Publication 2007

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COMMISSIONED REPORT

Commissioned Report No.286 Site Condition Monitoring: survey of marine features within the Sunart Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Site of Special Scientific Interest

(ROAME No. F06AC701)

For further information on this report please contact: Laura Baxter Scottish Natural Heritage Great Glen House INVERNESS IV3 8NW Telephone: 01463-725236 E-mail: [email protected]

This report should be quoted as:

Mercer, T., Howson, C. M., and Moore, J. J. (2007). Site Condition Monitoring: Loch Sunart marine SAC and SSSI. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No. 286 (ROAME No. R06AC701).

This report, or any part of it, should not be reproduced without the permission of Scottish Natural Heritage. This permission will not be withheld unreasonably. The views expressed by the author(s) of this report should not be taken as the views and policies of Scottish Natural Heritage.

COMMISSIONED REPORT Summary

Site Condition Monitoring: survey of marine features within the Sunart Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Site of Special Scientific Interest

Commissioned Report No. 286 (ROAME No. F06AC701) Contractor: Mercer, T., Howson, C. M., and Moore, J. J.

Year of publication: 2007

Background Loch Sunart’s intertidal zone has been included in the surrounding terrestrial Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), for its intertidal reef feature, due to; its utilisation by the otter population; for the nationally scarce seagrasses, Zostera marina and Zostera noltii and for the internationally rare free living sheltered-water morphological variant of the egg wrack, Ascophyllum nodosum ecad mackaii (A.mac). The loch itself has been more recently designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) for the marine feature ‘reefs’, an Annex I habitat under the 1992 Habitats Directive. The chief reason for the selection of this site is because it is one of the best examples of a complex fjordic sea lochs in the UK, experiencing a wide range of exposure to wave action, with water movement complicated by six shallow sills.

Loch Sunart contains a range of bedrock reef habitats and associated communities, a number of which are very diverse and include several rare species. There are also extensive areas of soft mud, some sublittoral seagrass beds and the most extensive beds of the gaping file shell Limaria hians recorded in Scotland.

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) in association with the other country agencies have established a series of common standards for the monitoring of sites of nature conservation interest (Anon., 1998). The purpose of this monitoring is to determine whether the desired condition of the feature(s) of interest for which the site was designated is being achieved. This can enable judgements to be made about whether the management of the site is appropriate, or whether changes may be necessary.

The purpose of this project was to design and initiate a hierarchical monitoring programme for the features of interest within the SSSI and SAC, subtidal and intertidal rocky reefs, Ascophyllum nodosum ecad mackaii (A.mac) beds, and seagrass beds.

There were also two secondary objectives of the field survey element and these were; to establish the current status of the northern hatchett shell, Thyasira gouldi (UK SAP species) and to establish the current status of key gaping file shell (Limaria hians) beds. The objectives were achieved using remote video, diver transects, intertidal transects, mapping methodologies, a limited grab survey and diver coring and quadrat studies.

Main findings and conclusions

Reef survey • The distribution of biotopes across the site was assessed by a combination of remote video and detailed transect surveys. The results showed that the vast majority of the site is in good condition with no significant change since 2001. • 53 littoral and sublittoral reef biotopes were recorded throughout the SAC as a whole, 34 of which were in the infralittoral and circalittoral. There was no evidence of a change in the biotope composition of the area as this was in broad agreement with the 2001 survey (Bates et al., 2004). • Seven littoral transects and eight sublittoral transects were studied using Phase II methodology. The shores surveyed ranged from very sheltered to moderately exposed and were generally rock slopes with supralittoral lichen zones adjacent to the terrestrial habitats, Pelvetia canaliculata (PelB) zones and barnacle zones on the upper and upper-middleshore (Sem), Ascophyllum nodosum in the middleshore (AscVS) and Fucus serratus on the lowershore. • Most of the transects studied east of Carna and in Loch Teacuis appeared to be exposed to variable salinity conditions. • Laminaria digitata (Ldig) dominated the sublittoral fringe in the mouth of the loch and Laminaria saccharina (Lsac and LsacPsaVS) in the middle zones of the loch. • Laminaria hyperborea forest (LhypR.Ft) dominated the infralittoral at one moderately exposed site in the entrance to the loch but was replaced by L. saccharina further into the loch, east of Carna. • A wide variety of circalittoral biotopes were found, including several near the mouth that were very rich in species. Some biotopes contained species of nature conservation importance such as the northern seafan, Swiftia pallida (CarSwi.LgAs) and the uncommon featherstar, Leptometra celtica and (AntAsH.Lept) and some that are common in sea lochs such as Protanthea simplex (NeoPro). • Sixteen species were recorded during the survey that were considered to be of nature conservation interest. • Serpula vermicularis (Ser) reefs were discovered in inner Loch Teacuis.This is of considerable nature conservation interest as it is only the second location in Scotland where live examples of this growth-form of these polychaete worm colonies are known to exist.

Ascophyllum nodosum ecad Mackaii (A.mac) and Zostera bed survey • Ascophyllum nodosum ecad Mackaii (A.mac) beds were mapped at 6 locations. At Glenborrodale and Strontian quantitative abundance data were obtained for A.mac thalli, the associated fauna, flora, the infauna and the underlying sediment characteristics. • One Zostera noltii bed was mapped in the Doirlinn Channel and quantitative abundance data were obtained for Z. noltii, the associated fauna, flora, the infauna and the underlying sediment characteristics. The status of Zostera noltii in the loch should be further investigated on the extensive shores. • Three Zostera marina beds were mapped. The bed in Loch na Droma Buide requires further investigation as it was only discovered at the end of the survey.

Thyasira gouldi and Limaria hians targeted surveys • A targetted grab survey was undertaken to investigate the status of Thyasira gouldi in the mid/upper reaches of the loch, but no T. gouldi were found. The fifteen 0.1m2 Van Veen grabs taken revealed a diverse infaunal community in places in the sediments of the loch. 259 taxa were recorded. The presence of the bivalve Thyasira gouldi in Loch Sunart must be in doubt given its absence from the grab samples taken in 2006.

• The Limaria hians beds in the Laudale Narrows were investigated by diving. The constituents of the biotope (Lim) were recorded and the sediment properties of the beds were shown to be considerably modified by the bivalves’ presence. The associated infaunal community was analysed and described and it appeared to be both diverse and consistent within the biotope. Limaria hians byssus ‘nests’ create a unique habitat with biogenic reef-like properties and a characteristic and diverse infaunal community.

Recommendations • 28 percent of the 155 drop-down video transects deployed recorded non-reef habitat over the 2001 Broadscale Survey (Bates et al., 2004) designated reef areas. It was not possible to measure any change in reef extent. This indicates that the Broadscale survey data may need more ground truthing surveys to be undertaken. • Depth stratification should be employed in the sampling methodology used for drop-down video zones in the infralittoral and circalittoral, in order to obtain adequate infralittoral information from future video surveys. • Even with the previously documented survey information regarding the intertidal and shallow subtidal, it proved difficult to make a judgement about biotope distribution and the condition of these features of the site on the basis of the seven/eight transects studied. It was felt that this level of information is not really adequate as a baseline for statements of biotope distribution. • Information on human impacts within the loch should be routinely collated for use in targeted monitoring.

For further information on this project contact: Laura Baxter, Scottish Natural Heritage, Great Glen House, Inverness, IV3 8NW Tel: 01463–725 236 For further information on the SNH Research & Technical Support Programme contact: Policy & Advice Directorate Support, SNH, Great Glen House, Leachkin Road, Inverness, IV3 8NW. Tel: 01463 72500 or [email protected]

Contents

1 Introduction 1 2 Development of the monitoring programme 3 2.1 Objectives for Sunart SAC and SSSI ...... 3 2.2 Common Standards Monitoring ...... 4 2.3 Review of previous data...... 5 2.4 Human usage of Loch Sunart SAC and SSSI...... 8 2.5 Draft Site Attribute Tables ...... 9 2.6 Secondary features of the site ...... 12 3 Methods 13 3.1 Drop-down video survey ...... 13 3.1.1 Video Equipment...... 15 3.2 Intertidal and subtidal reef transect surveys...... 15 3.2.1 Transect selection ...... 15 3.2.2 Transect survey methods...... 17 3.2.3 Quadrat recording ...... 18 3.2.4 Data handling ...... 18 3.3 Ascophyllum nodosum ecad mackaii (A.mac) intertidal surveys .. 19 3.3.1 Site selection...... 19 3.3.2 Methodology...... 19 3.4 Zostera noltii intertidal surveys...... 20 3.4.1 Site selection...... 20 3.4.2 Methodology...... 20 3.5 Zostera marina subtidal surveys ...... 21 3.5.1 Site selection...... 21 3.5.2 Methodology...... 21 3.6 Thyasira gouldi subtidal grabbing survey...... 21 3.6.1 Introduction ...... 21 3.6.2 Site selection...... 22 3.6.3 Methodology...... 22 3.7 Limaria hians subtidal survey...... 23 3.7.1 Site selection...... 23 3.7.2 Methodology...... 23 3.8 Serpula vermicularis subtidal survey...... 24 3.8.1 Site location...... 24 3.8.2 Methodology...... 24 3.9 Fieldwork safety and logistics ...... 26 3.9.1 Video survey ...... 26 3.9.2 Diving and intertidal survey ...... 26 3.9.3 Thyasira grab survey work ...... 26 3.10 Photography and video ...... 27 3.11 Data handling and analysis ...... 27 3.11.1 Video data analysis ...... 27

3.11.2 Diving and intertidal surveys’ data handling...... 27 4 Results of the reef feature video survey 28 4.1 Drop-Down Video survey ...... 28 4.2 Assessment of the biotope composition and distribution using remote video...... 34 4.2.1 Biotopes recorded ...... 34 4.2.2 Geographic distribution/spatial arrangement of reef biotopes...... 34 5 Results of the reef feature diving and intertidal transect surveys 44 5.1 Biotopes recorded ...... 44 5.2 Jetty at Laudale Narrows (L09 and S09)...... 45 5.3 Sligneach Mor (L10 and S10) ...... 46 5.4 Oronsay (NE) (L11 and S11) ...... 48 5.5 Camas Salach (L12 and S12) ...... 50 5.6 Torran a Chonnaidh (L13 and S13) ...... 51 5.7 West of Waterfalls (L16 and S16) ...... 53 5.8 NE shore of Inner Loch Teacuis (L18 and S18)...... 55 5.9 Torr Molach (S22) ...... 56 6 Results of the surveyed SSSI features and secondary objectives 57 6.1 Ascophyllum nodosum ecad mackaii survey ...... 57 6.2 Zostera noltii intertidal survey ...... 63 6.3 Zostera marina subtidal survey ...... 64 6.4 Thyasira gouldi subtidal grabbing survey...... 65 6.5 Limaria hians subtidal diver coring and video survey...... 70 6.6 Serpula vermicularis subtidal surveys...... 75 6.6.1 July 2006 survey ...... 75 6.6.2 November 2006 survey ...... 76 7 Discussion of Reef features 80 7.1 Reef extent...... 80 7.2 Biotope composition and distribution ...... 82 7.2.1 Biotope composition and distribution - intertidal reefs...... 83 7.2.2 Biotope composition and distribution - infralittoral reefs...... 84 7.2.3 Biotope composition and distribution - circalittoral reefs ...... 85 7.2.4 Conservation interest of reef biotopes ...... 87 7.3 Species composition of biotopes and the presence and/or abundance of specified species ...... 87 8 Discussion of Non-reef SSSI features and additional surveyed features 93 8.1 Ascophyllum nodosum ecad mackaii surveys...... 93 8.2 Zostera noltii intertidal surveys...... 93 8.3 Zostera marina subtidal surveys ...... 93 8.4 Thyasira gouldi subtidal grabbing survey...... 93 8.5 Limaria hians subtidal diver coring and video survey...... 93 8.6 Serpula vermicularis subtidal survey...... 94

9 Conclusions - SAC and SSSI features of Loch Sunart 95 10 Conclusions - additional surveyed features of Loch sunart 96 11 References 97 Appendix 1 - Remote video survey methods 99 Appendix 2 - Sampling methods used for transect work, and recording protocols for monitoring quadrats 105 Appendix 2.3.1 Site relocation form ...... 112 Appendix 2.3.2 Profile measurements along subtidal or intertidal transect ...... 113 Appendix 2.3.3 Phase II habitat recording ...... 114 Appendix 2.3.4 Phase II species recording along intertidal transects...... 115 Appendix 2.3.5 Phase II species recording along subtidal transect...... 116 Appendix 2.3.6 Quadrats in intertidal rock communities ...... 117 Appendix 2.3.7 Quadrats in circalittoral rock communities ...... 118 Appendix 2.3.8 Semi-quantitative abundance scales for Phase II recording ...... 119 Appendix 3 - Video and transect site locations and associated data 121 Appendix 4 - Biotope inventory 148 Appendix 5 - Local biotope descriptions 174 Appendix 6 - Site profile data and site relocation sheets 183 Loch Sunart SAC – Intertidal site location sheet 184 Site: LR09 Laudale Narrows Jetty...... 184 Loch Sunart SAC – Subtidal site location sheet 187 Site: SR09 Laudale Narrows Jetty ...... 187 Loch Sunart SAC – Intertidal site location sheet 191 Site: LR10 Sligneach Mor...... 191 Loch Sunart SAC – Subtidal site location sheet 195 Site: SR10 Signeach Mor ...... 195 Loch Sunart SAC – Intertidal site location sheet 199 Site: LR11 Oronsay ...... 199 Loch Sunart SAC – Subtidal site location sheet 203 Site: SR11 Oronsay...... 203 Loch Sunart SAC – Intertidal site location sheet 207 Site: LR12 Camas Salach ...... 207 Loch Sunart SAC – Subtidal site location sheet 211 Site: SR12 Camas Salach...... 211 Loch Sunart SAC – Intertidal site location sheet 216 Site: LR13 Torran A Chonnaidh ...... 216 Loch Sunart SAC – Subtidal site location sheet 220 Site: SR13 Torran A Chonnaidh...... 220 Loch Sunart SAC – Intertidal site location sheet 223 Site: LR16 W. of Waterfalls ...... 223

Loch Sunart SAC – Subtidal site location sheet 226 Site: SR16 W. of Waterfalls...... 226 Loch Sunart SAC – Intertidal site location sheet 229 Site: LR18 Loch Teacuis ...... 229 Loch Sunart SAC – Subtidal site location sheet 232 Site: SR18 Loch Teacuis...... 232 Loch Sunart SAC – Subtidal site location sheet 235 Site: SR22 Torr Molach ...... 235 Appendix 7 - Photographs of intertidal quadrats 241 Appendix 8 - Species recorded from diving and intertidal work in 2006 256 Appendix 9 - Photograph and video logs 264 Appendix 10 - Log of specimens collected 293 Appendix 11 - Site Attribute Tables for Loch Sunart SAC & SSSI 296 Appendix 12 - SSSI non-reef surveyed features and secondary objectives’ supporting data 310 Appendix 12.1 Seagrass field data sheet (Based on WFD draft seagrass tool February 2006)...... 311 Appendix 12.2 Thyasira gouldi population status investigation...... 318 Appendix 12.2.1 Grab site locations for the 2006 survey...... 318 Appendix 12.2.2 Particle size data for the macrobenthic grabs taken in the 2006 survey...... 319 Appendix 12.2.3 Macrobenthic species matrix for the Thyasira sp. grabbing survey – July 2006...... 325 Appendix 12.3 Limaria hians study from the Laudale Narrows...... 331 Appendix 12.3.1 Particle size data for the diver cores taken from the Limaria hians bed...... 331 Appendix 12.3.2 Granulometric data for the macrobenthic grabs – cumulative frequency curves...... 333 Appendix 12.3.3 Macrobenthic species matrix for the Limaria hians bed, diver coring survey...... 335 Appendix 12.4 Serpula vermicularis transect - colony measurements ...... 338

List of Tables

Table 1 Generic attributes that should be used to define the condition of littoral rock, inshore sublittoral rock features and sub-features of littoral sediment flats in site condition monitoring...... 4 Table 2 Sources of previous survey information for Loch Sunart SAC ...... 7 Table 3 Draft attributes and targets for littoral and sublittoral reef features, selected to initiate site condition monitoring in Loch Sunart 2006 SAC, with the proposed methods for measuring these...... 10 Table 4 Draft attributes and targets selected to initiate site condition monitoring in Loch Sunart 2006 SSSI, with the proposed methods for measuring these...... 11 Table 5 Proposed drop-down video sampling effort allocated to each zone within Loch Sunart based on known area of reef ...... 14 Table 6 Summary of intertidal and subtidal transect sites...... 16 Table 7 Surveyed Ascophyllum nodosum ecad mackaii bed locations and work undertaken during the 2006 fieldwork ...... 19 Table 8 Surveyed Zostera noltii bed location and work undertaken during the 2006 fieldwork ...... 20 Table 9 Zostera marina surveyed bed locations and work undertaken during the 2006 fieldwork ...... 21 Table 10 Summary of site characteristics for the 6 video survey zones sampled in 2006 28 Table 11 Biotopes identified from the drop-down video tapes in 2006 (ASML) and 2001 (Heriot Watt University). Biotopes follow Connor et al. (2004) ...... 33 Table 12 Biotopes recorded during the 2006 diving and intertidal survey...... 44 Table 13 Areas of Ascophyllum nodosum ecad mackaii mapped in Loch Sunart in 2006 57 Table 14 Mean percentage cover of algal species in the Ascophyllum nodosum ecad mackaii beds in Glenborrodale Bay (L7)...... 58 Table 15 Intertidal infaunal cores taken from the Ascophyllum nodosum ecad mackaii and Zostera noltii beds in Loch Sunart...... 59 Table 16 Sediment characteristics for the intertidal macrobenthic coring sites...... 59 Table 17 Mean percentage cover of conspicuous species in the Ascophyllum nodosum ecad mackaii beds in the Strontian and ‘Head of the Loch’ region of Loch Sunart ...... 62 Table 18 Location and size of surveyed Zostera marina beds in Loch Sunart...... 64 Table 19 Location and abundance of Thyasira flexuosa found in grabs taken during the 2006 survey of Loch Sunart...... 66 Table 20 Basic community statistics and sediment characteristics for the macrobenthic sampling stations...... 67 Table 21 Species contributing to 50% of the clustering of group A...... 68 Table 22 Species contributing to 50% of the clustering of group B...... 68 Table 23 Species contributing to 50% of the clustering of group C...... 69 Table 24 Species contributing to 50% of the clustering of group D...... 69 Table 25 Species contributing to 50% of the clustering of group E...... 70 Table 26 Laudale Narrows Limaria hians study sites, 2006...... 70 Table 27 Laudale Narrows Limaria hians biotope (IMX.Lim) information...... 71 Table 28 Basic community statistics and sediment characteristics for the Limaria nest core sampling stations...... 73 Table 29 Species contributing to 80% of the clustering of group B...... 74 Table 30 Species contributing to 80% of the clustering of group C...... 74 Table 31 Serpula vermicularis colony biometrics ...... 75 Table 32 Intertidal reef biotopes recorded from the shore transects in 2006 ...... 83 Table 33 Infralittoral biotopes recorded in 2006 ...... 84 Table 34 Circalittoral biotopes recorded in 2006...... 85 Table 35 Species of conservation interest recorded during the 2006 survey...... 88

List of Figures

Figure 1 Location of Sunart Special Area of Conservation...... 1 Figure 2 Location of the reef habitat and the drop-down video sampling zones within Loch Sunart Marine SAC ...... 14 Figure 3 Location of intertidal and subtidal transect sites sampled in Sunart in 2006...... 16 Figure 4 Grab sampling stations worked in 2006 and in 2001 in the vicinity of the Laudale Narrows...... 22 Figure 5 Mapped locations of Serpula vermicularis reefs in Loch Teacuis...... 24 Figure 6 Location of diver transects in Loch Teacuis in November 2006...... 25 Figure 7 Location of the 2006 video deployment sites in Loch Sunart Zones 1, 2 and 6 . 29 Figure 8 Location of the 2006 video deployment sites in Loch Sunart Zone 3...... 30 Figure 9 Location of the 2006 video deployment sites in Loch Sunart Zones 4 and 5 ..... 30 Figure 10 Location of the survey samples in the entrance to Loch Sunart acquired by Heriot Watt University during the 2001 surveys...... 31 Figure 11 Location of the survey samples in the central section of Loch Sunart acquired by Heriot Watt University during the 2001 surveys ...... 31 Figure 12 Location of the survey samples in the head of Loch Sunart acquired by Heriot Watt University during the 2001 surveys...... 32 Figure 13 Major biotope groups recorded by remote video in 2006 (upper figure) and 2001 (lower figure) in Zones 1 and 2 of Loch Sunart ...... 35 Figure 14 Major biotope groups recorded by remote video in 2006 (upper figure) and 2001 (lower figure) in Zone 3 of Loch Sunart ...... 38 Figure 15 Major biotope groups recorded by remote video in 2006 (upper figure) and 2001 (lower figure)in Zone 4 of Loch Sunart ...... 40 Figure 16 Major biotope groups recorded by remote video in 2006 (upper figure) and 2001 (lower figure)in Zone 5 of Loch Sunart ...... 42 Figure 17 Major biotope groups recorded by remote video in 2006 in Zone 6 of Loch Sunart...... 43 Figure 18 Ascophyllum nodosum ecad mackaii beds mapped in Glenborrodale Bay (L7). 58 Figure 19 Ascophyllum nodosum ecad mackaii beds mapped in Salen Bay (L17)...... 60 Figure 20 Ascophyllum nodosum ecad mackaii beds mapped in the Eilean Mor/Camaschoirk (L4/L3) area of Loch Sunart ...... 61 Figure 21 Ascophyllum nodosum ecad mackaii beds mapped in the Strontian and ‘Head of the Loch’ area in Loch Sunart (L5/L4)...... 62 Figure 22 Zostera noltii beds mapped in the Eilean Mor (L4) area of Loch Sunart ...... 64 Figure 23 Grab site locations and Thyasira flexuosa presence in Loch Sunart in the vicinity of the Laudale Narrows (2001 & 2006)...... 66 Figure 24 A Bray Curtis similarity dendrogram for the Thyasira sp. grab station macrobenthic invertebrate data...... 67 Figure 25 Limaria bed diver coring and video survey locations...... 71 Figure 26 A Bray Curtis similarity dendrogram for the Limaria hians core station macrobenthic invertebrate data...... 73 Figure 27 Maximum size category of serpulid aggregations seen on each transect in Loch Teacuis in November 2006. The numbers next to each transect indicate the maximum depth at which the largest reef size category was found...... 77 Figure 28 Projected range of individual serpulids in Loch Teacuis estimated from transect data recorded in November 2006...... 78 Figure 29 Projected range of small serpulid colonies (5-50cm2) in Loch Teacuis estimated from transect data recorded in November 2006...... 78

Figure 30 Projected range of medium (50-500cm2) serpulid colonies in Loch Teacuis estimated from transect data recorded in November 2006 ...... 79 Figure 31 Projected range of large serpulid colonies (>500cm2) in Loch Teacuis estimated from transect data recorded in November 2006...... 79 Figure 32 Projected range of all size categories of serpulid colonies in Loch Teacuis estimated from transect data recorded in November 2006 ...... 80 Figure 33 2006 reef/non-reef data superimposed over the 2001 reef resource map for the western half of Loch Sunart SAC ...... 81 Figure 34 2006 reef/non-reef data superimposed over the 2001 reef resource map for the eastern half of Loch Sunart SAC...... 81 Figure 35 Biotope distribution records for the Loch Sunart surveys...... 89 Figure 36 Biotope distribution records for the Loch Sunart surveys...... 90 Figure 37 Species distribution records for the Loch Sunart surveys ...... 91

Data storage and display

Data

All of the data collected during this survey have been stored in the following formats:

• Excel spreadsheets; • Marine Recorder; • ArcView and MapInfo GIS; • Original raw data sheets.

These are kept by Scottish Natural Heritage.

Other end products

• Animal voucher specimens - these are lodged with the Marine Invertebrate section of the National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh. • Algal specimens - these are lodged with the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh. • Digital underwater and surface photographs - these are held by Scottish Natural Heritage. • 35 mm transparencies - a CD and the original transparencies are held by Scottish Natural Heritage. • Hand-held video tapes: digital format. These are held by Scottish Natural Heritage. • Drop-video tapes: digital format. These are held by Scottish Natural Heritage.

All of the above are available for reference upon request to Scottish Natural Heritage.

1 INTRODUCTION

Loch Sunart on the Scottish west coast is an elongate fjordic-type sea loch separating the Ardnamurchan and Morvern Peninsulas. Loch Sunart is long and narrow with a length of 31 km and a maximum width of about 3.5 km at its mouth, the remainder of the loch being between one and two km wide. Its maximum depth is 124 m below chart datum. Six shallow sills divide the loch into a series of steeply shelving basins, which complicate the movement of water within the loch. Loch Teacuis, a small, extremely sheltered sea loch entering the south side of Loch Sunart, is included within the SAC boundary. The site experiences a wide range of exposure to wave action along its length, from moderately exposed conditions at the mouth of the loch to extremely sheltered conditions at its eastern most end. The input of freshwater to the loch from the surrounding catchment produces a halocline with a more brackish surface layer 3-5 m in depth. In addition to a clear vertical zonation in community structure, there is also a strong horizontal gradient from the exposed mouth of the loch to the sheltered areas at its easterly end.

Figure 1 Location of Sunart Special Area of Conservation

Based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of the Controller of HMSO © Crown copyright (2007) Licence no. 100017908)

Reef habitats largely extend along the length of the loch around the edge, although they do occur through some central areas of the loch. Habitats vary from the vertical bedrock cliffs and steep boulder and sediment slopes at the loch’s exposed westerly mouth, to the more sheltered areas at its closed easterly end. As a result of changes in exposure along the length of the loch, there is a strong horizontal gradient in species. There is also a clearly defined vertical zonation, a result of the loch’s sizeable tidal range and basin division by shallow sills.

The more exposed westerly end supports a well-defined zonation of fucoids (channel Pelvetia canaliculata, spiral Fucus spiralis, and serrated wrack Fucus serratus), with the kelp Laminaria digitata dominating the sublittoral fringe. The more sheltered rocky shores along the loch support mid-shore communities of egg wrack Ascophyllum nodosum and the rare form of egg wrack Ascophyllum nodosum ecad. Mackaii, (A.mac). The less stable boulder and cobble areas include patches of bladder wrack Fucus vesiculosus and spiral wrack Fucus spiralis. Along the length of the loch, shallow bedrock and boulders down to 10-15 m below chart datum support a kelp forest of Laminaria hyperborea and Laminaria saccharina. The boulder shores also support a rich community of sponges, hydroids and sea squirts in the damp under-boulder spaces and crevices created by the substratum.

The sublittoral rocky reef areas show a marked transition in community type along the length of the loch. Loch Sunart’s outer basin, with its vertical and overhanging bedrock cliffs, very steep bedrock and boulder slopes, and sediment slopes, experiences considerable water movement. This has enabled the development of very rich marine communities with a large variety of filter-feeding organisms such as sea squirts and sponges. Many of the species found within this area, such as the elephant sponge Pachymatisma johnstonia and Suberites carnosus, are more typical of exposed areas of open coast. Soft corals found in these areas include dead-man's fingers Alcyonium digitatum and red sea fingers Alcyonium glomeratum, a species uncommon within sealochs. Other characterising fauna include cup corals Caryophyllia smithii, anthozoans Swiftia pallida (typical of exposed or tideswept conditions), anemones Parazoanthus anguicomus (white cluster anemone) and Protanthea simplex (sea loch anemone).

Further eastwards, the narrows between the islands of Oronsay, Risga and Carna are subject to moderate tidal streams, and reef communities are characterised by filter feeding and erect organisms including hydroids, echinoderms, brittlestars, featherstars and solitary sea squirts. Rock faces support a fauna including Alcyonium digitatum, Caryophyllia smithii and calcareous tubeworms. Very sheltered, deep, silty bedrock areas support a sparse fauna characterised by the brachiopod Neocrania anomala and the keel worm Pomatoceros triqueter. Dense fields of the crinoid Leptometra celtica occur to the north-east of Carna and in Laga Bay. Biogenic structures created by the byssus of the flame shell Limaria hians in the tide-swept narrows to the north of Carna and Rigsa, and in the Laudale Narrows are the most extensive recorded in Scotland. There are also localised patches of Limaria hians between Carna and Salen. The rare calcareous tubeworm Placostegus tridentatus, which has been recorded from only three other Scottish sealochs, has been found in Loch Sunart, SE of Torr Molach, Salen.

Annex I of the Habitats Directive (Jackson and McLeod, 2002; European Commission, 2003) defines ‘Reef’ as including bedrock and boulder through to stabilised cobble beds, with cobble being anything greater than 64 mm in size. In the context of Loch Sunart this means that the stabilised cobble plains, which frequently support an epibenthic community of hydroids or algae, qualify as reef habitat. The JNCC national biotope classification, which uses a combination of physical and biological elements to derive a hierarchical coding, descriptor has evolved through a number of versions since its introduction in 1994 (Connor et al., 2004). It was intended as a tool to aid the management and conservation of marine habitats and has been used by the conservation agencies since its introduction to assign codes to biological survey records. However, the classification of marine habitats and communities is not an exact science, as gradients and mosaics are important features of the environment. This has led to some discrepancies between the biologically-based biotope classification and the requirements of the Habitats Directive where marine habitats are based on physical features. This is particularly apparent with mixed sediments where cobbles are a feature as the biotope classification includes these areas as sediment biotopes, whereas the presence of enough cobbles to support an epibenthic community enables these locations to be designated as reef habitat. As this type of habitat and

community is a feature of Loch Sunart, it is important that during any survey work the reef status of the habitat should be determined in addition to the biotope.

Sunart has also been designated under Annex 2 of the Habitats Directive as a SAC for the Otter ‘Lutra lutra’ population. The west coast of Scotland is a stronghold for otters. Sunart supports a relatively high density of the species and records show that the site has supported consistently strong populations. The incidence and distribution of otters in the site reflects the high quality of the coastal habitat. For example, the otters mainly forage in the extensive algal beds that occur throughout the shallow areas of the loch and which serve as a habitat for important prey species. High densities of otter holts have been recorded in many terrestrial areas bordering the edge of the loch and on the main islands, typically in areas of dense vegetation and rock boulder cover. There is also a large influx of freshwater from numerous streams and rivers around the site, which is essential to otters for washing.

Site-based conservation is a cornerstone of the maintenance of biodiversity in the UK and a substantial proportion of SNH’s resources are devoted to the selection, management and protection of statutory sites. Mechanisms are needed to assess how successful these activities have been in achieving nature conservation objectives both on individual sites and across the site series as a whole. For example, on any particular site it is important to evaluate whether management measures have achieved the desired conservation objectives, or whether new measures need to be put in place. At a broader level, assessment is required of the effectiveness of legislative and policy measures in contributing to biodiversity conservation. Condition monitoring can provide part of the information necessary to undertake these assessments (JNCC, 2003). The present work is intended to contribute to this assessment for Loch Sunart SAC/SSSI.

2 DEVELOPMENT OF THE MONITORING PROGRAMME

2.1 Objectives for Sunart SAC and SSSI The conservation objectives for a designated area define the desired condition of each of the features of interest for which that site has been established. Monitoring of the condition of these features is necessary to enable judgements to be made about whether they are being maintained in favourable condition. The purpose of the present study was to design and initiate a programme of baseline monitoring of the intertidal and subtidal features for which Loch Sunart has been designated as an SAC and SSSI. The principal objectives of the survey were to: • Establish an appropriate baseline biological dataset that will facilitate the future condition assessment of the subtidal and intertidal reefs. • Locate, map and establish an appropriate baseline biological dataset that will facilitate the future condition assessment of the A.mac beds. • Locate, map and establish an appropriate baseline biological dataset, using the draft Water Framework Directive (WFD) assessment tool, which will facilitate the future condition assessment of the Zostera spp. beds. • Gather and present sufficient data for SNH to form a judgement on the current condition of these qualifying features to inform their consideration of existing site management measures.

Secondary objectives of the field survey element were to: • Determine the status of the northern hatchett shell (Thyasira gouldi), a UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) species, within an area of Loch Sunart either side of the Laudale Narrows, where the animal was possibly found in a 2001 survey. • Establish the current status of key gaping file shell (Limaria hians) beds within the Laudale Narrows, by drop-down video, diver video and coring, to further investigate

the wider marine biodiversity interests of this potential biogenic reef forming species and proposed UK BAP species.

2.2 Common Standards Monitoring Scottish Natural Heritage, together with the other country agencies, has established a series of common standards for the monitoring of SACs (JNCC, 2004a). For the purposes of monitoring, each feature is represented by a series of attributes, which are measurable indicators of the condition of the feature at the site. In order to promote a uniform approach to the monitoring of the condition of features, guidance has been drawn up on the general approach to be taken in condition monitoring (JNCC, 2004a) and for specific habitats, such as littoral and sublittoral rock. The Common Standards Monitoring Guidance (JNCC, 2004b) lists nine attributes of littoral and inshore sublittoral rock and sub-features of littoral sediments habitats and corresponding targets that could form the basis of site condition monitoring (Table 1) in Loch Sunart.

Table 1 Generic attributes that should be used to define the condition of littoral rock, inshore sublittoral rock features and sub-features of littoral sediment flats in site condition monitoring.

