitat FOCI identified ...... 16 4.6 Species FOCI identified ...... 17 4.7 Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) ...... 18 4.8 Data limitations and adequacy of the updated habitat map ...... 19 4.9 Observations of human impacts on the seabed ...... 20 5 Conclusions ...... 21 5.1 Presence and extent of broadscale habitats ...... 21 5.2 Presence and extent of habitat FOCI ...... 22 5.3 Presence and distribution of species FOCI ...... 22 5.4 Evidence of human activities impacting the seabed ...... 22 References ...... 23 Data sources ...... 25
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report i Annexes ...... 26 Annex 1. Broadscale habitat features listed in the ENG...... 26 Annex 2. Habitat FOCI listed in the ENG...... 27 Annex 3. Low or limited mobility species FOCI listed in the ENG...... 28 Annex 4. Highly mobile species FOCI listed in the ENG...... 29 Annex 5. Video and stills processing protocol...... 30 Appendices ...... 32 Appendix 1. Survey metadata (2ENC31013_2ENC30414_2ENC30514) ...... 32 Appendix 2. Outputs from acoustic surveys ...... 36 Appendix 3. Evidence of human activities within the rMCZ ...... 38 Appendix 4. Species list ...... 39 Appendix 5. Analyses of sediment samples: classification and composition ...... 47 Appendix 6. BSH/EUNIS Level 3 descriptions derived from video and stills ...... 49 Appendix 7. Example images from survey for broadscale habitats ...... 52 Appendix 8. Example images from survey for habitat FOCI ...... 54
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report ii List of Tables
Table 1. Broadscale habitats for which Runswick Bay rMCZ was proposed for designation...... 5 Table 2. Habitat FOCI for which Runswick Bay rMCZ was proposed for designation...... 5 Table 3. Species FOCI for which Runswick Bay rMCZ was proposed for designation...... 5 Table 4. Broadscale habitats identified in this rMCZ...... 16 Table 5. Habitat FOCI identified in this rMCZ...... 17 Table 6. Species FOCI identified in this rMCZ...... 18
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report iii List of Figures
Figure 1. Location of Runswick Bay rMCZ...... 4 Figure 2. Location of ground truth sampling stations in the Runswick Bay rMCZ...... 8 Figure 3. Habitat map from the Site Assessment Document ...... 12 Figure 4. Updated map of broadscale habitats based on newly acquired survey data...... 14 Figure 5. Overall MESH confidence score for the updated broadscale habitat map...... 15 Figure 6. Habitat FOCI identified...... 17 Figure 7. Distribution of stations where species FOCI ‘Ocean Quahog (Arctica islandica)’ was recorded...... 18
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report iv 1 Executive Summary: Report Card This report details the findings of a dedicated seabed survey at the Runswick Bay recommended Marine Conservation Zone (rMCZ) proposed for designation by the Net Gain Regional Stakeholder Group (Net Gain, 2011). The site is being considered for inclusion in a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in UK waters, designed to meet conservation objectives under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009. Prior to the dedicated survey, the site assessment had been made on the basis of ‘best available evidence’, drawn largely from historical data, modelled habitat maps and stakeholder knowledge of the area. The purpose of the survey was to provide direct evidence of the presence and extent of the broadscale habitats (BSH) and habitat FOCI (Features of Conservation Importance) that had been detailed in the original Site Assessment Document (SAD) (Net Gain, 2011). This Executive Summary is presented in the form of a Report Card comparing the characteristics predicted in the original SAD with the updated habitat map and new sample data that resulted from the survey of the site conducted by MMT UK in February 2013 and by the Environment Agency between September 2013 and May 2014. The comparison covers broadscale habitats, habitat FOCI and species FOCI.
1.1 Features proposed in the SAD for inclusion within the MCZ designation Extent Extent Accordance between according according to Feature type SAD and updated to SAD updated habitat map (2011) habitat map Broadscale habitats (BSH) Presence Extent A3.1 High energy infralittoral rock 10.66 km² 0.00 km² -10.66 km² A3.2 Moderate energy infralittoral 8.59 km² 0.00 km² -8.59 km² rock A4.1 High energy circalittoral rock 0.05 km² 0.00 km2 -0.05 km2 A4.2 Moderate energy circalittoral 19.55 km² 35.04 km² +15.49 km² rock A5.1 Subtidal coarse sediment 13.47 km² 4.21 km² -9.26 km² A5.2 Subtidal sand 6.86 km² 5.56 km² -1.30 km² A5.4 Subtidal mixed sediments 7.80 km² 8.18 km² +0.38 km² No Data* N/A 5.38 km2 N/A N/A Habitat FOCI N/A N/A N/A N/A None proposed Species FOCI 8 records 3 records N/A Ocean Quahog (Arctica islandica) *Due to depth restrictions of the survey vessel, no acoustic data were collected from the intertidal and shallow sublittoral zone of the rMCZ during the 2013 survey, meaning that an area of approx. 5 km2 was not classified on the updated habitat map.
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 1 1.2 Features present but not proposed in the SAD for inclusion within the rMCZ designation Extent Accordance between Extent according to SAD and updated according to updated habitat map SAD (2011) Feature habitat map Presence Extent Broadscale Habitats (BSH) A5.3 Subtidal mud Not reported 9.22 km² +9.22 km² Habitat FOCI 2 2 2 Subtidal Sands and Gravels 20.33 km 9.77 km -10.56 km 2 2 Mud Habitats in Deep Water Not reported 8.84 km +8.84 km Species FOCI None N/A N/A N/A N/A Note: The site was not considered for intertidal features or habitat FOCI. The site was considered for subtidal broadscale habitats only and other features were not put forward for designation (Net Gain, 2011).
1.3 Evidence of human activities occurring within the rMCZ Examination of the multibeam echosounder (MBES) backscatter images revealed no evidence of trawl marks on the sea bed. The site boundaries were aligned with an existing year-round no trawl zone (Net Gain, 2011). There is evidence from the MBES backscatter image and slope derivative of several previously charted wrecks present within the boundaries of the rMCZ (Appendix 3).
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 2 2 Introduction In accordance with the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, the UK is committed to the development and implementation of a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The network will incorporate existing designated sites (e.g., Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas) along with a number of newly designated sites which, within the English territorial waters and offshore waters of England, Wales and Northern Ireland, will be termed Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs). In support of this initiative, four regional projects were set up to select sites that could contribute to this network because they contain one or more features specified in the Ecological Network Guidance (ENG; Natural England and the JNCC, 2010). The regional projects proposed a total of 127 recommended MCZs (rMCZs) and compiled a Site Assessment Document (SAD) for each site. The SAD summarises what evidence was available for the presence and extent of the various habitat, species and geological features specified in the ENG and for which the site was being recommended. Due to the deficiency of survey-derived seabed habitat maps in UK waters, these assessments were necessarily made using ‘best available evidence’, which included historical data, modelled habitat maps and stakeholder knowledge of the areas concerned. It became apparent that the ‘best available evidence’ on features for which some sites had been recommended as MCZs was of variable quality. Consequently, Defra initiated a number of measures aimed at improving the evidence base, one of which took the form of a dedicated survey programme, implemented and co-ordinated by Cefas, to collect and interpret new survey data at selected rMCZ sites. This report provides an interpretation of the survey data collected at the Runswick Bay rMCZ site by MMT UK in February 2013 and by the Environment Agency between 15th September 2013 and 13th May 2014.
2.1 Location of the rMCZ The Runswick Bay rMCZ is located in the North Sea on the Yorkshire coast north of Whitby (Figure 1). The inshore boundary of the rMCZ runs from Sandsend in the south to Staithes in the north, with Runswick Bay at its centre. The site extends approximately 7 km to its seaward boundary, covering a total area of 67.92 km2 and reaching depths of up to 50 m.
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 3
Figure 1. Location of Runswick Bay rMCZ. Bathymetry is from the EMODnet Bathymetry portal (Accessed: November 2014).
2.2 Rationale for site position and designation The Runswick Bay rMCZ was included in the proposed network because of its contribution to Ecological Network Guidance (ENG) criteria on broadscale habitats, and its added ecological importance (Natural England and the JNCC, 2010). The site contains a mosaic of rock and sediment broadscale habitats and is recognised as an important foraging area for seabirds and spawning and nursery areas for fish. The rMCZ boundaries are aligned with a current no-trawl zone, which provides the benthic habitats with a degree of protection, and its features were judged to be in favourable condition (Net Gain, 2011). It is proposed for designation to maintain the condition of seven broadscale habitats and one species FOCI, the long-lived bivalve mollusc ‘Ocean Quahog (Arctica islandica)’. For a detailed site description see section 7.11 of the Net Gain final recommendations report (Net Gain, 2011).
2.2.1 Broadscale habitats proposed for designation Seven broadscale habitats were included in the recommendations for designation at this site (Table 1). See Annex 1 for the full list of broadscale habitat features listed in the ENG.
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 4 Table 1. Broadscale habitats for which Runswick Bay rMCZ was proposed for designation.
EUNIS code & Broadscale Habitat Spatial extent according to the SAD A3.1 High energy infralittoral rock 10.66 km² A3.2 Moderate energy infralittoral rock 8.59 km² A4.1 High energy circalittoral rock 0.05 km² A4.2 Moderate energy circalittoral rock 19.55 km² A5.1 Subtidal coarse sediment 13.47 km² A5.2 Subtidal sand 6.86 km² A5.4 Subtidal mixed sediments 7.80 km²
2.2.2 Habitat FOCI proposed for designation The habitat FOCI ‘Subtidal Sands and Gravels’ was not included in the recommendations for designation of Runswick Bay rMCZ. The site was considered for subtidal broadscale habitats only; no other habitat features were put forward for designation or included in the vulnerability assessment. The full list of habitat FOCI listed in the ENG is presented in Annex 2.
Table 2. Habitat FOCI for which Runswick Bay rMCZ was proposed for designation. Habitat FOCI Spatial extent according to SAD None N/A
2.2.3 Species FOCI proposed for designation The ‘Low or limited mobility species’ FOCI ‘Ocean Quahog (Arctica islandica)’ was included in the recommendations for designation of this rMCZ (Table 3). The full list of species FOCI listed in the ENG is presented in Annexes 3 and 4.
Table 3. Species FOCI for which Runswick Bay rMCZ was proposed for designation. Species FOCI Spatial extent according to SAD Low or limited mobility species FOCI Ocean Quahog (Arctica islandica) 8 records Highly mobile species FOCI None None
2.3 Rationale for prioritising this rMCZ for additional evidence collection Prioritisation of rMCZ sites for further evidence collection was informed by a gap analysis and evidence assessment. The prime objective was to elevate the confidence status for as many rMCZs as feasible to support designation in terms of the amount and quality of evidence for the presence and extent of broadscale habitat features and habitat FOCI and, where possible, species FOCI. The confidence status was originally assessed in the SADs according to Technical Protocol E (Natural England and the JNCC, 2012).
The confidence score for the presence of broadscale habitats for the Runswick Bay rMCZ was Moderate for the four rock broadscale habitats and High for the three sediment broadscale habitats, while the confidence score was Low for the
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 5 extent of all seven BSHs (JNCC and Natural England, 2012). This site was therefore prioritised for additional evidence collection. The confidence score for the presence and extent of the species FOCI ‘Ocean Quahog (Arctica islandica)’ was High.
2.4 Survey aims and objectives Primary Objectives
To collect acoustic and ground truth data to allow the production of an updated map which could be used to inform the presence of broadscale habitats and habitat FOCI, and allow estimates to be made of their spatial extent within the rMCZ. Secondary Objectives
To provide evidence, where possible, of the presence of species FOCI listed within the ENG (Annexes 3 and 4) within the rMCZ.
To report evidence of human activity occurring within the rMCZ found during the course of the survey. It should be emphasised that surveys were not primarily designed to address the secondary objectives under the current programme of work. Whilst the newly collected data will be utilised for the purposes of reporting against the primary objectives of the current programme of work (given above), it is recognised that these data will be valuable for informing the assessment and monitoring of the condition of given habitat features in the future.
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 6 3 Methods
3.1 Acoustic data acquisition Acoustic data acquisition was carried out from 9th to 19th February 2013 from the survey vessel MV Seabeam. Bathymetry and backscatter data were acquired using a Kongsberg EM3002D multibeam echosounder (MBES) system. A Kongsberg Seafloor Information System (SIS) version 3.7.5 (Build 93) was used for online data logging. No towed sonar was deployed. The bathymetric data were collected and processed in accordance with the International Hydrographic Organisation Standards for Hydrographic Surveys - Order 1 (Special Publication 44, Edition 4) (IHO, 2008). Post-survey data processing was performed using a combination of CARIS HIPS version 7.1.1 (SP1, Hot Fix 1) and IVS Fledermaus version 7.3.3c (Build 481 Professional) to produce a backscatter mosaic for export as a geotiff file. The acoustic survey did not cover the entire area of the rMCZ. An area of 5.38 km2 along the shoreward boundary of the rMCZ, consisting mainly of intertidal habitat and a small area of shallow infralittoral habitat, was not surveyed. Due to rough weather conditions during the survey, there are artefacts visible within the backscatter mosaic caused by aeration at the transducer head. However, these do not affect the outcome of the mosaic as all substrata boundaries are still clearly evident therefore the backscatter is deemed to be of good quality. Both bathymetry and backscatter were gridded at 1 m resolution for analysis (see Appendix 2 for images derived from acoustic data). For further information on acoustic data collection and processing, see MMT UK (2013).
3.2 Ground truth sample acquisition The Runswick Bay rMCZ ground truth survey was carried out between 15th September 2013 and 3th May 2014 from the survey vessel Humber Guardian. Ninety-five target sampling stations were identified for the collection of ground truth data within the rMCZ. This selection of stations was deemed to give the best possible representation of the rMCZ area and potential BSHs, based on interpreted MBES bathymetry and backscatter data and UKHO Admiralty charts. A drop camera survey was carried out first, and stations were selected for grab sampling activity if suitable sublittoral sediment was observed in at least 50% of the images collected. Drop video camera equipment was used at all 95 stations to collect video and still images of the seabed, and benthic grabs were then used at 51 stations to collect sediments and infauna (Figure 2 and Appendix 1).
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 7
Figure 2. Location of ground truth sampling stations in the Runswick Bay rMCZ. Bathymetry is from the EMODnet Bathymetry portal (Accessed: November 2014).
The drop camera system was deployed from the stern of the survey vessel Humber Guardian in accordance with the MESH ‘recommended operating guidelines (ROG) for underwater video and photographic imaging techniques’ (Coggan et al., 2007). SES Seabug and SeaSpyder systems were used to collect both video and still images. A 4-point laser scaling device was used to provide a reference scale, except in low visibility conditions, when a rope with scale divisions was used instead. Video files and still images were transmitted to a laptop in the survey cabin, and a video overlay was used to annotate the footage with time, GPS position and station metadata.
Images of the seabed were captured approximately every 10 to 15 metres over a distance of >150 metres. Extra photographs were taken in heterogeneous areas of BSH and when particular habitat/species FOCI were observed. The camera deployment was extended if a BSH habitat boundary was detected, for estimating spatial extent. Video and still images were analysed by Envision Mapping Ltd. following an established protocol developed and used by Cefas and JNCC (Coggan and Howell, 2005; JNCC, in prep.; see Annex 5). A Mini-Hamon grab, with a sampling area of 0.1 m2, was deployed from the stern gantry of the vessel to collect sediment and fauna from the seabed, as described by Ware and Kenny (2011). Sampling positions were recorded using Hydropro data acquisition software. At least three attempts were made at each station to obtain a valid grab sample, aiming for a sample volume of >5L. On recovery, a sub-sample
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 8 of sediment of about 0.5 L was taken for Particle Size Analysis (PSA). The remaining sample was photographed and washed over a 1 mm sieve to collect the benthic macrofauna. Fauna were preserved in buffered 8% formaldehyde for later processing ashore. For further detail on ground truth sample collection see ‘Runswick Bay rMCZ Survey Report’ (Godsell, 2014).
3.3 Production of the updated habitat map All new maps and their derivatives have been based on a WGS84 datum. A new habitat map for the site was produced by analysing and interpreting the acoustic data and ground truth data collected by the dedicated surveys of this site, using an object based image analysis process which is described below. Object based image analysis (OBIA) is a two-step approach consisting of segmentation and classification (Blaschke, 2010), implemented in the software package eCognition® v9.0. The backscatter image (Appendix 2) is segmented into objects (sections of the image with homogeneous backscatter characteristics). For each of these objects, feature values of the primary acoustic data layers (bathymetry and backscatter) and their derivatives were calculated and used, in a K-nearest neighbour model with ground truth data, to predict substrate type. Each stage in the process is numbered and described in detail below.
Stage 1. Data Preparation Prior to analysis, the bathymetry and backscatter data were re-sampled onto a common grid at 1 m resolution. This data preparation results in a spatial grid with a single value for bathymetry (depth) and a single value for backscatter (acoustic reflectance) in each 1 m x 1 m grid cell and it is these data values that are used in the rest of the process.
Stage 2. Derivatives calculated A bathymetric position index (BPI) derivative was calculated from the bathymetry data. BPI indicates where a point sits in relation to its neighbours, aiding the identification of benthic features such as crests and gullies. The value of the BPI indicates the size of the search radius used. BPI layers were created at 10, 25, 50 and 100 cell radii. BPI 50 was deemed the most useful scale for identifying features within Runswick Bay rMCZ, and was used to inform the segmentation process in eCognition®. A slope derivative was also calculated from the bathymetric data; this was used in the nearest neighbour classification of shallow sediments and (in conjunction with the backscatter data) to aid the identification of shipwrecks within the rMCZ (Appendix 3).
Stage 3. Segmentation Segmentation divides the image into meaningful objects, based on their spectral and spatial characteristics. The resulting objects can be characterised by their various features, such as layer values (e.g. mean backscatter, maximum depth), geometry (e.g. size, compactness, direction) and texture.
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 9 The input layers used were the primary acoustic data layers (bathymetry and backscatter strength) and the BPI 50 derivative. ‘Empty’ pixels were removed from the acoustic layers and derivatives using the Assign No Data Values dialogue box in eCognition® to save processing time and to prevent extreme values from influencing the segmentation and classification processes. The ground truth data vector layers were loaded as thematic layers. Segmentation was carried out using the multi-resolution segmentation algorithm in eCognition®. This is an optimisation procedure that starts with an individual pixel and consecutively merges it with neighbouring pixels to form an object. The process continues until a threshold value for a scale parameter determining the variability allowed in the objects is reached. The threshold is determined by the operator. The goal of the segmentation is to create meaningful objects that represent areas of homogeneous values in the map image. The size of the objects is influenced by the scale parameter mentioned above and the heterogeneity of the image. For a fixed value of the scale parameter, a homogeneous area of seabed will have larger objects than a heterogeneous area. Likewise, for a fixed seabed heterogeneity, larger values of the scale parameter produce larger objects than do smaller values. . The segmentation scale used in the process was 33, with a shape value of 0.1 and a compactness value of 0.9. This scale was selected by iteratively evaluating the results of different segmentation scales to find the optimum scale for identifying genuine features, such as small rock outcrops surrounded by sediment, whilst minimising the creation of objects from artefacts in the acoustic data. The segmentation process created 15,953 objects.
Stage 4. Classification Habitat classes were created for the five BSHs for which ground truth data had been captured by the 2013-14 groundtruthing survey. Moderate energy infralittoral rock and high energy infralittoral rock were not included in the classification as they were not recorded during the ground truth survey. As a result, there is a probable overestimation of moderate energy circalittoral rock in the updated habitat map. Infralittoral rock is likely to occur in the inshore area which was not surveyed, and the map could be amended in future if evidence can be collected to support this. Classification was carried out in four steps: 1. Rule-based classification of moderate energy circalittoral rock based on thresholds of mean backscatter and slope for three different depth ranges (>- 33 m, -33 m to -43 m and <-43 m). 2. Nearest neighbour classification of shallow sediments (>-33 m) using the following object features: mean backscatter, standard deviation backscatter, standard deviation bathymetry, maximum pixel value slope and grey level co- occurrence matrix (GLCM) correlation backscatter. 3. Nearest neighbour classification of deep sediments (<-33 m) using the following object features: mean backscatter, standard deviation backscatter, standard deviation bathymetry, GLCM correlation backscatter and GLCM correlation bathymetry.
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 10 4. Rule-based classification of artefacts based on thresholds of size, compactness, direction and ratio of length to width. These objects were then re-classified as the habitat by which they were surrounded, or with which they shared a significant border. Separate classification processes were required for different depth ranges, as increasing depth resulted in reduced backscatter intensity for the same seabed type. This is was evident when comparing the acoustic data with the ground truth data. Classification step 1 eliminated this issue. Samples to train the nearest neighbour classifications were created by selecting objects that overlapped PSA ground truth points. The Feature Space Optimization Tool in eCognition® was used to identify the optimum combination of features for separating the classes using the nearest neighbour classification. The classified objects were merged and the resulting habitat map was exported as a shapefile containing 953 classified polygons.
3.4 Quality of the updated map The technical quality of the updated habitat map was assessed using the MESH ‘Confidence Assessment’ Tool1, originally developed by an international consortium of marine scientists working on the MESH (Mapping European Seabed Habitats) project. This tool considers the provenance of the data used to make a biotope/habitat map, including the techniques and technology used to characterise the physical and biological environment and the expertise of the people who had made the map. Its original purpose was to make an auditable judgement of the confidence that could be placed in a range of existing local biotope maps. These local maps had been developed using different techniques and data inputs and were now to be put together to create a full coverage map for north-west Europe. Where two of the original maps overlapped, the one with the highest MESH confidence score would take precedence in the compiled map. Subsequent to the MESH project, the confidence assessment tool has been applied to provide a benchmark score that reflects the technical quality of newly developed habitat/biotope maps. Both physical and biological survey data are required to achieve the top mark of 100 but, as the current rMCZ exercise requires the mapping of broadscale physical habitats not biotopes, it excludes the need for biological data. The maximum score attainable for a map based only on physical data, such as the one for Runswick Bay rMCZ, is 88. In applying the tool to the current work, none of the weighting options were altered; the tool was applied in its standard form, as downloaded from the internet.
1 http://www.emodnet-seabedhabitats.eu/confidence/confidenceAssessment.html [Accessed 26/10/2014]
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 11 4 Results
4.1 Site Assessment Document (SAD) habitat map The SAD habitat map (Figure 3) was produced using modelled data from the UKSeaMap (McBreen, 2010). For further details see Net Gain (2011).
Figure 3. Habitat map from the Site Assessment Document
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 12 4.2 Updated habitat map based on new survey data The updated habitat map resulting from an integrated analysis of the 2013-14 dedicated survey data is presented in Figure 4. The list of benthic taxa found in the grab and video images is presented in Appendix 4; a total of 277 infaunal and 61 epifaunal taxa were recorded. The list includes 3 records of Ocean Quahog (Arctica islandica). These are noteworthy, as A. islandica is one of the species FOCI listed in the ENG for which this rMCZ was proposed for designation. A summary of the PSA data derived from the grab samples is given in Appendix 5. Of the 51 stations where a sample was obtained, ‘A5.1 Subtidal coarse sediment’ was recorded at 5 stations, ‘A5.2 Subtidal sand’ at 14 stations, ‘A5.3 Subtidal mud’ at 20 stations and ‘A5.4 Subtidal mixed sediments’ at 12 stations. The data obtained from the analysis of the seabed video and stills are summarised in Appendix 6. Example images taken during the survey of the BSHs and habitat FOCI recorded in the video analysis are given in Appendices 7 and 8, respectively.
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 13
Figure 4. Updated map of broadscale habitats based on newly acquired survey data.
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site report 14 4.3 Quality of the updated habitat map The updated BSH map for Runswick Bay rMCZ attained a score of 84 from the MESH Confidence Assessment Tool (Figure 5), which is good, given that the maximum possible score for a map based solely on physical data is 88.
Figure 5. Overall MESH confidence score for the updated broadscale habitat map.