Feature attribute Attribute Target* applies to Sublittoral reef Extent No change in extent of intertidal rock or Littoral reef inshore sublittoral rock Sublittoral reef Biotope composition of Maintenance of the variety of biotopes Littoral reef the intertidal rock or identified for the site, allowing for natural inshore sublittoral rock succession or known cyclical changes Sublittoral reef Distribution of biotopes. Maintain the distribution/spatial Littoral reef Spatial arrangement of arrangement of biotopes, allowing for biotopes at specified natural succession or known cyclical locations changes Sublittoral reef Extent of sub-feature or No change in the extent of the biotope(s) Littoral reef representative/notable identified for the site, allowing for natural Zostera sp. biotopes succession or known cyclical changes A.mac Sublittoral reef Presence of Maintain the presence of the specified Littoral reef representative/notable biotope, allowing for natural succession or Zostera sp. biotopes known cyclical changes A.mac Sublittoral reef Species composition of No change in biotope quality due to change Littoral reef representative/notable in species composition or loss of notable Zostera sp. biotopes species, allowing for natural succession or A.mac known cyclical changes Sublittoral reef Presence and/or Maintain presence and/or abundance of Littoral reef abundance of specified specified species. Zostera sp. species A.mac Absence of the specified species (such as an undesirable/non-native species) Zostera sp. Sediment character: No significant change in organic carbon A.mac organic carbon content content in the sediment of the sub-feature Zostera sp. Sediment character: Maintain the distribution of particle size A.mac particle size distribution fractions within the sediment supporting the sub-feature

*Targets exclude naturally induced changes (JNCC, 2004b); http://www.jncc.gov.uk/PDF/CSM_marine_rock.pdf http://www.jncc.gov.uk/PDF/CSM_marine_littoral_sediment.pdf

2.3 Review of previous data Loch Sunart is a complex fjordic sea loch on the west coast of Scotland. The loch supports some of the best Scottish and UK examples of bedrock reef habitats and associated communities. The site is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), selected on the basis of the quality of the reefs present and consequently it has been the target of several studies.

A review of the studies that have been undertaken in Loch Sunart is summarised below. The major surveys of the area, listed in Table 2, were reviewed for the present work and biotopes were reassigned to categories in the current version (04.05) of the national classification (Connor et al., 2004). This information provided a baseline for the compilation of the draft Site Attribute Table.

Mackinnon and Lumb (1988) carried out a diving survey in 1987 and described 13 major habitats. Their diving survey was carried out by volunteer divers and consequently the records were biased towards circalittoral environment where the diving is perceived to be more attractive. They did however highlight some basic patterns in the flora and fauna throughout the loch, in particular in relation to Psammechinus miliaris, Laminaria species and Limaria hians.

A more detailed study of the loch for the MNCR was described by Davies (1990) with further work reported by Davies and Connor (1993). Both of these were incorporated into the overall analysis of data from the Scottish sealochs (Howson et al., 1994). These two surveys looked at littoral and sublittoral sites using standard MNCR shore and diving techniques, which involve detailed species recording, supplemented by suction sampling of the sublittoral sediments. Of the 63 sites surveyed by these two surveys, 27 included biotope information relevant to the present study.

Davies (1990) found that in the exposed outer loch, the infralittoral zone comprised steep and vertical rock dominated by Laminaria hyperborea with a band of Laminaria saccharina deeper. There were diverse communities of foliose red algae in the lower infralittoral and upper circalittoral, perhaps as a consequence of the clear water and relatively silt free conditions. Davies (1990) considered the circalittoral communities to be reminiscent of the open coast. Loch na Droma Buidhe was more sheltered than this outer basin and had a thin covering of silt on the rock surfaces, but otherwise communities were more similar to those of outer Loch Sunart than the more sheltered inner loch.

Steep and vertical bedrock between Oronsay and Carna, which is subject to strong tides but sheltered from wave action was dominated by Laminaria hyperborea with Laminaria saccharina abundant in the more sheltered areas. There were rich communities in the tide-swept conditions in the infralittoral and particularly the circalittoral but there were also impoverished areas with dense blankets of brittlestars.

Similar brittlestar beds were also present in the very sheltered parts of the loch to the east of Carna where tides were weak. Here, the infralittoral zone was less steep, there was silt on the rock surfaces, Laminaria saccharina and Chorda filum were the dominant species and foliose algae were abundant in the lower infralittoral. In the circalittoral, boulders on sediment with species such as Munida rugosa, Hyas araneus, hydroids, tube-worms and solitary ascidians were widely distributed. No sites were surveyed in the inner loch or the Laudale Narrows.

Loch Teacuis was found to be primarily sedimentary, with the proportion of mud increasing towards the inner loch. The outer basin was shallow and sandy with Pecten maximus and Aequipecten opercularis common. Silty boulders in the inner loch supported Laminaria saccharina and foliose algae with soft mud containing Virgularia mirabilis and Cerianthus lloydii deeper.

Davies and Connor (1993) sampled the Laudale Narrows where they found the infauna to be surprisingly species poor. No sublittoral sampling was undertaken in the inner loch. The sublittoral sampling on this survey was directed at supplementing pre-existing records rather than surveying new sites or new biotopes. The shore descriptions added a number of records of Laminaria digitata.

Fuller (1995) mapped the mid-eulittoral biotopes present in the loch as part of a seaweed resource assessment. He found biotopes characteristic of the most exposed shores to be restricted to the outer part of the loch west of Rubha Aird Shlignich and the north-western tip of Oronsay. This feature was also recorded by Howson in the sublittoral (Howson, 1996). This same line separated the more exposed kelp biotopes from the sheltered ones. On the lochside tide-swept shores with Ascophyllum nodosum were common as far east as Resipole, around the Laudale Narrows and in the Loch Teacuis narrows. This contrasts with the sublittoral where comparable communities were found only in the narrows and around some of the headlands. However, the Resipole - Eilean mo Shlinneag area marks a change to more sheltered shores dominated by A. nodosum, and this corresponds roughly to the change in the infralittoral from Laminaria saccharina forests to L. saccharina/Psammechinus miliaris forest identified by Howson (1996). Elsewhere in the loch, similar patterns were seen in the distribution of littoral and sublittoral biotopes, with sheltered biotopes in embayments and an increasing amount of sediment in the more sheltered bays.

Also in 1995 the loch-wide survey of the shallow sublittoral biotopes, described in Howson (1996) agreed largely with the general findings of the MNCR surveys mentioned above. The more even spread of sites necessary for the mapping exercise supplied a considerable amount of additional detail in terms of both the distribution patterns of biotopes within the loch and the range of biotopes present. Of particular note was the distribution of the various kelp forest biotopes. The mapping detail enabled the distribution of these to be clarified such that their relationship to the environmental variables of wave exposure, strength of tidal streams and variation in salinity can be readily inferred from the distribution maps. Although earlier studies had identified the unusually high abundance of Limaria hians in the loch, they had perhaps not recognised the extent of the beds in shallow water. The 1995 Howson survey found these beds to cover a very wide area around the Laudale Narrows and a number of headlands in the loch system, often extending from beyond the maximum survey depth up into the sublittoral fringe. A number of changes were also apparent between the earlier MNCR surveys and the Howson (1996) survey. For example, in 1995, mats of filamentous algae on sediment were found to be common in the Oronsay-Carna area and the outer basin of Loch Teacuis, this biotope was apparently not recorded during the earlier surveys. It seems likely that the algal mats may have developed since the earlier surveys and it may be a feature of the conditions in these areas, that these algal mats develop in some years and not in others.

The last major survey to have been carried out in Loch Sunart was the ‘Broadscale’ survey of 2001. This 2001 survey was carried out by a research consortium, composed of teams from Heriot Watt University, St Andrews University and Scottish Natural Heritage. The report, (Bates et al., 2004) details the results of a comprehensive biotope mapping survey of the sublittoral habitats within the loch that was undertaken in July and August 2001. Rapid broad scale remote acoustic mapping techniques were utilised and ‘groundtruth’ data were collected to enable the interpretation of the acoustically classed seafloor maps. The ‘groundtruthing’ data were collected in the field using a range of sampling techniques including diver-based observations with video and still cameras (20 stations), video imagery collected by Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) (52 stations) and the sampling of sedimentary habitats using a grab (16 stations). This information was synthesised into a record of habitat information and displayed in a series of biotope distribution maps. The extent of the Limaria hians bed in the Laudale Narrows was mapped and quantified by quadrat measurements. Spot dives producing quadrat information of the density of Limaria hians nest material were made at 49 stations.

The report describes how the majority of the loch system is fringed by narrow reefs of silty, bedrock and boulders, with the infralittoral being dominated by biotopes of kelp, mainly Laminaria saccharina. The distribution of fringing circalittoral rocky biotopes is described as patchy over much of the loch.

Of particular note was the occurrence of diverse animal communities, characterised by erect sponges, on steep rock at several sites in the outer and tideswept regions of Loch Sunart. The more sheltered sections of Loch Sunart include some excellent examples of the nationally uncommon SCR.NeoPro biotope. This biotope is dominated by sea anemones and brachiopods, with Neocrania anomala dominating the brachiopod fauna.

Most of the seabed of Loch Sunart from the mouth to the head of the loch was found to be soft muddy sediments with well-developed seapen populations and megafaunal burrows but a species-poor infauna was also reported. Where Loch Sunart narrows from Oronsay to Carna the seabed is made up of mixed substrates, chiefly mud and muddy sand with many boulders, and in these current-enhanced areas brittle star beds predominated. Brittlestar beds are also found in the current-swept Laudale Narrows, where they covered a small proportion of the extensive Limaria hians beds found here. One extremely rarely recorded biotope was found in several locations. This biotope consists of fields of the crinoid, Leptometra celtica, generally attached to pebbles on a level muddy sea bed.

Table 2 Sources of previous survey information for Loch Sunart SAC

Year of Survey Survey title Organisation Reference survey type Mackinnon, M.C. and Lumb, C.M. Loch Sunart Mackinnon, 1988. Loch Sunart sublittoral survey. sublittoral survey. M.C. (MCS 10th - 11th October 1987. 1987 Diving 10th - 11th October volunteer (Contractor: M.C. Mackinnon). 1987. divers) Nature Conservancy Council, CSD Report, No. 794. Littoral and Davies, J. 1990. Sublittoral survey Sublittoral survey sublittoral of Loch Sunart and Loch Teacuis. 1990 of Loch Sunart and NCC surveys Nature Conservancy Council, CSD Loch Teacuis. including Report, No. 1075 infauna Littoral Davies, L.M. and Connor, D.W. and Littoral survey and 1993. Littoral survey and sublittoral sublittoral 1993 sublittoral sampling JNCC sampling in Loch Sunart. Joint surveys in Loch Sunart. Nature Conservation Review Report, including No. 121. infauna Howson, C. M. 1996. Survey of the Survey of the shallow sublittoral biotopes in Loch shallow sublittoral Christine 1995 Diving Sunart. Scottish Natural Heritage biotopes in Loch Howson Research, Survey and monitoring Sunart. report (67). Loch Sunart and Loch Teacuis Fuller, I. 1995. Loch Sunart and littoral biotope Heriot Watt Shore Loch Teacuis littoral biotope survey 1995 survey and University mapping and seaweed resource assessment. seaweed resource A report to Scottish Natural Heritage. assessment.

Year of Survey Survey title Organisation Reference survey type Bates, C. R., Moore, C. G., Harries, Broad scale Heriot Watt D. B., Austin, W. and Lyndon, A.R. AGDS, mapping of and St 2004. Broad scale mapping of grabbing, 2001 sublittoral habitats Andrews sublittoral habitats in Loch Sunart, diving and in Loch Sunart, Universities Scotland. Scottish Natural Heritage ROV Scotland. and SNH Commissioned Report No. 006 (ROAME No. F01AA401C).

2.4 Human usage of Loch Sunart SAC and SSSI Loch Sunart is a remote rural area with a number of small communities along the length of the loch. Fort William is the nearest large town, which lies outside the SAC to the east, about an hour’s drive away. The area is popular with tourists and the population increases during the holiday season. A number of possible threats to the SAC arising from anthropogenic activities have been identified.

The principal activities in the area relate to aquaculture, forestry, fishing and leisure. There are currently nine fish farms within the SAC, but a recent consolidation of farm leases, has reduced this number to three sites: Camas Glas and Invasion Bay and a new site at Glencripesdale. There is the potential for fish farm waste to cause a deterioration in the benthos through organic enrichment and sedimentation problems from faeces and food waste deposition, however liaison between developers and SEPA/SNH through the planning process has ensured that the recent fish farms consolidation means that cages are not directly over the SAC features of interest. Shellfish farms also have the potential to impact on benthos from build up of faeces and shell debris, although to a lesser extent than fish farms. At present there are a number of shellfish leases within Loch Sunart and Loch Teacuis, and some recent applications, which are still pending. It will be important to ensure that these are considered carefully with respect to sedimentation over reef areas, Limaria beds and other sensitive benthos. There are also concerns with regard to the build up of debris that accumulates when fish farm infrastructure is serviced and or replaced. Fish farm cage debris can be seen beached on the shores of the loch at several locations, where the relinquishement of fish farms is occuring.

Timber extraction occurs at Glencripesdale where a barge and rock armour have been deployed to facilitate loading. This inevitably introduces large-boat activity into shallow water and with it the disturbance that goes with the propellor turbulance. Waste wood, primarily bark, from the handling operation, is also introduced into areas from which it should normally be absent.

Static gear fishing, using creels for Nephrops norvegicus (Scampi) is of economic importance in the loch, but in general it is felt that the current level of this type of fishing has no more than a very minor effect on the reefs of the loch, as their target is the muddy MegMax biotope and not those making up the reef feature. Trawling and scallop dredging occur in the mouth of the loch, west of Carna and these have the potential to damage stable cobble based reef features, through their severe disturbance of the seabed.

Other more minor fishing activities that occur include shellfish and bait collection on the shore, scallop collection by divers and occasional seaweed harvesting. None of these is thought to have any major detrimental effect at the present intensity although concerns have been held over the numbers of people occasionally collecting winkles in the vicinity of Strontian and so these activities should be kept under review.

The leisure industry is of increasing economic importance within the SAC. Seals and a number of cetacean species are a common sight, as are birds of prey and there are now regular local charter boats providing wildlife and scenic trips for tourists. Divers and sea anglers are also catered for from locations within and outside the loch. There are also beach launching sites in regular use at Glenborrodale, Salen, Camasinus, Resipole and Strontian.

2.5 Draft Site Attribute Tables

The attributes from the Common Standards Guidance for littoral and sublittoral rock and for littoral sediment listed in Table 1 were used to develop draft Site Attribute Tables (SATs) for Loch Sunart SAC and SSSI (Table 3). This incorporated information extracted from previous surveys of the area (Table 2) and knowledge of human activities within the site to produce a draft monitoring programme for subsequent field evaluation. The draft SATs formed the basis of the 2006 survey design, with the intention that the prescriptions within the SATs could be tested by the fieldwork and subsequently refined to produce final SATs for Loch Sunart SAC and SSSI.

The approach taken to the survey design was five-fold. A remote video survey was planned to investigate the distribution and variety of subtidal reef biotopes throughout the SAC. This was intended to measure the attributes Extent, Biotope composition and Distribution of biotopes listed in Table 3. The second phase of the project planned to use diving and intertidal survey techniques to establish a series of relocatable transects that reflected the biological and environmental diversity of the intertidal and shallow subtidal reef habitats of the SAC. This phase was designed to collect information on Biotope composition, Spatial arrangement of biotopes at specified locations and Species composition attributes. No specific work was planned towards measuring the final attribute in Table 3 Presence and/or abundance of specified species. This was considered incidental to the main survey and the species listed would be noted where present to inform the further development/refinement of this attribute. The third phase of the survey, mapped and sampled the Ascophyllum nodosum ecad mackaii and Zostera spp. beds within the site, in order to address the Extent, Species composition and sediment character attributes of their SSSI designation.

The fourth and fifth phases of this project investigated the secondary aims of the survey not included within the SATs.

Table 3 Draft attributes and targets for littoral and sublittoral reef features, selected to initiate site condition monitoring in Loch Sunart 2006 SAC, with the proposed methods for measuring these

Attribute Target for Loch Sunart 2006 Proposed methods for Loch Sunart 2006 Extent of reef No change in extent of intertidal Drop-down video survey to record distribution of rock or subtidal rock. reef/non-reef biotopes. Compare this with earlier work. Review activities and events with the potential to reduce extent of feature such as land reclamation and shoreline development. Biotope Assess/maintain the variety of Drop-down video survey to record the variety of composition of intertidal and subtidal biotopes sublittoral reef biotopes present within the SAC. the intertidal identified for the site, allowing for and subtidal natural succession or known Establish intertidal and subtidal transects within the rock cyclical changes. SAC to record the variety of reef biotopes present. Distribution of Assess/maintain the broader Drop-down video survey in zoned sampling blocks reef biotopes geographic distribution of specified to record the broader geographic distribution of infralittoral and circalittoral specified infralittoral and circalittoral biotopes Spatial biotopes. arrangement of Establish a series of 6 - 8 transects across intertidal biotopes at Assess/maintain the spatial and subtidal reefs to identify and record the specified arrangement of biotopes on a biotopes present and their spatial arrangement in locations series of intertidal and subtidal the intertidal and shallow subtidal. Take video transects, allowing for natural footage of each transect to provide a permanent succession or known cyclical visual record of the biotopes. changes. Major biotopes to consider: Littoral: LR.FLR.Rkp.Cor.Cor, LR.FLR.Rkp.G, LR.FLR.Rkp.SwSed, LR.HLR.FT.AscT, LR.HLR.FT.FserT, LR.HLR.MusB.Sem, LR.LLR.F.Asc.FS, LR.LLR.F.Asc.X, LR.LLR.F.Pel, LR.LLR.F.Fspi, LR.LLR.F.Fves, LR.LLR.F.Fves.X, LR.LLR.FVS.Ascmac, LR.LLR.FVS.AscVS, LR.LLR.FVS.Fcer Infralittoral: SIR.Lsac.Ft, SIR.LhypLsac.Ft, MIR.XKScrR, MIR.LhypGz.Ft, MIR.Lhyp.T, MIR.Ldig.Ldig, IR.MIR.KT.XKT, IR.CorMetAlc, EIR.LhypR.Ft, EIR.Ala.Ldig. Circalittoral faunal turf: CR.MCR.EcCr.CarSp.Bri, CR.MCR.EcCr.AdigVt, CR.LCR.BrAs.NeoPro.FS, CR.LCR.BrAs.AntAsH, CR.LCR.BrAs.AmenCio.Bri, CR.LCR.BrAs.AmenCio.Ant, CR.HCR.XFa.SwiLgAs, MCR.Oph. Species No decline in intertidal and Assess species composition and species diversity composition of subtidal biotope quality on the by means of Phase II style semi-quantitative representative/n monitoring transects due to surveys along a series of 6 - 8 fixed position otable biotopes change in species composition or intertidal and subtidal transects loss of notable species, allowing for natural succession or known Undertake detailed quantitative community cyclical changes composition studies within biotopes of specified interest on the intertidal and subtidal transects using quadrat-sampling techniques Take video footage of each transect to illustrate the quality of the biotopes. Presence and/or Maintain presence and abundance Record the presence and semi-quantitative abundance of of colonies of the northern seafan abundance of S. pallida on the video drops, specified Swiftia pallida monitoring transects and spot dives species Monitor changes in the presence Record the presence or absence of A. dohrnii on and abundance of the anemone the monitoring transects and spot dives Amphianthus dohrnii on S. pallida

Monitor changes in the presence Record the presence and semi-quantitative (and abundance where applicable) abundance on, the video drops, monitoring of a small number of species transects and spot dives of selected species known to be rare, unusual, at the To include the following: Parazoanthus edge of their biogeographical anguicomus, Alcyonium glomeratum, Neocrania

Attribute Target for Loch Sunart 2006 Proposed methods for Loch Sunart 2006 range or considered vulnerable to anomala, Protanthea simplex human activity

Table 4 Draft attributes and targets selected to initiate site condition monitoring in Loch Sunart 2006 SSSI, with the proposed methods for measuring these

Attribute Target for Loch Sunart 2006 Proposed methods for Loch Sunart 2006 Extent of No change in extent of intertidal Review activities and events with the potential to intertidal reef rock. reduce extent of feature such as land reclamation and shoreline development. Biotope Assess/maintain the variety of At six-year intervals assess the continued existence composition of intertidal biotopes identified for the of intertidal reef biotopes recorded within the 6 zones the intertidal site, allowing for natural of the loch. reef succession or known cyclical changes. Distribution of Assess/maintain the broader Establish a series of 6 – 9 transects across intertidal intertidal reef geographic distribution of specified reefs to identify and record the biotopes present and biotopes biotopes. their spatial arrangement. Take video footage of each transect to provide a permanent visual record Spatial Assess/maintain the spatial of the biotopes. arrangement of arrangement of biotopes on a intertidal reef series of intertidal transects, biotopes at allowing for natural succession or specified known cyclical changes. locations Major biotopes to consider: Littoral: LR.FLR.Rkp.Cor.Cor, LR.FLR.Rkp.G, LR.FLR.Rkp.SwSed, LR.HLR.FT.AscT, LR.HLR.FT.FserT, LR.HLR.MusB.Sem, LR.LLR.F.Asc.FS, LR.LLR.F.Asc.X, LR.LLR.F.Pel, LR.LLR.F.Fspi, LR.LLR.F.Fves, LR.LLR.F.Fves.X, LR.LLR.FVS.Ascmac, LR.LLR.FVS.AscVS, LR.LLR.FVS.Fcer, LS.LMp.LSgr.Znol

Sublittoral: IMS.Zmar. Species No decline in intertidal biotope Assess species composition and species diversity by composition of quality on the reef monitoring means of Phase II style semi-quantitative surveys representative/ transects due to change in species along a series of 6 - 8 fixed position transects notable biotopes composition or loss of notable (intertidal reef) species, allowing for natural Undertake detailed quantitative community succession or known cyclical composition studies within biotopes of specified changes interest on the intertidal transects using quadrat- sampling techniques Take video footage of each transect to illustrate the quality of the biotopes. Presence and/or Monitor changes in the presence Record the presence and semi-quantitative abundance of (and abundance where abundance of the species found on the intertidal specified applicable) of a small number of monitoring transects. species species known to be rare, (intertidal reef) unusual, at the edge of their biogeographical range or considered vulnerable to human activity Extent of No change in extent of eelgrass At six-year intervals review activities and events with eelgrass beds allowing for natural the potential to reduce extent of feature such as land (Zostera) beds succession/known cyclical reclamation and shoreline development. change. Aerial images of the loch (at low water) to be compared with baseline survey data every 12 years unless alerted to potential problem by area office or during site visit. Not planned for this survey. At six-year intervals establish outer boundaries of

Attribute Target for Loch Sunart 2006 Proposed methods for Loch Sunart 2006 selected eelgrass beds by field visit with GPS positioning and ‘track mapping’ facility. Presence and/or Maintain presence and/or Record the presence and quantitative abundance of abundance of abundance of Zostera spp. Zostera spp. in the selected, mapped beds Zostera spp.

Species No decline in species composition Assess the species composition and species composition or loss of notable species, diversity in the mapped Zostera spp. beds using the Zostera spp. allowing for natural succession or WFD seagrass field data sheet and quadrat beds known cyclical changes sampling techniques Take video footage of each transect to illustrate the quality of the biotopes. Sediment No significant change in organic Sample the sediment within the Zostera spp. bed character: carbon content in the sediment of and analyse for Loss on ignition (Loi) at 6 yearly organic carbon the sub-feature intervals. content Sediment Maintain the distribution of particle Sample the sediment within the Zostera spp. bed character: size fractions within the sediment and analyse particle size distribution (PSA) at 6 particle size supporting the sub-feature yearly intervals. distribution Extent of Egg No change in extent of egg wrack At six-year intervals review activities and events with wrack beds allowing for natural the potential to reduce extent of feature such as land (Ascophyllum succession/known cyclical reclamation and shoreline development. nodosum ecad change. mackaii) beds Aerial images of the loch (at low water) to be compared with baseline survey data every 12 years unless alerted to potential problem by area office or during site visit. Not planned for this survey.

At six-year intervals establish outer boundaries of selected Ascophyllum nodosum ecad mackaii beds by field visit with GPS positioning and ‘track mapping’ facility. Presence and/or Maintain presence and/or Record the presence and quantitative abundance of abundance of abundance of Ascophyllum Ascophyllum nodosum ecad mackaii in the selected, Ascophyllum nodosum ecad mackaii. mapped beds nodosum ecad mackaii. Species No decline in species composition Assess the species composition and species composition or loss of notable species, diversity in the mapped Ascophyllum nodosum ecad Ascophyllum allowing for natural succession or mackaii beds using the WFD seagrass field data nodosum ecad known cyclical changes sheet and quadrat sampling techniques mackaii beds Take video footage of each transect to illustrate the quality of the biotopes. Sediment No significant change in organic Sample the sediment within the Ascophyllum character: carbon content in the sediment of nodosum ecad mackaii bed and analyse for Loss on organic carbon the sub-feature ignition (Loi) at 6 yearly intervals. content Sediment Maintain the distribution of particle Sample the sediment within the Ascophyllum character: size fractions within the sediment nodosum ecad mackaii bed and analyse particle size particle size supporting the sub-feature distribution (PSA) at 6 yearly intervals. distribution

2.6 Secondary features of the site The fourth phase of this project was a diving survey that targeted the Limaria hians beds in the Laudale Narrows. These bivalves construct a nest that has biogenic reef-like properties; these were investigated. The fifth phase consisted of a grab survey to assess the status of Thyasira gouldi, a rare bivalve, thought to inhabit the sediments of the mid/upper loch’s

benthos. This work was undertaken as part of the ongoing Species Action Plan for T. gouldi for which SNH is the Lead Partner.

3 METHODS

The methods adopted for the work in Loch Sunart were discussed in detail with SNH and were planned where possible to build on those used during previous studies in condition monitoring of the other Scottish marine SACs. Summary outlines of the methods used are presented in this section and further details are provided in Appendices 1 and 2.

3.1 Drop-down video survey A remote video survey using two drop-down video systems was planned to investigate the distribution and variety of subtidal reef biotopes throughout the SAC. This was intended to measure the SAC attributes Extent, Biotope composition and Distribution of biotopes. Several earlier projects were consulted when designing the survey. A survey carried out around Flamborough had successfully used random sampling within a number of transects divided into depth bands (Howson et al., 2003). Moore and Bunker (2001) had proposed a scheme for determining the number of samples required when carrying out a drop-down video survey and this was tested by Howson et al. (2003). Lessons from both of these projects, from the inaugural SNH SCM of the Sound of Arisaig SAC (Moore et al., 2004) and from a similar survey of the Firth of Lorn SAC in 2005 (Howson et al., 2006) informed the design of the Loch Sunart study. The loch was divided into six zones on the basis of the current knowledge of the loch’s kelp communities. This kelp biotope zoning was first suggested by Howson (1996) and was based on the results of an intensive survey of shallow infralittoral reef biotopes in Loch Sunart (Howson, 1996). These zones are shown in Figure 2 along with the expected distribution of reef within the loch, derived from an earlier broadscale survey (Bates et al., 2004).

A series of random sampling positions was generated for the known area of reef within each zone in the loch prior to the survey, with an approximate maximum of 120 drops (Table 5), and extra points were generated in all the zones to ensure all depths and features were adequately represented. Earlier monitoring surveys of other SACs, such as Howson et al. (2006), divided the video sampling blocks into depth bands, but this was not considered practical for Loch Sunart where the reef habitat is largely confined to a narrow strip around the edge of the loch. In addition to the random drops, a number of extra sampling positions were selected to target specific features in the loch. With a total sampling effort of 120 video drops, the density of video drops was calculated at 6.9 drops km-2.

Figure 2 Location of the reef habitat and the drop-down video sampling zones within Loch Sunart Marine SAC

Based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of the Controller of HMSO © Crown copyright (2007) Licence no. 100017908)

Table 5 Proposed drop-down video sampling effort allocated to each zone within Loch Sunart based on known area of reef

Area of each Target number Zone zone of drops/zone 1 2.69 19 2 4.0 28 3 6.18 43 4 2.19 15 5 1.07 7 6 1.29 9 Total 17.42 121

As required in Procedural Guideline 3-5 (Davies et al., 2001), video tows of 100 m length were attempted where possible at the pre-determined positions and generally the camera was allowed to drift along the seabed for between two and five minutes to achieve this. Stations were only passed over if deployment would have placed the vessel or crew in danger and in all cases the vessel’s skipper assessed the safety of each station prior to deployment. If for any reason a station could not be sampled effectively, for example due to the strength of the tide or poor visibility at the seabed, the video sample was abandoned and the gear deployed at the next station in the random sequence. If the seabed substrata were

mixed, the tows were generally longer within the safe limits of the operating conditions. The operating procedure adopted during this survey is presented in Appendix 1. A zone was considered to be complete once there was a reasonable geographic coverage within the zone and no new biotopes were being recorded.

3.1.1 Video Equipment Two sets of drop-down video equipment were used for this survey, one supplied by SNH and a second by ASML, operating independently from two boats. The two systems were similar light-weight systems that could be hand-hauled and operated from a RIB. Both were based on Sony 3CCD digital video cameras with Mini DV format tapes. They are designed to drift above the seabed rather than drag along it in contrast to many other popular systems which utilise the sledge mode of operation. These systems were rejected as their use can cause damage to fragile species, such as the sea fan Swiftia pallida, seapens and featherstars and also run a much greater risk of snagging when filming sublittoral reef.

The drop-down system owned by Scottish Natural Heritage uses a Sony DCR-TRV900 housed in an Amphibico Navigator 900 (VHNV0900) aluminum housing which can operate to 100 m depth and accepts a long-life battery. The equipment can be used with an optional 80o wet lens.

The ASML drop-down video system uses a Sony DRV 950 camera in an aluminium housing rated to 130m. The lights are powered by an independent surface 110v system (generator or vessel supplied) and so do not rely on battery power.

Both systems can be controlled from the surface. The digital video footage can be recorded in the camera and simultaneously relayed to the surface via the umbilical where it is viewed and recorded on a Sony mini digital VCR. In both systems a surface control box provides remote control facilities for both the camera and the lights, and it is possible to toggle between the camera and recorder and to record on either enabling an instant back up to be obtained during the fieldwork.

Contemporaneous notes are made whilst the video is deployed, so that the operators have an idea of the variety of biotopes that have been encountered as well as the depths and habitat type.

3.2 Intertidal and subtidal reef transect surveys

3.2.1 Transect selection Relocatable survey transects were established at seven intertidal sites and eight subtidal sites (Appendix 3, Figure 3), chosen to be representative of the variety of biotopes present in the area and to include sites in each zone of the loch.

The selection of sites was based on a variety of sources; the information gleaned from the review of previous reports of work carried out in Loch Sunart; earlier conservation agency data present in the Recorder database; information provided by divers familiar with the area and information provided by the SNH area officer Mark Steward. They were selected primarily on the basis of subtidal information as it was felt that the subtidal was more varied and contained more species and biotopes of particular conservation interest, than the intertidal reef present throughout much of the loch.

Figure 3 Location of intertidal and subtidal transect sites sampled in Sunart in 2006

Based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of the Controller of HMSO © Crown copyright (2007) Licence no. 100017908)

Seven of the sites selected had contiguous intertidal and subtidal transects (L and S- Sun0706– 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 18) but one site, S-Sun0706-22 (Torr Molach) had no corresponding intertidal transect, as this transect was surveyed during neap tides. Had a contiguous intertidal transect been attempted it would not have been comparable with the other sites, as the lower shore was not exposed and would therefore not have been surveyed. Basic site information is summarised in Table 6. The methods used to survey the transects are described in detail in Appendix 2 and are only summarised in this section.

Table 6 Summary of intertidal and subtidal transect sites

Depth/ No. Survey Full Site Site name Site type Comment height used in type No. (m rcd) report Steep very sheltered bedrock reef from the Contiguous L- supralittoral through mid- transects on Sun0706- L09 Jetty at shore limpet/barnacles to steep sheltered 09 Laudale lower shore red algae bedrock shore +6.5 - Transect Narrows and L. digitata. Silty L. adjacent to the -17.7m saccarhina and road S- brittlestars with abundant Sun0706- S09 Limaria hians terraces 09 below the kelp. Exposed bedrock on a Contiguous L- small island at the mouth transects on the Sun0706- L10 of the loch. Red algal most exposed 10 +6.4 – Sligneach Mor lower shore running into small island at Transect -25.7m L. hyperborea. Cliffs and the mouth of the S- boulder slopes with loch Sun0706- S10 Swiftia pallida subtidally. 10

Depth/ No. Survey Full Site Site name Site type Comment height used in type No. (m rcd) report Very sheltered gently L- sloping bedrock with Contiguous Sun0706- L11 limpet barnacle transects on +6.5 - 11 Oronsay (NE) steep sheltered Transect domination running into -27.97m S- bedrock shore L. hyperborea and a Sun0706- S11 boulder slope subtidally. 11 Very sheltered north-west L- facing bedrock and Contiguous Sun0706- L12 boulder shore. transects south 12 +7.62 - Camas Salach Ascophyllum nodosum of the Transect -25.7m S- running into L. saccarhina Glencripesdale Sun0706- S12 and a boulder slope fish farm 12 subtidally. Very sheltered, steep Contiguous L- northeast facing bedrock transects Sun0706- L13 and boulder shore. 13 Torran a adjacent to the +5.2 - Ascophyllum nodosum Glencripesdale Transect Chonnaidh -17.9m S- running into L. saccarhina road and west of Sun0706- S13 and a boulder slope the Invasion Bay 13 subtidally. fish farm Sheltered, very steep Contiguous L- northerly facing bedrock transects east of Sun0706- L16 West of shore. Lichens and +6.2 - Auliston Point at Transect 16 Waterfalls limpet/barnacle biotopes -28.2m the mouth of the running into L. S- loch hyperborea on cliffs and Sun0706- S16 boulder slopes subtidally. 16 Very sheltered initially Contiguous L- steep and then gently transects, with a sloping bedrock and Sun0706- L18 ‘Serpula 18 boulder shore with limpet/ vermicularis NE shore of barnacle and then reef-transect’ Transect +6.4 - Inner Loch Ascophyllum nodosum running -4.2m Teacuis biotopes running into L. perpendicular at S- saccharina on silty –1.16m bcd Sun0706- S18 boulders with Serpula (below chart 18 vermicularis reefs. Then datum) (Section onto a soft mud plain. 3.8) Sheltered, very steep southerly facing bedrock Subtidal transect shore. Lichens and only, adjacent to limpet/barnacle biotopes the road. S- -0.2 - Torr Molach running into a narrow Transect Sun0706- S22 -26.21m Halidrys siliquosa and L. 22 saccarhina band on cliffs and boulder slopes subtidally.