4.4 Broadscale habitats identified The updated map shows that the site comprises a complex mosaic of broadscale habitats. ‘A4.2 Moderate energy circalittoral rock’ was the most widespread habitat type, occupying just over 50% of the rMCZ site (Figure 4; Table 4). ‘A5.1 Subtidal coarse sediment’ and ‘A5.4 Subtidal mixed sediments’ predominate in the deeper offshore part of the rMCZ, while ‘A5.2 Subtidal sand’ and ‘A5.3 Subtidal mud’ occupy greater proportions of the shallower areas. It is possible that the seabed consists of a veneer of mobile sediment overlying bedrock in the deeper offshore part of the rMCZ. ‘A3.1 High energy infralittoral rock’, ‘A3.2 Moderate energy infralittoral rock’ and ‘A4.1 High energy circalittoral rock’ do not feature in the updated habitat map, as they were not identified from any of the ground truth samples. The EUSeaMap energy layer estimates the entire circalittoral area of the rMCZ to be moderate energy (EUSeaMap, 2012). It is likely that infralittoral rock occurs within the rMCZ, because the bathymetry and backscatter data show evidence of hard substrate at depths as shallow as 4-5 metres below Chart Datum along the shoreward fringe of the area covered by the acoustic survey. It is likely that these rock features
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 15 continue into even shallower water towards the shoreward extent of the rMCZ which was not covered by the acoustic survey. Although the ground truth survey collected 246 still images of rock, the majority of these images were taken at depths >10 metres below Chart Datum, and all images were classified as ‘A4.2 Moderate energy circalittoral rock’ following analysis of the biological communities present in the images. The updated BSH map should be revised if evidence of infralittoral rock is collected in future. Table 4. Broadscale habitats identified in this rMCZ. Broadscale Habitat Type Spatial extent Spatial extent according to (EUNIS Level 3) according to the SAD the updated habitat map A3.1 High energy infralittoral rock 10.66 km² 0.00 km2 A3.2 Moderate energy infralittoral rock 8.59 km² 0.00 km2 A4.1 High energy circalittoral rock 0.05 km² 0.00 km2 A4.2 Moderate energy circalittoral rock 19.55 km² 35.04 km2 A5.1 Subtidal coarse sediment 13.47 km² 4.21 km2 A5.2 Subtidal sand 6.86 km² 5.56 km2 A5.3 Subtidal mud 0.00 km2 9.22 km2 A5.4 Subtidal mixed sediments 7.80 km² 8.18 km2 No Data - 5.38 km2
4.5 Habitat FOCI identified The SAD map predicts that approximately 30% of the rMCZ area is covered by the habitat FOCI ‘Subtidal Sands and Gravels’, consisting of 13.47 km2 of ‘A5.1 Subtidal coarse sediment’ and 6.86 km2 of ‘A5.2 Subtidal sand’. The updated habitat map includes 9.77 km2 of the habitat FOCI ‘Subtidal Sands and Gravels’, comprising 14% of the total area (Figure 6; Table 5). The SAD map does not include the broadscale habitat ‘A5.3 Subtidal Mud’, but the 2013-14 dedicated survey identified 20 grab samples and 84 still images as ‘A5.3 Subtidal Mud’. The updated habitat map includes 9.22 km2 of ‘A5.3 Subtidal Mud’, of which 8.84 km2 is deeper than 20 m and, following guidance provided in JNCC (2014), was classed as the habitat FOCI ‘Mud Habitats in Deep Water.
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 16
Figure 6. Habitat FOCI identified.
Table 5. Habitat FOCI identified in this rMCZ. Spatial extent according Spatial extent according to the updated habitat Habitat FOCI to the SAD map Subtidal Sands and Gravels 20.33 km2 9.77 km2 Mud Habitats in Deep Water 0.00 km2 8.84 km2
4.6 Species FOCI identified The species FOCI ‘Ocean Quahog (Arctica islandica)’ was recorded at three stations during the 2013-14 surveys of Runswick Bay rMCZ (Figure 7; Table 6).
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 17
Figure 7. Distribution of stations where species FOCI ‘Ocean Quahog (Arctica islandica)’ was recorded.
Table 6. Species FOCI identified in this rMCZ. Previously recorded Identified during evidence Species FOCI within rMCZ gathering survey Ocean Quahog (Arctica islandica) 8 records 3 records
4.7 Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC)
4.7.1 Acoustic data The bathymetric data utilised for production of the updated habitat map were collected and processed in accordance with the International Hydrographic Office Standards for Hydrographic Surveys-Order 1 (Special Publication 44, Edition 5) (IHO, 2008). The accompanying MBES backscatter data were reviewed by specialist Cefas staff to ensure these data were suitable for use in the subsequent interpretations and production of the updated habitat map.
4.7.2 Particle Size Analysis (PSA) of sediments PSA was carried out by the Environment Agency following standard laboratory practice and the results checked by specialist Cefas staff following the recommendations of the National Marine Biological Analytical Quality Control (NMBAQC) scheme (Mason, 2011). Results of the PSA are shown in Appendix 5.
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 18 4.7.3 Infaunal samples from grabs Infaunal samples were processed by APEM following standard laboratory practices and results checked following the recommendations of the National Marine Biological Analytical Quality Control (NMBAQC) scheme (Worsfold et al., 2010).
4.7.4 Video and still images and analysis Video and photographic stills were processed by Envision Mapping Ltd. in accordance with the guidance documents developed by Cefas and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) for the acquisition and processing of video and stills data (Coggan and Howell, 2005; JNCC, in prep.; summarised in Annex 5).
4.8 Data limitations and adequacy of the updated habitat map The quality of the derived habitat map is assessed to be 84 (MESH assessment tool). A source of potential misclassification of habitats arises from the location of groundtruthing samples in relation to habitat types. Infralittoral rock was not identified in the video and still images collected, although it was predicted to cover 20 km2, almost 30% of the total site area, in the map presented in the SAD (Net Gain, 2011). Infralittoral rock is likely to be present within the rMCZ and the updated habitat map could be revised to include this if evidence is gathered to support it. The ground truth data show the site to be highly heterogeneous on a small scale. Analysis of the video transects shows two or three different broadscale habitats occurring along the same transect tens of metres apart. There are some mismatches between the BSH predicted by the updated habitat map and the ground truth data (Figure 4). It is likely that there is a veneer of mobile sediment overlying circalittoral rock in the offshore part of the rMCZ, and changes in sediment distribution could have occurred between the collection of acoustic data in February 2013 and the collection of ground truth data between September 2013 and May 2014. The survey has provided substantial, robust evidence for the presence of the mapped habitats. However, as it is impractical (and undesirable) to sample the entire area of the site with grabs and video, there is a chance that a BSH or FOCI may exist within the site but has not been recorded, especially if it was limited in extent. The SAD map predicts that the site contains 0.05 km2 of ‘A4.1 High energy circalittoral rock’ (Net Gain, 2011). The dedicated survey of 2013-14 did not provide evidence of this habitat from ground truth samples; 246 still images of rock seabed were analysed, all of which were classified as ‘A4.2 Moderate energy circalittoral rock’. The precise location of the boundaries between the broadscale habitats depicted on the map should be regarded as indicative, not definitive. In nature, such boundaries are rarely abrupt. Instead it is typical for one BSH to grade into another across a transitional boundary. This may have implications when calculating the overall extent of any of the mapped habitats or FOCI.
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 19 4.8.1 Presence of Species FOCI The species FOCI ‘Ocean Quahog (Arctica islandica)’ previously had 8 records in the rMCZ area. The 2013-14 surveys identified three records of the species FOCI ‘Ocean Quahog (Arctica islandica)’.
4.9 Observations of human impacts on the seabed Examination of the MBES backscatter images revealed no evidence of trawl marks on the sea bed. The site boundaries were aligned with an existing year-round no trawl zone (Net Gain, 2011). There is evidence from the MBES backscatter image of several wrecks present within the boundaries of the rMCZ (Appendix 3).
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 20 5 Conclusions
5.1 Presence and extent of broadscale habitats
5.1.1 Presence The 2013-14 dedicated survey has confirmed the presence of the ‘A5.1 Subtidal coarse sediment’, ‘A5.2 Subtidal sand’, ‘A5.4 Subtidal mixed sediments’ and ‘A4.2 Moderate energy circalittoral rock’ BSHs that were included in the recommendations made by the SAD for designating this site as an rMCZ.
The 2013-14 dedicated survey did not confirm the presence of the ‘A3.1 High energy infralittoral rock’, ‘A3.2 Moderate energy infralittoral rock’ or ‘A4.1 High energy circalittoral rock’ BSHs that were included in the recommendations made by the SAD for designating this site as an rMCZ. Infralittoral rock is likely to be present within the rMCZ.
The 2013-14 dedicated survey has confirmed the presence of the ‘A5.3 Subtidal mud’ BSH. This BSH was not included in the recommendations made by the SAD for designating this site as an rMCZ.
5.1.2 Extent The spatial extent of the ‘A3.1 High energy infralittoral rock’ BSH on the updated habitat map is 0.00 km2. This is 10.66 km2 less than its spatial extent in the SAD habitat map.
The spatial extent of the ‘A3.2 Moderate energy infralittoral rock’ BSH on the updated habitat map is 0.00 km2. This is 8.59 km2 less than its spatial extent in the SAD habitat map.
The spatial extent of the ‘A4.1 High energy circalittoral rock’ BSH on the updated habitat map is 0.00 km2. This is 0.05 km2 less than its spatial extent in the SAD habitat map.
The spatial extent of the ‘A4.2 Moderate energy circalittoral rock’ BSH on the updated habitat map is 35.04 km2. This is 15.49 km2 more than its spatial extent in the SAD habitat map.
The spatial extent of the ‘A5.1 Subtidal coarse sediment’ BSH on the updated habitat map is 4.21 km2. This is 9.26 km2 less than its spatial extent in the SAD habitat map.
The spatial extent of the ‘A5.2 Subtidal sand’ BSH on the updated habitat map is 5.56 km2. This is 1.30 km2 less than its spatial extent in the SAD habitat map.
The spatial extent of the ‘A5.3 Subtidal mud’ BSH on the updated habitat map is 9.22 km2. This BSH was not identified in the SAD habitat map.
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 21 The spatial extent of the ‘A5.4 Subtidal mixed sediments’ BSH on the updated habitat map is 8.18 km2. This is 0.38 km2 more than its spatial extent in the SAD habitat map.
5.2 Presence and extent of habitat FOCI
5.2.1 Presence The 2013-14 dedicated survey recorded the habitat FOCI ‘Subtidal Sands and Gravels’ and ‘Mud Habitats in Deep Water’.
5.2.2 Extent and distribution The spatial extent of the habitat FOCI ‘Subtidal Sands and Gravels’ on the updated habitat map is 9.77 km2. This is 10.56 km2 less than its calculated spatial extent in the SAD habitat map.
The spatial extent of the habitat FOCI ‘Mud Habitats in Deep Water’ on the updated habitat map is 8.84 km2. This is 8.84 km2 more than its calculated spatial extent in the SAD habitat map, which did not include this habitat FOCI.
5.3 Presence and distribution of species FOCI
5.3.1 Low or limited mobility species The species FOCI ‘Ocean Quahog (Arctica islandica)’ had previously had eight records in the rMCZ area. The 2013-14 surveys identified three records of the species FOCI ‘Ocean Quahog (Arctica islandica)’.
5.3.2 Highly mobile species FOCI No highly mobile species FOCI were recorded at this site by the 2013-14 dedicated survey. This is consistent with the evidence presented in the SAD.
5.4 Evidence of human activities impacting the seabed There is no evidence from the MBES bathymetry or backscatter images of any human activity, other than the presence of previously charted wrecks (Appendix 3).
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 22 References
Blaschke, T. (2010). Object based image analysis for remote sensing. ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing 65, 2-16. Coggan, R., Mitchell, A., White, J. and Golding, N. (2007). Recommended operating guidelines (ROG) for underwater video and photographic imaging techniques. www.searchmesh.net/PDF/GMHM3_video_ROG.pdf [Accessed 26/10/2014] Coggan, R. and Howell, K. (2005). Draft SOP for the collection and analysis of video and still images for groundtruthing an acoustic basemap. Video survey SOP version 5. 10 pp. EUSeaMap (2012). Predicted habitats - North Sea and Celtic Sea including Biological Zone information, July 2012 updated version. http://www.emodnet.eu/seabed-habitats [Accessed 03/11/2014] Godsell, N. (2014). Runswick Bay rMCZ Survey Report. Peterborough. 150 pp. JNCC (in prep.). Video/Stills Camera Standard Operating Procedure for Survey and Analysis: for groundtruthing and classifying an acoustic basemap, and development of new biotopes within the UK Marine Habitat Classification. JNCC Video and Stills Processing SOP v2. 6 pp. JNCC (2011) UK Biodiversity Action Plan; Priority Habitat Descriptions. BRIG (ed. Ant Maddock) 2008. (Updated 2011) http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/PDF/UKBAP_PriorityHabitatDesc-Rev2011.pdf [Accessed 10/11/2014] JNCC and Natural England (2012). Marine Conservation Zone Project: JNCC and Natural England's advice to Defra on recommended Marine Conservation Zones. Peterborough and Sheffield. 1455 pp. JNCC (2014). JNCC clarifications on the definitions of two habitat Features of Conservation Importance: mud habitats in deep water and sea-pen and burrowing megafauna. Peterborough, UK. 14pp. IHO (2008). International Hydrographic Office Standards for Hydrographic Surveys, 5th Edition, February 2008. Special Publication No. 44 http://www.iho.int/iho_pubs/standard/S-44_5E.pdf [Accessed 26/10/2014]. Mason, C. (2011). NMBAQC’s Best Practice Guidance Particle Size Analysis (PSA) for Supporting Biological Analysis. McBreen, F. (2010). UKSeaMap 2010 EUNIS model Version 3.0. UKSeaMap 2010: Predictive seabed habitat map (v5). JNCC. MMT UK (2013). Cefas report no. RNSB#07#A#02-13_CruiseReport. Oxford. 84 pp. Natural England and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (2010). The Marine Conservation Zone Project: Ecological Network Guidance. Sheffield and Peterborough, UK.
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 23 Natural England and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (2012). SNCB MCZ Advice Project-Assessing the scientific confidence in the presence and extent of features in recommended Marine Conservation Zones (Technical Protocol E) Net Gain (2011). Final Recommendations Submission to Natural England and JNCC, Version 1.1. 880 pp. Ware, S.J. and Kenny, A.J. (2011). Guidelines for the Conduct of Benthic Studies at Marine Aggregate Extraction Sites (2nd Edition). Marine Aggregate Levy Sustainability Fund. 80 pp. Worsfold, T.M., Hall, D.J. and O’Reilly, M. (2010). Guidelines for processing marine macrobenthic invertebrate samples: a processing requirements protocol version 1 (June 2010). Unicomarine Report NMBAQCMbPRP to the NMBAQC Committee. 33 pp. http://www.nmbaqcs.org/media/9732/nmbaqc%20- %20inv%20-%20prp%20-%20v1.0%20june2010.pdf [Accessed 26/10/2014]
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 24 Data sources
All enquiries in relation to this report should be addressed to the following e-mail address: [email protected]
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 25 Annexes
Annex 1. Broadscale habitat features listed in the ENG. Broadscale Habitat Type EUNIS Level 3 Code High energy intertidal rock A1.1 Moderate energy intertidal rock A1.2 Low energy intertidal rock A1.3 Intertidal coarse sediment A2.1 Intertidal sand and muddy sand A2.2 Intertidal mud A2.3 Intertidal mixed sediments A2.4 Coastal saltmarshes and saline reed beds A2.5 Intertidal sediments dominated by aquatic angiosperms A2.6 Intertidal biogenic reefs A2.7 High energy infralittoral rock* A3.1 Moderate energy infralittoral rock* A3.2 Low energy infralittoral rock* A3.3 High energy circalittoral rock** A4.1 Moderate energy circalittoral rock** A4.2 Low energy circalittoral rock** A4.3 Subtidal coarse sediment A5.1 Subtidal sand A5.2 Subtidal mud A5.3 Subtidal mixed sediments A5.4 Subtidal macrophyte-dominated sediment A5.5 Subtidal biogenic reefs A5.6 Deep-sea bed*** A6 * Infralittoral rock includes habitats of bedrock, boulders and cobble which occur in the shallow subtidal zone and typically support seaweed communities ** Circalittoral rock is characterised by animal dominated communities, rather than seaweed dominated communities *** The deep-sea bed broadscale habitat encompasses several different habitat sub-types, all of which should be protected within the MPA network. The broadscale habitat deep-sea bed habitat is found only in the south-west of the MCZ project area and MCZs identified for this broadscale habitat should seek to protect the variety of sub-types known to occur in the region.
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 26 Annex 2. Habitat FOCI listed in the ENG. Habitat Features of Conservation Importance (FOCI) Blue Mussel Beds (including Intertidal Beds on Mixed and Sandy Sediments)** Cold-Water Coral Reefs *** Coral Gardens*** Deep-Sea Sponge Aggregations*** Estuarine Rocky Habitats File Shell Beds*** Fragile Sponge and Anthozoan Communities on Subtidal Rocky Habitats Intertidal Underboulder Communities Littoral Chalk Communities Maerl Beds Horse Mussel (Modiolus modiolus) Beds Mud Habitats in Deep Water Sea-Pen and Burrowing Megafauna Communities Native Oyster (Ostrea edulis) Beds Peat and Clay Exposures Honeycomb Worm (Sabellaria alveolata) Reefs Ross Worm (Sabellaria spinulosa) Reefs Seagrass Beds Sheltered Muddy Gravels Subtidal Chalk Subtidal Sands and Gravels**** Tide-Swept Channels * Habitat FOCI have been identified from the ‘OSPAR List of Threatened and/or Declining Species and Habitats’ and the ‘UK List of Priority Species and Habitats (UK BAP)’. ** Only includes ‘natural’ beds on a variety of sediment types. Excludes artificially created mussel beds and those which occur on rocks and boulders. *** Cold-Water Coral Reefs, Coral Gardens, Deep-Sea Sponge Aggregations and File Shell Beds currently do not have distributional data which demonstrate their presence within the MCZ project area. **** Subtidal Sands and Gravels are considered to be adequately protected by its component habitat features subtidal sand and/or subtidal coarse sediment, and is no longer included within MCZ designations.
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 27 Annex 3. Low or limited mobility species FOCI listed in the ENG. Group Scientific name Common Name Brown Algae Padina pavonica Peacock’s Tail Red Algae Cruoria cruoriaeformis Burgundy Maerl Paint Weed Grateloupia montagnei Grateloup’s Little-Lobed Weed Lithothamnion corallioides Coral Maerl Phymatolithon calcareum Common Maerl Annelida Alkmaria romijni** Tentacled Lagoon-Worm** Armandia cirrhosa** Lagoon Sandworm** Teleostei Gobius cobitis Giant Goby Gobius couchi Couch’s Goby Hippocampus guttulatus Long Snouted Seahorse Hippocampus hippocampus Short Snouted Seahorse Bryozoa Victorella pavida Trembling Sea Mat Cnidaria Amphianthus dohrnii Sea-Fan Anemone Eunicella verrucosa Pink Sea-Fan Haliclystus auricula*** Stalked Jellyfish*** Leptopsammia pruvoti Sunset Cup Coral Lucernariopsis campanulata Stalked Jellyfish Lucernariopsis cruxmelitensis Stalked Jellyfish Nematostella vectensis Starlet Sea Anemone Crustacea Gammarus insensibilis** Lagoon Sand Shrimp** Gitanopsis bispinosa Amphipod Shrimp Pollicipes pollicipes Gooseneck Barnacle Palinurus elephas Spiny Lobster Mollusca Arctica islandica Ocean Quahog Atrina pectinata Fan Mussel Caecum armoricum** Defolin’s Lagoon Snail** Ostrea edulis Native Oyster Paludinella littorina**** Sea Snail**** Tenellia adspersa** Lagoon Sea Slug** * Species FOCI have been identified from the ‘OSPAR List of Threatened and/or Declining Species and Habitats’, the ‘UK List of Priority Species and Habitats (UK BAP)’ and Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act. ** Those lagoonal species FOCI may be afforded sufficient protection through coastal lagoons designated as SACs under the EC Habitats Directive. However, this needs to be assessed by individual regional projects. *** The stalked jellyfish Haliclystus auricula is now referred to as Haliclystus species for the purpose of MCZ protection to account for potential presence of Haliclystus octoradiatus that has not been consistently differentiated within scientific records. The species are therefore considered jointly as an MCZ feature. **** The sea snail (Paludinella littorina) has been removed from Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act. This means that it is no longer a Feature of Conservation Importance (FOCI) so has been removed as a feature for MCZ designation.
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 28 Annex 4. Highly mobile species FOCI listed in the ENG. Group Scientific name Common Name Teleostei Osmerus eperlanus Smelt Anguilla anguilla European Eel** Elasmobranchii Raja undulata Undulate Ray * Species FOCI have been identified from the ‘OSPAR List of Threatened and/or Declining Species and Habitats’, the ‘UK List of Priority Species and Habitats (UK BAP)’ and Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act. ** MCZs are no longer considered to be an appropriate tool for the protection of European eels. They have been identified as habitat generalists for which it is particularly difficult to identify unique nursery or foraging grounds due to their wide distribution across coastal and freshwater zones. Conservation and management of European eels is considered to be more effectively achieved through the Eel Regulations and Eel Management Plans.
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 29 Annex 5. Video and stills processing protocol. The purpose of the analysis of the video and still images is to identify which habitats exist in a video record, provide semi-quantitative data on their physical and biological characteristics and to note where one habitat changes to another. A minimum of 10% of the videos should be re-analysed for QA purposes. Video Analysis
The video record is initially viewed rapidly (at approximately 4x normal speed) in order to segment it into sections representing different habitats. The start and end points of each segment are logged, and each segment subsequently subjected to more detailed analysis. Brief changes in habitat type lasting less than one minute of the video record are considered as incidental patches and are not logged.
For each segment, note the start and end time and position from the information on the video overlay. View the segment at normal or slower than normal speed, noting the physical and biological characteristics, such as substrate type, seabed character, species and life forms present. For each taxon record an actual abundance (where feasible) or a semi quantitative abundance (e.g. SACFOR scale).
Record the analyses on the video pro-forma provided (paper and/or electronic), which is a modified version of the Sublittoral Habitat Recording Form used in the Marine Nature Conservation Review (MNCR) surveys.
When each segment has been analysed, review the information recorded and assign the segment to one of the broadscale habitat (BSH) types or habitat FOCI listed in the Ecological Network Guidance (as reproduced in Annexes 1 and 2 above). Note also any species FOCI observed (as per Annex 3 above). Stills analysis
Still images should be analysed separately, to supplement and validate the video analysis, and provide more detailed (i.e. higher resolution) information than can be extracted from a moving video image.
For each segment of video, select three still images that are representative of the BSH or FOCI to which the video segment has been assigned. For each image, note the time and position it was taken, using information from the associated video overlay.
View the image at normal or greater than normal magnification, noting the physical and biological characteristics, such as substrate type, seabed character, species and life forms present. For each taxon record an actual abundance (where feasible) or a semi quantitative abundance (e.g. SACFOR scale).
Record the analysis on the stills pro-forma provided (paper and/or electronic), which is a modified version of the Sublittoral Habitat Recording Form used in the MNCR surveys. Assign each still image to the same BSH or habitat FOCI as its ‘parent’ segment in the video.
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 30 Taxon identification In all analyses, the identification of taxa should be limited to a level that can be confidently achieved from the available image. Hence, taxon identity could range from the ‘life form’ level (e.g. sponge, hydroid, anemone) to the species level (e.g. Asterias rubens, Alcyonium digitatum). Avoid the temptation to guess the species identity if it cannot be determined positively from the image. For example, Spirobranchus sp. would be acceptable, but Spirobranchus triqueter would not, as the specific identification normally requires the specimen to be inspected under a microscope.