3.2.2 Transect survey methods At the start of the survey, a day was spent carrying out dives in the Laudale Narrows area. The purpose of this was in part to investigate possible sites for transects and in part to familiarise the survey team with the species present and enable species proformas to be developed for the inner loch area. The subsequent work on each site followed a similar pattern.

Each transect was approximately 100 m long and 4 m wide and was surveyed using semi- quantitative Phase II and quantitative quadrat recording techniques, with the aim of describing the biotopes along the transects and establishing their species’ complement and

the abundance of the constituent species. Subtidal transects extended to 30 m below sea level or 100 m distance, whichever was reached first.

For an intertidal transect, a black climbing piton was hammered into a crack at the top of the shore as a permanent marker and a yellow ‘road-paint’ mark was also applied. Both marks were photographed. A 100 m tape measure was attached to this and followed a constant bearing down the shore and into the subtidal, where the end was attached to a buoyed shot line. The transect bearing was approximately perpendicular to the shore.

Where there was no intertidal region of a transect (S22), a buoyed shotline was dropped from the boat at a suitable depth and then a suitable transect end-position was determined by the reconnaissance divers prior to their Phase II survey. The position of all the markers was recorded by GPS and photographs were taken to aid in future relocation. All information relating to positioning of the transect line and markers was entered onto a ‘transect relocation form’ in the field.

The transect was split up into a series of zones which were defined in terms of differences in the composition of the biological community or by changes in substratum. Zone boundaries along the tape were recorded in terms of distance along the tape and vertical height relative to the station marker. In the intertidal, this height and additional measurements required to enable a profile to be drawn were determined using a 50 cm high cross staff. In the subtidal, the depth of water was measured at zone boundaries and at 5 m distances along the tape.

A band 2 m either side of the tape was surveyed by two workers recording the habitat and the biota using the MNCR SACFOR scale of abundance, with collection of material for laboratory examination where in situ. identification was not possible. Abundance was assessed over the zone as a whole, unless stated otherwise. A digital video camera and a digital stills camera were used to make representative photographic recordings of the transect zones in both the intertidal and subtidal. Data collected in each zone along the transect were entered into the appropriate recording forms in the field (Appendix 2), and biotopes were subsequently allocated to each zone using the current habitat classification scheme (Connor et al., 2004).

3.2.3 Quadrat recording One biotope on each transect was selected for quantitative quadrat recording to supplement the semi-quantitative phase II data. Generic intertidal and subtidal species proformas were drawn up following a species familiarisation dive and were printed onto waterproof paper for use in the field (Appendix 2). The percentage cover or count of each species within each quadrat was recorded on the appropriate proforma. The quadrats used in all cases were 0.25 m2. In the intertidal, 10 quadrats were sampled and each one was photographed. In the subtidal, as many quadrats as possible were sampled within the time available. The quadrats were ‘thrown’ at random by the divers, along a single depth contour in an area of uniform substratum.

3.2.4 Data handling Transect profiles were graphed using Excel, after the distances along the tape had been entered into the software package. A macro then converted these to true horizontal distances and depths below chart datum. The resulting graphs produced are a representation of the transect profile. Annotations summarising the biotopes present along the transects were then added and intertidal and subtidal heights along the transects are given in relation to chart datum. Tidal heights were calculated using the WXTide programme and were based on predictions for the village of Salen, which lies on the north shore mid- way along Loch Sunart.

Following the data analysis, a biotope inventory was compiled with a brief description of each biotope recorded and a representative photograph (Appendix 4). More detailed local biotope descriptions were compiled for each sublittoral biotope surveyed in which quadrat sampling had provided additional information (Appendix 5).

3.3 Ascophyllum nodosum ecad mackaii (A.mac) intertidal surveys

3.3.1 Site selection Potential sites were selected using the information gleaned from the review of previous work, the output from the Recorder database and the information provided by SNH Area Officer Mark Steward. Restricted field survey time allowed a limited number of sites to be visited, so only the largest known sites were selected.

Beds of A.mac were surveyed in six locations. These locations are shown in table 7 below.

Table 7 Surveyed Ascophyllum nodosum ecad mackaii bed locations and work undertaken during the 2006 fieldwork

Site Number and Name Centre of site Work undertaken 3. Camaschoirk NM 76734 60583 Mapping 4. Eilean Mor NM 75975 60666 Mapping 5. Head of the Loch NM 83350 60550 Mapping/coring 6. Strontian NM 81456 61282 Mapping/transects/coring 7. Glenborrodale Bay NM 60950 60950 Mapping/abundance/coring 17. Salen NM 68921 64649 Mapping

3.3.2 Methodology The methodology required to assess the A. nodosum ecad mackaii was based on the Water Framework Directive (WFD) seagrass field data sheet, which the team were asked to trial during the 2006 fieldwork. This sheet is reproduced in full in Appendix 12.

In each case the margins of the A. nodosum ecad mackaii bed were mapped during a shore walk of the boundary using hand-held GPS receivers and their inbuilt track mapping facility. Both the species composition and the abundance, of the LR.LLR.FVS.Ascmac biotope constituents were recorded using 0.25m2 quadrats deployed on transects through the bed. Intermediate quality beds (those with a diffuse distribution pattern of A.mac), such as those at ‘Head of the Loch’ and at Salen were simply mapped, photographed and described. Waypoints were recorded at photographic, video and sampling locations.

The sediment type beneath the bed was also described and cored at three sites with a 0.01 m2 core in order to look at the infauna in the sediments beneath the A.mac blanket. A sample of sediment was also taken. This sample was later processed for Particle Size Analysis (PSA) and ‘Loss on Ignition’ (LoI), the former to help to characterise the particle size distribution and the latter to provide a measure of the organic content of the sediment. This sample consisted of a scrape of approximately 500 g of the top 50 mm of sediment that lay below the A.mac. The sample was bagged and labelled in the field and then frozen on return to the survey base.

On return to base the sediment core was gently agitatated in seawater from loch to disaggregate the sediment and then the remaining residue was poured through a 1mm sieve. After gentle sieving the residue was transferred to an airtight bucket, fixed in 10% borax buffered formaldehyde solution in seawater and labelled on both the inside and outside of the bucket. No vital stain was added to the samples.

Following the fieldwork the subsequent laboratory extraction, identification (to the finest practicable resolution) and enumeration of the sampled fauna, was carried out by Dr Peter Garwood of Identichaet, a reknowned national expert in the field of marine macrobenthic infaunal identification.

Still photography and videography were employed to capture a permanent visual record of all A. nodosum ecad mackaii beds sampled.

3.4 Zostera noltii intertidal surveys

3.4.1 Site selection Potential sites were selected using the information gleaned from the review of previous work, the output from the Recorder database and the information provided by SNH Area Officer Mark Steward.

Beds of Zostera noltii were surveyed for in the location where it was previously found in 1978 (Camaschoirk). The location of this site is presented in table 8 below.

Table 8 Surveyed Zostera noltii bed location and work undertaken during the 2006 fieldwork Site Number and Name Centre of site Work undertaken L4. Eilean Mor (Doirlinn NM 75870 60690 Mapping/coring Channel)

3.4.2 Methodology The methodology required to assess the Zostera noltii was based on the Water Framework Directive (WFD) seagrass field data sheet. This sheet is reproduced in full in Appendix 12.

At Eilean Mor the margins of the small beds of the Zostera noltii were mapped during a shore walk of the boundaries using hand-held GPS receivers and their inbuilt track mapping facility. Both the species composition and the abundance, of the LS.LMp.LSgr.Znol biotope constituents were recorded using 0.25 m2 quadrats thrown at random through the beds. Waypoints were recorded at photographic, video and sampling locations. No other Z. noltii beds were surveyed in the SAC in 2006.

The sediment type beneath the bed was also described and cored with a 0.01 m2 core in order to look at the infauna in the sediments beneath the Zostera noltii bed. A sample of sediment was also taken. This sample was later processed for Particle Size Analysis (PSA) and ‘Loss on Ignition’ (LoI), the former to help to characterise the particle size distribution and the latter to provide a measure of the organic content of the sediment. This sample consisted of a scrape of approximately 500 g of the top 50 mm of sediment. The sample was bagged and labelled in the field and then frozen on return to the survey base. Following the survey it was despatched to The Institute of Estuarine and Coastal Sciences at the University of Hull for the analyses.

The infaunal core was processed as in section 3.3 above and later analysed by Dr P. Garwood of Identichaet.

Still photography and videography were employed to capture a permanent visual record of the Zostera noltii bed in situ.

3.5 Zostera marina subtidal surveys

3.5.1 Site selection Potential sites were selected using the information gleaned from the review of previous work, the output from the Recorder database and the information provided by SNH Area Officer Mark Steward.

Beds of Zostera marina were surveyed for in three known locations, with an additional previously unrecorded bed surveyed in Loch na Droma Buide. The locations of these samples are presented in table 9 below.

Table 9 Zostera marina surveyed bed locations and work undertaken during the 2006 fieldwork

Site Number and Centre of site Work undertaken Name L1. Camas nan Snorkelling and viewing bucket. Mapped and NM 55569 61543 Geall photographed L2. Rubha Camp NM 57954 61508 Mapped and Photographed in the rockpool an Righ S17. Salen Snorkelling and viewing bucket. No Zostera NM 69000 64400 Harbour marina found S23 Loch na Viewing bucket Zostera marina found. NM 58789 58060 Droma Buide Mapped and Photographed

3.5.2 Methodology The methodology required to assess the Zostera marina was based on the Water Framework Directive (WFD) seagrass field data sheet. This sheet is reproduced in full in Appendix 12.

At Camas nan Geall a small diffuse Z. marina bed was located in the shallow sublittoral and was mapped by a combination of snorkelling and using viewing buckets over the side of the RIB. Waypoints were taken with GPS receivers and photographs were taken by the snorkellers. No cores or sediment samples were taken at this bed due to the diffuse nature of the bed. Similarly at Rubha Camp an Righ the Z. marina record was of a small patch located in a lowershore rock pool. Again this bed was diffuse and was merely photographed and located by waypoints. At Loch na Droma Buide the bed was much larger (880 m2)

In Salen Harbour no bed was found in 2006, even after teams had made several exhaustive searches of the area by snorkelling and observations using the viewing bucket. The diffuse bed reported in Howson (1996), appears to have died off completely leaving no trace.

3.6 Thyasira gouldi subtidal grabbing survey

3.6.1 Introduction An outstanding action within the 1999 Species Action Plan for Thyasira gouldi was for SNH to determine the status (continued presence) of the species within Loch Sunart. T. gouldi has historically been identified from quantitative samples of fauna taken from Loch Sunart (as summarised in Blacknell and Ansell, 1975) but exact details of locations sampled and methodologies used are not readily available and SNH do not believe that any extant material remains. Infaunal sampling carried out in 2001 as part of the SNH broadscale

mapping programme recorded T. gouldi/T.flexuosa at two sites in the mid/upper loch (a reflection of the difficulties in identification for the non-expert).

A limited programme of infaunal sampling (15x0.1 m2 Van Veen grab samples) was consequently requested by SNH in order to establish the status of T. gouldi in Loch Sunart.

3.6.2 Site selection

In 2001 Thyasira spp was found in the samples from sites 26 and 28. These sites were located either side of the Laudale Narrows towards the head of the loch in water ranging from 15 m to 57 m deep. Consequently 15 stations were selected at random in water of the appropriate depths, within the same general area as the successful 2001 grabs. The selected stations are shown on Figure 4 below.

Figure 4 Grab sampling stations worked in 2006 and in 2001 in the vicinity of the Laudale Narrows.

Based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of the Controller of HMSO © Crown copyright (2007) Licence no. 100017908)

3.6.3 Methodology During two sampling sessions, the 13th July and the morning of the 15th July, 15 x 0.1 m2 Van Veen grab samples were collected using the MV Laurenca an MCA coded survey vessel from Laga Bay. The positions of each grab retained were recorded by GPS and each full grab was processed on board during the operation. Only full grab samples were retained and no replicates were obtained. A subsample was taken from each grab for sediment grain size distribution analyses and organic matter content determination. These data were later obtained by a combination of wet and dry sieving for particles larger than 63 μm and by

electronic particle counting for material smaller than 63 μm. The organic matter determination was calculated by loss on ignition at 450°C.

The grabs were emptied onto a wash box. In the wash box the sediment was gently agitated with seawater from the deck hose to disaggregate the sediment and then the remaining residue was poured through a 1 mm sieve. After gentle sieving the residue was transferred to an airtight bucket, fixed in 10% borax buffered formaldehyde solution in seawater and labelled on both the inside and outside of the bucket. No vital stain was added to the samples.

Following the fieldwork the subsequent laboratory extraction, identification (to the finest practicable resolution) and enumeration of the sampled fauna, was carried out by Dr Peter Garwood of Identichaet, a reknowned international expert in the field of marine invertebrate taxonomy and macrobenthic infaunal identification.

During this process all specimens of Thyasira spp. were extracted by Dr Garwood and subsequently sent to Dr Ian Kileen and Dr Graham Oliver for independent review and identification to species. Both these individuals being internationally recognised experts capable of reporting on the provenance of the Thyasira spp. specimens. A voucher reference collection of all the taxa encountered in the retained grab sample’s residues was assembled during the analysis of the material by Dr Garwood, this is lodged with the Marine Invertebrate section of the National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh.

3.7 Limaria hians subtidal survey

3.7.1 Site selection The gaping file shell Limaria hians occurs in areas of enhanced tidal streams along the margins and sill areas of Loch Sunart and at depths varying from the shallow sublittoral into the circalittoral. The bivalves occur in beds/nests, of densities varying from complete coverage of the substratum to scattered individuals. Where densities are high, the nests of byssus threads coalesce and form a carpet over the substrate.

The gaping file shell’s beds found in the Laudale Narrows area were requested for study during the 2006 fieldwork. These beds were previously mapped in 2001.

Beds of L. hians provide stable substrata in otherwise sedimentary habitats and support a diverse epifauna and infauna. Hall-Spencer and Moore (2001) concluded that L. hians reefs should be given the same conservation status as other biogenic reefs. The IMX.Lim biotope (Limaria hians beds in tide-swept sublittoral muddy mixed sediment) is nationally scarce, biologically diverse and of considerable conservation interest within Loch Sunart.

3.7.2 Methodology Sampling to investigate the properties of this Limaria hians biotope within the key Laudale Narrows area was incorporated into the 2006 SCM sampling programme. Specific attributes to measure are not given within the draft SATs (which only encompass qualifying SAC and SSSI features).

Four sites were dived in the Laudale Narrows area on the 15th and 18th of July. At each of these sites divers collected two cores for macrobenthic analysis and an accompanying PSA sample with each core. Video and digital photography were also undertaken at each site. Limaria hians nest coverage information and biotope community composition information was also collected. This was achieved using the methodology from Bates et al., 2004. Abundance was assessed by a diver using a 0.25 m2 quadrat with a grid of cross strings at

10 cm intervals, by recording the number of string intersections (from the total of 16) that lay immediately above L. hians nest material. Ten replicate random quadrats were thrown in the vicinity of the core sampling and the divers recorded the percentage cover of the conspicuous taxa growing or living in the biotope. The four sites were chosen so that they lay within the four ‘abundance’ zones present within the narrows area as outlined in Bates et al., 2004.

3.8 Serpula vermicularis subtidal survey

3.8.1 Site location Following the drop-down video survey of Loch Teacuis on the 4th July, during which Serpula vermicularis reefs were discovered in the shallow sublittoral, further visits were made to Loch Teacuis on the 5th and 12th during which the shallow sublittoral was mapped for the presence of these phenomena. The resulting map shows the recorded distribution of Serpula vermicularis in Loch Teacuis and is presented in figure 5 below.

Figure 5 Mapped locations of Serpula vermicularis reefs in Loch Teacuis

Based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of the Controller of HMSO © Crown copyright (2007) Licence no. 100017908)

3.8.2 Methodology Following the initial drop-down video of the Serpula vermicularis reef the subsequent mapping was carried out by obtaining GPS fixes on the boundaries of the biotope (SS.SBR.PoR.Ser) from observations made over the side of the RIB with viewing buckets. Snorkellers also checked for deeper colonies, beyond the visability achievable with the buckets.

At the ‘Serpula’ transect location shown in figure 5 above, which is also the site of the Loch Teacuis intertidal and subtidal transects, a 50 m transect was deployed parallel to the shore at a depth of 1.3 m bcd (below chart datum), this depth band being the depth of peak Serpula vermicularis density. Along this transect all Serpula vermicularis colonies encountered within 1 m to the seaward/deeper side of the line, were measured. Measurements of each Serpula vermicularis colony’s height and circumference (cm) were carefully made by a pair of divers as they moved along the transect.

A further period of fieldwork took place from November 21st to November 24th 2006 with the aim of determining the presence, depth, distribution and size classes of the Serpula vermicularis aggregations in Loch Teacuis. The methodology followed that used to map S.vermicularis reefs in Loch Creran (Moore et al., 2006).

Transects were planned around the periphery of the inner basin 200 m apart from each other with wider spacing towards the head of the loch where no evidence of aggregations was seen with the viewing buckets. The start positions for the transects were entered into the boat GPS. Nineteen transects were surveyed by divers, GS1 to GS20 (GS12 was omitted due to the misplacement of GS11), three additional transects GS25, 26 and 39 were added in the areas which overlapped with three mussel farm lease areas at the periphery of the loch. The transect locations are shown on figure 6.

Figure 6 Location of diver transects in Loch Teacuis in November 2006

Divers descended at the shallow end of the transect and swam on a fixed bearing into deeper water. The start of the transect was recorded on the boat GPS if it differed from the planned start position. Divers carried slates marked with the size categories defined by Moore et al., 1998, below;

Individuals or non-reef forming worms < 5 cm2 (= 2.2 cm x 2.2 cm) Small reefs = 5 – 50 cm2 (= 7.1 cm x 7.1 cm) Medium reefs = 50 – 500 cm2 (= 22.4 cm x 22.4 cm) Large reefs > 500 cm2

Observations of reef occurrence were made within the band of visibility (~2 m either side of the diver). When S.vermicularis aggregations were seen the depth and size class were recorded using the dimensions marked out on the slate. Any other observations were also recorded (such as changes in substrate).

The end of the transect was initially determined by reaching a depth of 15 m, or a dive duration of 30 minutes, however in most areas 15 m was not achievable within a realistic distance of the shore and once the substrate gave way to soft mud with a very gradual gradient, the divers swam for a few more minutes beyond the last serpulid aggregation before ending the transect. When the end of the transect was reached four pulls were given on the buoy line. This indicated to the surface vessel the location of the transect end and allowed a GPS position to be established.

3.9 Fieldwork safety and logistics

3.9.1 Video survey The video survey was carried out during the first week (02/07/06 to 06/07/06) of the three- week field survey and mobilised each day from the beach at Camusinas. Two MCA - coded RIBs owned by SNH were used for the work, Aquilla (5.0m) and Aphrodite (6.5 m). The survey teams consisted of marine biologists from both ASML and SNH and the work was shared out between the craft.

3.9.2 Diving and intertidal survey The diving and intertidal fieldwork was carried out by a team of seven divers over a 12 day period in weeks two and three of the survey (08/07/06 to 20/07/06). The local charter boat Peregrine, based in Lochaline, was used as a diving platform for four days, Laurenca from Laga Bay for two days and the SNH 5 m RIB Aquilla for the remainder of the trip. The Laudale Narrows site was also worked as a shore dive site. All of the diving was carried out in accordance with the Approved Code of Practice for scientific diving projects (Health and Safety Commission, 1998). The divers were all qualified according to the relevant 1997 HSE regulations and used air with standard SCUBA equipment.

The survey covered a period of both neap and spring tides with most of the intertidal work carried out over the biggest spring tides. Diving was planned for slack water, based on information gleaned from the tide tables and the hard boat skippers. During the survey only site S15 proved to be unworkable due to tidal conditions as work had over run the period of slack water. This site was however in the Narrows at Laudale and exposed to strong tidal currents. On all dives one of each diving pair carried a Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) and the other diver had a delayed SMB for use in case of separation.

The survey team was based in self-catering accommodation at Camusinas, an adequate bungalow on the beach with access to moorings and launching facilities. Diving air was obtained on-board Peregrine and latterly through the use of a portable compressor hired from ‘Edinburgh Diving Centre’. Use of the beach and moorings at Camusinas was negotiated with the residents of the community by Andy Jackson (the Skipper of Laurenca) from Laga Bay and could not be taken for granted in the future. The RIBs were both moored on spare residents’ moorings located off Camusinas Bay.

3.9.3 Thyasira grab survey work The Laurenca was loaded each day from the fish farm’s pontoon, near its berth in Laga Bay. The work was carried out according to the risk assessment that accompanied the tender for this contract, which is reproduced in Appendix 12. The crew of Tom Mercer and Mark

Steward wore life jackets, hard hats and safety Wellingtons at all times whilst handling the grab.

Laurenca was not an ideal vessel for this survey work as it did not have a powered deck winch and davit. However a safe retrieval of the grab was achieved by means of a two- stage lift, using the anchor winch to haul the grab to the surface and a deck davit to lift the grab inboard. Any future grab work in the loch should attempt to find an alternative vessel in order to reduce the amount of man-handling of the grab and its contents required by this process.

3.10 Photography and video The transects were videoed with a hand-held digital video and lights (Sony DCR-TRV900 in an Amphibico Navigator 900 housing). Digital still photographs of a representative range of species and habitats were taken both underwater and on the shore on various cameras, a Nikon Coolpix 5000, a coolpix 5600 and a Sony DSC-707. These were housed for underwater work. Some underwater 35 mm photographs were also taken with a housed Nikon F50 with a 24 mm lens.

3.11 Data handling and analysis

3.11.1 Video data analysis An initial assessment of the biotopes found on each video drop, based on the species visible and the seabed type, was made during the course of the fieldwork. Following the field survey, the video tapes were reviewed more thoroughly and biotopes assigned to each sample. Approximately 20% of the samples were then reviewed by a second worker to ensure accuracy and consistency of biotope identification. The sites selected for review included examples of each biotope identified and a number of sites where there was a query over the classification. The results and comments from both workers were taken into account to make a final decision on biotope allocation. Table 10 presents summary site information with respect to the video work undertaken in July 2006.

In addition to this work, videotapes from a broad scale survey of Loch Sunart, carried out in 2001 by Heriot Watt University (Bates et al., 2004) were reviewed and biotopes were assigned to the results according to the current national classification (Connor et al., 2004). The results of that extensive survey, which included ROV flights, grab samples and diver records, are compared with those from this 2006 survey.

3.11.2 Diving and intertidal surveys’ data handling Collected specimens Following the fieldwork, all the specimens collected were identified and added to the species data sets as Present unless there was additional abundance information available. All the Phase II and quadrat data were entered into Excel spreadsheets and Marine Recorder. Biotopes were assigned to each zone according to the current national marine biotope classification (Connor et al., 2004). Descriptions of each site were compiled from all the available data and Site Relocation Sheets were constructed (Appendix 6).

Transect profiles The profile information was entered into Excel as height/depth and distance along the tape. The true horizontal distance was calculated as well as the depth/shore height relative to chart datum and the profiles were then graphed. Additional information such as biotope codes was then added to the plots.

Biotope descriptions The results from the Phase II records and the quadrat analyses enabled the individual biotopes to be distinguished and National Biotope Codes to be assigned (Connor et al., 2004). Brief biotope descriptions for the biotope targeted by the quadrat exercise were then written and these are presented in Appendix 5. The lists of characterising species were compiled from the results of analyses of the quadrat data using the SIMPER routine in the PRIMER 5 statistical package combined with the Phase II observations. It was felt that this exercise was only merited for the sublittoral biotopes where quadrats had provided additional information to supplement the Phase II descriptions. The intertidal biotopes have a much lower diversity of species and the existing national descriptions proved to be adequate. The quadrat data are intended primarily to provide a quantitative data set for future comparative work and no further analysis was deemed pertinent at this stage.

4 RESULTS OF THE REEF FEATURE VIDEO SURVEY

4.1 Drop-Down Video survey Successful drop down video recordings were made at 155 sites in the six sampling zones within the loch. These are listed in Appendix 3 and illustrated in Figures 7, 8 and 9 with a summary in Table 10.

Table 10 Summary of site characteristics for the 6 video survey zones sampled in 2006

Depth range No. Site Survey area Area characteristics of survey drops notation Exposed and moderately exposed west-facing Zone 1 entrance, opening into the north end of the Sound of Loch Sunart Mull. Rocks of Sligneach Mòr and Sligneach Beag 4 – 38m 21 1.01– 1.21 Entrance lie in this area. Area is 4.5 km across at its widest point. Maximum depth of zone 113 m. Moderately exposed to sheltered area lying between the Rubha Aird Shlignich/Oronsay and Carna/Risga. 2.01 – Zone 2 The southern end opens into the western entrance to 2.30; X05; Oronsay, Risga Loch Teacuis whilst there is a series of sheltered 0.2 – 78m 32 X06 and Carna bays on the northern side. There are moderate tidal (No drop streams through the channels between islands. 2.12 or 20) Maximum depth of zone 84 m. Sheltered western arm of the loch, which includes the 3.01 – Zone 3 sheltered Salen Bay, and is approximately 9 km long 3.50a, 50b, Risga/Carna to and 1.5 km wide,. Slight to moderate tidal streams 51; X03; 0.05 – 79.5m 53 Rubha Aird around the headlands and through the channels at X04; barge Earnaich/Resipole Carna and the eastern entrance to Loch Teacuis. (No drop 3.10, 11, 22, Maximum depth of zone 124 m. 23, 40) Very sheltered eastern arm of the loch, with more Zone 4 gradually sloping sides than Zones 1 – 3, and 4.01 – Rubha Aird includes two sills, one at Garbh Eilean and the 4.19; X02; Earnaich/Resipole second west of the Laudale Narrows. Tidal streams +0.5 – 29m 23 X07; X08; to Laudale were moderate to strong through the narrows but X09 Narrows negligible elsewhere. Salinity possibly variable in the surface layers. Maximum depth of zone 76 m. Extremely sheltered inner basin with variable salinity in the surface layers. Includes the eastern part of the Zone 5 Laudale Narrows, east of the shallow sill. Tidal 5.01 – Inner basin of +0.6 - 41 14 streams were moderate to strong through the 5.13; X10 Loch Sunart narrows but negligible elsewhere. Maximum depth of zone 91 m.

Depth range No. Site Survey area Area characteristics of survey drops notation Extremely sheltered sealoch divided into three basins Zone 6 by a series of 3 shallow sills. Moderate to strong tidal 6.01 – 6.13 +1.1 – 6.4 12 (No drop Loch Teacuis streams across the sills but negligible tides 6.09) elsewhere. Maximum depth of zone 31 m.

A brief description of each biotope recorded in 2006, a list of the sites from which it was recorded and an illustrative photograph of each are included in Appendix 4. The 34 biotopes or biotope complexes identified from the video tapes within the SAC in 2006 are also listed in Table 11 along with those found in 2001. The 2006 list comprises 14 categories to Sub- Biotope level, 19 identified to Biotope level, and five to biotope complex level, of the National Biotope Classification (Connor et al., 2004).

This exhibits the diversity of both habitats and species within the SAC. In addition, the high drift rate of the equipment and the subsequent poor video definition at some sites resulted in a number of drops being recorded only at the coarser Biotope Complex level in the classification. Sediments require infaunal analysis to differentiate to biotope level, but no infaunal work was required by this contract and so the seven sediment entities were only logged to biotope complex level. A generalised description of each survey area is given in Section 4.2.2.

Figures 10 to 12 show the sampling locations of the 2001 survey carried out by Heriot Watt University within the SAC (Bates et al., 2004). These figures highlight the differences between the aims of the two surveys. The Heriot Watt University survey was designed to assess the broad range, quantity and geographic distribution of the biological resources within the SAC whilst the 2006 ASML survey, which was targeted at the reefs, was charged with establishing a repeatable, hierarchical sampling programme to enable an assessment of the quality of the full range of reef resources to take place into the future. The biotopes recorded on the 2001 tapes are also included in Table 11.

Figure 7 Location of the 2006 video deployment sites in Loch Sunart Zones 1, 2 and 6

Zone 2

Zone 3

Zone 1

Loch Teacuis

Zone 6

Based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of the Controller of HMSO © Crown copyright (2007) Licence no. 100017908)

Figure 8 Location of the 2006 video deployment sites in Loch Sunart Zone 3

Zone 3

Zone 4

Zone 3

Loch Teacuis

Based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of the Controller of HMSO © Crown copyright (2007) Licence no. 100017908)

Figure 9 Location of the 2006 video deployment sites in Loch Sunart Zones 4 and 5

Zone 4

Zone 5

Based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of the Controller of HMSO © Crown copyright (2007) Licence no. 100017908)

Figure 10 Location of the survey samples in the entrance to Loch Sunart acquired by Heriot Watt University during the 2001 surveys

Zone 2

Zone 3

Zone 1

Loch Teacuis

Zone 6

Based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of the Controller of HMSO © Crown copyright (2007) Licence no. 100017908)

Figure 11 Location of the survey samples in the central section of Loch Sunart acquired by Heriot Watt University during the 2001 surveys

Zone 3

Zone 4

Zone 3

Loch Teacuis

Based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of the Controller of HMSO © Crown copyright (2007) Licence no. 100017908)

Figure 12 Location of the survey samples in the head of Loch Sunart acquired by Heriot Watt University during the 2001 surveys

Zone 4

Zone 5

Based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of the Controller of HMSO © Crown copyright (2007) Licence no. 100017908)

Table 11 Biotopes identified from the drop-down video tapes in 2006 (ASML) and 2001 (Heriot Watt University). Biotopes follow Connor et al. (2004)

Key to table colours

Reef biotopes Non-reef biotopes High energy infralittoral rock High energy circalittoral rock Sublittoral mud Moderate energy infralittoral rock Moderate energy circalittoral rock Sublittoral mixed substrata Low energy infralittoral rock Low energy circalittoral rock Sublittoral macrophytes on sediment Notes: Sublittoral biogenic reef on sediment • * Denotes a ‘non-reef biotope’ generally recorded as a ‘reef habitat’ in the video survey due to the cobble size, the stability of the substratum or the degree of epibenthic colonisation.

• ** Biogenic reef

• Colours and symbols used below correspond with Maps 12 to 16. Biotopes with no symbol were secondary and not displayed on the maps

4.2 Assessment of the biotope composition and distribution using remote video

4.2.1 Biotopes recorded

Of the 34 biotopes or biotope complexes recorded in 2006, 27 were categorised as occurring on reef. This compares with a total of 37 biotopes or complexes recorded by the 2001 broadscale survey, 23 of which were on reef (data reworked from Bates et al., 2004) (Table 11). There were 16 reef biotopes common to both surveys. The two surveys together recorded 34 reef biotopes from the SAC, with 79% of these recorded by the 2006 survey and 68% by the 2001 work.

The list of reef biotopes recorded is dominated by those of the low and moderate energy infra- and circalittoral, with many characterised by the presence of large amounts of silt and sediment with broken boulders, cobbles and shell on the surface. Higher energy biotopes are confined to the entrance area and to the various narrows. One of the main differences between the biotopes recorded in 2006 and 2001 was the subdivision of the LsacR biotope in 2006 into four sub-biotopes, which proved more difficult with the 2001 videos. Drop-down video as a technique can be weak at differentiating these sheltered kelp biotopes for a number of reasons: it can be difficult to separate the different kelp species on a moving video, a dense kelp canopy can hide the characteristics of the underlying substratum and, where the substratum is visible, it is not always possible to distinguish the nature of the sediment. Shallow infralittoral or sublittoral fringe biotopes generally may also have been under-sampled by both surveys, as, even when operating from a RIB, safety concerns often prevent the vessel from venturing into very shallow water. Maerl was recorded by the 2006 survey but not by the 2001 video drops, although its presence in the area was known. Perhaps the major finding of the 2006 video survey was the discovery of previously unrecorded reefs of Serpulid worms Serpula vermicularis amongst Laminaria saccharina in Loch Teacuis.

4.2.2 Geographic distribution/spatial arrangement of reef biotopes A detailed description of the composition and arrangement of the biotopes and biotope complexes in Loch Sunart has been given in Bates et al. (2004) and is not repeated here. A brief summary of the major features is given below with any notable differences between the 2001 and 2006 surveys discussed (Figures 13 -17).

Zone 1 Loch Sunart entrance

This is the most exposed section of Loch Sunart (Figure 13), opening onto the Sound of Mull and, though only moderately exposed to wave action it is subject to some effects of the tidal streams running through the Sound. This area has steep rocky sides, dropping to a depth of about 30 m, with a sediment covered floor reaching a maximum depth of 113 m.

The reef fringe has Laminaria forests in shallow water to a depth of approximately 20 m, with Laminaria hyperborea the dominant species (HIR.Ala.Ldig, MIR.Lhyp, LIR.LhypLsac). Below the kelp forest there are boulder slopes and then boulders and cobbles on sediment with communities dominated by ascidians and feather stars (LCR.BrAs.AntAsH, LCR.BrAs.AmenCio). Cliffs or steep bedrock slopes are found along the southern shore and around the islands of Sligneach Mòr and Sligneach Beag. These have rich communities with a diverse assemblage of hydroids, sponges, ascidians and the seafan Swiftia pallida (HCR.XFa.SwiLgAs). The central sediment floor of this basin was largely dominated by burrowed mud communities (SMu.CFiMu.SpnMeg) with more mixed sediments with cobbles

(SMu.CSaMu.VirOphPmax) merging into the reef biotopes around the edges (SMu.CSaMu.VirOphPmax.HAs) Figure 13 Major biotope groups recorded by remote video in 2006 (upper figure) and 2001 (lower figure) in Zones 1 and 2 of Loch Sunart

Zone 2

Zone 1

Major biotope groups recorded Video drops (2006) and ROV (2001) BrAs CFiMu CMx CSaMu EcCr IMx K KFaR KR KSwSS KVS Lag Mrl PoR Zone 2 XFa IFiMu IMuSa

Zone 1

Based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of the Controller of HMSO © Crown copyright (2007) Licence no. 100017908)

There were no major differences observed between the biotopes recorded by the two surveys. The 2001 survey classified more kelp forest drops as Laminaria hyperborea forest (MIR.Lhyp) than the present survey, which recorded mixed kelp forest more frequently (LIR.LhypLsac). It is possible that this is an artefact of the recording methods used as the 2001 survey recorded more drops in very shallow water in this zone, and L. hyperborea

35 forest is often found in a shallower zone than the mixed forest in the moderately exposed entrances to sea lochs.

Zone 2

This section of Loch Sunart between Oronsay and Carna (Figure 13) is more complex than the outer basin, with a number of islands and embayments creating both tide-swept rocky channels and sheltered areas of sediment. As with the outer basin, the steep rocky sides of the loch fall to a sediment floor at about 30 m, with a maximum depth in the centre of the area of about 80 m. The various embayments are shallow and sediment filled.

The shallow rock is dominated by Laminaria forests, with either mixed forests of Laminaria hyperborea and Laminaria saccharina (LIR.LhypLsac.Ft) or forests dominated by L. saccharina alone (LIR.Lsac.Ft) reaching approximately 10 – 12 m. Exceptions are the channels around Risga where the enhanced tidal streams encourage the growth of L. hyperborea (MIR.Lhyp.Ft). Deeper rock below the kelp forest grades into boulders and then cobble on sediment with ascidian and feather star communities similar to the loch entrance (LCR.BrAs.AntAsH, LCR.BrAs.AmenCio). Sediments around the rock-sediment boundary are generally sand or mixed muddy sand with seapens (CsaMu.VirOphPmax) whilst the deep sediments in the centre of the basin are muddy north of Oronsay (SMu.CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun) but become increasingly coarse eastwards towards Risga. There are large amounts of surface cobble in the channel between Risga and Carna supporting brittlestar beds (SMX.CMx, SMX.CMx.OphMx).

The shallow embayments are sediment filled with little rock although there are substantial amounts of cobble and shell on the sediments. These are dominated by Laminaria saccharina with red algae and Chorda filum generally present (SMp.KSwSS.LsacR.Mu, SMp.KSwSS.LsacR.Sa, SMp.KSwSS.LsacCho).

There were no major differences observed between the results from 2001 and 2006.

Zone 3 Zone 3 comprises the very sheltered elongate western arm of the central section of the loch and the slightly tide-swept area to the north of Carna and Risga (Figures 13 and 14). As elsewhere, steep rock, boulders and cobble drops onto mixed sediment and then mud, with a maximum depth in this zone of 124 m to the east of Carna. Much of the central floor of this arm is close to 100 m.

Laminaria saccharina was the dominant kelp species throughout Zone 3, reaching a maximum depth of approximately 10 – 12 m. It forms forests in shallow water which are often heavily grazed (LIR.K.Lsac, LIR.K.Lsac.Gz) and, where the slope of the seabed is more gradual, it is mixed with Chorda filum (SMp.KSwSS.LsacCho). The circalittoral zone as elsewhere was dominated by ascidians, feather stars and hydroids, occasionally with abundant brittlestars (LCR.BrAs.AntAsH, LCR.BrAs.AmenCio, LCR.BrAs.AmenCio.Bri). The sealoch biotope characterised by the brachiopod Neocrania anomala and the anemone Protanthea simplex was found on the deeper rock in this zone (LCR.BrAs.NeoPro). Sediments in the main arm of the loch were typically mixed muddy sediments with quantities of superficial cobble around the loch edges (SMX.CMx) and soft burrowed mud in the deeper centre (SMu.CFiMu.SpnMeg). The shallow embayments supported L. saccharina and C. filum on sediment with cobbles and shells (SMP.KSwSS.LsacR.Sa, SMp.KSwSS.LsacCho).

The channel between Risga and Carna is an exception to this pattern as the stronger tides here have produced higher energy biotopes with bedrock reefs in the centre of the channel supporting seafans, axinellid sponges and a diverse assemblage of hydroids and ascidians (HCR.XFa.SwiLgAs) similar to the biotopes on the more wave-exposed Sligneach Mòr and Beag. Mobile cobbles in this area support sponges, bryozoans and hydroids (HCR.XFa.SpNemAdia).

A particular feature of the Risga-Carna channel was beds of the flame shell Limaria hians binding cobble and pebble in the sediment (SMX.IMx.Lim). These also occurred on a few of the headlands in this zone but it was difficult to distinguish the flame shell beds for certain from the video in a number of places. Brittle star beds occurred on headlands and may have been associated with flame shell reefs (SMX.CMx.OphMx).

There were no major differences between the 2001 and 2006 data although no examples of BrAs.NeoPro, which was frequent in 2001, were found on the video drops in 2006. However this is almost certainly an artefact of the sampling rather than an absence or change.

Figure 14 Major biotope groups recorded by remote video in 2006 (upper figure) and 2001 (lower figure) in Zone 3 of Loch Sunart

Zone 3

Major biotope groups recorded Video drops (2006) and ROV (2001) BrAs CFiMu CMx CSaMu EcCr IMx K KFaR KR KSwSS Zone 3 KVS Lag Mrl PoR XFa IFiMu IMuSa

Zone 3

Based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of the Controller of HMSO © Crown copyright (2007) Licence no. 100017908)

Zone 4 The eastern arm of the central section of Loch Sunart is very sheltered and shallows gradually towards the two sills at Garbh Eilean and Rubha an Daimh to Eilean Mòr (Figure 15). The main basin reaches a maximum depth of 78 m in the north-west of this zone, with a second basin of 40 m between the sills whilst the shallowest part of the broad sill at Eilean Mòr is 2 to 6 m deep. The loch sides in this zone are less steep than further west in the loch, with boulder slopes reaching to about 20 m but with larger areas of mixed sediment, boulders and cobble around the loch sides than in other zones.

Shallow rock and boulders were dominated by Laminaria saccharina, often heavily grazed or with large numbers of the urchin Psammechinus miliaris. In the sediment areas there were foliose algae and Chorda filum on cobbles and shell mixed in with the Laminaria (LIR.K.Lsac.Gz, LIR.KVS.LsacPsaVS, SMP.KSwSS.LsacR, SMp.KSwSS.LsacCho). The circalittoral boulders in this zone were relatively barren when compared to the outer zones, with large areas of bare rock and coralline crusts, and communities with ascidians and feather stars most conspicuous (LCR.BrAs.AntAsH, LCR.BrAs.AmenCio, LCR.BrAs.AmenCio.Bri). Of particular note was large numbers of the deep water feather star Leptometra celtica on boulders and cobbles in the deeper parts of the basin. This has provisionally been called LCR.BrAs.AntAsH.Lept. The sealoch biotope with brachiopods Neocrania anomala and anemones Protanthea simplex was also found on the deeper rock in this zone (LCR.BrAs.NeoPro).

The tidal stream increases towards the narrows over the sill at Eilean Mòr and in this area the L. saccharina forest was replaced by a mixed kelp forest (MIR.K.LhypLsac). The sill is one of the major features of the loch with an extensive bed of the flame shell Limaria hians (SMX.IMx.Lim) and maerl Phymatolithon calcareum (SMp.Mrl.Pcal).

The 2006 survey confirmed the findings of the 2001 work, with very little difference between the two sets of data. However, maerl was recorded from the larger sill in 2006; this does not show up on the videotapes for 2001 although it was known to be present in the area.

Figure 15 Major biotope groups recorded by remote video in 2006 (upper figure) and 2001 (lower figure)in Zone 4 of Loch Sunart

Zone 4

Zone 5

Major biotope groups recorded Video drops (2006) and ROV (2001) BrAs CFiMu CMx CSaMu EcCr IMx K KFaR KR KSwSS KVS Lag Mrl PoR XFa IFiMu IMuSa

Zone 4

Zone 5

Based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of the Controller of HMSO © Crown copyright (2007) Licence no. 100017908)

Zone 5

Zone 5 is an extremely sheltered, deep, steep sided basin at the head of Loch Sunart (Figure 16) with a maximum depth of 90 m. Boulders and bedrock in shallow water gave way to mixed sediment and cobble at about 10 m, although in places there were rock and boulder outcrops in deeper water. The deeper sediments were soft burrowed mud.

Laminaria saccharina was the dominant kelp, and generally occurred down to about 5 m depth mixed with Chorda filum and large numbers of Psammechinus miliaris (SMp.KSwSS.LsacCho, SMP.KSwSS.LsacR.Mu). In one very sheltered embayment there was submerged Fucus serratus mixed with C. filum and L. saccharina (LIR.Lag.FChoG). Below the kelp, the hard substrata predominantly supported brachiopods, the anemone Protanthea simplex and large numbers of the parchment worm Chaetopterus variopedatus (LCR.BrAs.NeoPro). There were large numbers of brittlestars on coarse sediment towards the narrows (SMX.CMx.OphMx), the sea pen Virgularia mirabilis on mixed muddy inshore sediment (SMu.CSaMu.VirOphPmax) and burrowing communities on the deeper mud (SMu.CFiMu.MegMax).

No major differences were noted between the 2001 and 2006 survey data.

Figure 16 Major biotope groups recorded by remote video in 2006 (upper figure) and 2001 (lower figure)in Zone 5 of Loch Sunart

Zone 5

Major biotope groups recorded Video drops (2006) and ROV (2001) BrAs CFiMu CMx CSaMu EcCr IMx K KFaR KR KSwSS KVS Lag Mrl PoR XFa IFiMu IMuSa

Zone 5

Based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of the Controller of HMSO © Crown copyright (2007) Licence no. 100017908)

Zone 6

Loch Teacuis is a small, shallow and extremely sheltered sealoch with a series of shallow sills and deeper basins (Figure 17). It reaches a maximum depth of 31 m in the inner basin and has gradually sloping, muddy sides with little hard substratum. Many of the shores are boulder, bedrock and cobble but this only extends to 1 or 2 m depth in the sublittoral. The exception is the narrows which have boulder floors. Kelp forests in the narrows were dominated by Laminaria saccharina with Laminaria hyperborea in the fastest flowing areas (LIR.K.Lsac.Ft, LIR.K.LhypLsac.Ft). Around the sides of the loch basins, Chorda filum was mixed with the L. saccharina on the mixed muddy substratum (SMP.KSwSS.LsacCho). The main finding of the 2006 survey was reefs of the serpulid worm Serpula vermicularis amongst the kelp along the north-eastern shore of the inner basin (SBR.PoR.Ser). This extremely rare and fragile biotope was only previously known to exist in Scotland in Loch Creran. Records also exist from Loch Sween though the reefs are no longer in existence at this location. The only other places in the world where these Serpulid aggregations are known is in two very small areas in Northern Ireland and one in Italy (Moore et al., 1998).

The south-west corner of the main basin consisted of soft mud with little visible life (SMU.CFiMu). As this survey was targeted at reefs, no other drops were made in the deeper water of the loch. Loch Teacuis was not included in the 2001 remote video survey.

Figure 17 Major biotope groups recorded by remote video in 2006 in Zone 6 of Loch Sunart Zone 3

Major biotope groups recorded Loch Teacuis Video drops (2006) and ROV (2001) BrAs CFiMu CMx CSaMu EcCr IMx K Zone 6 KFaR KR KSwSS KVS Lag Mrl PoR XFa IFiMu IMuSa

Based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of the Controller of HMSO © Crown copyright (2007) Licence no. 100017908)

5 RESULTS OF THE REEF FEATURE DIVING AND INTERTIDAL TRANSECT SURVEYS

5.1 Biotopes recorded A brief description of each biotope recorded, a list of the sites from which it was recorded and an illustrative photograph of most biotopes are included in Appendix 4, with a summary list given in Table 12. Lists of the biotopes present on each transect site, shore and seabed profile drawings and the information needed to relocate transects are included in Appendix 6. Photographs of the intertidal quadrats are included in Appendix 7 and the species recorded from the Phase II survey work and the quadrats are listed in Appendix 8. Local biotope descriptions are given in Appendix 5 for those sublittoral biotopes where detailed quadrat information was collected. Photograph and video logs are included in Appendix 9 whilst Appendix 10 contains a log of the specimens collected. A general description of each site is given in Sections 5.2 to 5.9 and Figure 3 shows the transect locations.

Table 12 Biotopes recorded during the 2006 diving and intertidal survey Numbers following the site code (Figure 3) refer to the zone on the transect * shows biotopes also recorded by remote video (Table 11) Key to table colours

Reef biotopes High energy littoral rock High energy infralittoral rock High energy circalittoral rock Moderate energy littoral rock Moderate energy infralittoral rock Moderate energy circalittoral rock Low energy littoral rock Low energy infralittoral rock Low energy circalittoral rock Feature of littoral rock Feature of infralittoral rock Feature of circalittoral rock Non-reef biotopes Sublittoral biogenic reefs on sediment Sublittoral cohesive mud Sublittoral mixed sediment

Abbreviated Biotope Sites and stations code LR.FLR.Lic.YG YG L09.1; L10.1; L11.1; L12.1; L13.1; L16.1; L18.1 LR.FLR.Lic.Ver Ver L09.2 LR.FLR.Lic.Ver.B Ver.B L11.3; L16.3b LR.FLR.Lic.Ver.Ver Ver.Ver L09.3; L10.2; L10.6; L11.2b; L12.2; L16.2; L18.2 LR.FLR.Rkp.Cor Cor L10.4a; L10.8a LR.FLR.Rkp.FK FK L11.5a LR.HLR.MusB.Sem Sem L09.5; L10.4b; L11.4; L13.3 LR.HLR.MusB.Sem.FvesR Sem.FvesR L16.5 LR.HLR.MusB.Sem.LitX Sem.LitX L12.6 LR.HLR.MusB.Sem.Sem Sem.Sem L10.9a; L12.5; L16.4 LR.HLR.MusB.Cht.Lpyg Cht.Lpyg L16.3a LR.MLR.BF.Fser.R Fser.R L10.9b; L11.5b LR.MLR.BF.FspiB FspiB L10.4c; L10.7 LR.MLR.BF.FvesB FvesB L10.8b LR.MLR.BF.PelB PelB L10.3; L10.5; L11.2a LR.LLR.FVS.AscVS AscVS L09.4; L12.7; L13.4; L18.5 LR.LLR.FVS.FserVS FserVS L09.6; L12.8; L13.5 LR.LLR.FVS.FspiVS FspiVS L12.4; L18.4b LR.LLR.FVS.FvesVS FvesVS L18.4a LR.LLR.FVS.PelVS PelVS L12.3; L13.2; L18.3 IR.HIR.KFaR.FoR FoR S10.13; S11.9; S12.10; S13.8 IR.HIR.KFaR.LhypR.Ft LhypR.Ft S16.7 IR.MIR.KR.Ldig Ldig S10.11 IR.MIR.KR.Ldig.Ldig Ldig.dig L10.10; L11.6; S16.6 IR.MIR.KR.XFoR XFoR S16.8a; S16.9

Abbreviated Biotope Sites and stations code IR.LIR.K.LhypLsac.Ft LhypLsac.Ft S10.12; S11.8 IR.LIR.K.Lsac.Ft Lsac.Ft S12.9; S13.7 IR.LIR.K.Lsac.Ldig Lsac.Ldig S11.7 IR.LIR.KVS KVS* S22.1 IR.LIR.KVS.LsacPsaVS LsacPsaVS S09.7; S13.6; S18.6b; S22.2 CR.HCR.XFa.SwiLgAs SwiLgAs S10.14 CR.MCR.EcCr.CarSwi.LgAs CarSwi.LgAs S16.11 CR.LCR.BrAs.AmenCio.Ant AmenCio.Ant S16.10 CR.LCR.BrAs.AmenCio.Bri AmenCio.Bri S09.9b CR.LCR.BrAs.AntAsH AntAsH S11.10; S13.9; S16.8b; S22.3; CR.LCR.BrAs.NeoPro NeoPro S11.10; S12.11; S22.4. CR.FCR.FouFa.Aasp Aasp S09.9a SS.SBR.PoR.Ser Ser S18.6a; S18.7 SS.SMU.IFiMu.PhiVir PhiVir S18.8 SS.SMX.IMx.Lim Lim S09.8

5.2 Jetty at Laudale Narrows (L09 and S09) Lying slightly to the west of the ruined fish farm jetty on the south side of the Laudale Narrows near the head of the loch, this is a steeply sloping bedrock shore which drains and dries rapidly as the tide falls and it is consequently of low diversity. The site was deemed to be suitable for a continuous intertidal/subtidal transect.

The transect starts from a rusty steel stake embedded in the shore at approximately 6.5 m acd (above chart datum) within 3-4 m of the road that runs to Glencripesdale along the south shore of the loch. The transect runs down across a grey and yellow lichen zone (YG). The brown foliose lichen Anaptyschia fusca was also present and small Armeria maritima plants grow in the few crevices that run through the schist rock.

Between 5.3 and 3.7 m acd the Black Verrucaria spp lichens dominate (Ver), though sparse barnacles and small periwinkles (Littorina saxatilis agg. and L. littorea) and red encrusting alga Hildenbrandia sp. were also abundant on the steep rock face.

Between 3.7-3.1 m acd a near-horizontal step in the bedrock was colonised by a narrow band of Ascophyllum nodosum (AscVS), with Patella sp., L. littorea, Verrucaria spp. and Hildenbrandia sp. all present beneath, on the rock surface.

The more steeply sloping bedrock in the lower mid-eulittoral (3.1-1.7 m acd) was colonised by mussels, limpets and barnacles (MusB.Sem), with occasional Actinia equina, Nucella lapillus and Fucus vesiculosus present in moist crevices.

The final intertidal zone in the lower eulittoral (1.7- 0.7 m acd) was another step of vertical bedrock with Fucus serratus dominating the sward. An understorey of foliose red algae and Laminaria sacharina sporelings was present and Psammechinus miliaris, coralline crusts and sponges with occasional limpets and barnacle patches dominated the faunal component.

Subtidally, the transect runs through a narrow infralittoral zone with boulders, cobbles, pebbles and shell gravel dominated by silty, cape-form Laminaria saccharina with abundant Ophiothrix fragilis (+0.7- -2.3 m acd). Between +0.7 m acd and chart datum there were fewer O. fragilis and the kelp was clean. Cobbles and boulders were covered with Lithothamnion glaciale and Psammechinus miliaris was common. There were also a few Halidrys siliquosa plants in very shallow water and low densities of the file shell Limaria hians were present.

Below the kelp (-2.3- -20m) a steep slope of muddy sand and shell gravel with terraces of cobble, pebble and shell consolidated by Limaria hians galleries dominated the substratum. Ophiothrix fragilis was abundant with Ophiocomina nigra common on the faces of the ledges and Ophiopholis aculeata on the level surfaces from about 11 m bcd. Psammechinus miliaris was abundant with Munida rugosa common. Coralline crusts, particularly Lithothamnion glaciale, were also abundant. A typical view of this IMx.Lim Plate 1. biotope is shown in plate 1.

Just to the east of the transect, the piles and timbers of the ruined fish farm jetty were found in the shallow sublittoral. These timbers were covered by interesting fouling communities, the main one being considerable growths of Ascidiella aspersa and A. scabra on the sides of the timbers (FouFa.AaspCR), whilst the undersides between the pilings and the seabed were covered by Halichondria bowerbanki and scyphistomae of Aurelia aurita.

5.3 Sligneach Mor (L10 and S10) This transect was chosen to represent the most wave exposed reef habitat in the Loch Sunart SAC, being situated in the mouth of the sealoch system and being totally exposed to the westerly winds.

The selected transect runs down the north-eastern side of the small islet of Sligneach Mor in the vicinity of the popular local diving site that centres around a pinnacle just to the north- east of the reef. The slightly more exposed western side was ruled out as an alternative as the shallow kelp forest-covered reef was too extensive and would have proved difficult to work, also failing to obtain sufficient depth within the 100 m length requirement. The selected site was suitable for a continuous transect, running from the lichen zone to 27 m bcd, well into the circalittoral. The top of the transect is marked with yellow road paint as shown on the relocation sheet (Appendix 6).

An extensive area of supralittoral bedrock at 6.4 m acd, with many cracks and crevices, the origin of the transect was colonised by Xanthoria parietina (60% cover) and black Verrucaria spp.. Smaller amounts of grey and orange lichens, Lecanora atra, Caloplaca marina and C. thallincola were also present and a few Melaraphe neritoides and L. saxatilis agg. (YG) could be found in the crevices.

From 5.0 m acd a narrow band of steeply sloping upper littoral fringe bedrock with almost complete cover of black Verrucaria spp. encrusted the rock surface. Numerous Littorina saxatilis and some Melaraphe neritoides were found in cracks and crevices and a few Chthamalus montagui were present at the bottom edge of the zone (Ver.Ver).

From 4.4 m acd a narrow band of diffuse Pelvetia canaliculata grew on the steep littoral fringe bedrock rockface (PelB). There was an almost complete cover of black Verrucaria spp. with numerous barnacles, mostly Semibalanus balanoides, but many Chthamalus montagui in top half of zone. L. saxatilis agg., Melaraphe neritoides and Patella vulgata were found in the cracks and crevices of the basalt.

At 4.0 m acd there was a saddle in the profile and this upper eulittoral bedrock area encompassed the floor of a broad gully in the middle of the transect; with numerous shallow pools and wet areas. The floor of the gully was colonised by more than 80% cover of Fucus spiralis and occasional plants of Ascophyllum nodosum (FspiB). The raised areas with

46 abundant Semibalanus balanoides and frequent Patella vulgata (MusB.Sem) were scattered across the floor of this area in a mosaic, interspersed with the pools and wet areas which contained various green and red algae including Cladophora sp., Codium sp., Asperococcus sp., Gelidium pusillum, Ceramium nodulosum and encrusting coralline algae (Rkp.Cor). This area contained numerous Actinia equina, Gibbula umbilicalis, Littorina littorea and L. obtusata.

Climbing out of the hollow there was a moderately extensive zone of lower littoral fringe bedrock extending across the top of an outer ridge. This zone was similar to the previous PelB zone, but with at least 80% cover of Pelvetia canaliculata and with more abundant Chthamalus montagui (3.8m). Several more shallow pools and wet areas were found here with Actinia equina, Cladophora rupestris and Enteromorpha spp. present. The top of this outer ridge rose high enough to host another Ver.Ver zone (4.8m), where a small raised area of supralittoral/upper littoral fringe bedrock was colonised by black Verrucaria spp. and patchy Caloplaca spp. and grey lichens.

Descending this outer ridge of upper mid-eulittoral bedrock (4.8 – 4.3m) there was a band of patchy Fucus spiralis, with abundant Semibalanus balanoides and common Patella vulgata (FspiB). Hollows and damp areas contained Actinia equina, Chondrus crispus, Ceramium nodulosum and Enteromorpha spp.. Numerous Nucella lapillus, Gibbula umbilicalis and occasional Littorina littorea and L. obtusata were also present. Patches of the green Verrucaria sp lichen were also frequent.

From 4.3 – 3.6 m a sloping step of mid-eulittoral bedrock with 50% cover of Fucus vesiculosus, abundant Semibalanus balanoides and Patella vulgata was surveyed (FvesB). Here the transect ran through a patch of Palmaria palmata and encrusting coralline algae that existed in a run-off gully from the shore above. Ectocarpaceae, Dumontia contorta, Osmundea pinnatifida and Chondrus crispus were also found in this area (Rkp.Cor). Other damp areas and small rockpools were present in the vicinity with small amounts of Hymeniacidon perleve, Actinia equina and foliose red algae being recorded. The Fucoid stipes and laminae were also home to the epiphytic Dynamena pumilla, Alcyonidium hirsutum and Flustrellidra hispida. Nucella lapillus was also common in the crevices in the bedrock.

From 3.6 – 2.4 m the transect runs over steeply sloping lower eulittoral bedrock with at least 60% cover of Fucus serratus and a patchy but often abundant understorey of red algae particularly Mastocarpus stellatus and lesser amounts of Chondrus crispus, Lomentaria articulata and Membranoptera alata (Fser.R). This biotope contained at least 80% cover of encrusting coralline algae on the underlying rock. A large variety of other fauna and flora were present in the small pools and crevices and Elachista sp., Plate 2. Dynamena pumilla, Flustrellidra hispida and other bryozoa were frequent on Fucus spp. thalli.

Below the FserR biotope was a dense zone of Laminaria digitata (2.4 – 0.9 m). This sublittoral fringe zone had almost 100% cover of L. digitata and a patchy but abundant understorey of red algae species including Chondrus crispus, Cryptopleura ramosa, Phycodrys rubens and Dilsea carnosa (Ldig.Ldig. See lowest biotope: plate 2). On the rock surface there was approximately 25% cover of encrusting coralline algae and frequent

Halichondria panicea with some small patches of Myxilla incrustans. Frequent Balanus crenatus barnacles also encrusted the reef beneath the kelp.

The L. digitata continued down to 0.6 m bcd along the top of the sublittoral portion of the transect and below this there was a gentle slope of silty bedrock encrusted with coralline algae and dense cover of Laminaria hyperborea (0.6 - 8.5 m bcd). Laminaria saccharina was also common and there were small patches of sand and shelly gravel present (LhypLsac.Ft). Occasional Anemonia viridis were attached to the kelp fronds and many fronds were heavily encrusted with bryozoans and Obelia geniculata. Stipes were colonised by red algae including Phycodrys rubens and Cryptopleura ramosa and other red algae including Odonthalia dentata and Callophyllis laciniata were common on the rock surface.

Below the mixed forest (8.5 – 15.5 m bcd) the transect followed steep and near vertical bedrock with numerous cracks and crevices. A deep gully measuring about 1 m wide with vertical sides was traversed and at the base of gully was a slope of boulders on muddy shell gravel. Rock surfaces were encrusted with coralline algae and Pomatoceros sp. and occasional Alcyonium digitatum were present near the top of the cliff at about 11 m. Red algae were frequent on the cobbles in the gully and the species of interest includes Schmitzia hiscockiana. There were occasional Laminaria saccharina plants at the top of this zone (FoR).

The final biotope on this transect was found on a steep slope of muddy sand and shell gravel with cobbles and angular boulders (15.5 – 27 m bcd). The 60o slope was colonised by Alcyonium digitatum, Swiftia pallida and large branching colonies of Halichondria bowerbankia, which were all common and conspicuous. Axinella infundibuliformis and Phakellia ventilabrum were frequent. The boulders were covered with a silty hydroid turf, which was dominated by Diphasia pinaster, Polyplumaria frutescens, Aglaophenia tubulifera and Sertularia argentea (SwiLgAs). Several specimens of Alcyonium glomeratum were seen on the transect in this lower biotope and the seapen Virgularia mirabilis was present in the sediment surrounding the boulders at the bottom of this zone.

5.4 Oronsay (NE) (L11 and S11) The Oronsay transect is situated on the north-east coast of the island on quartzite bedrock which runs smoothly down to sea level at an angle of about 30o. The top of the transect is backed by heather, bracken and birch scrub, with a small tree near the origin which is marked with yellow road paint. The site was deemed to be suitable for a continuous intertidal/subtidal transect and was selected as it is in the vicinity of a previous fish farm site.

The supralittoral bedrock is generally smooth with shallow ridges and crevices running down the shore. The transect crosses a small sheltered gully in the lichen zone (6.5 - 4.9 m acd) with Xanthoria parietina, Verrucaria maura and mixed grey lichens common and with occasional Caloplaca marina also present (YG).

From 4.9 m – 4.25 m acd the transect passes though the littoral fringe with a black lichen zone of Verrucaria spp. at superabundant levels (Ver.Ver). The steep bedrock has shallow crevices containing specimens of Chthamalus montagui and Littorina saxatilus with patches of Pelvetia canaliculata common in places (PelB) and occasional solitary Patella sp.

From 4.25 – 3.4 m acd the upper eulittoral is steeply sloped with Patella vulgata and abundant Semibalanus balanoides Plate 3

(Ver.B). Both black and green species of Verrucaria were recorded on the rock surface and Mytilus edulis were seen in low numbers in the crevices at this height on the shore. Occasional Chthamalus montagui were recorded amongst the S. balanoides.

From 3.4 – 2 m acd the mid-eulittoral sloped steeply through a biotope of abundant Patella vulgata and Semibalanus balanoides (Sem). With Littorina littorea, Actinia equina and Mytilus edulis all recorded in the shallow crevices.

From 2 –1.2 m acd the lower eulittoral shore was more gently sloping with hummocks of bedrock and patchy fucoids (Fser.R) including abundant Ascophyllum nodosum; tufts of Fucus vesiculosus and Fucus serratus, with frequent Patella spp. and Semibalanus balanoides on some of the raised and steeper bedrock areas. There were also areas of red algal turf present in the damp crevices. Just to the south-east of the transect line a large rockpool containing fucoids and sporeling kelp was observed (Rkp.FK) (Plate 3).

From 1.2 – 1 m acd the sublittoral fringe bedrock was covered with dense growths of Laminaria digitata and a variety of understorey foliose red algae species such as Cryptopleura ramosa and Osmundea pinnatifida (Ldig.Ldig). Also present were sponge crusts such as Halichondria panicea and colonial ascidians (Botryllus schlosseri) and encrusting Pomatoceros sp. polychaetes.

In the shallow sublittoral (+1 – 1.7 m bcd) Laminaria saccharina grew amongst the L. digitata (Lsac.Ldig) in a mixed shallow kelp forest, with L. saccharina dominating in the deeper depths. Again a rich understorey of red algae and encrusting fauna were present on the rock surface, dominated by the algae Brongniartella byssoides, Desmarestia aculeata and Delesseria sanguinea. Coralline crusts were also present in high abundances on the rock surface.

Below the mixed kelp sublittoral fringe, a variable slope of bedrock, boulders and sediment patches was present. This slope was almost entirely covered by a kelp forest of Laminaria hyperborea (1.7 – 9.2 bcd) (LhypLsac.Ft). From 1.7 to 7 m bcd the forest was dense and then kelp park continued down to 9.2 m bcd. Anemonia viridis was occasional on the kelp fronds with hydroids and bryozoans and mixed red algae dominated by Dasya hutchinsiae grew on the on the rock surface below the kelp canopy. The rock surfaces were encrusted with coralline algae and both the kelp plants and the red algae were also covered with hydroids and bryozoans in particular Electra pilosa and Obelia spp were dominant.

From 9.2 –17 m bcd there was a steep bedrock reef with vertical faces and ledges which were covered in sand/shell gravel. Between the bedrock outcrops there were large patches of boulders and these, with the rock faces, were colonised by a foliose red algal turf (FoR). This biotope was dominated by Delesseria sanguinea and Bonnemaisonia asparagoides with very dense algal cover (>80 - 90%). Dominant fauna included Antedon bifida, Electra pilosa, Halopteris catharina and Kirchenpaueria pinnata, much of it growing over or attaching to the algal Plate 4 thallias shown in Plate 4.

Below 17 m bcd to the transect depth limit of 30 m bcd a steep slope of large, angular boulders on muddy sand and shell gravel supported a biotope dominated by a silty hydroid

49 turf with Sertularia argentea, Abietinaria abietina and Halopteris catharina the most conspicuous species. Caryophyllia smithii was also common on the rock surface (AntAsH) and Antedon bifida, Antedon petasus, Alcyonium digitatum and Leptometra celtica were also present. Munida rugosa was frequent under the boulders. On the sides of boulders at the bottom of the transect Neocrania anomala were frequent with Caryophyllia smithii and encrusting polychaetes (Pomatoceros sp. and Protula tubularia) and large barnacles (NeoPro).

5.5 Camas Salach (L12 and S12) The Camas Salach transect lies between the Glencripesdale fish farm and the shore (Figure 3) and runs down across quartzite bedrock from the top of the outcropping reef, passing over boulders and cobble from the midshore down (Plate 5.). The transect continues below the eulittoral into the sublittoral and down over a steep boulder and cobble slope.