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 31 Appendices
Appendix 1. Survey metadata (2ENC31013_2ENC30414_2ENC30514)
Stn. Stn. Latitude Longitude Latitude Longitude Date Cruise No. Code Gear (SOL) (SOL) (EOL) (EOL) 07/10/2013 2ENC31013 1 RNSB095 DC 54.56282 -0.77481 54.56437 -0.77480 07/10/2013 2ENC31013 2 RNSB075 DC 54.56229 -0.76591 54.56388 -0.76889 07/10/2013 2ENC31013 4 RNSB027 DC 54.57886 -0.73586 54.58050 -0.73820 07/10/2013 2ENC31013 5 RNSB013 DC 54.58002 -0.72474 54.58223 -0.72616 07/10/2013 2ENC31013 6 RNSB005 DC 54.55870 -0.69701 54.56024 -0.69792 07/10/2013 2ENC31013 7 RNSB026 DC 54.56131 -0.70750 54.56261 -0.70724 07/10/2013 2ENC31013 8 RNSB009 DC 54.56800 -0.71201 54.56937 -0.71088 07/10/2013 2ENC31013 10 RNSB008 DC 54.56659 -0.73473 54.56732 -0.73324 07/10/2013 2ENC31013 10 RNSB008 DC 54.56732 -0.73324 54.56765 -0.73255 07/10/2013 2ENC31013 11 RNSB037 DC 54.57488 -0.69823 54.57562 -0.69540 07/10/2013 2ENC31013 12 RNSB014 DC 54.58176 -0.70385 54.58215 -0.70164 07/10/2013 2ENC31013 13 RNSB028 DC 54.58310 -0.71648 54.58355 -0.71435 07/10/2013 2ENC31013 14 RNSB017 DC 54.59373 -0.72475 54.59352 -0.72436 07/10/2013 2ENC31013 14 RNSB017 DC 54.59352 -0.72436 54.59341 -0.72347 07/10/2013 2ENC31013 14 RNSB017 DC 54.59341 -0.72347 54.59317 -0.72134 07/10/2013 2ENC31013 15 RNSB019 DC 54.60300 -0.73206 54.60267 -0.73165 07/10/2013 2ENC31013 15 RNSB019 DC 54.60267 -0.73165 54.60243 -0.73124 07/10/2013 2ENC31013 15 RNSB019 DC 54.60243 -0.73124 54.60224 -0.73018 07/10/2013 2ENC31013 15 RNSB019 DC 54.60224 -0.73018 54.60220 -0.72934 07/10/2013 2ENC31013 15 RNSB019 DC 54.60220 -0.72934 54.60205 -0.72908 08/10/2013 2ENC31013 16 RNSB049 DC 54.59365 -0.78277 54.59516 -0.78343 08/10/2013 2ENC31013 17 RNSB046 DC 54.59482 -0.76757 54.59658 -0.76789 08/10/2013 2ENC31013 18 RNSB018 DC 54.60104 -0.75298 54.60243 -0.75569 08/10/2013 2ENC31013 19 RNSB030 DC 54.59502 -0.75181 54.59658 -0.75456 08/10/2013 2ENC31013 20 RNSB047 DC 54.58682 -0.76150 54.58906 -0.76277 08/10/2013 2ENC31013 21 RNSB052 DC 54.57290 -0.75695 54.57543 -0.75817 08/10/2013 2ENC31013 25 RNSB036 DC 54.57949 -0.67781 54.58131 -0.67815 08/10/2013 2ENC31013 26 RNSB006 DC 54.56001 -0.67158 54.56147 -0.67178 08/10/2013 2ENC31013 27 RNSB007 DC 54.56197 -0.65006 54.56215 -0.64712 08/10/2013 2ENC31013 28 RNSB025 DC 54.55616 -0.65215 54.55568 -0.64829 08/10/2013 2ENC31013 29 RNSB033 DC 54.54824 -0.64464 54.54780 -0.64126 08/10/2013 2ENC31013 30 RNSB001 DC 54.54908 -0.68195 54.54901 -0.68145 08/10/2013 2ENC31013 30 RNSB001 DC 54.54901 -0.68145 54.54854 -0.67887 02/04/2014 2ENC30414 34 RNSB042 DC 54.60441 -0.78284 54.60479 -0.78565 02/04/2014 2ENC30414 35 RNSB020 DC 54.61072 -0.76787 54.61133 -0.77082 02/04/2014 2ENC30414 36 RNSB032 DC 54.59984 -0.76247 54.60037 -0.76606 02/04/2014 2ENC30414 37 RNSB031 DC 54.59479 -0.76022 54.59537 -0.76410 02/04/2014 2ENC30414 38 RNSB029 DC 54.59646 -0.74157 54.59687 -0.74300 02/04/2014 2ENC30414 38 RNSB029 DC 54.59687 -0.74300 54.59747 -0.74554 02/04/2014 2ENC30414 39 RNSB016 DC 54.58759 -0.73756 54.58862 -0.74193
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 32 Stn. Stn. Latitude Longitude Latitude Longitude Date Cruise No. Code Gear (SOL) (SOL) (EOL) (EOL) 02/04/2014 2ENC30414 40 RNSB010 DC 54.57355 -0.68436 54.57532 -0.68955 02/04/2014 2ENC30414 41 RNSB011 DC 54.57363 -0.66407 54.57544 -0.66911 02/04/2014 2ENC30414 42 RNSB024 DC 54.56362 -0.62802 54.56517 -0.63229 02/04/2014 2ENC30414 43 RNSB003 DC 54.55195 -0.63501 54.55331 -0.63917 02/04/2014 2ENC30414 44 RNSB057 DC 54.53823 -0.64725 54.54026 -0.65347 02/04/2014 2ENC30414 45 RNSB002 DC 54.55012 -0.65774 54.55181 -0.66275 02/04/2014 2ENC30414 47 RNSB035 DC 54.57329 -0.72328 54.57344 -0.72410 02/04/2014 2ENC30414 47 RNSB035 DC 54.57344 -0.72410 54.57364 -0.72588 02/04/2014 2ENC30414 48 RNSB034 DC 54.57239 -0.73661 54.57271 -0.74024 02/04/2014 2ENC30414 49 RNSB012 DC 54.57743 -0.74791 54.57735 -0.75059 02/04/2014 2ENC30414 50 RNSB022 DC 54.58215 -0.77616 54.58213 -0.77654 02/04/2014 2ENC30414 50 RNSB022 DC 54.58213 -0.77654 54.58207 -0.77681 02/04/2014 2ENC30414 50 RNSB022 DC 54.58207 -0.77681 54.58150 -0.77797 02/04/2014 2ENC30414 51 RNSB015 DC 54.58298 -0.77992 54.58215 -0.78188 05/04/2014 2ENC30414 54 RNSB054 DC 54.53095 -0.65602 54.53099 -0.65473 05/04/2014 2ENC30414 55 RNSB070 DC 54.53465 -0.66258 54.53555 -0.66220 05/04/2014 2ENC30414 56 RNSB055 DC 54.53723 -0.67167 54.53802 -0.66979 05/04/2014 2ENC30414 57 RNSB053 DC 54.53063 -0.67028 54.53226 -0.67023 05/04/2014 2ENC30414 63 RNSB045 DC 54.59633 -0.78002 54.59907 -0.78128 05/04/2014 2ENC30414 64 RNSB041 DC 54.59478 -0.77617 54.59689 -0.77754 05/04/2014 2ENC30414 64 RNSB041 DC 54.59689 -0.77754 54.59737 -0.77789 05/04/2014 2ENC30414 65 RNSB044 DC 54.59002 -0.77548 54.59171 -0.77653 05/04/2014 2ENC30414 65 RNSB044 DC 54.59171 -0.77653 54.59255 -0.77709 05/04/2014 2ENC30414 66 RNSB039 DC 54.58789 -0.78342 54.59039 -0.78507 05/04/2014 2ENC30414 72 RNSB043 DC 54.58529 -0.77024 54.58668 -0.77024 05/04/2014 2ENC30414 73 RNSB040 DC 54.58691 -0.76791 54.58924 -0.76825 05/04/2014 2ENC30414 74 RNSB048 DC 54.58668 -0.75675 54.58843 -0.75673 05/04/2014 2ENC30414 74 RNSB048 DC 54.58843 -0.75673 54.58954 -0.75665 05/04/2014 2ENC30414 75 RNSB050 DC 54.57385 -0.76569 54.57462 -0.76550 05/04/2014 2ENC30414 75 RNSB050 DC 54.57462 -0.76550 54.57521 -0.76543 05/04/2014 2ENC30414 75 RNSB050 DC 54.57521 -0.76543 54.57616 -0.76526 05/04/2014 2ENC30414 76 RNSB038 DC 54.57287 -0.75040 54.57400 -0.74943 05/04/2014 2ENC30414 76 RNSB038 DC 54.57400 -0.74943 54.57483 -0.74862 05/04/2014 2ENC30414 77 RNSB061 DC 54.56606 -0.75802 54.56768 -0.75657 06/04/2014 2ENC30414 81 RNSB087 DC 54.51991 -0.66905 54.52117 -0.66681 06/04/2014 2ENC30414 82 RNSB086 DC 54.52472 -0.67176 54.52616 -0.66937 06/04/2014 2ENC30414 85 RNSB088 DC 54.53274 -0.69061 54.53467 -0.68889 06/04/2014 2ENC30414 86 RNSB082 DC 54.53576 -0.69354 54.53821 -0.69116 06/04/2014 2ENC30414 92 RNSB071 DC 54.56202 -0.74238 54.56376 -0.73967 06/04/2014 2ENC30414 93 RNSB076 DC 54.55606 -0.75430 54.55676 -0.75417 06/04/2014 2ENC30414 93 RNSB076 DC 54.55676 -0.75417 54.55963 -0.75113 06/04/2014 2ENC30414 95 RNSB089 DC 54.56839 -0.76886 54.57032 -0.76942 11/05/2014 2ENC30514 99 RNSB072 HG 54.58174 -0.78622 n/a n/a 11/05/2014 2ENC30514 100 RNSB022 HG 54.58177 -0.77645 n/a n/a
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 33 Stn. Stn. Latitude Longitude Latitude Longitude Date Cruise No. Code Gear (SOL) (SOL) (EOL) (EOL) 11/05/2014 2ENC30514 102 RNSB051 HG 54.58041 -0.77329 n/a n/a 11/05/2014 2ENC30514 103 RNSB050 HG 54.57460 -0.76550 n/a n/a 11/05/2014 2ENC30514 104 RNSB012 HG 54.57761 -0.74786 n/a n/a 11/05/2014 2ENC30514 105 RNSB061 HG 54.56686 -0.75702 n/a n/a 11/05/2014 2ENC30514 106 RNSB090 HG 54.56284 -0.75393 n/a n/a 11/05/2014 2ENC30514 107 RNSB071 HG 54.56287 -0.74124 n/a n/a 11/05/2014 2ENC30514 108 RNSB060 HG 54.55425 -0.72472 n/a n/a 11/05/2014 2ENC30514 109 RNSB058 HG 54.54843 -0.71987 n/a n/a 11/05/2014 2ENC30514 110 RNSB065 HG 54.54454 -0.72431 n/a n/a 11/05/2014 2ENC30514 111 RNSB066 HG 54.53880 -0.72961 n/a n/a 11/05/2014 2ENC30514 112 RNSB089 HG 54.56994 -0.76877 n/a n/a 11/05/2014 2ENC30514 113 RNSB063 HG 54.57231 -0.76949 n/a n/a 11/05/2014 2ENC30514 114 RNSB078 HG 54.57145 -0.77724 n/a n/a 11/05/2014 2ENC30514 115 RNSB091 HG 54.57274 -0.78439 n/a n/a 12/05/2014 2ENC30514 116 RNSB023 HG 54.58816 -0.78834 n/a n/a 12/05/2014 2ENC30514 117 RNSB039 HG 54.58915 -0.78337 n/a n/a 12/05/2014 2ENC30514 118 RNSB049 HG 54.59493 -0.78344 n/a n/a 12/05/2014 2ENC30514 119 RNSB045 HG 54.59748 -0.78059 n/a n/a 12/05/2014 2ENC30514 120 RNSB042 HG 54.60515 -0.78539 n/a n/a 12/05/2014 2ENC30514 121 RNSB041 HG 54.59648 -0.77722 n/a n/a 12/05/2014 2ENC30514 122 RNSB044 HG 54.59063 -0.77637 n/a n/a 12/05/2014 2ENC30514 123 RNSB043 HG 54.58596 -0.76990 n/a n/a 12/05/2014 2ENC30514 124 RNSB040 HG 54.58747 -0.76837 n/a n/a 12/05/2014 2ENC30514 125 RNSB047 HG 54.58745 -0.76230 n/a n/a 12/05/2014 2ENC30514 126 RNSB048 HG 54.58713 -0.75733 n/a n/a 12/05/2014 2ENC30514 127 RNSB046 HG 54.59555 -0.76708 n/a n/a 12/05/2014 2ENC30514 128 RNSB032 HG 54.60023 -0.76411 n/a n/a 12/05/2014 2ENC30514 129 RNSB017 HG 54.59392 -0.72359 n/a n/a 12/05/2014 2ENC30514 130 RNSB014 HG 54.58210 -0.70188 n/a n/a 12/05/2014 2ENC30514 131 RNSB028 HG 54.58358 -0.71517 n/a n/a 12/05/2014 2ENC30514 132 RNSB013 HG 54.57987 -0.72515 n/a n/a 12/05/2014 2ENC30514 133 RNSB035 HG 54.57281 -0.72456 n/a n/a 12/05/2014 2ENC30514 134 RNSB009 HG 54.56797 -0.71081 n/a n/a 12/05/2014 2ENC30514 135 RNSB027 HG 54.57868 -0.73513 n/a n/a 13/05/2014 2ENC30514 136 RNSB059 HG 54.54711 -0.70196 n/a n/a 13/05/2014 2ENC30514 137 RNSB069 HG 54.54279 -0.68764 n/a n/a 13/05/2014 2ENC30514 138 RNSB067 HG 54.52853 -0.68701 n/a n/a 13/05/2014 2ENC30514 139 RNSB068 HG 54.52945 -0.67953 n/a n/a 13/05/2014 2ENC30514 140 RNSB053 HG 54.53150 -0.67074 n/a n/a 13/05/2014 2ENC30514 141 RNSB055 HG 54.53751 -0.67084 n/a n/a 13/05/2014 2ENC30514 142 RNSB070 HG 54.53499 -0.66246 n/a n/a 13/05/2014 2ENC30514 143 RNSB054 HG 54.53099 -0.65492 n/a n/a 13/05/2014 2ENC30514 144 RNSB057 HG 54.53898 -0.64967 n/a n/a 13/05/2014 2ENC30514 145 RNSB033 HG 54.54771 -0.64130 n/a n/a
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 34 Stn. Stn. Latitude Longitude Latitude Longitude Date Cruise No. Code Gear (SOL) (SOL) (EOL) (EOL) 13/05/2014 2ENC30514 146 RNSB003 HG 54.55222 -0.63717 n/a n/a 13/05/2014 2ENC30514 147 RNSB002 HG 54.55038 -0.65870 n/a n/a 13/05/2014 2ENC30514 148 RNSB006 HG 54.56087 -0.67173 n/a n/a 13/05/2014 2ENC30514 149 RNSB011 HG 54.57353 -0.66241 n/a n/a 13/05/2014 2ENC30514 150 RNSB010 HG 54.57396 -0.68627 n/a n/a Key: HG - Mini Hamon Grab; DC – Drop Camera Equipment;
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 35 Appendix 2. Outputs from acoustic surveys
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 36 Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 37 Appendix 3. Evidence of human activities within the rMCZ
Several previously charted wrecks were detected within the rMCZ from the 2013-14 survey data.
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 38 Appendix 4. Species list Species list for grab samples (Species FOCI indicated by grey shading, if present). Percentage occurrence was calculated as the ‘Number of samples where the species occurs/total number of samples’ x 100.
Taxa % Occurrence FORAMINIFERA Astrorhiza 24 CILIOPHORA Lagotia viridis 10 SPONGES Porifera 2 HYDROIDS, CORALS, JELLYFISH, ANEMONES Edwardsia claparedii 24 Campanulariidae 15 Sertularia 15 Cerianthus lloydii 10 Halecium 10 Hydrallmania falcata 10 Calycella syringa 7 Cnidaria 5 Edwardsiidae 5 Euphysa aurata 5 Alcyonium digitatum 2 Clytia hemisphaerica 2 Diphasia 2 Eudendrium 2 Lovenella clausa 2 Plumularia setacea 2 Tubulariidae 2 FLATWORMS Turbellaria 2 RIBBON WORMS Nemertea 51 Cerebratulus 22 Tubulanus polymorphus 7 NEMATODES Nematoda 27 ENTOPROCTS Loxosomella murmanica 2 Pedicellina 2 PEANUT WORMS Golfingia vulgaris 2 Phascolion strombus 7 SEGMENTED WORMS Lumbrineris cingulata (agg) 73 Scoloplos armiger 56 Glycera alba 39 Polycirrus 39 Amphictene auricoma 37
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 39 Taxa % Occurrence Anobothrus gracilis 37 Levinsenia gracilis 34 Peresiella clymenoides 32 Glycera lapidum (agg) 27 Eunereis longissima 24 Chaetozone setosa 22 Diplocirrus glaucus 22 Magelona filiformis 22 Tharyx killariensis 22 Ampharete lindstroemi 20 Goniada maculata 20 Melinna elisabethae 20 Nephtys 20 Pholoe baltica (sensu Petersen) 20 Lagis koreni 17 Nephtys hombergii 17 Sabellaria spinulosa 17 Ampharete baltica 15 Galathowenia oculata 15 Mediomastus fragilis 15 Owenia fusiformis 15 Paradoneis lyra 15 Chaetozone christiei 12 Eumida bahusiensis 12 Exogone verugera 12 Glycera rouxii 12 Glycinde nordmanni 12 Hydroides norvegicus 12 Magelona johnstoni 12 Nephtys assimilis 12 Nephtys cirrosa 12 Ophelia borealis 12 Phisidia aurea 12 Prionospio cirrifera 12 Lanassa venusta 10 Malmgrenia andreapolis 10 Spiophanes bombyx 10 Apistobranchus tullbergi 7 Chone 7 Drilonereis 7 Heteromastus filiformis 7 Paramphinome jeffreysii 7 Pholoe inornata (sensu Petersen) 7 Pista malmgreni 7 Podarkeopsis capensis 7 Spiophanes kroyeri 7 Amphicteis gunneri 5 Aphrodita aculeata 5 Aphroditidae 5 Aurospio banyulensis 5
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 40 Taxa % Occurrence Grania 5 Laonice bahusiensis 5 Magelona alleni 5 Nephtys caeca 5 Nephtys kersivalensis 5 Pisione remota 5 Pista cristata 5 Serpulidae 5 Sphaerosyllis taylori 5 Trichobranchus roseus 5 Ampharete octocirrata 2 Aonides paucibranchiata 2 Aphelochaeta marioni 2 Chaetozone zetlandica 2 Chone filicaudata 2 Dipolydora coeca (agg) 2 Dodecaceria 2 Eulalia mustela 2 Eulalia viridis 2 Eumida sanguinea (agg) 2 Eusyllis blomstrandi 2 Exogone naidina 2 Glycera unicornis 2 Glyphohesione klatti 2 Lanice conchilega 2 Lysilla loveni 2 Malmgrenia ljungmani 2 Myriochele 2 Neoamphitrite affinis 2 Nereimyra punctata 2 Nereis zonata 2 Ophelina acuminata 2 Orbinia 2 Poecilochaetus serpens 2 Polydora ciliata (agg) 2 Polynoe scolopendrina 2 Psamathe fusca 2 Pseudomystides limbata 2 Pseudopolydora paucibranchiata 2 Pseudopotamilla reniformis 2 Rhodine loveni 2 Scolelepis bonnieri 2 Sphaerosyllis bulbosa 2 Spirobranchus lamarcki 2 Tubificoides amplivasatus 2 SEA SPIDERS Anoplodactylus petiolatus 2 Callipallene 2 CRUSTACEANS Bathyporeia elegans 24
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 41 Taxa % Occurrence Eudorella truncatula 24 Themisto 17 Ampelisca spinipes 15 Harpinia antennaria 15 Diastylis 12 Diastylis bradyi 12 Copepoda 10 Nototropis vedlomensis 10 Photis longicaudata 10 Bathyporeia tenuipes 7 Paguridae 7 Urothoe elegans 7 Ampelisca diadema 5 Ampelisca tenuicornis 5 Ampelisca typica 5 Aoridae (female) 5 Arcturella dilatata 5 Atylus falcatus 5 Callianassa subterranea 5 Diastylis laevis 5 Diastylis lucifera 5 Gammaropsis cornuta 5 Harpinia pectinata 5 Hippomedon denticulatus 5 Maerella tenuimana 5 Perioculodes longimanus 5 Argissa hamatipes 2 Astacilla 2 Bathyporeia guilliamsoniana 2 Bodotria arenosa 2 Bodotria scorpioides 2 Decapoda (zoea) 2 Diastylis rugosa 2 Dyopedos monacantha 2 Ebalia cranchii 2 Eurydice affinis 2 Eurydice truncata 2 Eurynome 2 Hyas araneus 2 Liocarcinus 2 Monocorophium acherusicum 2 Myodocopida 2 Synchelidium maculatum 2 Urothoe marina 2 Verruca stroemia 2 MOLLUSCS Nuculoma tenuis 59 Kurtiella bidentata 49 Nucula nitidosa 41 Dosinia 39
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 42 Taxa % Occurrence Cylichna cylindracea 37 Chaetoderma nitidulum 29 Abra prismatica 24 Thyasira flexuosa 24 Turritella communis 22 Chamelea striatula 17 Leptochiton asellus 17 Phaxas pellucidus 17 Thyasira polygona 17 Euspira nitida 15 Lucinoma borealis 15 Thracia 15 Timoclea ovata 15 Antalis entalis 12 Dosinia lupinus 12 Fabulina fabula 12 Jupiteria minuta 12 Spisula 10 Spisula subtruncata 10 Tellimya ferruginosa 10 Abra alba 7 Arctica islandica 7 Gari fervensis 7 Mya truncata 7 Abra nitida 5 Acteon tornatilis 5 Clausinella fasciata 5 Cochlodesma praetenue 5 Euspira pallida 5 Hiatella arctica 5 Modiolus 5 Moerella pygmaea 5 Nucula nucleus 5 Thracia convexa 5 Anomiidae 2 Aporrhais pespelecani 2 Astartidae 2 Corbula gibba 2 Crenella decussata 2 Cuthona 2 Devonia perrieri 2 Gari tellinella 2 Goodallia triangularis 2 Jujubinus montagui 2 Lutraria 2 Naticidae 2 Nuculidae 2 Odostomia acuta 2 Onoba semicostata 2 Philine 2
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 43 Taxa % Occurrence Retusa umbilicata 2 Thracia villosiuscula 2 Tridonta montagui 2 Tritonia 2 Vitreolina philippi 2 BRYOZOA Eucratea loricata 41 Flustra foliacea 32 Crisia 29 Amphiblestrum auritum 17 Escharella immersa 17 Alcyonidium parasiticum 10 Scrupocellaria scruposa 7 Bugula plumosa 5 Alcyonidioides mytili 2 Alcyonidium diaphanum 2 Bugula purpurocincta 2 Crisidia cornuta 2 Electra pilosa 2 Nolella 2 Schizomavella linearis 2 Scrupocellaria (Type A) 2 HORSESHOE WORMS Phoronis 32 SEA STARS, URCHINS, SEA CUCUMBERS Amphiuridae 61 Amphiura filiformis 56 Leptosynapta bergensis 20 Ophiuridae 20 Echinocyamus pusillus 15 Leptopentacta elongata 15 Ophiura albida 15 Cucumariidae 10 Echinocardium cordatum 10 Ophiura ophiura 7 Spatangoida 5 Amphiura chiajei 2 Echinocardium pennatifidum 2 Pseudothyone raphanus 2 Thyone fusus 2 ACORN WORMS Enteropneusta 29 SEA SQUIRTS Dendrodoa grossularia 7 FISH Pleuronectes platessa 2 Pleuronectiformes 2 ALGAE Cladophora 7 Corallina officinalis 7
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 44 Taxa % Occurrence Plocamium cartilagineum 5 Species list for video samples (Species FOCI indicated by grey shading, if present). Percentage occurrence was calculated as the ‘Number of samples where the species occurs/total number of samples’ x 100.