The origin of the transect is at the terrestrial/maritime boundary, where the vegetation ends and the lichens begin and it is marked with yellow road paint.

Initially the transect traverses steep broken bedrock (7.6 - 6.2 m acd) in the supralittoral zone with the lichens Xanthoria parietina, Lecanora atra, Ramalina siliquosa and other grey lichens as well as Thrift and grasses (YG) all present. Plate 5. Then it passes across a narrow zone (6.2 – 6m) of bedrock in upper littoral fringe with super-abundant Verrucaria maura and Littorina saxatilis (Ver.Ver) and then through a zone (6 – 5.5 m acd) of fractured bedrock in lower littoral fringe colonised by Pelvetia canaliculata, Verrucaria sp., limpets and barnacles and Littorina saxatilis (PelVS).

Below the Pelvetia zone the transect descends over moderately sloping, fractured bedrock in the upper eulittoral (5.5 – 5.2 m acd) with occasional Fucus spiralis, common Littorina saxatilis and Patella vulgata, frequent Semibalanus balanoides and occasional Elminius modestus and Pelvetia canaliculata (FspiVS). This slope continues and steepens slightly down through the limpet barnacle zone (Sem.Sem) (5.2 – 4.2 m acd). This zone of steep, fractured bedrock in the mid-eulittoral was colonised by Patella vulgata (common), Semibalanus balanoides (abundant, common spat), Gibbula umbilicalis and Actinia equina (frequent) and Nucella lapillus and Littorina littorea (occasional).

Below this zone the bedrock disappears from the surface of the shore and the remainder of the littoral transect runs over angular cobbles and boulders. From 4.2 – 3.0 m acd the shore was colonised by unstable boulders and cobbles in the mid-eulittoral. This biotope had a relatively sparse fauna of frequent Patella vulgata and Semibalanus balanoides, common Littorina saxatilis and occasional amphipods under the cobbles and boulders (Sem.LitX).

Between 3.0 m and 1.5 m acd a zone of dense Ascophyllum nodosum and mixed fucoids was present on the mid-eulittoral boulders and cobbles (AscVS), with the epiphyte Polysiphonia lanosa common on the A. nodosum. The fucoids were also frequently encrusted with hydroids, bryozoans and ascidians (Dynamena pumila, Flustrellidra hispida and Alcyonidium hirsutum in particular) with sponges, Porcellana platycheles and encrusting coralline algae present in the crevices beneath the fucoid cover. Littorina littorea and L. obtusata were also frequently encountered in amongst the algae in this biotope.

Below the Ascophyllum nodosum zone (1.5 – 1.3 m acd) on the lower eulittoral boulders and cobbles abundant Fucus serratus and frequent Fucus vesiculosus colonised the substratum, with periwinkles (Littorina littorea) and coralline algae, frequently encountered beneath the canopy (FserVS). Again Porcellana platycheles was present under the boulders and spirorbids and Dynamema pumila encrusted the thalli of the fucoids.

Below the mixed fucoid zone an extensive Laminaria saccharina zone dominated the transect from 1.3 m acd – 7.7 m bcd (Lsac.Ft). This upper infralittoral kelp forest biotope grew on a slope of large and small angular boulders with patches of cobbles, pebbles, shell gravel and even muddy-sand in places. Encrusting coralline algae grew on the rocks with Aglaozonia sp. and Dasya hutchinsiae. The rock surface was well grazed by occasional urchins and the conspicuous faunal species included Ascidia mentula, Antedon petasus and juvenile Asterias rubens.

From 7.7 – 13.1 m bcd, below the kelp zone, a foliose red algal turf growing on the surface of the cobbles and boulders was present (FoR). The boulders were embedded in muddy sand and shell gravel. This biotope was dominated by Dasya hutchinsiae and Bonnemaisonia asparagoides, which grew over the encrusting coralline algae. Conspicuous faunal species included Antedon petasus, A. mentula, Chaetopterus variopedatus, Pagurus spp. and Protanthea simplex (Plate 6), with sparse Neocrania anomala and Protula tubularia. Occasionally Plate 6. beneath the surface on the slope substratum chambers occupied by Limaria hians could be identified by their openings.

The last zone identified on the Camas Salach transect (13.1 – 26 m bcd) was a steep slope of scattered small angular boulders, cobbles, pebbles and shell gravel with a moderate covering of silt on the rock surface. This circalittoral biotope contained a typical sealoch faunal community of sparse encrusting coralline algae to 20 m bcd. Conspicuous species included; Protanthea simplex, Neocrania anomala and Munida rugosa (NeoPro), whilst the sediment surrounding the scattered boulders contained Cerianthus lloydii, Pecten maximus and Aequipecten opercularis with occasional Limaria hians in the shallower section.

5.6 Torran a Chonnaidh (L13 and S13) This transect was selected for its proximity to the Invasion Bay fish farm and thus it met the criteria requested by the local SNH officer. It is of a similar nature to the Camas Salach transect, in that, the transect runs from the terrestrial/maritime interface down across a quartzite outcrop of bedrock, though the situation is even more sheltered than at Camas Salach, being not far west of the Laudale Narrows. The transect is continuous from the littoral into the sublittoral, passing down a moderately steep, angled boulder and cobble slope and onto a more gently sloping mixed sediment and cobble plain in the circalittoral.

The origin of the transect is at 5.2 m acd and is situated in the lichen zone on fissured supralittoral bedrock and marked by yellow road paint. Species present in this initial zone (YG) down to 4.9 m acd include Xanthoria parietina, Caloplaca thallincola, Verrucaria maura type, Lecanora atra, Ochrelechia parella, other grey lichens, Lichina confinis, Ramalina siliquosa and Armeria maritima.

Below the yellow and grey lichens, the steep igneous, creviced bedrock supports a zone of Pelvetia canaliculata (PelVS) (4.9 – 4.4 m acd). Other conspicuous species include verrucaria maura type, V. mucosa type. L. confinis, Littorina saxatilis, Patella vulgata and acarina (red mites).

Below the Pelvetia zone a limpet barnacle biotope of Semibalanus balanoides and Patella vulgata on steep smooth igneous bedrock with crevices, ran from 4.4 – 2.6 m acd. Other species present include Mytilus edulis, Chthamalus montagui, Littorina neglecta and Chondrus crispus (Sem). A small pool in the zone was encusted with spirorbidae and was colonised by Cladophora sp and Cystoclonium sp as well as littorinids.

At the bottom of this biotope, the bedrock slope became marginally less steep and an Ascophyllum nodosum sward dominated the community (80% cover) (2.6 – 1.7 m acd) in the form of AscVS with a patchy turf of Catanella caespitosa and Gelidium pusillum beneath. Several boulders were also present on the bedrock surface, which were similarly covered in A. nodosum. Epiphytes were common on the Ascophyllum and included Dynamene pumilla, Elastichia sp., Flustrellidra hispida, Polysiphonia lanosa, Ectocarpus sp. and Enteromorpha spp. and on the rock surface Psammechinus miliaris, Pomatoceros sp. and Halichondria panicea were also present where moisture was retained in the rock crevices and beneath the boulders.

Below the Ascophyllum zone a zone of Fucus serratus with occasional F. vesiculosus on large boulders (FserVS) (1.7 – 0.9 m acd). Encrusting coralline and red algae covered the rock surface, whilst Psammechinus miliaris, Littorina littorea and Gibula cineraria were the common fauna with Ophiocomina nigra present in low numbers.

Moving into the infralittoral fringe (0.9 m acd – 0.6 m bcd), a barren zone of grazed rock and boulders embedded in muddy shell gravel and sand was encountered. This zone was dominated by the brittlestar Ophiothrix fragilis, the urchin Psammechinus miliaris and only sparse Laminaria saccharina (LsacPsaVS).

From 0.6 m – 9.3 m bcd the boulders, cobbles and shell gravel continued on a slope of approximately 30o, but with a dense Laminaria saccharina forest and abundant Ophiothrix fragilis and Psammechinus miliaris (Lsac.Ft). Frequent foliose algae included large Nitophyllum punctatum plants, Desmarestia viridis and Dasya hutchinsiae and several small foliose species as well such as Rhodophyllis werneri. Antedon petasus and Antedon bifida were both present on the rock surface and occasionally on the kelp plants. Serpula vermicularis was also frequent on the rock surface, in its solitary form.

Beyond the kelp (9.3 – 12 m bcd) lay a red algal zone on the slope of boulders, cobbles and shell gravel (FoR). The boulders and cobbles were covered in red algae and hydroids. Antedon petasus and Antedon bifida were both frequent, and Ascidiella aspersa, Ascidiella scabra and Ascidia virginea were all present. Most abundant red algae included Compsothamnion thuyoides, Pterothamnion plumula, Aglaothamnion byssoides and Dasya hutchinsiae, whilst the hydroid fauna was Plate 7. represented by Sertularia argentea Sertularella polyzonias, Halopteris catharina and Halecium halecinum, amongst others.

The final zone of the transect (12 m – 17.5 m bcd) was a gentle muddy gravel/sand slope with shell debris and cobbles pockmarking the surface. These items of hard substratum allowed growth of hydroids such as Rhizocaulus verticillatus, Halopteris catharina and Sertularella polyzonias, to rise above the surface of the sediment with ascidians also numerous (Ascidiella aspersa, Ascidiella scabra and Ascidia mentula) (AntAsH). In the sediment and on its surface there was a rich fauna including Arctica islandica, Thyone fusus, Thyonidium drummondi, Thyone rosovita, Amphiura chiajei/filiformis and Aequipecten opercularis. Of particular interest in this zone were the high densities of the echiuran Amalosoma eddystonense seen and recognised by its green, retractable proboscis feeding in the surficial sediments (Plate 7).

5.7 West of Waterfalls (L16 and S16) A steep stepped basalt/spilite bedrock shore on the south coast of the mouth of the Loch and moderately exposed to wave action. The origin situated on the top of a pinnacle of rock in the lichen zone and marked with yellow road paint at a height of 6.1 acd. This transect was selected so that both the littoral and sublittoral sections could run contiguously

The initial supralittoral lichen zone on the transect ran from 6.1 – 5.75 m acd and although well creviced, the biotope contained no conspicuous crevice fauna. There was abundant cover of black Verrucaria sp. lichen and lesser amounts of Xanthoria parietina and grey lichens on the rock’s surface (YG).

The upper littoral fringe (5.75 – 4.2 m acd) is formed from very steeply stepped bedrock with many crevices and cracks (Plate 8). The rock face appears black due to the complete coverage of Verrucaria sp. (Ver.Ver). Occasional smuts of Lichina confinis were also present on the Verrucaria. There were also large numbers of Littorina saxatilis in the crevices, with fewer Melaraphe neritoides and a few very well hidden Plate 8 limpets.

In the mid to upper eulittoral (4.2 – 3.6m) very steeply stepped bedrock with crevices and occasional small rockpools were surveyed on the transect. There was again an almost complete cover of Verrucaria sp. and abundant Chthamalus montagui with frequent Littorina saxatilis agg. in the crevices and on the rock surface (Ver.B). Semibalanus balanoides was also present in the barnacle fauna and Patella vulgata was common near bottom of zone. Occasional patches of Lichina pygmaea were seen dotted around this zone (Cht.Lpyg).

Between 3.6 – 2.1 m bcd in the mid eulittoral patches of green Verrucaria sp lichen appeared amongst the Semibalanus balanoides and very high densities of barnacle spat, that colonised the rock surface. Littorina neglecta were common in the empty barnacle carapaces. Abundant Patella vulgata and Actinia equina (common) were found in this zone of the transect, the latter preferring the crevices and encrusting coralline algae also occupied these moist environments (Sem.Sem).

From 2.1 – 1.4 m acd, in the lower eulittoral, a sparse band of foliose algae was surveyed. Species present included Palmaria palmata, Chondrus crispus Cladophora rupestris and Polysiphonia stricta (Sem.FvesR). Growths were more numerous at the bottom of the zone

53 in the large moist cracks present. The rest of the fauna were as the zone above, although there were more large Semibalanus balanoides individuals at this height on the shore

The lowest eulittoral/infralittoral fringe biotope seen on this shore (1.4 – 0.3 m acd) consisted of a dense growth of Laminaria digitata (Ldig.Ldig). This zone was partially recorded by divers and partially by shore surveyors. The dense Laminaria digitata stand also contained Fucus serratus (the latter not forming a distinct zone on its own) and an understorey of foliose red algae, which included Chondrus crispus, Cryptopleura ramosa, Membranoptera alata and Polysiphonia fucoides. Encrusting coralline algae covered the rock surface beneath the macroalgae and this was also encrusted by a spirorbidae species of polychaete. Numerous encrusting/sedentary faunal species were also recorded beneath the kelp, such as Botrylloides leachii, Balanus crenatus, Alcyonidium hirsutum, Crisiidae, Dendrodoa grossularia, Dynamena pumila, Halichondria panicea, Leucosolenia complicata and Sagartia elegans.

The upper most biotope on the sublittoral transect surveyed by divers ran from 0.3 acd – 7.6 m bcd and consisted of kelp forest with a rich understorey of foliose red algae on the rock surface and on the stipes of the kelp (LhypR.Ft). Common species included Phycodrys rubens, Cryptopleura ramosa, Composothamnion thyuoides, Meredithia microphylla and Odonthalia dentata. Encrusting coralline algae and encrusting red algae covered the reef surface and dominant faunal species included Alcyonium digitatum, Echinus esculentus and Ascidia mentula on the rock and Obelia geniculata and patches of Scrupocellaria reptans on kelp fronds.

Below the kelp forest (7.6 – 11 m bcd) there was a bedrock wall, which for the most part ran nearly vertical, but with some underhanging sections and some areas more upward facing. The surface was lightly silted and there were patchy assemblages of hydroids, particularly Sertularella polyzonias, Diphasia rosacea and Obelia dichotoma (AntAsH) (Plate 9). Alcyonium digitatum was abundant in the upper part of the wall on the east side of the transect (and dominated the zone further east). Sizeable patches of Parazoanthus anguicomus were surveyed Plate 9 on east side of transect. Ascidia mentula was abundant in overhanging areas and dense red foliose algae (incl. Delesseria sanguinea, Bonnemaisonia asparagoides and Plocamium cartillaginum) on upward facing surfaces (XFoR). Encrusting coralline and red algae covered any exposed rock surfaces.

At the foot of the cliff in the lower infralittoral, a steep slope of small to medium sized silty boulders (11 – 12.8 m bcd) were covered with abundant foliose red algae (XfoR), particularly Delesseria sanguinea, Phycodrys rubens, Plocamium cartilagineum, Kallymenia reniformis, Nitophyllum punctatum, Rhodophyllis werneri, Bonnemaisonia asparagoides and Compsothamnion thyuoides. Several large hydroid species, including Nemertesia ramosa and Abietinaria abietina were also recorded. Encrusting red and coralline algae covered any remaining rock surfaces.

Below the red algal zone (12.8 – 18.4 m bcd) in the upper circalittoral the steep slope of small to medium sized silty boulders continued. This biotope was dominated by hydroids, particularly Nemertesia ramosa, Bougainvillea ramosa, Halopteris catharina, Lafoea dumosa, Abietinaria abietina and Obelia dichotoma. Alcyonium digitatum was frequent and encrusting bryozoa common on the sides of boulders. Encrusting coralline algae was also

54 present on the rock surfaces and solitary and colonial, large ascidians frequently adhered to the sides and faces of the boulders (AmenCio.Ant).

The lowest biotope surveyed on this transect was present on a steep circalittoral slope of medium to large silty boulders embedded in silty shell gravel and sand (18.4 to 26.3 m bcd). Boulders were infrequent at bottom of the zone. Frequent hydroids, particularly Nemertesia ramosa and Bougainvillea ramosa occupied the tops of the boulders and a silty low turf of hydroids the sides of some boulders. Diazona violacea was frequent and Clavelina lepadiformis occasional. Caryophyllia smithii Plate 10 encrusted the faces of the boulders with numerous bryozoan colonies. The erect bryozoan species Omalosecosa ramulosa and Porella compressa were frequently recorded (CarSwi.LgAs)(Plate 10).

5.8 NE shore of Inner Loch Teacuis (L18 and S18) This transect was selected to run through the Serpula vermicularis biogenic reef biotope discovered during the drop-down video survey of inner Loch Teacuis earlier in the 2006 survey period. The transect runs across quartzite bedrock, from the supralittoral lichen zone through the littoral zone and on into the shallow sublittoral zone.

The origin of this transect lies on the top of an outcrop of bedrock on the north-east coast of inner Loch Teacuis (6.4 – 5.7 m acd). The biotope was composed of yellow and grey lichens on the top and sides of a steeply sloping, cracked and fissured, rocky outcrop surrounded by Festuca rubra grass and backed by small willow trees. Species recorded included, Xanthoria parietina, Lecanora atra, Anaptyscia fusca and Ramalina siliquosa and these dominate the zone (YG). Numerous other grey lichens encrust the rock surface.

Below the yellow and grey lichen zone, on the steeply sloping bedrock a band of Verrucaria maura type lichen covers the near vertical, smooth rock face for almost 1 m in places (5.7 – 5.3 m acd). A few small patches of Calloplaca thallincola and other grey lichens are present in the zone, including Lichina confinis (Ver.Ver).

A dense band of Pelvetia canaliculata dominates the next biotope from 5.3 – 4.6 m acd and both common colours of Verrucria spp. lichens were present beneath the Pelvetia with Lichina confinis, Hildenbrandia rubra and Littorina saxatilis agg. also present, as were small Ligia oceanica individuals, Anurida maritima and amphipoda indet (PelVS).

Below the Pelvetia zone (4.6 – 4.1 m acd) a band of mixed Fucus spiralis and F. vesiculosus, showing signs of hybridisation, colonised the much fractured and fissured but generally smooth bedrock reef (FspiVS). Gelidium pusillum formed small 'felty' patches beneath the plants in places and Littorina obtusata dominated the faunal component of this biotope.

The transect then passes over an extensive, gently sloping reef of boulders (all sizes) cobbles and pebbles covered with Ascophyllum nodosum and a scattering of other fucoids (AscVS) (4.1 – 0.5 m acd). Polysiphonia lanosa, Chondrus crispus, and encrusting coralline algae were also present in the biotope and L. obtusata and Patella vulgata dominated the faunal component although neither were very abundant. Several sponge species,

Halichondria panicea and Hymenicidon perleve occurred beneath the Ascophyllum canopy in damp crevices and spirorbid worms also adhered to the rock surface. In the lower part of the zone, Fucus serratus occured as an understorey.

Below the Ascophyllum zone (0.5 acd – 3.5 m bcd) the reef was composed of boulders and cobbles with mud in the interstices. Growing on the rocks was a dense canopy of Laminaria saccharina, with occasional patches of Chorda filum in the shallows (LsacPsaVS). In the lower section of this zone colonies of Serpula vermicularis of various sizes were present under the kelp and these continued down into the zone below. The Serpula vermicularis supported a variety of other species including Chlamys varia, terebellids, Palaemon serratus, hermit crabs, Galathea sp, and epiphytic algae (PoR.Ser).

Just below the Laminaria saccharina zone (3.5 – 3.9 m bcd) a gentle slope of mud with cobbles, pebbles and shell debris was colonised by a discreet band of Serpula vermicularis colonies, each forming individual biogenic reeflets (PoR.Ser). Between the scattered small colonies of Serpula vermicularis there were occasional specimens of Laminaria saccharina and Virgularia mirabilis. Cerianthus lloydii was also rare and there were numerous hermit crabs and swimming crabs (Liocarcinus depurator) foraging on the surface of the substratum.

Below the band of Serpula vermicularis, the seabed of muddy gravel fell away Plate 11 gently to a depth of 5.3 m bcd at the100 m limit of the transect

With distance the mud component increased and the substrate became softer and on the surface Philine aperta and their egg sacs were common and occasional seapens Virgularia mirabilis were noted. The burrowing holothurians Leptopentacta elongata were also present in the surficial layer of the sediment (PhiVir).

5.9 Torr Molach (S22) This transect was selected to give greater coverage on the north shore of the loch and to include a site with a south-easterly aspect. The site was also potentially the home of a rare tubed polychaete, Placostegus tridentatus that had been recorded in the vicinity in the past. This transect was only surveyed in the sublittoral as the neap tides prevented the shore from being surveyed effectively.

The transect line was secured to a piton in the mid shore and the highest zone surveyed ran from 0 m (chart datum) down to 0.5 m bcd. Here the reef was composed of bedrock quartzite ledges and steps with scattered Halidrys siliquosa plants and occasional Laminaria saccharina (KVS). The rock surfaces were covered with encrusting brown and coralline algal crusts. Anemonia viridis and Psammechinus miliaris were occasionally recorded on the reef and the kelp plants and Pomatoceros sp. was also present at low densities.

Below this (0.5 – 7.7 m bcd) a kelp forest of L. saccharina covered the reef surface of bedrock steps and boulders with gravel patches composed mostly of Mytilus edulis shells (LsacPsaVS). In places the gravel was occupied by Limaria hians, which had made nests within the shell debris and Ophiocomina nigra were common on the kelp and seabed. The reef surface itself was colonised by frequent solitary ascidians, foliose red algae, hydroids

56 and bryozoans, with species such as Ascidia mentula, Hypoglossum hypoglossoides, Desmarestia viridis, Dasya hutchinsiae, Bonnemaisonia asparagoides, Pododesmus patelliformis and Parasmittina trispinosa all recorded

From 7.7 – 16 m bcd the transect ran down a steep slope of muddy shell gravel, cobbles, boulders and occasional outcrops of bedrock. The recorded biota consisted of sparse filamentous and foliose algae, frequent ascidians particularly Ascidiella aspersa, Ascidia mentula and Polycarpa pomaria along with the echinoderms Psammechinus miliaris and occasional Antedon petasus (AntAsH). Patches of hydroids and sparse Neocrania anomala were present on the rock surface and in the shallower part of the zone there was a lot of organic drift debris caught on the seabed.

Below 16 – 26.5 m bcd the steep slope of muddy sand and shell gravel with boulders, cobbles and outcrops of bedrock continued, with the bedrock outcropping more frequently in the deeper section of the zone. Solitary ascidians were common, with Ascidiella aspersa, Polycarpa pomaria, Corella parallelogramma and Ascidiella scabra all recorded and in places the bedrock was covered with Neocrania anomala and Pododesmus patelliformis. There were scattered patches of hydroids on the tops of the rocks, in particular Halopteris catharina, Nemertesia antennina and Sertularella polyzonias were noted and Protanthea simplex was also common (NeoPro).

6 RESULTS OF THE SURVEYED SSSI FEATURES AND SECONDARY OBJECTIVES

6.1 Ascophyllum nodosum ecad mackaii survey The A.mac beds were mapped by the teams of marine biologists from ASML and SNH as described (Section 3.3.2). The output from the mapping exercise is shown below in table 13 and on figures 18 to 21.

Table 13 Areas of Ascophyllum nodosum ecad mackaii mapped in Loch Sunart in 2006

Total area of Site Number and Name biotope mapped m2 L3. Camaschoirk 2156 L4. Eilean Mor 1355 L5. Head of the Loch 33454 L6. Strontian 20918 L7. Glenborrodale Bay 5319 L17. Salen 6168 Total area 69370

Figure 18 Ascophyllum nodosum ecad mackaii beds mapped in Glenborrodale Bay (L7).

Based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of the Controller of HMSO © Crown copyright (2007) Licence no. 100017908)

Three patches of A.mac were mapped in Glenborrodale Bay (L7) on 6th July 2006 and in addition 69 quadrats were thrown within the three areas shown on figure 18. The results of the quadrat exercise are presented in Appendix 12 and a summary is shown below in Table 14. The results of the macrobenthic analysis performed on the intertidal infaunal core residues obtained are also presented in tables 15 and 16 (all five sites) and the analysis of the sediment samples for particle size/loss on ignition is summarised here and presented in full in Appendix 12.

Table 14 Mean percentage cover of algal species in the Ascophyllum nodosum ecad mackaii beds in Glenborrodale Bay (L7).

Glenborrodale bay Mean percentage cover Overall species North bed West bed East bed mean A.mac 27 21 59 36 Bare ground 26 30 27 28 A. nodosum 35 28 4 22 Enteromorpha 1 5 0 2 Polysiphonia lanosa 5 3 4 4 Fucus spiralis 5 12 0 6 F. ceranoides 0 1 0 0 F. vesiculosus 0 0 55 18

Fauna noted within these small beds of the ecotype included Semibalanus balanoides on cobbles and boulders and Littorina obtusata and gammarid amphipods amongst the A.mac thalli.

Table 15 Intertidal infaunal cores taken from the Ascophyllum nodosum ecad mackaii and Zostera noltii beds in Loch Sunart

Target biotope Ascophyllum nodosum ecad mackaii Zostera noltii Strontian Strontian Head of MCS Glenborrodale upper Lower the Loch Eilean Species Code (L7) bed (L6) bed (L6) (L5) Mor (L4) NEMATODA HD00001 2 Hediste diversicolor P08100 5 1 2 4 Hediste Juv. P08090 2 Malacoceros fuliginosus P12570 3 Pygospio elegans P13170 2 6 11 9 12 Tubificoides benedii P24870 79 1 Tubificoides pseudogaster P24890 56 20 24 53 31 Enchytraeidae P25760 9 11 37 Gammarus salinus S07760 5 Gammarus finmarchicus S07720 4 Echinogammarus marinus S07610 6 3 18 Corophium volutator S10270 1 7 6 4 Jaera albifrons S14740 2 1 2 2 Carcinus maenas S26900 1 Littorina saxatilis W02600 2 3 Number of individuals 155 52 67 84 89 Number of Taxa 9 8 10 5 6

Table 16 Sediment characteristics for the intertidal macrobenthic coring sites

Descriptive sediment Strontian Strontian Head of Glenborrodale Eilean Mor parameters Upper bed Lower bed Loch Kurtosis -1 -0.35 4.29 -1.47 1.44 Skewness 0.56 1.16 2.33 0.57 1.37 Standard deviation -1.77 -1.81 -1.43 -2.06 0.64 Volume weighted mean (phi) -1.83 -1.4 -0.66 -1.9 0.43 Kurtosis 0.66 0.75 1.72 0.53 1.19 Skewness 0.49 -0.15 -0.11 -0.02 0.03 Standard deviation 2.47 2.64 2.3 2.62 1.49 Mean grain size (phi) -0.65 0.12 0.81 -0.05 0.91 Median grain size (phi) -1.51 0.69 1.07 0.13 1.05 Constituent sediment fractions Gravel (%) 53.5 31.65 17.79 43.56 5.83 Sand (%) 41.84 61.11 72.64 52.03 88.36 Silt/Clay (%) 4.66 7.24 9.57 4.41 5.81 Organic content (LOI) % 1.30 1.53 1.36 1.40 0.56 Poorly sorted Poorly sorted Poorly sorted Poorly sorted Poorly sorted gravel Description coarse sand medium sand coarse sand medium sand

The Glenborrodale A.mac beds (L7) were dominated by the mackaii ecotype, on average being measured at a cover of 38%. Mixed fucoids and their epiphytes were also commonly recorded, including F. ceranoides in areas influenced by freshwater run-off. The infauna was dominated by tubificid oligochaetes in a low diversity poorly sorted intertidal, sandy gravel that is influenced by freshwater run-off (Tables15 and 16).

Figure 19 Ascophyllum nodosum ecad mackaii beds mapped in Salen Bay (L17).

Based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of the Controller of HMSO © Crown copyright (2007) Licence no. 100017908)

The A.mac in Salen Bay (L17) was mapped by SNH marine biologists on the 17th July 2006, but no quadrats were thrown. Figure 19 above indicates the location of the beds, which were relatively small and discreet. The density of the ecotype within these patches ranged between 30 – 90% cover and they were generally located over a muddy cobble/gravel substratum. Of most interest were the patches of the free-living unattached Fucus serratus adjacent to the ‘boulder wall’ in the north-east corner of the bay. This phenomenon being first reported in Howson, 1996.

The biotic community associated with the A.mac whilst very similar to the other sites, differed with the presence mussels, which were numerous, recording up to 5% cover in places.

Figure 20 Ascophyllum nodosum ecad mackaii beds mapped in the Eilean Mor/Camaschoirk (L4/L3) area of Loch Sunart

Based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of the Controller of HMSO © Crown copyright (2007) Licence no. 100017908)

The A.mac in the Eilean Mor/Camaschoirk (L4/L3) area was mapped on the 5th July 2006 (figure 20) but no quadrats were thrown. These small patches were generally dense, ranging from 50 – 95% cover in the Dorlinn Channel and 95-100% cover in Camaschoirk Bay. Mixed fucoids were also noted, including Ascophyllum nodosum and its epiphyte Polysiphonia lanosa. The sediment was coarse in both locations, being formed from a poorly-sorted sandy gravel. Littorina obtusata, L. littorea and gammaridean amphipods dominated the visible fauna, which also included the occasional beadlet anemone.

Figure 21 Ascophyllum nodosum ecad mackaii beds mapped in the Strontian and ‘Head of the Loch’ area in Loch Sunart (L5/L4).

Based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of the Controller of HMSO © Crown copyright (2007) Licence no. 100017908)

The A.mac beds in the Strontian and ‘Head of the Loch’ area (L6/L5) were mapped on the 6th July 2006 (figure 21). The Strontian bed was subjected to a quadrat exercise at two points in the bed as a colour difference was noted between the top and the bottom and consequently the bed was mapped in two halves. The data collected by the quadrat exercise is summarised in table 17 below. An infaunal core and sediment sample were also taken from the quadratting site in each half of the bed.

Table 17 Mean percentage cover of conspicuous species in the Ascophyllum nodosum ecad mackaii beds in the Strontian and ‘Head of the Loch’ region of Loch Sunart

Strontian Mean percentage cover Mean density (m-2) species Upper zone Lower zone species Upper zone Lower zone A.mac 74 100 Littorina obtusata 0 220 Bare ground 7 0 L. saxatilis 196 183 A. nodosum 0 0 L. littorea 5 6 Gammaridean Enteromorpha sp. 0 0 amphipods 331 342 Polysiphonia lanosa 0 0 Carcinus maenas 7 0 Fucus spiralis 0 0 F. ceranoides 0 0 F. vesiculosus 20 3

The A.mac beds were very large (20,000 m2) and ‘pure’ in Strontian Bay (L6), with only Fucus vesiculosus also present in the algal ‘sward’ at a very low percentage cover. Small periwinkle species and gammaridean amphipods dominated the fauna of this bed, which lay over a poorly sorted coarse and medium sand.

Both infaunal cores taken from the bed proved to be similar to the Glenborrodale core, with a low density, low diversity invertebrate community, not dominated by Plate 12 any particular species, but undoubtably influenced by freshwater run-off, given the species of gammaridean amphipods present.

The ‘Head of the Loch’ (L5) A.mac bed complex was similarly very large (33,000 m2) but also more broken than the Strontian beds and contained much greater percentage covers of Fucus vesiculosus and Ascophyllum nodosum. The A.mac density itself varied from <10% - 70% cover in the scattered beds. Mussels were present in the epifaunal community, which were found on the poorly sorted coarse sand substratum. The infaunal core again contained a low diversity depauperate community dominated by oligochaetes and brackish water gammarids (Echinogammarus marinus).

6.2 Zostera noltii intertidal survey

A Zostera noltii bed was surveyed in the Eilean Mor area (L4) on the 5th July. The bed was small (8x22m) and grew on a poorly sorted medium sand (Table 16). The maximum cover was between 10-20%, with a mean shoot density of approximately 1100 shoots m-2, though this figure varied between 0m-2 and 4000 m-2 , indicating how patchy the Zostera was within the bed. Both Littorina littorea and L. saxatilis were noted in the epifaunal bed community, whilst Fucus spiralis and Pelvetia canaliculata were the most common algal Plate 13 species present.

The infaunal core taken shows a macrobenthic community dominated by oligochaetes, in particular enchytraeids and Tubificoides pseudogaster agg (Table 15). Once again this littoral infaunal community was of low diversity and density.

Figure 22 shows the location of the Zostera bed surveyed in the vicinity of the Doirlinn Channel, between Eilean Mor and the mainland, in total 257 m2 of Zostera bed was mapped.

Figure 22 Zostera noltii beds mapped in the Eilean Mor (L4) area of Loch Sunart

Based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of the Controller of HMSO © Crown copyright (2007) Licence no. 100017908)

6.3 Zostera marina subtidal survey Of the four locations that were investigated (Table 9), only three sites yielded Z. marina. These three surveyed beds of Z. marina were found to be small and of low quality.

Table 18 Location and size of surveyed Zostera marina beds in Loch Sunart. Site Number and Name Centre of site Size of bed L1. Camas nan Geall NM 55569 61543 25 x 20m = 500 m2 L2. Rubha Camp an Righ NM 57954 61508 5 x 10m = 50 m2 S23 Loch na Droma Buidhe NM 58789 58060 20(max) x 95m = 885 m2

Plate 14. Camas nan Geall Plate 15. Rubha Camp an Righ

Plate 14 shows the Z. marina bed found in Camas Nan Geall. The depth of this bed was approximately 0.5 m bcd. No quantitative work was carried out on this bed. Algal species associated with the Zostera bed included Chorda filum, Ulva sp. and fine filamentous green algae.

At Rubha Camp an Righ (Plates 15 and 16) the bed was located at approximately 3.2 m acd in a shallow pool amongst the mid-shore fucoid biotopes. Associated macroalgae Plate 16. Rubha Camp an Righ included, Himanthalia elongata, Laminaria saccharina and filamentous red and brown algae.