Taxa % Occurrence HYDROIDS, CORALS, JELLYFISH, ANEMONES Alcyonium digitatum 75 Urticina 37 Thuiaria thuja 15 Tubularia indivisa 15 Sertulariidae 10 Plumulariidae 5 Nemertesia 4 Hydractinia echinata 1 Tubularia 1 SEGMENTED WORMS Spirobranchus 58 Polychaeta 24 Chaetopterus 13 Sabella pavonina 9 Terebellidae 4 Sabellaria spinulosa 1 CRUSTACEANS Munida rugosa 28 Caridea 22 Paguridae 19 Cancer pagurus 15 Brachyura 10 Necora puber 3 Balanidae 1 Balanus 1 Galatheidae 1 Homarus gammarus 1 Pagurus bernhardus 1 MOLLUSCS Buccinidae 23 Turritellidae 19 Gastropoda 9 Calliostoma 6 Buccinum undatum 4 Callionymidae 4 Aporrhais pespelecani 3 Cephalopoda 1 Chiton 1 Eledone cirrhosa 1 Pecten maximus 1 Pectinidae 1 BRYOZOANS Flustra foliacea 61
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 45 Taxa % Occurrence Alcyonidium diaphanum 6 Cellaria 4 Crisiidae 3 Securiflustra 1 SEA STARS, URCHINS, SEA CUCUMBERS Asteroidea 80 Ophiurida 54 Asterias rubens 48 Echinus esculentus 48 Ophiura albida 34 Echinoidea 28 Ophiocomina nigra 8 Crossaster papposus 3 Luidia ciliaris 3 Astropecten irregularis 1 FISH Perciformes 15 Pisces 14 Pleuronectiformes 11 Gadidae 5 Leucoraja naevus 1 Rajiformes 1 Scorpaeniformes 1 Triglidae 1
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 46 Appendix 5. Analyses of sediment samples: classification and composition Stn No. Stn Code Latitude Longitude Sediment Description EUNIS Level 3/BSH Gravel (%) Sand (%) Silt/clay (%) 99 RNSB072 54.58174 -0.78622 mud and sandy mud A5.3 Subtidal Mud 0.04 61.37 38.59 100 RNSB022 54.58177 -0.77645 mud and sandy mud A5.3 Subtidal Mud 3.62 66.88 29.51 102 RNSB051 54.58041 -0.77329 mud and sandy mud A5.3 Subtidal Mud 0.11 57.42 42.46 103 RNSB050 54.57460 -0.76550 mud and sandy mud A5.3 Subtidal Mud 0.06 58.46 41.48 104 RNSB012 54.57761 -0.74786 mixed sediments A5.4 Subtidal Mixed Sediments 34.92 48.37 16.71 105 RNSB061 54.56686 -0.75702 mud and sandy mud A5.3 Subtidal Mud 0.07 77.19 22.73 106 RNSB090 54.56284 -0.75393 mud and sandy mud A5.3 Subtidal Mud 0.11 76.69 23.19 107 RNSB071 54.56287 -0.74124 mud and sandy mud A5.3 Subtidal Mud 0.11 78.91 20.99 108 RNSB060 54.55425 -0.72472 sand and muddy sand A5.2 Subtidal Sand 0.50 94.54 4.97 109 RNSB058 54.54843 -0.71987 sand and muddy sand A5.2 Subtidal Sand 0.06 95.78 4.16 110 RNSB065 54.54454 -0.72431 sand and muddy sand A5.2 Subtidal Sand 0.05 97.68 2.27 111 RNSB066 54.53880 -0.72961 sand and muddy sand A5.2 Subtidal Sand 0.23 96.55 3.21 112 RNSB089 54.56994 -0.76877 sand and muddy sand A5.2 Subtidal Sand 0.16 81.54 18.31 113 RNSB063 54.57231 -0.76949 mud and sandy mud A5.3 Subtidal Mud 0.06 74.66 25.27 114 RNSB078 54.57145 -0.77724 mud and sandy mud A5.3 Subtidal Mud 0.07 74.56 25.37 115 RNSB091 54.57274 -0.78439 mud and sandy mud A5.3 Subtidal Mud 0.04 75.59 24.38 116 RNSB023 54.58816 -0.78834 mud and sandy mud A5.3 Subtidal Mud 0.22 61.25 38.53 117 RNSB039 54.58915 -0.78337 mud and sandy mud A5.3 Subtidal Mud 0.26 55.70 44.04 118 RNSB049 54.59493 -0.78344 sand and muddy sand A5.2 Subtidal Sand 0.33 94.66 5.01 119 RNSB045 54.59748 -0.78059 mud and sandy mud A5.3 Subtidal Mud 0.51 67.32 32.16 120 RNSB042 54.60515 -0.78539 mud and sandy mud A5.3 Subtidal Mud 2.45 61.48 36.07 121 RNSB041 54.59648 -0.77722 mud and sandy mud A5.3 Subtidal Mud 0.62 64.96 34.43 122 RNSB044 54.59063 -0.77637 mud and sandy mud A5.3 Subtidal Mud 0.97 74.00 25.03 123 RNSB043 54.58596 -0.76990 mud and sandy mud A5.3 Subtidal Mud 0.04 68.17 31.79 124 RNSB040 54.58747 -0.76837 mud and sandy mud A5.3 Subtidal Mud 0.27 54.63 45.10 125 RNSB047 54.58745 -0.76230 mixed sediments A5.4 Subtidal Mixed Sediments 5.69 55.32 38.99 126 RNSB048 54.58713 -0.75733 mixed sediments A5.4 Subtidal Mixed Sediments 11.06 51.05 37.90 127 RNSB046 54.59555 -0.76708 mud and sandy mud A5.3 Subtidal Mud 0.29 27.27 72.44 128 RNSB032 54.60023 -0.76411 mixed sediments A5.4 Subtidal Mixed Sediments 25.30 56.02 18.68
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 47 Stn No. Stn Code Latitude Longitude Sediment Description EUNIS Level 3/BSH Gravel (%) Sand (%) Silt/clay (%) 129 RNSB017 54.59392 -0.72359 mixed sediments A5.4 Subtidal Mixed Sediments 37.62 54.19 8.19 130 RNSB014 54.58210 -0.70188 coarse sediment A5.1 Subtidal Coarse sediment 23.05 74.02 2.93 131 RNSB028 54.58358 -0.71517 coarse sediment A5.1 Subtidal Coarse sediment 26.31 71.35 2.34 132 RNSB013 54.57987 -0.72515 mixed sediments A5.4 Subtidal Mixed Sediments 19.90 61.09 19.01 133 RNSB035 54.57281 -0.72456 mixed sediments A5.4 Subtidal Mixed Sediments 52.11 42.93 4.96 134 RNSB009 54.56797 -0.71081 coarse sediment A5.1 Subtidal Coarse sediment 31.66 62.44 5.90 135 RNSB027 54.57868 -0.73513 mixed sediments A5.4 Subtidal Mixed Sediments 47.97 38.75 13.28 136 RNSB059 54.54711 -0.70196 sand and muddy sand A5.2 Subtidal Sand 0.19 99.50 0.30 137 RNSB069 54.54279 -0.68764 sand and muddy sand A5.2 Subtidal Sand 0.20 97.54 2.27 138 RNSB067 54.52853 -0.68701 mud and sandy mud A5.3 Subtidal Mud 0.05 59.71 40.24 139 RNSB068 54.52945 -0.67953 sand and muddy sand A5.2 Subtidal Sand 0.01 99.73 0.26 140 RNSB053 54.53150 -0.67074 sand and muddy sand A5.2 Subtidal Sand 0.71 92.36 6.93 141 RNSB055 54.53751 -0.67084 sand and muddy sand A5.2 Subtidal Sand 0.19 98.60 1.21 142 RNSB070 54.53499 -0.66246 sand and muddy sand A5.2 Subtidal Sand 0.14 97.96 1.90 143 RNSB054 54.53099 -0.65492 sand and muddy sand A5.2 Subtidal Sand 0.20 98.32 1.48 144 RNSB057 54.53898 -0.64967 sand and muddy sand A5.2 Subtidal Sand 0.20 88.37 11.43 145 RNSB033 54.54771 -0.64130 mixed sediments A5.4 Subtidal Mixed Sediments 31.59 44.34 24.07 146 RNSB003 54.55222 -0.63717 mixed sediments A5.4 Subtidal Mixed Sediments 13.63 61.74 24.63 147 RNSB002 54.55038 -0.65870 mixed sediments A5.4 Subtidal Mixed Sediments 22.07 47.99 29.94 148 RNSB006 54.56087 -0.67173 mixed sediments A5.4 Subtidal Mixed Sediments 32.29 47.63 20.08 149 RNSB011 54.57353 -0.66241 coarse sediment A5.1 Subtidal Coarse sediment 43.83 50.73 5.44 150 RNSB010 54.57396 -0.68627 coarse sediment A5.1 Subtidal Coarse sediment 34.11 64.22 1.67
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 48 Appendix 6. BSH/EUNIS Level 3 descriptions derived from video and stills
Station Station Habitat No. code SOL Lat SOL Long EOL Lat EOL Long No. EUNIS Level 3/BSH MNCR code 030 RNSB001 54.54908 -0.68195 54.54885 -0.67981 S1 A5.4 - Subtidal Mixed Sediments SS.SMx.CMx 030 RNSB001 54.54885 -0.67981 54.54854 -0.67887 S2 A4.2 - Moderate Energy Circalittoral Rock CR.MCR.EcCr 045 RNSB002 54.55012 -0.65775 54.55181 -0.66276 S1 A5.1 - Subtidal Coarse Sediment SS.SCS.CCS 043 RNSB003 54.55195 -0.63501 54.55331 -0.63917 S1 A5.1 - Subtidal Coarse Sediment SS.SCS.CCS 006 RNSB005 54.55870 -0.69701 54.56024 -0.69792 S1 A4.2 - Moderate Energy Circalittoral Rock CR.MCR.EcCr 026 RNSB006 54.56001 -0.67158 54.56147 -0.67179 S1 A5.1 - Subtidal Coarse Sediment SS.SCS.CCS 027 RNSB007 54.56197 -0.65006 54.56215 -0.64712 S1 A4.2 - Moderate Energy Circalittoral Rock CR.MCR.EcCr 010 RNSB008 54.56659 -0.73473 54.56705 -0.73180 S1 A5.4 - Subtidal Mixed Sediments SS.SMx.CMx 010 RNSB008 54.56705 -0.73180 54.56765 -0.73255 S2 A4.2 - Moderate Energy Circalittoral Rock CR.MCR.EcCr 008 RNSB009 54.56800 -0.71201 54.56937 -0.71088 S1 A5.4 - Subtidal Mixed Sediments SS.SMx.CMx 040 RNSB010 54.57355 -0.68436 54.57532 -0.68955 S1 A5.1 - Subtidal Coarse Sediment SS.SCS.CCS 041 RNSB011 54.57363 -0.66408 54.57544 -0.66912 S1 A5.1 - Subtidal Coarse Sediment SS.SCS.CCS 049 RNSB012 54.57743 -0.74792 54.57735 -0.75059 S1 A5.4 - Subtidal Mixed Sediments SS.SMx.CMx 005 RNSB013 54.58002 -0.72474 54.58223 -0.72616 S1 A5.4 - Subtidal Mixed Sediments SS.SMx.CMx 012 RNSB014 54.58176 -0.70385 54.58215 -0.70165 S1 A5.4 - Subtidal Mixed Sediments SS.SMx.CMx 051 RNSB015 54.58298 -0.77992 54.58215 -0.78189 S1 A5.4 - Subtidal Mixed Sediments SS.SMx.CMx 039 RNSB016 54.58759 -0.73756 54.58862 -0.74194 S1 A5.4 - Subtidal Mixed Sediments SS.SMx.CMx 014 RNSB017 54.59373 -0.72475 54.59336 -0.72272 S1 A5.4 - Subtidal Mixed Sediments SS.SMx.CMx CR.MCR.EcCr.FaAlCr. 014 RNSB017 54.59336 -0.72272 54.59325 -0.72183 S2 A4.2 - Moderate Energy Circalittoral Rock Flu 014 RNSB017 54.59325 -0.72183 54.59317 -0.72134 S3 A5.4 - Subtidal Mixed Sediments SS.SMx.CMx 018 RNSB018 54.60104 -0.75298 54.60243 -0.75570 S1 A4.2 - Moderate Energy Circalittoral Rock CR.MCR.EcCr 015 RNSB019 54.60300 -0.73206 54.60252 -0.73001 S1 A5.1 - Subtidal Coarse Sediment SS.SCS.CCS 015 RNSB019 54.60252 -0.73001 54.60228 -0.72960 S2 A4.2 - Moderate Energy Circalittoral Rock CR.MCR.EcCr 015 RNSB019 54.60228 -0.72960 54.60209 -0.72853 S3 A5.1 - Subtidal Coarse Sediment SS.SCS.CCS 015 RNSB019 54.60209 -0.72853 54.60205 -0.72770 S4 A4.2 - Moderate Energy Circalittoral Rock CR.MCR.EcCr 015 RNSB019 54.60205 -0.72770 54.60205 -0.72908 S5 A5.1 - Subtidal Coarse Sediment SS.SCS.CCS 035 RNSB020 54.61072 -0.76788 54.61133 -0.77082 S1 A5.1 - Subtidal Coarse Sediment SS.SCS.CCS 050 RNSB022 54.58215 -0.77616 54.58198 -0.77490 S1 A5.4 - Subtidal Mixed Sediments SS.SMx.CMx 050 RNSB022 54.58198 -0.77490 54.58192 -0.77517 S2 A5.3 - Subtidal Mud SS.SMu.CSaMu 050 RNSB022 54.58192 -0.77517 54.58150 -0.77797 S3 A5.4 - Subtidal Mixed Sediments SS.SMx.CMx 042 RNSB024 54.56362 -0.62802 54.56517 -0.63230 S1 A5.1 - Subtidal Coarse Sediment SS.SCS.CCS
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 49 Station Station Habitat No. code SOL Lat SOL Long EOL Lat EOL Long No. EUNIS Level 3/BSH MNCR code 028 RNSB025 54.55616 -0.65215 54.55568 -0.64829 S1 A4.2 - Moderate Energy Circalittoral Rock CR.MCR.EcCr 007 RNSB026 54.56131 -0.70750 54.56261 -0.70725 S1 A5.1 - Subtidal Coarse Sediment SS.SCS.CCS 004 RNSB027 54.57886 -0.73587 54.58050 -0.73820 S1 A5.1 - Subtidal Coarse Sediment SS.SCS.CCS 013 RNSB028 54.58310 -0.71648 54.58355 -0.71436 S1 A5.1 - Subtidal Coarse Sediment SS.SCS.CCS 038 RNSB029 54.59646 -0.74157 54.59672 -0.74136 S1 A5.1 - Subtidal Coarse Sediment SS.SCS.CCS 038 RNSB029 54.59672 -0.74136 54.59747 -0.74554 S2 A4.2 - Moderate Energy Circalittoral Rock CR.MCR.EcCr 019 RNSB030 54.59502 -0.75181 54.59658 -0.75456 S1 A5.1 - Subtidal Coarse Sediment SS.SCS.CCS 037 RNSB031 54.59479 -0.76022 54.59537 -0.76410 S1 A5.1 - Subtidal Coarse Sediment SS.SCS.CCS 036 RNSB032 54.59984 -0.76247 54.60037 -0.76607 S1 A5.4 - Subtidal Mixed sediments SS.SMx.CMx 029 RNSB033 54.54824 -0.64464 54.54780 -0.64126 S1 A5.4 - Subtidal Mixed Sediments SS.SMx.CMx 048 RNSB034 54.57239 -0.73661 54.57271 -0.74024 S1 A5.4 - Subtidal Mixed Sediments SS.SMx.CMx 047 RNSB035 54.57329 -0.72328 54.57329 -0.72246 S1 A4.2 - Moderate Energy Circalittoral Rock CR.MCR.EcCr 047 RNSB035 54.57329 -0.72246 54.57364 -0.72588 S2 A5.4 - Subtidal Mixed Sediments SS.SMx.CMx 025 RNSB036 54.57949 -0.67782 54.58131 -0.67815 S1 A4.2 - Moderate Energy Circalittoral Rock CR.MCR.EcCr 011 RNSB037 54.57488 -0.69823 54.57562 -0.69540 S1 A4.2 - Moderate Energy Circalittoral Rock CR.MCR.EcCr 076 RNSB038 54.57287 -0.75040 54.57385 -0.74779 S1 A5.4 - Subtidal Mixed Sediments SS.SMx.CMx 076 RNSB038 54.57385 -0.74779 54.57483 -0.74862 S2 A4.2 - Moderate Energy Circalittoral Rock CR.MCR.EcCr 066 RNSB039 54.58789 -0.78342 54.59039 -0.78508 S1 A5.4 - Subtidal Mixed Sediments SS.SMx.CMx 073 RNSB040 54.58691 -0.76792 54.58924 -0.76825 S1 A5.4 - Subtidal Mixed Sediments SS.SMx.CMx 064 RNSB041 54.59478 -0.77617 54.59674 -0.77591 S1 A5.4 - Subtidal Mixed Sediments SS.SMx.CMx 064 RNSB041 54.59674 -0.77591 54.59737 -0.77789 S2 A5.1 - Subtidal Coarse Sediment SS.SCS.CCS 034 RNSB042 54.60441 -0.78284 54.60479 -0.78566 S1 A5.1 - Subtidal Coarse Sediment SS.SCS.CCS 072 RNSB043 54.58529 -0.77024 54.58668 -0.77024 S1 A5.4 - Subtidal Mixed Sediments SS.SMx.CMx 065 RNSB044 54.59002 -0.77548 54.59156 -0.77490 S1 A5.1 - Subtidal Coarse Sediment SS.SCS.CCS 065 RNSB044 54.59156 -0.77490 54.59255 -0.77709 S2 A5.4 - Subtidal Mixed Sediments SS.SMx.CMx 063 RNSB045 54.59633 -0.78002 54.59907 -0.78128 S1 A5.1 - Subtidal Coarse Sediment SS.SCS.CCS 017 RNSB046 54.59482 -0.76758 54.59658 -0.76789 S1 A5.4 - Subtidal Mixed Sediments SS.SMx.CMx 020 RNSB047 54.58682 -0.76150 54.58906 -0.76277 S1 A5.4 - Subtidal Mixed Sediments SS.SMx.CMx 074 RNSB048 54.58668 -0.75675 54.58828 -0.75509 S1 A5.3 - Subtidal Mud SS.SMu.CSaMu 074 RNSB048 54.58828 -0.75509 54.58954 -0.75665 S2 A5.4 - Subtidal Mixed Sediments SS.SMx.CMx 016 RNSB049 54.59365 -0.78277 54.59516 -0.78343 S1 A5.1 - Subtidal Coarse Sediment SS.SCS.CCS 075 RNSB050 54.57385 -0.76569 54.57447 -0.76386 S1 A5.4 - Subtidal Mixed Sediments SS.SMx.CMx 075 RNSB050 54.57447 -0.76386 54.57506 -0.76379 S2 A5.3 - Subtidal Mud SS.SMu.CSaMu 075 RNSB050 54.57506 -0.76379 54.57616 -0.76526 S3 A5.4 - Subtidal Mixed Sediments SS.SMx.CMx
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 50 Station Station Habitat No. code SOL Lat SOL Long EOL Lat EOL Long No. EUNIS Level 3/BSH MNCR code 021 RNSB052 54.57290 -0.75696 54.57543 -0.75817 S1 A4.2 - Moderate Energy Circalittoral Rock CR.MCR.EcCr 057 RNSB053 54.53063 -0.67028 54.53226 -0.67023 S1 A5.4 - Subtidal Mixed Sediments SS.SMx.CMx 054 RNSB054 54.53095 -0.65602 54.53099 -0.65473 S1 A5.2 - Subtidal Sand SS.Ssa 056 RNSB055 54.53723 -0.67168 54.53802 -0.66979 S1 A5.1 - Subtidal Coarse Sediment SS.SCS.CCS 044 RNSB057 54.53823 -0.64725 54.54026 -0.65347 S1 A5.1 - Subtidal Coarse Sediment SS.SCS.CCS 077 RNSB061 54.56606 -0.75802 54.56768 -0.75657 S1 A5.4 - Subtidal Mixed Sediments SS.SMx.CMx 055 RNSB070 54.53465 -0.66258 54.53555 -0.66220 S1 A5.2 - Subtidal Sand SS.SSa.CMuSa 092 RNSB071 54.56202 -0.74238 54.56376 -0.73968 S1 A5.4 - Subtidal Mixed Sediments SS.SMx.CMx 002 RNSB075 54.56229 -0.76592 54.56388 -0.76889 S1 A4.2 - Moderate Energy Circalittoral Rock CR.MCR.EcCr 093 RNSB076 54.55606 -0.75430 54.55660 -0.75253 S1 A4.2 - Moderate Energy Circalittoral Rock CR.MCR.EcCr 093 RNSB076 54.55660 -0.75253 54.55963 -0.75113 S2 A5.4 - Subtidal Mixed Sediments SS.SMx.CMx 097 RNSB078 54.56989 -0.77633 54.57070 -0.77512 S1 A5.4 - Subtidal Mixed Sediments SS.SMx.CMx 097 RNSB078 54.57070 -0.77512 54.57193 -0.77737 S2 A5.3 - Subtidal Mud SS.SMu.CSaMu 088 RNSB081 54.54255 -0.71268 54.54306 -0.71241 S1 A5.4 - Subtidal Mixed Sediments SS.SMx.CMx 086 RNSB082 54.53576 -0.69354 54.53821 -0.69117 S1 A4.2 - Moderate Energy Circalittoral Rock CR.MCR.EcCr 090 RNSB083 54.54599 -0.73377 54.54746 -0.73144 S1 A4.2 - Moderate Energy Circalittoral Rock CR.MCR.EcCr 090 RNSB083 54.54746 -0.73144 54.54950 -0.73253 S2 A5.4 - Subtidal Mixed Sediments SS.SMx.CMx 084 RNSB084 54.53370 -0.68028 54.53392 -0.67952 S1 A5.4 - Subtidal Mixed Sediments SS.SMx.CMx 082 RNSB086 54.52472 -0.67176 54.52616 -0.66937 S1 A5.4 - Subtidal Mixed Sediments SS.SMx.CMx 081 RNSB087 54.51991 -0.66905 54.52117 -0.66681 S1 A4.2 - Moderate Energy Circalittoral Rock CR.MCR.EcCr 085 RNSB088 54.53274 -0.69061 54.53467 -0.68890 S1 A4.2 - Moderate Energy Circalittoral Rock CR.MCR.EcCr 095 RNSB089 54.56839 -0.76886 54.57032 -0.76942 S1 A5.3 - Subtidal Mud SS.SMu.CSaMu 078 RNSB092 54.56454 -0.76302 54.56534 -0.76109 S1 A5.4 - Subtidal Mixed Sediments SS.SMx.CMx 001 RNSB095 54.56282 -0.77481 54.56437 -0.77481 S1 A4.2 - Moderate Energy Circalittoral Rock CR.MCR.EcCr
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 51 Appendix 7. Example images from survey for broadscale habitats Broadscale Habitats Description Example Image taken during survey High energy Rocky habitats in the No image taken during survey infralittoral rock infralittoral zone subject to exposed to extremely exposed wave action or strong tidal streams. Moderate energy Predominantly moderately No image taken during survey infralittoral rock wave-exposed bedrock and boulders, subject to moderately strong to weak tidal streams. On the bedrock and stable boulders there is typically a narrow band of kelp in the sublittoral fringe which lies above a forest and park. High energy Occurs on extremely No image taken during survey circalittoral rock wave-exposed to exposed circalittoral bedrock and boulders subject to tidal streams ranging from strong to very strong. Typically found in tidal straits and narrows. The high energy levels found within this habitat complex are reflected in the fauna recorded. Moderate energy Mainly occurs on exposed circalittoral rock to moderately wave- Image from Station exposed circalittoral RNSB036 bedrock and boulders, subject to moderately strong and weak tidal streams. This habitat type contains a broad range of biological subtypes.
Subtidal coarse Coarse sediments sediment including coarse sand, Image from Station gravel, pebbles, shingle RNSB032 and cobbles which are often unstable due to tidal currents and/or wave action. These habitats are generally found on the open coast or in tide-swept channels of marine inlets. They typically have a low silt content and a lack of a significant seaweed component.
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 52 Subtidal sand Clean medium to fine Image from Station sands or non-cohesive RNSB066 slightly muddy sands on open coasts, offshore or in estuaries and marine inlets. Such habitats are often subject to a degree of wave action or tidal currents which restrict the silt and clay content to less than 15%. This habitat is characterised by a range of taxa including polychaetes, bivalve molluscs and amphipod crustacea. Subtidal mud Sublittoral mud and Image from Station cohesive sandy mud RNSB040 extending from the extreme lower shore to offshore, circalittoral habitats. This biotope is predominantly found in sheltered harbours, sea lochs, bays, marine inlets and estuaries and stable deeper/offshore areas where the reduced influence of wave action and/or tidal streams allow fine sediments to settle. Subtidal mixed Sublittoral mixed sediments (heterogeneous) Image from Station sediments found from the RNSB033 extreme low water mark to deep offshore circalittoral habitats. These habitats incorporate a range of sediments including heterogeneous muddy gravelly sands and also mosaics of cobbles and pebbles embedded in or lying upon sand, gravel or mud.
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 53 Appendix 8. Example images from survey for habitat FOCI Habitat FOCI Description Example Image taken during survey Subtidal Sands and Sand and gravel seabeds Gravels are Station RNSB086 widespread. Those found to the west of the UK include a high proportion of shell fragments, whereas those from the North Sea are mainly formed from rock. They occur in a range of environmental conditions, from wave- sheltered, enclosed bays and estuaries to highly exposed open coasts. The mix of sand or gravel, and any sand waves or ripples present on the surface of the seabed, depend on factors such as the strength of the waves and tides. Mud Habitats in Deep Mud habitats in deep Water water are fairly stable environments typically Station RNSB063 found below 20 meters depth, where currents are slow and they are not affected by waves. This can be found offshore and in sheltered inshore environments, such as sea lochs. Most of the animals that live here burrow below the surface. The animal communities vary according to the levels of silt, clay, sand and nutrients found in the mud.
Runswick Bay rMCZ Post-survey Site Report 54
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