In Loch na Droma Buide the bed was found in several metres of water and although diffuse in places, it was colonised by Chorda filum and numerous other filamentous algae. This bed was only found on the last day of the survey as demobilisation was taking place. Therefore no quantitative work was possible.

6.4 Thyasira gouldi subtidal grabbing survey Figure 4 shows the locations of the 15 grab sites selected as part of the investigation into the status of Thyasira gouldi in Loch Sunart. The samples were obtained and processed as described in section 3.6. All the Thyasira sp. found in the grabs were extracted as part of the macrobenthic analysis carried out by Identichaet and the specimens of Thyasira sp. were then circulated to the international experts indicated in section 3.6, Dr Ian Kileen and Dr Graham Oliver. On analysis of these specimens their conclusion was that the species recorded in Loch Sunart was in fact Thyasira flexuosa, the common species of this genus and not Thyasira gouldi.

The locations and abundance of the Thyasira flexuosa extracted from the Van Veen grabs taken in Loch Sunart in 2006 are presented in Table 19.

Plate 17 Plate 18

Table 19 Location and abundance of Thyasira flexuosa found in grabs taken during the 2006 survey of Loch Sunart.

No. Individuals Grab site Date Easting Northing extracted 4 13/07/2006 173655.31 761583.65 2 7 13/07/2006 173616.04 761160.01 5 8 13/07/2006 178636.34 760916.05 10 9 13/07/2006 177954.27 760747.69 6 12 15/07/2006 177570.97 760020.73 4 13 15/07/2006 177199.86 760566.43 8 14 15/07/2006 177304.99 760060.83 5

As part of the investigation, the macrobenthos i.e. the fauna retained on a 1 mm meshed sieve, was extracted from the 15 Van Veen grabs, identified and counted. The grab station location information, particle size analysis, loss on ignition data and species matrix raw data from this grabbing exercise is presented in Appendix 12.2 and a summary of the community data, with a selection of the routine community analyses is provided below.

Figure 23 illustrates the location information presented in Table 19 and also shows the locations of the samples taken in 2001 where Thyasira sp. was previously found, and when Thyasira gouldi’s presence was suspected in the loch.

Figure 23 Grab site locations and Thyasira flexuosa presence in Loch Sunart in the vicinity of the Laudale Narrows (2001 & 2006).

Based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of the Controller of HMSO © Crown copyright (2007) Licence no. 100017908)

Table 20 Basic community statistics and sediment characteristics for the macrobenthic sampling stations

Station No. of No. of Margalef's Pielou's Shannon Simpson’s Sediment Loss on Number Taxa Individuals Richness Evenness Diversity Dominance type ignition (S) (N) (d) (J') (H'(loge)) (1-Lambda') (%) 1 11 24 3.147 0.907 2.175 0.902 Silt 9.31 2 17 29 4.752 0.939 2.660 0.948 Coarse sand 4.68 3 76 265 13.442 0.855 3.701 0.960 Fine sand 1.26 4 60 171 11.475 0.905 3.704 0.970 V. coarse sand 2.10 5 42 163 8.049 0.830 3.101 0.930 Silt 5.99 6 60 150 11.775 0.863 3.533 0.950 Coarse sand 3.18 7 43 230 7.723 0.867 3.260 0.952 Silt 5.97 8 39 90 8.445 0.888 3.252 0.953 Silt 3.35 9 75 514 11.855 0.812 3.504 0.951 Coarse sand 0.93 10 36 93 7.722 0.878 3.146 0.944 Silt 6.02 11 28 75 6.254 0.825 2.747 0.908 Silt 5.09 12 43 119 8.788 0.879 3.305 0.953 Fine sand 1.09 13 29 68 6.636 0.923 3.108 0.956 V. fine sand 4.52 14 42 175 7.938 0.805 3.011 0.914 Fine sand 1.25 15 103 393 17.075 0.873 4.044 0.974 V. coarse sand 1.32

Figure 24 A Bray Curtis similarity dendrogram for the Thyasira sp. grab station macrobenthic invertebrate data.

Bray Curtis 60 Similarity %

100 1 2 9 4 6 5 7 8 3 15 10 11 13 14 12 Survey stations

A B C D E

Figure 24 shows the sampling stations that cluster together due to their degree of similarity following a cluster-analysis on the Bray Curtis similarity data.

Table 20 presents a very varied picture of the seabed sediments in the vicinity of the target area. The physical sediments ranged from fine silts through to very coarse sands and the associated infaunal macrobenthos ranged from highly diverse communities like station 15, with 103 taxa recorded from the one grab, through to sparse, sterile communities like station

1, with only 11 taxa recorded. Generally similar communities grouped together, like with like, according to particle size (table 20), in their clusters A, B, C, D and E.

Table 21 Species contributing to 50% of the clustering of group A

Average Percentage Average Cumulative Species similarity contribution to abundance percentage (%) overall similarity Nephtys incisa 5 9.44 26.31 26.31 Scutopus ventrolineatus 2 7.51 20.92 47.23 Polycirrus plumosus 1 6.32 17.59 64.82

The group ‘A’ grab samples were the most depauperate and were the least similar of all the communities sampled, having <20% in common with any of the other samples. Both were dominated by the large errant polychaete Nephtys incisa.

Table 22 Species contributing to 50% of the clustering of group B

Average Percentage Average Cumulative Species similarity contribution to abundance percentage (%) overall similarity Mediomastus fragilis 27 1.83 6.23 6.23 Minuspio cirrifera 16 1.68 5.73 11.96 Lumbrineris gracilis 6.5 1.28 4.35 16.31 Mysella bidentata 5 1.21 4.12 20.43 Notomastus latericeus 4.5 1.21 4.12 24.54 Aricidea cerrutii 4.5 1.21 4.12 28.66 Mya truncata 5 1.02 3.46 32.12 Mytilus edulis 2 1.02 3.46 35.58 Pariambus typicus 4.5 1.02 3.46 39.04 Scalibregma inflatum 2.5 1.02 3.46 42.5 Aonides paucibranchiata 12.5 1.02 3.46 45.96 Prionospio fallax 5.5 1.02 3.46 49.42 Pholoe inornata 14.5 1.02 3.46 52.88

The two Group ‘B’ samples were both obtained from coarse sediment communities and both contained the large bivalves Mytilus edulis and Mya truncata. Most of the remaining dominant taxa were small sedentary polychaetes.

Table 23 Species contributing to 50% of the clustering of group C

Average Percentage Average Cumulative Species similarity contribution to abundance percentage (%) overall similarity Chaetozone sp. D 21.5 2.77 5.97 5.97 Lumbrineris gracilis 14 2.56 5.53 11.5 Spiophanes kroyeri 7 2.1 4.54 16.03 Aricidea cerrutii 5.5 2.1 4.54 20.57 Minuspio cirrifera 6 1.99 4.29 24.86 Leptochitona asellus 6.5 1.85 3.99 28.85 Perrierella audouiniana 3 1.85 3.99 32.85 Jasmineira caudata 3 1.67 3.61 36.45 Praxillella affinis 3 1.67 3.61 40.06 Galathowenia oculata 3 1.67 3.61 43.67 Owenia fusiformis 3 1.67 3.61 47.28 Caulleriella zetlandica 3 1.67 3.61 50.88

The two Group ‘C’ samples were again both from very coarse sediments and included the chitons Leptochitona asellus in the community. These were presumably, when live, present attached to the cobbles and pebbles found in the sediment. Tube dwelling polychaetes such as Galathowenia oculata, Owenia fusiformis, Spiophanes kroyeri, Minuspio cirrifera and Praxillella affinis were numerous amongst the remaining dominants.

Table 24 Species contributing to 50% of the clustering of group D

Average Percentage Average Cumulative Species similarity contribution to abundance percentage (%) overall similarity Magelona minuta 15.4 3.83 8.85 8.85 Nephtys incisa 8 3.69 8.54 17.39 Amphiura filiformis 8 3.19 7.38 24.77 Notomastus latericeus 2.4 2.66 6.16 30.94 Prionospio fallax 5.6 2.6 6.01 36.95 Pholoe inornata 2.6 2.55 5.89 42.84 Spiophanes kroyeri 2 2.38 5.5 48.34 Scalibregma inflatum 3 2.35 5.44 53.78

This group of grabs were all taken from areas of fine silt where the community was dominated by polychaetes

Table 25 Species contributing to 50% of the clustering of group E

Percentage Average Average contribution Cumulative Species similarity abundance to overall percentage (%) similarity Amphiura filiformis 19.5 3.15 7.87 7.87 Magelona minuta 6 2.46 6.14 14.01 Pholoe inornata 7.25 2.43 6.06 20.07 Notomastus latericeus 5.25 2.37 5.91 25.98 Minuspio cirrifera 7.5 2.15 5.35 31.33 Prionospio fallax 4.25 1.93 4.81 36.15 Chaetozone setosa 2.25 1.77 4.41 40.55 Pseudopolydora cf. paucibranchiata 3.25 1.75 4.37 44.92 Thyasira flexuosa 4.75 1.45 3.62 48.54 Nephtys hombergii 3.5 1.32 3.29 51.83

These group-E grabs were taken from areas of slightly coarser material than group D. These fine sands were dominated by the burrowing brittlestar Amphiura filiformis. Apart from this difference the communities were very similar to group D, being populated mainly by small polychaetes.

In total 259 taxa were recorded in the 15 grabs, a figure which compares very favourably with approximately 240 recorded in the 28 grabs taken in 2001.

6.5 Limaria hians subtidal diver coring and video survey Figure 25 shows the locations of the five study sites on the Limaria hians bed, in the Laudale Narrows area.

Four sites were chosen as locations from which to obtain diver cores. These sites were initially targeted to four of the Limaria hians-bed density zones, from Bates et al., 2004. The sites worked are presented in Table 26 below.

Table 26 Laudale Narrows Limaria hians study sites, 2006.

Limaria hians nest coverage Video / Site Eastings Northings Cores Quadrats Phase II (Bates et al., Photography 2004) S14 175499 760310 1-9.9 % Cores /PSA Video 7 Yes S15 175580 760161 75-100% Cores /PSA Video 10 Yes S19 174790 760600 50-74.9% Cores /PSA 10 Yes S20 174920 760780 10-49% Cores /PSA Photography 10 Yes Photography & S21 176129 759851 10-49% 10 Yes Video

The quadrat and habitat data are presented in Appendix 12. 3 and Table 27 presents summary biotope information derived from the Phase II, coring and quadrat work carried out.

Figure 25 Limaria bed diver coring and video survey locations

Based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of the Controller of HMSO © Crown copyright (2007) Licence no. 100017908)

Table 27 Laudale Narrows Limaria hians biotope (IMX.Lim) information.

Mean Depth nest Sediment Site Biotope description (m) coverage type (bcd) (%) 'Stepped' seabed of dense Limaria nests with small patches of silty shell gravel surrounding it. A forest of Laminaria hyperborea and L. saccharina (cape form) growing on top of the nests. The S14 67 Gravel 5.8 nests themselves, comprised dead and living algal material bound tightly together, forming a spongy substratum upon which other foliose algae and kelp plants were attached. The seabed was covered (almost 100%) with Limaria nests, forming a continuous carpet of bound cobbles, pebbles and shells with occasional small patches of muddy sand. A number of Gravel / Limaria were visible at the entrance to nests. Ophiothrix fragilis S15 87 Coarse 26.7 was superabundant over the nests with Ophiocomina nigra sand common. There were scattered Alcyonium digitatum colonies and large Urticina eques. A patchy hydroid turf of Eudendrium spp. was present. A level seabed with Limaria hians nests occupying about 70% of the seabed, which itself was formed from hard packed cobbles, pebbles, gravel and sand. Foliose red algal turf (Delesseria S19 56 Gravel 6.05 sanguinea dominant) occupied about 40% and Laminaria saccharina plants also grew over the top of the nests. Old Laminaria laminae were cemented to the seabed by the byssus of

Mean Depth nest Sediment Site Biotope description (m) coverage type (bcd) (%) the Limaria hians. A level seabed with Limaria hians nests occupying about 50% of the seabed beneath Laminaria saccharina and L. hyperborea plants. The seabed was formed from hard packed cobbles, Gravel / S20 pebbles, gravel and sand. Foliose and encrusting red algal turf 13 Coarse 7.75 covered the nest material. The 50% bare substrate was colonised sand by large bivalve fauna; Arctica, Mya, Ensis and Dosinia were all noted, as well as the anemone Cerianthus lloydii. A very steep slope with a mixture of mixed muddy gravel, bedrock outcrops, cobbles and pebbles. It was dominated by Limaria hians, with about 50% cover of nest material. Ophiothrix fragilis was superabundant over the Limaria with Ophiocomina nigra S21 44 - 19.6 occasional. The bedrock had Ascidiella aspersa, Corella parallelogramma and other ascidians with some Neocrania anomala and Pododesmus patelliformis. There was a solitary Palinurus elephas at about 10m.

Table 27 above describes the biotope studied during this exercise. The Limaria hians nest material was generally formed from gravel, pebbles and cobbles, bound in a matrix of byssus (Plate 19), but in the infralittoral (<10 m) where algal species were present growing on the nest material, then algal fronds and organic detritus were also incorporated into their nest constructions. This imparted a spongy characteristic to the seabed.

Apart from site S14, the other four sites studied, fell into the same ‘nest density’ categories as outlined in Bates et al., 2004. Site S14 was situated very close to the islet of Glas Eilean and it is quite possible that the data used by Bates et al. (2004) in drawing up the category boundaries of ‘Limaria nest percentage cover’, was inaccurate close to the islet.

The particle size analysis, loss on ignition data and species matrix raw data from the ‘diver coring’ exercise is presented in Appendix 12.3 and a summary of the community data, with a selection of the routine community analyses is provided below.

Plate 19

Table 28 Basic community statistics and sediment characteristics for the Limaria nest core sampling stations

Station No. of No. of Margalef's Pielou's Shannon Simpson’s Sediment Loss on Number Taxa Individuals Richness Evenness Diversity Dominance type ignition and core (S) (N) (d) (J') (H'(loge)) (1-Lambda') (%) S14a 54 252 9.585 0.8042 3.208 0.9267 Gravel 1.52 S14b 51 217 9.294 0.8399 3.302 0.9464 Gravel 1.55 S15a 38 167 7.229 0.8439 3.07 0.9249 Gravel 3.08 S15b 33 140 6.476 0.7803 2.728 0.8855 Coarse sand 2.50 S19a 56 221 10.19 0.8656 3.484 0.9586 Gravel 1.58 S19b 44 162 8.452 0.8348 3.159 0.9278 Gravel 1.02 V. Coarse 2.09 S20a 67 264 11.84 0.8569 3.603 0.9461 sand S20b 34 122 6.869 0.9118 3.216 0.9596 Coarse sand 1.34

Table 28 presents a picture of a rich infaunal assemblage of invertebrates with levels of diversity and abundance in a 0.01 m2 core reaching those shown by many of the 0.1 m2 grabs taken from the same zone of the loch during the Thyasira gouldi study (Table 20). This is all the more unusual given that the substrate is so coarse, a feature frequently producing low diversity, sparse infaunal communities.

Figure 26 A Bray Curtis similarity dendrogram for the Limaria hians core station macrobenthic invertebrate data.

Bray Curtis 60 Similarity %

100

20b 15a 15b 20a 19a 14a 14b 19b C A B Cores

The dendrogram in Figure 26 presents a picture of high similarity between seven out of the eight cores. Core 20b, the eighth core, (group A), can be disregarded within the analysis to some degree, as this core was taken from one of the large sand patches that was present in the vicinity of station S20 and not from the Limaria nest material. This sand was of passing interest to the divers during the survey, as it contained numerous large and obvious bivalves,

73 such as Arctica islandica, Mya truncata, Ensis sp. and Dosinia lupinus, but this community was not part of this targeted study.

Table 29 Species contributing to 80% of the clustering of group B

Average Percentage Average Cumulative Species similarity contribution to abundance percentage (%) overall similarity Pholoe synopthalmica 38 24.76 40.86 40.86 Sphaerosyllis hystrix 9.5 5.21 8.6 49.46 Kefersteinia cirrata 7 3.91 6.45 55.91 Polycirrus norvegicus 7.5 2.61 4.3 60.22 Nereimyra punctifera 4.5 2.61 4.3 64.52 Sipuncula juv. indet. 6.5 2.61 4.3 68.82 Onoba semicostata 4.5 1.95 3.23 72.04 Asclerocheilus indet. 6 1.95 3.23 75.27 Aonides oxycephala 3 1.95 3.23 78.49 Pholoe inornata 7.5 1.95 3.23 81.72 Ophiothrix fragilis 13.00 1.30 2.15 83.87

The remaining seven cores possessed an overall similarity >50% and only the group B cluster cores were separated off from the other five cores by the Bray Curtis similarity analysis and only then, at a level of over 50% similarity (Table 29). The results show that these group B cores from site S20 were taken at a depth of 26 m bcd, well into the circalittoral and away from the influence of the algal communities that dominated the physical appearance of the nest material at the other three stations, which were all <8 m bcd. A high abundance of Ophiothrix fragilis within the group B cores is one of the primary differences noted at this site. These were also noted as abundant in the biotope descriptions given in Table 27.

Table 30 Species contributing to 80% of the clustering of group C

Average Percentage Average Cumulative Species similarity contribution to abundance percentage (%) overall similarity Pholoe synopthalmica 36 11.12 19.47 19.47 Polycirrus norvegicus 14.8 6.17 10.81 30.29 Mysella bidentata 14.4 4.56 8 38.28 Onoba semicostata 12 4.33 7.59 45.87 Ostracoda 12.4 3.67 6.43 52.3 Pholoe inornata 11.8 2.93 5.13 57.44 Alvania punctifera 9.6 1.9 3.33 60.76 Sphaerosyllis tetralix 4.4 1.57 2.75 63.51 Amphipholis squamata 5.2 1.4 2.46 65.97 Glycera lapidum 4.4 1.31 2.3 68.28 Mediomastus fragilis 4.6 1.27 2.23 70.51 Sipuncula juv. indet. 5.2 1.14 2 72.51 Notomastus latericeus 3 1.07 1.87 74.38 Harmothoe indet. 3.4 1.01 1.77 76.15 Notomastus sp. E 3.4 0.97 1.69 77.84

Average Percentage Average Cumulative Species similarity contribution to abundance percentage (%) overall similarity Nemertea indet. 4 0.91 1.59 79.43 Aonides oxycephala 2.2 0.74 1.3 80.72 Limaria hians 2.2 0.72 1.27 81.99

The group C ‘core community’ (Table 30) was very similar to the group B ‘core community’, varying only in a few species, such as the lack of the two small errant polychaetes, Kefersteinia cirrata and Nereimyra punctifera and the presence of the small molluscs Mysella bidentata and Alvania punctifera.

In total 114 taxa were recorded from the seven Limaria nest cores and the ‘core community’ as a whole, was found to be diverse and appears relatively constant across the seabed at Laudale Narrows in Loch Sunart. The ‘core community’ is also probably discreet to the nest material; a proposal backed up by the presence of the very different community sampled in the Group A core (20b), which came from the sand patch with no Limaria hians nests in the vicinity.

6.6 Serpula vermicularis subtidal surveys

6.6.1 July 2006 survey Serpula vermicularis reefs were discovered in Loch Teacuis during the drop-down video survey. These reeflets are a very rare phenomenon of which live examples in Scotland are known only from Loch Creran on the Firth of Lorn. As a result of this discovery, time was made to survey a transect along the depth band where the Serpula reeflets were found. This was carried out during the survey of the Loch Teacuis intertidal and subtidal transects and the 50 m ‘Serpula transect’ was deployed at right angles to the subtidal transect at 1.16 –1.36 m bcd.

Along this transect all Serpula vermicularis colonies encountered were measured (height and circumference). These results are summarised in Table 31 below and the full data set is presented in Appendix 12.4

Table 31 Serpula vermicularis colony biometrics

Maximum height (cm) above Maximum circumference (cm) the seabed Mean (n=57) 25.75 cm 60.11 cm

Std deviation ± 8.98 ± 32.5

Plates 20 – 23 below show examples of the Serpula vermicularis colonies with attendant epifauna.

Plate 20 Plate 21

Plate 22 Plate 23

Thirty-six conspicuous species were recorded from the biotope and the reeflets undoubtably contained more taxa living within the cryptic environment of the worm colony.

6.6.2 November 2006 survey Serpulid aggregations (small, medium and large) were found from 0 to –13.4 m below chart datum. Individual serpulids were recorded into the intertidal to 0.6 m above chart datum. The aggregations were found to be distributed all around the periphery of the basin apart from towards the head of the loch where only individuals were recorded (Figure 27). More transects had large aggregations on them around the north-eastern edge of the basin. The transect locations are shown in Figure 6, Section 3.8.2.

Figure 27 Maximum size category of serpulid aggregations seen on each transect in Loch Teacuis in November 2006. The numbers next to each transect indicate the maximum depth at which the largest reef size category was found.

Altogether 91% of transects contained individuals or non-reef forming worms, whilst 77% contained small reefs, 68% contained medium reefs and 55% of transects contained large reefs. The four transects towards the head of the loch GS9,10,12 and 13 had no small, medium or large reefs, whilst GS11 was the only transect with no Serpula vermicularis recorded at all.

Figures 28 through to 31 show the minimum and maximum depths at which each size category was found along the transects using the contours on the chart. These have been extrapolated to show polygons of likely occurrence. Figure 32 combines figures 28-31 to give an overall indication of projected coverage.

The end points of transects GS10 and GS1 were not recorded due to problems with satellite acquisition. Therefore the data is less accurately represented on the map.

Figure 28 Projected range of individual serpulids in Loch Teacuis estimated from transect data recorded in November 2006

Figure 29 Projected range of small serpulid colonies (5-50cm2) in Loch Teacuis estimated from transect data recorded in November 2006

Figure 30 Projected range of medium (50-500cm2) serpulid colonies in Loch Teacuis estimated from transect data recorded in November 2006

Figure 31 Projected range of large serpulid colonies (>500cm2) in Loch Teacuis estimated from transect data recorded in November 2006

Figure 32 Projected range of all size categories of serpulid colonies in Loch Teacuis estimated from transect data recorded in November 2006

7 DISCUSSION OF REEF FEATURES

Monitoring of the condition of the intertidal and subtidal reef habitats within Loch Sunart SAC considered five distinct attributes representing a hierarchy of biological resolution. In this section the results of the 2006 work are considered in light of the original study objectives:

• To establish an appropriate baseline biological dataset that will facilitate the future assessment on the favourable condition status of the reefs within Loch Sunart SAC. • To gather sufficient data for SNH to form a judgement on the current condition of the reefs to inform their consideration of existing site management measures.

Proposals for refinements to the Loch Sunart SCM programme are outlined. These refinements are distilled and summarised within revised Site Attribute Tables (Appendix 11).

7.1 Reef extent In an attempt to determine whether there had been any loss of subtidal qualifying Annex I habitat (c.f. draft SAT - Table 3) since 2001, during the drop-down video survey the presence or absence of reef was recorded at each site and this information was compared with the broadscale survey reef polygons produced in 2001 (figures 33 and 34). This exercise is to some extent academic as there is no reason to suspect loss of reef habitat unless some damaging operations have occurred within the SAC. It is therefore reasonable to assume that any changes in extent are less likely than changes in reef quality, which are measured through finer resolution biotope and species level attributes, and therefore the considerable expense of detailed repeat surveys of reef extent within the SAC should not remain a priority.

Figure 33 2006 reef/non-reef data superimposed over the 2001 reef resource map for the western half of Loch Sunart SAC

Based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of the Controller of HMSO © Crown copyright (2007) Licence no. 100017908)

Figure 34 2006 reef/non-reef data superimposed over the 2001 reef resource map for the eastern half of Loch Sunart SAC

Based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of the Controller of HMSO © Crown copyright (2007) Licence no. 100017908)

This does however shift reliance onto a continual review of activities occurring within the SAC, to maintain an understanding of the status of the wider site. Whilst SNH will continue to undertake more detailed in situ. sampling at the biotope and species levels to enable changes in reef quality to be detected, such work is extremely expensive and undertaken at such a fine resolution, with sites surveyed acting as a proxies of an extensive area. This runs the risk that any observed changes, which may only be localised in nature, produce false negatives. Site activity information is therefore critical to effective site management. SNH is aware of the range of human activities taking place within the SAC but there may be insufficient current information available on the intensity of some activities and their geographic distribution; this applies in particular to fishing practices.

The fringing silty cobble and boulder slopes of Loch Sunart’s reef resource would be highly susceptible to damage should scallop dredging, for example, take place over such habitats. It is therefore essential that detailed information on fisheries activities within the site is combined with an appreciation of the distribution of the qualifying habitat resource and this currently represents a fundamental information gap, which will possibly limit the effectiveness of any management aims in the future.

In general there is good agreement between the 2006 reef/non reef results and the 2001 survey map, but the patchy nature of the silty boulder slope, particularly around the sides of the loch is highlighted by the significant number (28%) of non-reef records, (43 out of a total of 155) from within the reef areas (Appendix 3.2). Some shortcomings of the 2001 broadscale survey, reef resource map (Figures 33 and 34) as a management tool have been exposed in a reworking, by ASML, of the original ground-truthing videos (Appendix 3.3), with particular focus on the biotopes present on the original tapes. A failure to record locations for each biotope encountered or even an end location for each video transect frequently leads to a mismatch between the recorded biotope and the locational data for the record e.g. infralittoral biotopes recorded in circalittoral depths and visa versa, depending on the distance and direction of the original video transect.

However information from random remote video samples taken on future monitoring exercises will, over time, fill in any uncertainties existing within the reef/non-reef map, enabling revision where appropriate. An improving knowledge base will continue to underpin site management decisions in these areas. Hence site users should see a reduction in the reliance on precautionary-principle based decisions in the future.

Recommendations for future monitoring of reef extent

• The categorisation of remote video point samples into reef/non-reef classes should be applied to all future data collected. This would require limited additional work during the video review and over time would build up a very detailed point sample assessment of the distribution of qualifying habitat within the monitoring zones. • Detailed information should be collected concerning the intensity and geographic location of fishing, fish farming and other activities in the SAC. When combined with an appreciation of the distribution of the qualifying habitat resource, this information can be used to target monitoring more effectively and will underpin future site management decisions.

7.2 Biotope composition and distribution The 2006 video survey identified 26 reef biotopes from 155 video drops, using the stratified zonal method described in section 3, where sampling effort was proportional to the known reef area in each zone. In comparison, the 2001 survey (Bates et al., 2004) recorded 23 reef biotopes from 51 ROV flights. The approach adopted in 2006 therefore relies on the

82 reef area having been accurately mapped in 2001, which is probably an acceptable assumption.

A question for SNH to consider from these results, must be whether the adopted sampling methodology, which recorded 76% of known reef biotopes (26 of the documented 34), is an acceptable level of return for this amount of monitoring effort.

The one obvious weakness with the adopted methodology is that there was no depth stratification to the sampling programme and in zone 5 where the number of random samples was relatively low (seven), it is possible that too few samples were taken to reflect the full range of reef biotopes.

Overall the results indicate that there had been no change in the biotope complement between 2001 and 2006 and the figures appear to vindicate the use of the adopted approach as a tool to determine the biotope complement of the area.

This 2006 survey has established an appropriate biological baseline dataset, which achieves the goal of the monitoring prescriptions outlined in the draft SAT, to assess the status of the attributes encompassing reef biotope composition and distribution. An important feature of Loch Sunart, contributing to its selection as an SAC, is the high diversity of biotopes that are found within the loch as a whole. The present survey has confirmed the maintenance of this diversity with biological records encompassing biotopes common in scottish sealochs such as Ascophyllum nodosum and Fucus vesiculosus on variable salinity mid eulittoral rock (AscVS) or Yellow and grey lichens on supralittoral rock (YG), through to the the species rich circalittoral communities with seafans (SwiLgAs, CarSwi) at the mouth of the loch and the sheltered circalittoral sealoch community of brachiopods (NeoPro) (figure 35) which are more common within the loch. Figures 13 – 17 illustrate the distribution of the major biotope groups within the SAC.

7.2.1 Biotope composition and distribution - intertidal reefs Many of the major littoral biotopes or variants thereof that were listed in the draft SAT were recorded during the 2006 Phase II surveys (Table 12). The list of biotopes recorded on the transects, shown in tables 12 and 32 cover the full range of wave exposure from the mouth through to the inner loch where many of the biotopes are subject to conditions of variable salinity.

Table 32 Intertidal reef biotopes recorded from the shore transects in 2006

No. of No. of Intertidal biotopes Intertidal biotopes records records LR.FLR.Lic.YG 7 LR.HLR.MusB.Cht.Lpyg 1 LR.FLR.Lic.Ver 1 LR.MLR.BF.Fser.R 2 LR.FLR.Lic.Ver.B 2 LR.MLR.BF.FspiB 2 LR.FLR.Lic.Ver.Ver 7 LR.MLR.BF.FvesB 1 LR.FLR.Rkp.Cor 2 LR.MLR.BF.PelB 3 LR.FLR.Rkp.FK 1 LR.LLR.FVS.AscVS 4 LR.HLR.MusB.Sem 4 LR.LLR.FVS.FserVS 3 LR.HLR.MusB.Sem.FvesR 1 LR.LLR.FVS.FspiVS 2 LR.HLR.MusB.Sem.LitX 1 LR.LLR.FVS.FvesVS 1 LR.HLR.MusB.Sem.Sem 3 LR.LLR.FVS.PelVS 3

The shores ranged from gently sloping reef with boulders and cobbles at Camas Salach (L12) and NE Loch Teacuis (L18), to steeply sloping bedrock at NE Oronsay (L11) and Laudale Narrows (L9). The gently sloping shores were characteristically covered in algae in

83 the middle shore, usually the fucoids Ascophyllum nodosum and Fucus vesiculosus and the steeper, drier shores were dominated by limpet/barnacle assemblages. All sites included a very healthy lichen zone at the top of the shore and at the more exposed sites Laminaria digitata was frequently recorded in the sublittoral fringe, whilst species such as Psammechinus miliaris were recorded on the lower shore in the inner loch, where variable salinity was a factor.

7.2.2 Biotope composition and distribution - infralittoral reefs Table 33 below presents the number of times that an infralittoral biotope was recorded during the 2006 video and diving surveys. These include biotopes recorded as a secondary biotope within the zone of a dominant primary biotope. In general the remote video work, using the stratified zoned approach, when combined with the inshore diving work, produced results that appear to adequately reflect the biotope composition of the shallow subtidal reefs. The survey results have built on the existing knowledge obtained by the previous remote sampling surveys in the area. This survey has also documented the distribution of shallow sublittoral reef biotopes across the site, but with perhaps more of an emphasis on the circalittoral than within the infralittoral zone. Most of the major infralittoral biotopes of interest listed in the draft SAT (Table 3) were recorded during the survey in 2006, as many of the shallow infralittoral biotopes that were missed by the video work, were ‘picked’ up by the diving work.

Table 33 Infralittoral biotopes recorded in 2006

No. of video No. of diving/intertidal Infralittoral biotopes records records IR.HIR.KFaR.FoR 2 4 IR.HIR.KFaR.Lhyp.Ft 2 IR.HIR.KFaR.LhypR.Ft 1 IR.MIR.KR.Ldig 1 IR.MIR.KR.Ldig.Ldig 3 IR.MIR.KR.XFoR 2 IR.LIR.K.LhypLsac.Ft 11 2 IR.LIR.K.Lsac (.Ft/Pk/Gz) 12 2 IR.LIR.K.Lsac.Ldig 1 IR.LIR.KVS 1 IR.LIR.KVS.LsacPsaVS 4 4 *SS.SMP.KSwSS.LsacR.Gv 6 *SS.SMp.KSwSS.LsacR.Sa 9 *SS.SMp.KSwSS.LsacR.Mu 2 *SS.SMp.KSwSS.LsacCho 12 IR.LIR.Lag.FChoG 1 ***SS.SMp.Mrl.Pcal 1 ***SS.SMX.IMx.Lim 10 1 **SS.SBR.PoR.Ser 2 2

* Denotes a ‘non-reef biotope’ generally recorded as a ‘reef habitat’ in the video survey due to the cobble size, the stability of the substratum or the degree of epibenthic colonisation. ** Biogenic reef *** Non-reef habitat but are considered of biodiversity interest and do create a more stable substratum

Drop-down video or ROV records from the shallow infralittoral are often scant in any survey due to the obvious safety issues raised by deploying video equipment in shallow water from a boat, hence the absence of remote video recorded Laminaria digitata (Ldig) biotopes.

Appendix 3.2 presents the results of the whole video survey on a zone by zone basis and surprisingly the outer zones 1 and 2 were shown to possess many examples of Laminaria saccharina biotopes, blurring the previous assertion that there is a clear zonation pattern in Loch Sunart, with L. saccharina dominating the infralittoral in the inner loch and L. hyperborea dominating the outer loch. The latter appears to still hold true (figure 36), but L. saccharina is also frequently present in the mouth of the loch

Appendix 3.2 also confirms the continued existence of the locations of the main Limaria hians beds, around the Laudale Narrows and north of Carna where there are accelerated tidal streams. However both diving and remote video also confirm the presence of Limaria hians at many locations along the fringes of the loch (e.g at S12 and S22).

The LsacPsaVS (Laminaria saccharina and Psammechinus miliaris on variable salinity grazed infralittoral rock) biotope, which is indicative of variable salinity conditions was also widespread and was recorded east of Camusinus, on the main loch and in the head of Loch Teacuis, where these conditions are to be expected.

The discovery of the Serpula vermicularis biotope (Ser) within inner Loch Teacuis adds to the importance of the SAC, as this growth form of the polychaete worm has until now only been known to exist in Scotland in Loch Creran. Plates 17 – 20 show a little of the nature of the biogenic reef properties of the Serpula vermicularis reefs, with faunal species such as Chlamys varia, Galathea intermedia and Pagurus prideaux all using the structures in the photographs.

7.2.3 Biotope composition and distribution - circalittoral reefs The circalittoral biotopes recorded are listed in Table 11 and it can be seen that the majority of the biotopes listed in the draft SAT (Table 3) were recorded in 2006. The distribution of the most frequently recorded circalittoral biotope groups are summarised in Figures 13-17.

Table 34 Circalittoral biotopes recorded in 2006

No. of No. of Diving Diving Circalittoral video Circalittoral video records records records records CR.HCR.XFa.SpNemAdia 2 Mixed sediment (possible reef habitat) CR.HCR.XFa.SwiLgAs 4 1 SS.SMX.CMx.ClloMx 2 SS.SMx.CMx.ClloMx.N CR.MCR.EcCr.CarSp.Bri 1 1 em CR.LCR.BrAs.AmenCio 10 SS.SMX.CMx.OphMx 15 SS.SMu.CSaMu.VirOph CR.LCR.BrAs.AmenCio.Ant 1 2 3 Pmax.HAs CR.LCR.BrAs.AmenCio.Bri 2 1 CR.LCR.BrAs.AntAsH 20 4 CR.LCR.BrAs.NeoPro 3 3 CR.FCR.FouFa.AaspCR 1 CR.MCR.EcCr.CarSwiLgAs 1

The biotopes of the circalittoral zone in Loch Sunart were found to follow the patterns noted in 2001. In the mouth of the loch below the kelp forests there are boulder slopes and then boulders and cobbles run into sediment with communities dominated by ascidians and feather stars (LCR.BrAs.AntAsH, LCR.BrAs.AmenCio) (figure 35). Where cliffs or steep bedrock slopes were found, there are diverse communities of hydroids, sponges, ascidians and the seafan Swiftia pallida (HCR.XFa.SwiLgAs).

Further into the loch, the reef-fringing sediments of muddy coarse sands with a scattering of cobbles are home to seapens (CsaMu.VirOphPmax), whilst the deeper sediments in the central basins are muddy and are burrowed by mega fauna (SMu.CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun). In the channels and on the sills the surface cobbles and coarse sediments support extensive brittlestar beds (SMX.CMx, SMX.CMx.OphMx).

Of interest in zone 4, the 2001 ROV videos show the deep circalittoral boulders and cobbles to be colonised by large numbers of the rarely recorded, deep-water feather star Leptometra celtica (LCR.BrAs.AntAsH.Lept). The sealoch biotope with brachiopods Neocrania anomala and anemones Protanthea simplex was also found on both surveys on the deep rock outcrops in these inner zones (LCR.BrAs.NeoPro). The mixed sediment communities (CMx) are not strictly classified as reef in the JNCC guidelines unless there is a high proportion of cobble. However, OphMx which is very common in the loch was included in the draft SAT and most examples of this biotope within the site probably qualify as reef habitat due to their stability and subsequent colonisation. The video survey recorded several examples of muddy sand with cobble and shell debris supporting communities of hydroids, ascidians and amemones (ClloMx.Nem), which may also qualify as reef habitat.

If the video survey were repeated in the future using the same stratified zonal approach, a better match could be expected with the 2006 results than was found between the 2006 and 2001 data, providing the survey is carried out with drop-down video equipment and not ROV. The use of the two different techniques may have resulted in a slightly different depth focus between these two surveys, and the absence of accurate position fixing for each biotope recorded degrades the data obtained by ROV.

Sampling the inshore subtidal by diving on eight transects has collected detailed information on the composition of the biotopes present at those locations, but it has only provided limited information on the distribution of these biotopes across the site and it would be very difficult to make a judgement about the condition of the shallow sublittoral of the whole site on the basis of only eight transects.

This will become more apparent when asked to consider the impact of human activities on the site in general and on certain locations in particular. Not only is the detailed information on the inshore sublittoral habitats restricted to eight point locations but the level and locations of human activity are poorly known. Cobble communities, which make up much of the reef resource, would be particularly vulnerable to any type of disturbing activity such as dredging or trawling.

Recommendations for future monitoring of biotope composition and distribution

• Much more detailed information is required concerning the intensity and location of human activities within the site. • The stratified zonal video surveys should be repeated in future years, sampling the same areas of reef at randomised locations. • Depth stratification should also be employed when allocating sampling effort to the reef areas, as much of the reef is fringing and also steeply sloping. Video drops should then be allocated proportionally to infralittoral and circalittoral zones once the contours are inserted and respective reef areas calculated. • The list of biotopes found in each zone in 2006 should be used as the baseline; once these have been recorded in similar proportions to the 2006 survey, no more video drops should be required. This may enable a reduction in the number of samples in some zones. • The intertidal and diver transect surveys should be repeated at the same locations as in 2006.

7.2.4 Conservation interest of reef biotopes Several of the biotopes recorded from the area are of considerable conservation interest. Of particular note are the rich communities of hydroids, ascidians and anthozoans that are found in the mouth of the loch and are highly characteristic of the area. These include the northern seafan Swiftia pallida (SwiLgAs, CarSwi.LgAs).

The feather star Leptometra celtica was also noted in good numbers on some of the deeper sites on the 2001 videos and in the sheltered conditions in shallow water (AntAsH.Lept). Such high densities of L. celtica have been rarely recorded in inshore waters elsewhere.

Finally the discovery of the Serpula vermicularis biotope (PoR.Ser) is of great nature conservation interest as this is only the second site nationally where there are known to be live colonies of this growth form of this polychaete.

7.3 Species composition of biotopes and the presence and/or abundance of specified species The monitoring prescriptions outlined in the draft SAT that measure the attributes and the associated targets dealing with the species composition of biotopes and the presence and abundance of specified species, have to some extent established an appropriate biological baseline dataset.

The Phase II survey provided a general description and species list for each biotope enabling a fairly coarse assessment of the species composition and an assessment of the presence or absence of important species. The collection of data from quadrats provided a quantitative baseline for future comparisons and gathered more detailed species’ records from the selected biotopes, increasing the quality of the data.

The continued presence in the area of a number of species of conservation interest was confirmed by the survey. These are listed in Table 35 with the survey distributions of some shown in Figure 37. Figure 35 and 36 show both biotopes whose distribution are of interest and biotopes containing some of the species of interest. As diving was only carried out at eight sites on the present survey, the true distribution of these species is unknown but is likely to be more widespread than the figures suggest.

Table 35 Species of conservation interest recorded during the 2006 survey

Group/Common Species Comment name Tall feather-like hydroid, only infrequently Lytocarpia myriophyllum Hydroid recorded. Not recorded during the present survey but visible on tapes from 2001. Red dead men’s Southern species approaching its northern limit Alcyonium glomeratum fingers in this area Northern species at its southern limit in this Swiftia pallida Northern sea fan area. Common on steep rock in the entrance area and around Risga Pinnacle. Parazoanthus White cluster Northern distribution; approaching its southern anguicomus anemone limit in this area Deep-water species with relatively few inshore records in shallow water on the open coast but Leptometra celtica Feather star often common in the sea lochs. Particularly abundant in Loch Sunart Recorded from scattered locations around the Amalosoma west coast of the British Isles but particularly in Echiuran worm eddystonense sealochs. Common in the sandy sediments in Loch Sunart A common species as individual worms but rarely found growing in large colonies. Serpula vermicularis Tube worm Elsewhere in Scotland, currently known only from Loch Creran as live colonies in this growth form. Species with a western distribution that was historically far more common on the west coast Palinurus elephas Crayfish of Scotland than at present. Fished commercially. One individual seen at the head of the loch Loch Sunart holds some of the most extensive beds of this species known from the west of Limaria hians Flame shell Scotland. Other historical sites have been damaged by dredging A scarce species with records from scattered Trapania pallida Nudibranch locations on the west coast of the British Isles including a prior record from Loch Sunart Common on sheltered rock in the sea lochs but Terebratulina retusa Brachiopod rarely in shallow water elsewhere Common on sheltered rock in the sea lochs but Neocrania anomala Brachiopod rarely in shallow water elsewhere Present in deep water all round the British Isles. Ophiura affinis Northern brittle star In shallow water it has a northern distribution and is abundant in some Scottish sea lochs. A northern species approaching its southern limits on the west of Scotland. Not uncommon Psolus phantapus Sea cucumber in the sea lochs but may be seasonal in occurrence. An alga more commonly recorded in the south- Dasya hutchinsisae Red alga west of the British Isles with few Scottish records. A rare alga present at scattered locations, usually as isolated specimens, around the west Schmitzia hiscockiana Red alga coast of the British Isles. Found on Sligneach Mòr in 2006

Figure 35 Biotope distribution records for the Loch Sunart surveys

AntAsH biotope records Zone 3

Zone 2 Zone 4

Zone 5 Zone 3 Zone 1 Data source

Loch Teacuis ASML 2006 video Heriot Watt 2001 Zone 6 ASML 2006 diving

NeoPro biotope records Zone 3

Zone 2 Zone 4

Zone 5 Zone 3 Zone 1

Loch Teacuis

Zone 6

Based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of the Controller of HMSO © Crown copyright (2007) Licence no. 100017908)

Figure 36 Biotope distribution records for the Loch Sunart surveys

Data source Zone 3 ASML 2006 video Zone 2 Zone 4 Heriot Watt 2001

ASML 2006Zone 5 diving Zone 3 Zone 1

Loch Teacuis

Zone 6 Lhyp.Ft biotope records

Zone 3

Zone 2 Zone 4 Zone 5 Zone 3 Zone 1

Loch Teacuis

Zone 6 LhypLsac biotope records

Zone 3

Zone 2 Zone 4 Zone 5 Zone 3 Zone 1

Loch Teacuis

Zone 6 Lsac.Ft biotope records

Zone 3

Zone 2 Zone 4 Zone 5 Zone 3 Zone 1

Loch Teacuis

Zone 6 LsacPsaVS biotope records

Based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of the Controller of HMSO © Crown copyright (2007) Licence no. 100017908)

Figure 37 Species distribution records for the Loch Sunart surveys

Data source Zone 3 ASML 2006 video Zone 2 Zone 4 Heriot Watt 2001

ASML 2006Zone 5diving Zone 3 Zone 1

Loch Teacuis

Zone 6 Swiftia pallida records

Zone 3

Zone 2 Zone 4

Zone 5 Zone 3 Zone 1

Loch Teacuis

Zone 6 Serpula vermicularis records

Zone 3

Zone 2 Zone 4

Zone 5 Zone 3 Zone 1

Loch Teacuis

Zone 6 Limaria hians records

Zone 3

Zone 2 Zone 4 Zone 5 Zone 3 Zone 1

Loch Teacuis

Zone 6 Leptometra celtica records

Based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of the Controller of HMSO © Crown copyright (2007) Licence no. 100017908)

Species are considered to be of conservation interest for a number of reasons including the following:

• Rarely found either nationally or locally; • Restricted to a particular type of habitat such as fiordic sealochs or tide-swept cobbles; • Restricted to a particular geographic location such as Scotland or the west of Scotland; • At the northern or southern limits of their geographic distribution; • Populations thought to be under threat from activities other than fishing.

The presence of species at the limit of their distribution or restricted to a particular area can be a useful indicator of the effects of climate change if their broader geographic range alters. This requires records from sites over a wide geographic area, in this case the west of the British Isles. Rare species and species restricted to a particular habitat are at risk if their habitat is endangered in any way, for example by activities such as dredging.

The northern seafan Swiftia pallida is a species, which is particularly well represented in the area and its continued presence at a similar level of abundance to the present should give some indication of the health of the community in the mouth of the loch.

S. pallida presence (and that of Amphianthus dohrnii, a commensal anemone) and condition can be recorded as part of future Phase II survey, or counts of colonies can be made as a separate exercise which could be carried out by non-specialist surveyors. Several of the other species of interest were found on the transects during the course of the 2006 survey but there is a lack of documented information from a wider spread of locations in the SAC. Without this information it is not possible to give a true picture of the distribution of these species in the area. This could be addressed by a series of spot dives which could be carried out as a separate exercise to the main monitoring programme and, with a list of target species to search for, could be carried out by non-specialist divers.

Recommendations for future monitoring of species composition of biotopes and the presence and abundance of specified species

• It is recommended that both the Phase II and the quadrat surveys be repeated and that quadrat sampling be kept as a high priority, with at least 10 quadrats sampled on each subtidal transect. Both the Phase II work and quadrat sampling require the use of skilled surveyors. • Loch Sunart contains several species that are known to be rare, unusual, at the edge of their biogeographical range, considered vulnerable to human activity or particularly well represented in the area. The continued presence of these species in the site should be monitored. • The wider distribution of species of interest within the site should be established by a series of spot dives/videos, which could be carried out as a separate exercise to the main monitoring programme. • The abundance of the northern seafan Swiftia pallida should be recorded as part of the Phase II element of future SCM visits.

8 DISCUSSION OF NON-REEF SSSI FEATURES AND ADDITIONAL SURVEYED FEATURES

8.1 Ascophyllum nodosum ecad mackaii surveys Six A.mac beds were surveyed and their ‘Extent’ was mapped as described in sections 3 and 6. The beds in Glenborrodale Bay, Strontian and the ‘Head of the Loch’ were investigated in most detail, in terms of both their infauna and the associated epifauna and flora. At Glenborrodale and Strontian where the WFD seagrass field data sheet was used as a format for the work, quadrat sampling enabled an accurate percentage cover score to be generated for the SSSI ‘Abundance of specified species’ attribute. A snapshot of the infaunal macrobenthic community and the sediment beneath the beds was also obtained, as was a record of the associated epifauna and flora. The diffuse and patchy nature of the bed in the ‘Head of the Loch’ meant that it was not surveyed as thoroughly and so only the Glenborrodale and Strontian sites are recommended as future long-term monitoring locations.

8.2 Zostera noltii intertidal surveys A small bed of Zostera noltii was found at Eilean Mor where the record from 1978 located a population, in the Doirlinn Channel just to the west of Camaschoirk. The Z. noltii bed is diffuse and sparse in places and possesses an impoverished infaunal community characteristic of an estuarine sandy/gravel community. It is felt that there may possibly be other beds of Zostera noltii within the Loch Sunart system on some of the extensive sandy shores that exist within the complex, such as in zone 4 between Salen and the Laudale Narrows and perhaps in Loch Teacuis. It is recommended that these areas be surveyed piecemeal during routine site visits to the loch.

8.3 Zostera marina subtidal surveys Zostera marina beds were located at two of the three previously recorded sites (Section 6.3), but in both cases the beds were small and diffuse and so the surveyors chose only to map the locations and estimate the area of the bed footprints, giving some measure of ‘Extent’. No measure of ‘Abundance of specified species’ was obtained for these Z. marina beds. The diffuse bed previously recorded in Salen Bay appears to have disappeared since 1995. This bed was not surveyed fully in 1995, it was noted in passing during the shallow sublittoral biotope survey (Howson,1996). However drift laminae of Z. marina were also noted on that survey and it was thought possible that there are other beds of Z. marina present within the SAC that would come to light as monitoring and survey work continue within the site over time. This theory was justified by the discovery of a bed located in Loch na Droma Buide adjacent to the middle of the south shore. However this discovery occurred on the last day of the survey during demobilisation and the bed was simply mapped. This bed should be relocated and surveyed fully on a future visit to the SAC.

8.4 Thyasira gouldi subtidal grabbing survey Thyasira gouldi was not found in Loch Sunart following the intensive grab survey undertaken in 2006. Both national experts consulted were of the opinion that the species recorded was Thyasira flexuosa, which was found at seven out of the fifteen sites sampled. The historical records of T. gouldi from Loch Sunart may now be in some doubt, especially as the original material and locational information are no longer available.

8.5 Limaria hians subtidal diver coring and video survey The results of the photographic, quadrat and coring exercises described here, show that the Limaria beds in the Laudale Narrows area are highly distinct. Where the byssus mats are present, considerable changes were noted in both the substratum and the infaunal

93 community. A diverse invertebrate community is supported which appears to be very consistent within the byssus mats; this characteristic may even bear comparison between infralittoral and circalittoral examples of the nest material, though more work is required in this area before this possibility can be verified. The very presence of Limaria beds in some tide-swept infralittoral situations may also impart enough stability to allow kelp beds to develop where they may otherwise be absent. Organic debris such as laminae from the algae that grow on the byssus mats are often incorporated into the mat imparting unique physical characteristics.

As a result of the 2006 survey, parts of the map of percentage cover of nest material, produced by Bates et al. (2004) have been substantiated and only minor deviations in byssus density were observed at the Glas Eilean site (S14).

The extensive Limaria hians beds in the Laudale Narrows and channel north of Carna (IMX.Lim) and indeed fringing all around much of the inner loch have a considerable structuring effect on the habitat and should be considered to be of significant scientific interest for their biogenic reef-like properties.

8.6 Serpula vermicularis subtidal survey The chance discovery of these very rare and fragile biogenic reefs makes Loch Teacuis only the second location in Scotland where live examples of this growth-form of these polychaete worm colonies are known to exist. The colonies were found to be growing in a distinct 4 m depthband (0.5 m acd – 3.5 m bcd) and along a total distance of 2.85 km of seabed within the inner loch basin. The colonies are relatively small in Loch Teacuis compared to those from Loch Creran, but nothing is known of their age or growth rates at this stage. The survey of the ‘Serpula transect’ in July has established a baseline of information about a small sample of this population that can be repeated in the future if required. It is felt that a site-specific monitoring programme should be designed around the Serpula vermicularis reefs discoved in Loch Teacuis. As a priority, an investigation of their exact location, growth rates and age should occur in order to assess whether they are a new or long established phenomenon.

From the results of the November survey several questions may have been answered:-

• the absence of aggregations at the head of the loch may be related to lack of suitable substrate and conditions. All four transects at the head of the loch have a narrow band of cobble/pebble substrate giving way to fine mud on a gently sloping seabed at shallow depths (<1.5 m).

• on the transects away from the head of the loch the substrate was predominantly a cobble slope with kelp park which gave way to soft mud. Whilst the aim was not to record the substrate colonised by the serpulid reefs, they were often found on shells, pebbles and kelp holdfasts. The recording sheets show that anthropogenic debris including old mooring blocks, bottles, concrete blocks and an old wash basin were also used as a substrate to colonise.

• where anthropogenic debris such as old mooring blocks were present on the seabed, this appeared to increase the depth range of the aggregations, allowing large aggregations to colonise areas within the surrounding soft sediment environment. This indicates that the limited range of the aggregations, restricted to the shallow areas around the periphery of the loch, may be due to lack of suitable substrate, which correlates with serpulid reef research in Loch Creran (Moore et al., 1998).

9 CONCLUSIONS - SAC AND SSSI FEATURES OF LOCH SUNART

• The draft Site Attribute Table (Table 3) listed five attributes of reef habitats with associated targets that should be included in any Site Condition Monitoring in Loch Sunart SAC. The survey work carried out in 2006 set out to test the prescriptions outlined in this table with a view to developing a programme for future monitoring.

• The drop-down video transects were, on review, catagorised as reef/non-reef, in order to assess the ‘reef extent’ attribute as required by the specification. It was known that this was not a particularly effective way of measuring change in extent given the limitations of the prescribed methodology. However, the results of the exercise do act as quality check for the 2001 broadscale survey and they have helped to improve the accuracy of the map of the reef resource produced by Bates et al. (2004). All future geo-referenced video work within the site should be used to continually focus and improve this ‘reef extent’ information.

• An appreciation of the distribution of the qualifying reef habitat resource should be used in conjunction with a knowledge of the location and intensity of human activities taking place within the site. This fundamental information must be continually updated in order to monitor the quality and extent of qualifying reef habitat into the future.

• The remote video, diving and intertidal work together provided a baseline for the ‘biotope composition’ of the site. This compared well with previous data, with no significant changes observed. The assessment of the ‘distribution of biotopes’ across the site was less satisfactory. The remote video work, using the stratified zonal approach, appeared to provide a good representation of the distribution of sublittoral biotopes across the site, with a particular emphasis on the circalittoral zone. However, the limited number of dive sites and also a limited number of video transects in the infralittoral, probably fails to assess the attribute in the infralittoral adequately. Recommendations have been made to improve the video methodology by a depth stratification as well as zonal stratification, on future surveys.

• The intertidal and subtidal transects provided a good assessment of the ‘spatial arrangement of the biotopes’ at all the survey locations studied.

• Two attributes relate to the species present in the site. The first of these concerned the ‘species composition’ of selected biotopes and this was addressed by a combination of semi-quantitative Phase II surveys and quantitative quadrat sampling along transects within selected biotopes. This data was successfully used to provide local biotope descriptions (Appendix 5).

The second species attribute concerns the ‘presence and abundance of specified species’ and although the targets for this attribute were not considered in detail during the 2006 field survey, one of the aims of the study was to inform the future development of all the attributes listed in the draft SAT. Sixteen species considered to be of conservation interest, listed in section 7, were recorded during the course of the video and transect surveys. The true distribution of these species is unknown, but is likely to be more widespread than the 2006 data suggest.

• Beds of A.mac and Zostera noltii have been surveyed, mapped and investigated in terms of their ‘Extent’ ‘Species composition’ and ‘Sediment character’ and further work is recommended with regards to the status of Zostera noltii in the loch as there is currently only one small sparse bed recorded.

• The presence of Zostera marina was recorded but the paucity of the beds surveyed resulted in no attributes other that ‘Extent’ being investigated. The discovery of a further bed in Loch na Droma Buide at the end of the 2006 survey requires further investigations to be undertaken in order to comment on its status.

• The survey methods employed in 2006 were generally successful but a number of recommendations for collation of existing data and the refinement of the methods for future monitoring have been made. The draft Site Attribute Table has been revised in the light of the results of this work with the revised version included in Appendix 11.

10 CONCLUSIONS - ADDITIONAL SURVEYED FEATURES OF LOCH SUNART

• The status of Thyasira gouldi was investigated with a focused macrobenthic grab survey in the mid/upper loch and the bivalve was not found. Its occurrence and status within Loch Sunart must now be in doubt.

• Limaria hians beds were surveyed in the area of the Laudale Narrows and both the ‘species composition’ and ‘sediment character’ attributes were investigated. A highly diverse infaunal community was found to be present within the nest material, which appears to differ markedly from that of the surrounding sediment although further investigation would be needed to confirm this. The substratum within the beds was also found to be highly modified and this nest material, held together by the byssus, appears to display biogenic reef characteristics.

• Serpula vermicularis reef structures were also discovered in Loch Teacuis in July 2006 and these were studied further in November 2006. The discovery of this phenomenon makes the Sunart SAC only the second site in Scotland where they exist in this form and consequently makes the site of international importance.

11 REFERENCES

Anon. (1998). A statement on Common Standards Monitoring. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. Bates, C.R., Moore, C.G., Harries, D.B., Austin, W. and Lyndon, A.R. (2004). Broad scale mapping of sublittoral habitats in Loch Sunart, Scotland. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No. 006 (ROAME No. F01AA401C). Blacknell, W. M., Ansell, A. D. (1975). Features if the reproductive cycle of an arctic bivalve from a Scottish sea loch. Publicazione della Stazione Zoologicadi Napoli. 39. 26-52. Connor, D.W., Allen, J.H., Golding, N., Howell, K.L., Lieberknecht, L.M., Northen, K.O., Reker, J.B. (2004). The Marine Habitat Classification for Britain and Ireland Version 04.05 JNCC, Peterborough. ISBN 1 861 07561 8 (internet version). www.jncc.gov.uk/MarineHabitatClassification. Davies, J. (1990). Sublittoral survey of Loch Sunart and Loch Teacuis. Nature Conservancy Council, CSD Report, No. 1075 Davies, J., Baxter, J., Bradley, M., Connor, D., Khan, J., Murray, E., Sanderson, W., Turnbull, C. & Vincent, M., (eds). (2001), Marine Monitoring Handbook, 405 pp, ISBN 1 85716 550 0 Davies, L.M. and Connor, D.W. (1993). Littoral survey and sublittoral sampling in Loch Sunart. Joint Nature Conservation Review Report, No. 121. European Commission (2003). EUR 25 - Interpretation manual of European Union habitats. European Commission, DG Environment, 127pp. Fuller, I. (1995). Loch Sunart and Loch Teacuis littoral biotope survey and seaweed resource assessment. A report to Scottish Natural Heritage. Hall-Spencer, J.M. & Moore, P.G. (2001). Limaria hians (Mollusca: Limacea): a neglected biogenic reef-forming keystone species. Aquatic Conservation, Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 10, 267-277. Health and Safety Commission (1998). Scientific and Archaeological Diving Projects: The Diving at Work regulations 1997. Approved Code of Practice and Guidance - L107. The Stationery Office. Howson, C. M. (1996). Survey of the shallow sublittoral biotopes in Loch Sunart. Scottish Natural Heritage Research, Survey and Monitoring Report, No. 67. Howson, C.M., Connor, D.W. & Holt, R.H.F. (1994). The Scottish sealochs - an account of surveys undertaken for the Marine Nature Conservation Review. (Contractor: University Marine Biological Station Millport). Joint Nature Conservation Committee Report, No. 164.0 Howson, C.M., Mercer, T. and Bunker, F.StP.D. (2003). Flamborough Head sublittoral monitoring 2002. A Report to English Nature from Aquatic Survey & Monitoring Ltd. Howson, C. M., Mercer, T. and Moore, J. J. (2006). Site condition monitoring survey of rocky reefs in the Firth of Lorn marine Special Area of Conservation. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report, No. 190. (ROAME No.F05AC701). Jackson, D.L. and McLeod, C. R. (eds.). (2002). Handbook on the UK status of EC Habitats Directive interest features: provisional data on the UK distribution and extent of Annex I habitats and the UK distribution and population size of Annex II species. Version 2. Peterborough, Joint Nature Conservation Committee. JNCC Report, No. 312 (internet version).

Joint Nature Conservation Committee (2003). Common Standards Monitoring. Introduction to the guidance manual. Peterborough, Joint Nature Conservation Committee. ISSN 1743-8160 (internet version). Joint Nature Conservation Committee (2004a). Common Standards Monitoring Guidance for Marine, Version August 2004. Peterborough, Joint Nature Conservation Committee. ISSN 1743-8160 (internet version). Joint Nature Conservation Committee (2004b). Common Standards Monitoring Guidance for Littoral Rock and Inshore Sublittoral Rock Habitats. Version August 2004. Peterborough, Joint Nature Conservation Committee. ISSN 1743-8160 (internet version). Mackinnon, M.C. and Lumb, C.M. (1988). Loch Sunart sublittoral survey. 10th - 11th October 1987. (Contractor: M.C. Mackinnon). Nature Conservancy Council, CSD Report, No. 794 Moore, C. G., Lyndon, A. R. and Mair, J. M. (2004). The establishment of site condition monitoring of marine sedimentary habitats in the Sound of Arisaig cSAC. Scottish Natural Heritage Research Report. Moore, C. G., Saunders, G. R., Harries, D.B., Mair, J.M., Bates, C.R. and Lyndon, A.R. (2006). The establishment of site condition monitoring of the subtidal reefs of Loch Creran Special Area of Conservation. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report, No. 151 (ROAME No. F02AA409) Moore, C. G., Saunders, G. R., Harries, D.B. (1998). The status and ecology of reefs of Serpula vermicularis L. (Polychaeta: Serpulidae) in Scotland. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems. 8 645-656. Moore, J.J.M. and Bunker, F. StP. D. (2001). Development of methods for monitoring subtidal biotope extent using remote video. A Report for the UK Marine SAC's Project. Peterborough, Joint Nature Conservation Committee. JNCC Report 369. ISSN 0963 8901 (internet version).

Appendix 1 - Remote video survey methods

Video survey methods This appendix details the procedures followed for the video survey work within the Loch Sunart SAC in July 2006.

Survey plan A remote video survey using drop-down video was designed to investigate the distribution and variety of subtidal reef biotopes within the SAC. This element of the project was intended to provide information at a coarse resolution on the attributes Extent, Biotope composition and Distribution of biotopes. A number of earlier projects were consulted when designing the survey. A survey carried out around Flamborough had successfully used random sampling within a number of transects divided into depth bands (Howson et al., 2003). Moore and Bunker (2001) had proposed a scheme for determining the number of samples required when carrying out a drop-down video survey and this was tested by Howson et al. (2003). Lessons from both of these projects, from the inaugural SNH SCM of the Sound of Arisaig SAC (Moore et al., 2004) and from a similar survey of the Firth of Lorn SAC in 2005 (Howson et al., 2006) informed the design of the Loch Sunart study.

The loch was divided into six zones on the basis of the current knowledge of the loch’s kelp communities. This kelp biotope zoning was first suggested by Howson in 1996 and was based on the results of an intensive survey of shallow infralittoral reef biotopes in Loch Sunart (Howson, 1996). These zones are shown in Figure 2 in the main body of this report along with the expected distribution of reef within the loch, derived from an earlier broadscale survey (Bates et al., 2004).

A series of random sampling positions was generated for the expected area of reef within each zone in the loch prior to the survey, with an approximate maximum of 120 drops (Table 5). Extra points were generated in all the zones in case some depths or features were found to be under-represented. Earlier monitoring surveys of other SACs, such as Howson et al. (2006), divided the video sampling blocks into depth bands, but this was not considered practical for Loch Sunart where the reef habitat is largely confined to a narrow strip around the edge of the loch. In addition to the random drops, a number of extra sampling positions were selected to target specific features in the loch.

Sampling procedure The six sampling zones are shown in Figure 2 in the main body of the report. As suggested in the procedural guidelines (Holt and Sanderson, 2001; http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/mmh- section%206.pdf), random video tows of 100 m length were attempted. Stations were only passed over or cut short where deployment would have placed the vessel or crew in danger and in all cases the vessel’s skipper assessed the safety of each station prior to and throughout deployment.

Fewer drops were made in areas of homogeneous seabed once identifiable biotopes had been recorded at several points with an adequate geographical spread within the sample area. Occasionally, very rugged seabed topography with deep rock gullies threatened to snag the camera system. In these situations, the camera was only kept on the seabed until it was judged that there was enough footage to enable the biotope to be identified. If the seabed was mixed, the tows were generally of longer duration in order to record footage from multiple biotopes, within the safe limits of the operating conditions.

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Data analysis Whilst the video tows were underway, notes were made by one of the biologists on the species visible and the seabed substrata displayed on the television screen. This enabled an initial field assessment of the biotopes present. Subsequent post-fieldwork analysis of the tapes involved reviewing the footage more thoroughly to identify as many species as possible and to produce a more detailed description of the seabed. In a number of cases, the low level of information retrievable from the tapes meant that the site could fit into any one of several biotopes. In these cases the biotope was assigned to a higher level in the classification. This happened with some of the sediment sites where very few animals were seen.

The results of the video work were entered into an Excel spreadsheet and Marine Recorder. No statistical analysis of the video results was deemed appropriate.

Approximately 20 % of the video records were reviewed by a second ASML biologist to ensure accuracy and consistency of biotope identification. The sites selected for review included examples of each biotope identified and a number of sites where there was a query over the classification.

Video equipment Two sets of drop-down video equipment were used for this survey, one supplied by SNH and a second by ASML, operating independently from two MCA - coded RIBs owned by SNH. The two systems were similar light weight systems capable of being operated from a RIB and use Sony 3CCD digital video cameras with Mini DV format tapes. They are designed to drift above the seabed rather than drag along it in contrast to many other popular systems which utilise the sledge mode of operation. These systems were rejected as their use could cause damage to fragile species, such as the sea fan Swiftia pallida, seapens and featherstars and would also run a much greater risk of snagging on the reef. A detailed description of the SNH-owned system is given in the next section with a summary description of the ASML equipment below.

ASML drop-down video equipment The ASML drop-down video system uses a Sony DRV 950 camera in an aluminium housing rated to 130m. A 110 m multi-core umbilical allows the system (camera and lights) to be controlled from the surface. The digital video footage can be recorded in the camera and simultaneously relayed to the surface via the umbilical where it is viewed and recorded on a Sony mini digital VCR (GV-D1000E). The lights are powered by an independent surface 110v system (generator or vessel supplied) and so do not rely on battery power. A surface control box provides remote control facilities for both the camera and the lights, and it is possible to toggle between the camera and recorder and to record on either enabling an instant back up to be obtained during the fieldwork.

SNH drop-down video equipment This information note should be used in conjunction with Procedural Guideline 3-5 in the Marine Monitoring Handbook (Davies et al., 2001), where the role and use of such equipment is discussed in further detail.

Video camera The camera used is a Sony digital video camera DCR-TRV900, a 3-CCD camera using Mini- DV format tapes.

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Underwater Housing & Lighting The housing for the digital video camera is an Amphibico Navigator 900 (VHNV0900). This marine grade aluminum housing can operate to 330ft, accepts the long-life Sony NP-F950 battery (8 hour capacity), can be used with an optional 80o wet lens and relays video data to the surface via an umbilical cable. The weight of the housing, camera & NP-F950 battery is 4.3kg. The lighting system used comprises the Amphibico super mini-pro power pack (LAPP2250) with Amphibico mini pro video lights (VLMP0135). The power source is supplied by 2x Sony NP1X batteries (or equivalents).

65.5cm 20cm 20cm

22cm

26cm

54cm

SNH drop-down video system

Cage design The SNH drop-down video cage is constructed from robust stainless steel tube and plate. It is light enough to be deployed by hand and was deployed in Loch Sunart from the SNH RIB Aquilla, amidships over the side of the boat. The fins on the video cage generally steer the video into the current or direction of travel, allowing the operators to use the video images on screen to raise and lower the equipment as necessary to avoid obstacles and to get close- ups of species and features. Three people are required to operate the system at all times - a scribe to control the electronics and take notes from the screen and two deck crew to handle the umbilical and the rope. Generally the equipment should not be hauled on the umbilical, but neither should it be allowed to become slack where it would cause snags on the seabed.

Umbilical The umbilical is a multicore polyurethane-sheathed cable with a maximum load capability of 10 kg. The 110 m umbilical is stored in a plastic carrying tub and links to the stainless frame and surface viewing unit (see next section) via 8-pin wet mateable connectors. A 2 ft length of umbilical secured to the frame links from the connector to the camera housing (a smaller 6-pin connector). A 115 m length of 10 mm rope is attached to the carrying bridle above the frame (shown in the picture on the left attached to a larger drop down cage). The rope, marked at 5 m intervals, can be spooled onto a winch mechanism to raise and lower the cage or ‘flaked’ into a container and run out by hand over a block and davit arrangement. The umbilical is let out and returned by hand and should not be run over a block.

Umbilical and connectors

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Peripherals The digital video footage is relayed to the surface via the umbilical and is viewed and recorded on a Sony mini digital VCR (GV-D900). The video recorder is housed in a custom built viewing box (splash, rain and ‘quick-dip’ proofed). This viewing box provides the remote control facilities over both the camera and the surface video recorder. The surface recorder, like the camera, is powered by batteries and has also been designed to accommodate the largest NP-F950 battery. The stated 8-hour capacity does not apply to the surface viewer where the power required to run the large LCD screen is considerably greater than that to run the camera below.

Surface control unit for video

It is important to turn off the surface viewer between dives but the advantages offered through the powering of the whole system on two small batteries and separate lighting batteries outweigh these limitations and additional batteries can always be made available. The lighting batteries (2x Sony NP1X batteries or equivalents) are probably a more significant limitation with an average of 5 - 7 drops in water of approximately 30 m depth.

References

Bates, C. R., Moore, C. G., Harries, D. B., Austin, W. and Lyndon, A. R. (2004). Broad scale mapping of sublittoral habitats in Loch Sunart, Scotland. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No. 006 (ROAME No. F01AA401C). Davies, J., Baxter, J., Bradley, M., Connor, D., Khan, J., Murray, E., Sanderson, W., Turnbull, C. & Vincent, M., (eds). (2001), Marine Monitoring Handbook, 405 pp, ISBN 1 85716 550 0 Holt, R. and Sanderson, W. (2001). Procedural Guideline No. 3-5. Identifying biotopes using video recordings. In Davies, J. et al.(eds). 2001. Marine Monitoring Handbook. UK Marine SACs Project. Peterborough, Joint Nature Conservation Committee. Howson, C.M. (1996). Survey of the shallow sublittoral biotopes in Loch Sunart. A report to Scottish Natural Heritage. Howson, C.M., Mercer, T. and Bunker, F.StP.D. (2003). Flamborough Head sublittoral monitoring 2002. A Report to English Nature from Aquatic Survey & Monitoring Ltd. Howson, C.M., Mercer, T. and Bunker, F.StP.D. (2006). Site Condition Monitoring: survey of rocky reefs in the Firth of Lorn marine Special Area of Conservation. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report. (ROAME No. FO5AC701).

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Moore, J.J.M. and Bunker, F. StP. D. (2001). Development of methods for monitoring subtidal biotope extent using remote video. A Report for the UK Marine SAC's Project. Peterborough, Joint Nature Conservation Committee. JNCC Report 369. ISSN 0963 8901 (internet version). Moore, C.G., Lyndon, A.R. and Mair, J.M. (2004). The establishment of site condition monitoring of marine sedimentary habitats in the Sound of Arisaig cSAC. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No. 071 (ROAME No. F02AA409).

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Appendix 2 - Sampling methods used for transect work, and recording protocols for monitoring quadrats

Appendix 2.1 Transect and quadrat survey methods

Appendix 2.2 Monitoring protocol for quadrats on circalittoral rock

Appendix 2.3 Proformas used for field recording

Z Site relocation form Z Profile measurements along subtidal or intertidal transect Z Phase II habitat recording Z Phase II species recording along intertidal transect Z Phase II species recording along subtidal transect Z Quadrats in intertidal rock communities Z Quadrats in circalittoral rock communities Z Semi-quantitative abundance scales for Phase II recording

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Appendix 2.1 Transect and quadrat survey methods

The contract required 6 to 9 intertidal and subtidal transects to be established on reefs within Loch Sunart SAC for long-term monitoring purposes. Each transect was to be approximately 100 m long and 4 m wide and was to be surveyed using semi-quantitative Phase II and quantitative quadrat recording techniques, with the aim of describing the biotopes along the transects, establishing their species’ complement and the abundance of the constituent species. It was intended that this work should broadly follow the approach adopted in other monitoring surveys for SNH (Howson et al, 2006.,Moore et al., 2005) and draw on the methods outlined in the JNCC Procedural Guidelines (Davies et al., 2001; see http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/mmh-section%206.pdf).

The transect sites were selected to be representative of the range of biotopes known to be present within the SAC (Section 2.3). In all cases the intertidal and subtidal sections of the transects were contiguous although in one case (S22), no littoral transect was surveyed. Once the general location had been selected, a reconnaissance was carried out to decide the best route for the transect line. In the subtidal, a buoy was dropped to mark the site for subsequent appraisal. There were then several discrete elements to the work carried out along each transect and these are described below. Work in the intertidal could be carried out by one pair of surveyors in approximately 3 hours around low tide. In the subtidal, one pair of divers was required for each of the following stages:

1. reconnaissance; 2. transect laying, profile measurements and video; 3. Phase II survey and photography; 4. quadrat recording. This stage involved as many divers as were available and experienced.

All information gathered in the field was recorded directly onto waterproof copies of the relevant proforma (Appendix 2.3). These were printed on a daily basis using a laser printer and Zecom® waterproof paper. This avoided the need for data transcription from slates in the evening with the information being entered straight into Excel spreadsheets.

Transect establishment and relocation • Each transect was intended to be relocatable. • The upper shore end of each intertidal transect was marked with a black piton with a second piton used to mark the start of the subtidal section of the transect or a point low on the shore on the transect line. • At each site, a 100 m long tape measure was laid along a single bearing from the upper shore marker across the reef and, where the sites were contiguous, into the subtidal. It was continued to a distance of 100 m or to a maximum depth of 30 m below sea level. The bearing of the transect was recorded. • GPS positions were taken of the upper and lower shore markers, any salient points along the transect and of the position of buoys marking the start and finish of the subtidal transect. • Photographs and video were taken of the route of the transect showing any physiographic features and the location of the markers. • More general viewpoint photographs were taken at each site to illustrate the general location of each transect and any transits which could be used to aid relocation. This was particularly important for the subtidal transects. • The route of each transect was described in enough detail to enable precise relocation on future visits. • A Site Relocation Form was completed for each transect (c.f. Appendix 2.3).

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Transect profile • Each transect was surveyed to enable a profile to be drawn. • In the intertidal, the surveying was carried out using a 50 cm high cross-staff. • In the subtidal, the depth was measured with a dive computer at 5 m intervals along the tape. Depth and tape distance were also recorded at changes in the substratum or biotope. • The information was recorded on Profile Recording Forms (Appendix 2.3).

Phase II survey • Once the transect had been laid and the profiling completed, it was split up into a series of zones (which were marked with rocks or other visible markers to aid subsequent review of video footage). The zones were defined in terms of differences in the composition of the biological community and/or by changes in substratum. • Zone boundaries along the tape were recorded in terms of distance along the tape and vertical height relative to the station marker. In the intertidal, this height was determined using a cross-staff. In the subtidal the depth of water was measured. • A band 2 m either side of the tape was surveyed. In the intertidal, one person normally did this whilst the other person completed the profiling and video. In the subtidal, a pair of divers carried out the biological survey, with one person describing the habitat in each zone and taking illustrative photographs whilst the second diver recorded the species present. • Within each zone, the substratum was described and species present were recorded using the MNCR SACFOR semi-quantitative abundance scale (Appendix 2.3). Abundance was assessed over the zone as a whole. • Specimens were collected for laboratory examination where in situ. identification was not possible. • Biotopes were subsequently assigned to each zone using the current biotope classification scheme (Version 04.05; Connor et al., 2004).

Quadrat recording • The approach to the quantitative monitoring adopted for this project was one of stratified random sampling in which the target biotope acts as the stratified element of the sampling programme, and is sampled using quadrats positioned randomly along a transect. • The methods used are described in outline below, followed by a detailed protocol for the subtidal sampling. This protocol was adapted when necessitated by the prevailing underwater conditions. • Following the species familiarisation and reconnaissance day at the start of the survey, generic intertidal and subtidal species proforma were drawn up for the area as checklists for quadrat recording. • One biotope on each transect was selected for quadrat recording. • The quadrats used in most cases were 0.25 m2, divided by lines into a grid of 25 squares, each with an area of 100 cm2 representing 4% of the quadrat area. This size of quadrat was selected as it has been found to be a manageable size for working with both underwater and on the shore, and it was of a scale appropriate to most of the biotopes. • In the intertidal, 10 quadrats were sampled. Each one was photographed and the percentage cover or count of each species within the quadrat was recorded on the appropriate proforma. • In the subtidal, where possible a 10 m tape measure was laid at a constant depth within the biotope. Each diver was equipped with a species proforma attached to a slate, a set of random positions for a given side of the tape and a quadrat. The

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divers placed the quadrats at the predetermined positions and recorded the abundance of all the species present, either as counts or as percentage cover. As many quadrats as possible were sampled within the time available. • Where underwater conditions precluded the use of a tape measure, the divers ‘threw’ their quadrats on an area of uniform substratum along a single depth contour.

Photography and video • Photography and video are an integral part of the methods. • A video was made of each transect in both the intertidal and subtidal to show the biotopes and species present in each zone within the 2 m wide band on either side of the transect line. • Digital stills were taken in both the intertidal and subtidal to illustrate the species present.

References

Connor, D.W., Allen, J.H., Golding, N., Howell, K.L., Lieberknecht, L.M., Northen, K.O., Reker, J.B. (2004). The Marine Habitat Classification for Britain and Ireland Version 04.05 JNCC, Peterborough. ISBN 1 861 07561 8 (internet version). www.jncc.gov.uk/MarineHabitatClassification. Davies, J., Baxter, J., Bradley, M., Connor, D., Khan, J., Murray, E., Sanderson, W., Turnbull, C. & Vincent, M., (eds). (2001), Marine Monitoring Handbook, 405 pp, ISBN 1 85716 550 0 Moore, C.G., Mair, J.M. & Lyndon, A.R. (2005). The inauguration of site condition monitoring of marine features of Loch Maddy SAC. Report from Heriot-Watt University to Scottish Natural Heritage. Howson, C. M., Mercer, T. and Moore, J. J. 2006. Site condition monitoring survey of rocky reefs in the Firth of Lorn marine Special Area of Conservation. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No. 190. (ROAME No.F05AC701).

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Appendix 2.2 Monitoring protocol for quadrats on circalittoral rock

LOCH SUNART MONITORING PROTOCOL CIRCALITTORAL ROCK COMMUNITIES

Quadrat size: 5 0.25 m2. Quadrat number: 5 Ideally at least 10 quadrats. Quadrat structure: 5 Quadrats should be 4-sided and sub-divided into 25 grid squares, 10 x 10 cm. Quadrat positions: 5 Random positions along pre-selected depth contour. 5 Adjacent quadrats should not overlap and so positions should be selected to ensure this. 5 Workers to keep close to their buddy, but not to interfere with each other. 5 Quadrat to be placed carefully but without selecting the final resting location. Species recording: 5 Record both algae and animals. 5 The following should be recorded as percentage cover of each species present within the quadrat: algae; animals forming crusts, mats or turf; very abundant sessile animals such as barnacles or Pomatoceros. 5 Animal species which should be recorded as percentage cover will be selected during the familiarisation survey and identified as such on the survey checklists. 5 Other animals should be counted, recording the number of individuals of each species in the whole quadrat. 5 Fish and other highly motile animals such as shrimps should be excluded from the quadrat monitoring; their abundance for the biotope can be assessed as part of the Phase II survey. 5 Very numerous small species such as small gastropods should be ignored or recorded as Present (0.25 % - see below); how they are to be treated must be agreed during the initial familiarisation day and shown on the checklists. 5 It is important that all surveyors record at the same taxonomic level, even if they are able to separate species in the field which others find difficult. Taxonomic levels to be agreed beforehand. 5 Groups that are difficult to identify reliably in situ. may be recorded at a higher level than species. These will be highlighted during the familiarisation work and shown on the checklist. 5 Species hiding in crevices or under cobbles should be ignored; only the species conspicuous on the surface should be recorded. 5 A 10 x 10 cm square is equivalent to 4% cover. 5 Total percentage cover may be greater than 100% if species are lying over each other. 5 If a plant or encrusting/colonial/mat-form animal is lying partly in and partly out of the quadrat, only the part within the quadrat should be recorded. 5 Anything less than 0.5% or any other variation should be recorded as 0.25 % so analysis by PRIMER can be carried out. This will often apply to small, sparsely distributed species where a percentage cannot be estimated effectively. 5 It is useful to make accompanying notes, such as ‘Present as small, scattered sporelings’.

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5 Remember to check for encrusting algal species - these may be partly covered by silt. If the species cannot be separated, or identified accurately, they should be recorded as coralline crusts, dark red algal crusts, brown algal crusts. 5 Everything should be recorded to species level where possible, unless agreed otherwise beforehand. If the identity of something is uncertain, a specimen should be collected. 5 It is preferable that specimens can be attributed to a particular quadrat following a dive. Substratum: 5 The percentage cover of each of the major substrata within the quadrat must be recorded. Familiarisation: 5 Half a day should be spent on familiarisation dives in the biotope, with collections of specimens made for identification. 5 The remainder of the day should be spent with the whole team working up the specimens to ensure familiarity and consistent identification, particularly of the common species. 5 A collection of both algae and animals should be made for future reference. This can be a combination of pressed and pickled specimens, but pressed algal and hydroid specimens are easiest for showing other divers what a particular species looks like. Check lists: 5 A checklist of the species likely to be found on the reef transects should be compiled from the familiarisation work and pre-existing survey lists. 5 This should indicate animals that are to be recorded at a higher taxonomic level than species. 5 This should be put together the evening before the quadrat dives and copies printed onto waterproof paper for use underwater. Phase II survey: 5 A Phase II survey of the biotope in which the transect has been placed should be carried out in conjunction with the quadrat work. Photography: 5 A photographic record should be made of the communities and individual species. This can be 35 mm still photographs, digital photography, video footage or any combination. Specimen curation: 5 A reference collection should be made for use on future surveys. 5 Specimens must be preserved and labelled during the following evening to prevent a build up of specimens and consequent confusion. 5 A voucher collection of taxonomically challenging species must be collated after the survey has finished. 5 Survey teams must have dilute, buffered formaldehyde and 70% Industrial Methylated Spirits available on site.

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Appendix 2.3 Proformas used for field recording (font and table size may have been reduced for this report)

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Appendix 2.3.1 Site relocation form Transect No.: SUN06 Transect Name.: Surveyors Date: : Transect Transect start NM finish NM (OS Grid Ref): (OS Grid Ref): Transect marker(s): (pitons/paint, type/colour, crevice) Subtidal & Intertidal transects contiguous? Top of transect:

Notes to aid relocation (access, landmarks, features):

Bearing from top of Video overview of Yes / No Tape no.: transect: transect: Notes on tides: (slack water periods (to HW Tobermory); position of water’s edge during survey)

Photo sets (camera(s), photographer(s), image no’s from/to):

Photographs required (preferably in this order). Intertidal: Views towards top of transect (from access directions, incl. distinctive permanent features); Top of transect (sharp features); close- up shots of markers; Views down transect; Views up transect (top half & bottom half); individual biotopes (whole, incl. stones/objects on boundaries, start at top of transect); close-ups of biotope boundaries (if necessary). Subtidal: Views towards top of transect/marker buoy (from various directions, incl. distinctive permanent features, make good notes); Views from marker buoy (transits, make good notes incl. bearings); Top of transect on lower shore (features); close-up shots of markers Photographs (Photo no’s, biotope no’s & notes to explain important features in photo)

Biotopes (order?)

SKETCH (transits, profile, plan views; continue on back if necessary)

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Appendix 2.3.2 Profile measurements along subtidal or intertidal transect Surveyor: ...... Date:……………….Time at start:……………. Transect bearing:...... Depth at start: ………Depth at finish:…………. Video: ...... Photographs: …………………………………….. Prominent features:

Distance Depth Notes Distance Depth Notes

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Appendix 2.3.3 Phase II habitat recording

Surveyor: ...... Date:…………………………Time at start:…. Depth at start: ...... Depth at finish: ………. CD correction:………. Video: ...... Photographs: ………………………………... Zone Description Incl. depth Max & Min Notes on substratum (inc %) & slope. Characterising species

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Appendix 2.3.4 Phase II species recording along intertidal transects Surveyor: ...... Date:……………….Time at start:………… Biotope no Biotope no Time start Ascophyllum Species Caloplac mar Actinia equina Caloplac thal Chthamalus st Cladophora Dynamena pu Corallina Gibbula umbil Elachista Halichon pan Enc. coralline Ligia oceanica Enteromorph Littorina littor Fucu serratus Littorina negle Fucus spiralis Littorina obtus Fucu vesiculo Littorina saxat Lecanora atra Mytilus edulis Lomentari art Nucella lapill Mastocarpus Patella vulgat Palmari palm Semibalanus Pelvetia cana Polysipho lan Ulva Verru (black) Verru (green) Xanthori pari

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Appendix 2.3.5 Phase II species recording along subtidal transect

Surveyor:……………………………………..Date………….……...Time at start:..………….… Depth at start: ...... Depth at finish: ….…... CD correction:………. Video:………………………………………….Photographs: ……………………………………. Position:……………………………………………………………………………………………… Biotope no Biotope no

Time start Species Max Depth Min Depth Species

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Appendix 2.3.6 Quadrats in intertidal rock communities

Surveyor: ...... Date:…………………..Time at start:……….. Quadrat No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Substrate % Species Ascophyllum nodosum Chondrus crispus Corallina Elachista Enc. coralline Enteromorpha Fucus serratus Fucus vesiculosus Polysiphonia lanosa Ulva Actinia equina Alcyonidium hirsutum Dynamena pumila Flustrellidra hispida Gibbula umbilicalis Halichondria panicea Littorina littorea Littorina neglecta Littorina obtusata Littorina saxatilis Mastocarpus stellatus Nucella lapillus Patella vulgata Semibalan balanoides

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Appendix 2.3.7 Quadrats in circalittoral rock communities Surveyor:……………………………Date: ………….. Time at start:…………… Zone:……………………………………………………….Depth at start: ...... Substratum:……………………………………………………..Transect:...... Recording conditions: OK? ………….Transect side (T/B): ...... Quadrat Quadrat position: position:

Time start Securiflustra Depth Stelligera rigid % cover Stelligera stup Enc Corall alga Swiftia pallida Abietinaria abie Terebratulina re Aglaopheni tub Thecocarpus Alcyon digitatu Pomatoceros Antedo petasus Protanthea sim Ascidia mentula Sabella pavonin Ascidiella asp Sagartia elegan Ascidiella scab Scrupocellaria Axinella infund Balanus balanu Balanus crenat Bryozoa crust Caryophyl smit Clavelina lep Crisiidae Diazon violacea Halichondria pa Leptometra celti Nemertesia ant Nemertesia ram Neocrania anom Ophiothrix fragi Ophiura albida Parasmittina tri Parazoanth ang Pododesmus Polycarpa poma Polyplum frut

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Appendix 2.3.8 Semi-quantitative abundance scales for Phase II recording S = Superabundant, A = Abundant, C = Common, F = Frequent, O = Occasional, R = Rare GROWTH FORM SIZE OF INDIVIDUALS / COLONIES % COVER CRUST / MASSIVE / <1 cm 1-3 cm 3-15 cm >15 cm DENSITY MEADOW TURF

>80% S S >1 / 0.0001 m2 >10,000/ m2 (1x1 cm)

40-79% A S A S 1-9 / 0.001 m2 1000-9999 / m2

20-39% C A C A S 1-9 / 0.01 m2 100-999 / m2 (10x10 cm)

10-19% F C F C A S 1-9 / 0.1 m2 10-99 / m2

5-9% O F O F C A 1-9 / m2

1-5% or R O R O F C 1-9 / 10 m2 density (3.16x3.16 m)

<1% or R R O F 1-9 / 100 m2 density (10x10 m)

R O 1-9 / 1000 m2 (31.6x31.6 m)

R >1 / 10,000 m2 <1 / 1000 m2 (100x100 m) PORIFERA Crusts Massive spp. Small solitary Large solitary Halichondria Pachymatisma Grantia Stelligera HYDROZOA Turf species Small clumps Solitary Tubularia Sarsia Corymorpha Abietinaria Aglaophenia Nemertesia ANTHOZOA Corynactis Alcyonium Small solitary Med. solitary Large solitary Epizoanthus Virgularia Eunicella Caryophyllia Cerianthus Funiculina Urticina Pachycerianthu s ANNELIDA Sabellaria Sabellaria Spirorbis Scale worms Chaetopterus spinulosa alveolata Nephtys Arenicola Pomatoceros Sabella CRUSTACEA Barnacles Semibalanus B. balanus Pagurus Homarus Tubiculous Amphipods Anapagurus Galathea Nephrops amphipods Pisidia Small crabs Hyas araneus MOLLUSCA Chitons Small Med. Large gastropod gastropod gastropod Examples of L. neritoides L. littorea Buccinum groups or Patella species for each Mytilus Med. bivalves Lge bivalves category Modiolus Small bivalves Mytilus Mya, Pecten Nucula Pododesmus Arctica BRACHIOPODA Neocrania BRYOZOA Crusts Pentapora Alcyonidium Bugula Flustra Porella ECHINO- Antedon DERMATA Small starfish Large starfish Brittlestars Echinocyamus Echinocardium Echinus Ocnus Aslia, Thyone Holothuria ASCIDIACEA Colonial Small solitary Large solitary Diazona Dendrodoa Dendrodoa Ascidia, Ciona PISCES Gobies Dog fish Blennies Wrasse PLANTS Crusts, Maerl Foliose Zostera Kelp Audouinella Filamentous Halidrys Fucoids, Kelp Chorda Desmarestia Himanthalia

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Use of the MNCR SACFOR abundance scales

The MNCR cover/density scales adopted from 1990 provide a unified system for recording the abundance of marine benthic flora and fauna in biological surveys. The following notes should be read before their use:

1. Whenever an attached species covers the substratum and percentage cover can be estimated, that scale should be used in preference to the density scale. 2. Use the massive/turf percentage cover scale for all species, excepting those given under crust/meadow. 3. Where two or more layers exist, for instance foliose algae overgrowing crustose algae, total percentage cover can be over 100% and abundance grades will reflect this. 4. Percentage cover of littoral species, particularly the fucoid algae, must be estimated when the tide is out. 5. Use quadrats as reference frames for counting, particularly when density is borderline between two of the scale. 6. Some extrapolation of the scales may be necessary to estimate abundance for restricted habitats such as rockpools. 7. The species (as listed over) take precedence over their actual size in deciding which scale to use. 8. When species (such as those associated with algae, hydroid and bryozoan turf or on rocks and shells) are incidentally collected (i.e. collected with other species that were specifically collected for identification) and no meaningful abundance can be assigned to them, they should be noted as present (P).

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Appendix 3 - Video and transect site locations and associated data

Appendix 3.1 Summary of video samples collected during 2006 monitoring survey of the Loch Sunart SAC

Appendix 3.2 Summary of analysis of video data collected during 2006 monitoring survey of the Loch Sunart SAC

Appendix 3.3 Summary of analysis of video data taken prior to 2006

Appendix 3.4 Summary of intertidal and subtidal diving sites and data collected during the 2006 monitoring survey of the Loch Sunart SAC

121

Appendix 3.1 Summary of video samples collected during 2006 Sunart monitoring survey

Zone Site code Date System Lat In Long In Lat Out Long Out Min Depth Max Depth Video Tape Time in Time out (m bcd) No (Dec 0) (Dec 0) (Dec 0) (Dec 0) (m BCD) 1 1.01 03/07/2006 SNH -5.95068 56.6658 -5.94941 56.665 7.33 17.83 D-SUN- 1259 1307 0706-5 1 1.02 03/07/2006 SNH -5.95191 56.6628 -5.95066 56.6625 17.28 17.28 D-SUN- 1245 1250 0706-5 1 1.03 03/07/2006 SNH -5.96153 56.6611 -5.96026 56.6608 28.3 28.3 D-SUN- 1220 1225 0706-5 1 1.04 03/07/2006 SNH -5.98349 56.6499 -5.98285 56.6498 37.74 37.74 D-SUN- 1104 0706-5 1 1.05 03/07/2006 SNH -5.95323 56.6655 -5.95188 56.6648 32.53 32.53 D-SUN- 1323 1331 0706-5 1 1.06 03/07/2006 SNH -5.96226 56.6611 -5.96095 56.6608 36.68 36.68 D-SUN- 1156 1203 0706-5 1 1.07 03/07/2006 SNH -5.94621 56.6674 -5.94486 56.6662 18.05 29.05 D-SUN- 1342 1350 122 0706-5 1 1.08 03/07/2006 SNH -5.95474 56.6618 -5.95348 56.6617 20.84 20.84 D-SUN- 1232 1236 0706-5 1 1.09 03/07/2006 SNH -5.96207 56.6517 -5.96074 56.6519 2.61 2.61 D-SUN- 1119 0706-5 1 1.1 03/07/2006 SNH -5.95176 56.656 -5.95005 56.6563 7.39 7.39 D-SUN- 1133 1139 0706-5 1 1.11a 03/07/2006 ASML -5.98271 56.6701 -5.98257 56.6693 3.73 21.73 D-SUN- 1229 1234 0706-3 1 1.11b 03/07/2006 ASML -5.98271 56.6701 -5.98257 56.6693 3.73 21.73 D-SUN- 1229 1234 0706-3 1 1.12 03/07/2006 ASML -5.9871 56.6774 -5.98649 56.6767 26.69 31.69 D-SUN- 1139 1146 0706-3 1 1.13 03/07/2006 ASML -5.98521 56.6682 -5.98499 56.6674 11.7 48.7 D-SUN- 1217 1222 0706-3 1 1.14 03/07/2006 ASML -5.98364 56.6744 -5.98312 56.6735 24.68 36.68 D-SUN- 1152 1157 0706-3 1 1.15 03/07/2006 ASML -5.9728 56.6711 -5.97227 56.6705 26.77 37.77 D-SUN- 1242 1249 0706-3

122

Zone Site code Date System Lat In Long In Lat Out Long Out Min Depth Max Depth Video Tape Time in Time out (m bcd) No (Dec 0) (Dec 0) (Dec 0) (Dec 0) (m BCD) 1 1.16 03/07/2006 ASML -5.99828 56.6676 -5.99781 56.6672 28.7 33.7 D-SUN- 1206 1211 0706-3 1 1.17 03/07/2006 ASML -6.0152 56.6802 -6.01494 56.6803 16.17 26.77 D-SUN- 1054 1058 0706-3 1 1.18 03/07/2006 ASML -6.00447 56.6823 -6.00479 56.6816 1.73 19.73 D-SUN- 1105 1109 0706-3 1 1.19 03/07/2006 ASML -5.99554 56.6784 -5.99521 56.6783 25.69 26.69 D-SUN- 1127 1132 0706-3 1 1.2 03/07/2006 SNH -6.00148 56.6503 -6.00148 56.6503 5.59 5.59 D-SUN- 1050 1051 0706-5 1 1.21 03/07/2006 ASML -5.99344 56.6808 -5.99311 56.68 4.7 21.7 D-SUN- 1117 1122 0706-3 2 2.01 03/07/2006 SNH -5.92526 56.6693 -5.92509 56.6696 36.94 36.94 D-SUN- 1627 1638 0706-6 2 2.02 04/07/2006 ASML -5.90871 56.6703 -5.90781 56.6707 35.12 36.82 D-SUN- 1204 1208 123 0706-7 2 2.03 03/07/2006 SNH -5.9175 56.6659 -5.91636 56.6661 48.35 48.35 D-SUN- 1723 1729 0706-6 2 2.04 03/07/2006 SNH -5.91274 56.673 -5.91094 56.6727 34.39 34.39 D-SUN- 1754 1758 0706-6 2 2.05 03/07/2006 SNH -5.9166 56.671 -5.91483 56.6709 78.15 78.15 D-SUN- 1834 1841 0706-6 2 2.06 03/07/2006 ASML -5.92485 56.6743 -5.92555 56.6739 41.84 49.84 D-SUN- 1543 1549 0706-4 2 2.07 03/07/2006 ASML -5.92651 56.6752 -5.92715 56.6751 15.8 27.8 D-SUN- 1535 1539 0706-4 2 2.08 04/07/2006 ASML -5.89523 56.6613 -5.89523 56.6613 3.08 3.28 D-SUN- 1239 1241 0706-7 2 2.09 04/07/2006 ASML -5.89642 56.6613 -5.89514 56.6591 2.58 7.68 D-SUN- 1247 1250 0706-7 2 2.1 04/07/2006 ASML -5.89593 56.6653 -5.89465 56.6657 31.08 34.18 D-SUN- 1228 1232 0706-7 2 2.11 03/07/2006 ASML -5.91957 56.6768 -5.9184 56.6766 4.43 5.63 D-SUN- 1611 1615 0706-4

Zone Site code Date System Lat In Long In Lat Out Long Out Min Depth Max Depth Video Tape Time in Time out (m bcd) No (Dec 0) (Dec 0) (Dec 0) (Dec 0) (m BCD) 2 2.13 03/07/2006 ASML -5.89533 56.6708 -5.8965 56.6697 13.93 16.63 D-SUN- 1648 1654 0706-4 2 2.14 03/07/2006 SNH -5.92266 56.6656 -5.92133 56.6655 11.91 11.91 D-SUN- 1710 1714 0706-6 2 2.15 04/07/2006 ASML -5.90258 56.6668 -5.9024 56.6673 23.4 27.8 D-SUN- 1217 1221 0706-7 2 2.16 03/07/2006 SNH -5.91581 56.6714 -5.91411 56.6711 71.37 71.37 D-SUN- 1822 1827 0706-6 2 2.17 03/07/2006 ASML -5.93348 56.6784 -5.93334 56.678 30.51 40.51 D-SUN- 1454 1457 0706-4 2 2.18 04/07/2006 ASML -5.94245 56.6757 -5.94207 56.6762 29.37 30.37 D-SUN- 1143 1147 0706-7 2 2.19 03/07/2006 ASML -5.93502 56.6773 -5.93507 56.6771 52.56 59.56 D-SUN- 1505 1509 0706-4 2 2.21 03/07/2006 ASML -5.94475 56.6777 -5.94467 56.6775 12.27 15.27 D-SUN- 1422 1425 124 0706-3 2 2.22 03/07/2006 ASML -5.95347 56.6825 -5.95331 56.6821 5.17 8.17 D-SUN- 1402 1406 0706-3 2 2.23 03/07/2006 ASML -5.96895 56.6767 -5.9691 56.6759 18.05 20.05 D-SUN- 1342 1347 0706-3 2 2.24 03/07/2006 SNH -5.96057 56.6741 -5.95957 56.6738 30.81 30.81 D-SUN- 1454 1458 0706-5 2 2.25 03/07/2006 ASML -5.89728 56.6701 -5.89779 56.6697 2.3 3.8 D-SUN- 1641 1644 0706-4 2 2.26 03/07/2006 ASML -5.9314 56.6768 -5.93181 56.6766 32.67 40.67 D-SUN- 1514 1519 0706-4 2 2.27 03/07/2006 SNH -5.9552 56.6716 -5.9545 56.6705 58.67 58.67 D-SUN- 1517 1529 0706-6 2 2.28 03/07/2006 ASML -5.95992 56.6819 -5.9601 56.6815 1.11 1.61 D-SUN- 1355 1358 0706-3 2 2.29 03/07/2006 ASML -5.92793 56.6762 -5.92788 56.676 17.73 25.73 D-SUN- 1526 1532 0706-4 2 2.3 03/07/2006 ASML -5.94329 56.6826 -5.9432 56.6822 0.25 0.25 D-SUN- 1413 1416 0706-3

Zone Site code Date System Lat In Long In Lat Out Long Out Min Depth Max Depth Video Tape Time in Time out (m bcd) No (Dec 0) (Dec 0) (Dec 0) (Dec 0) (m BCD) 3 3.01 05/07/2006 ASML -5.75899 56.7071 -5.7589 56.7072 4.34 6.54 D-SUN- 1022 1026 0706-9 3 3.02 05/07/2006 ASML -5.75197 56.6988 -5.75181 56.6988 9.67 10.37 D-SUN- 1033 1036 0706-9 3 3.03 05/07/2006 ASML -5.77587 56.7128 -5.77586 56.7129 6.26 6.96 D-SUN- 941 944 0706-9 3 3.04 05/07/2006 ASML -5.73881 56.7102 -5.73766 56.7105 10.55 13.55 D-SUN- 1755 1759 0706-11 3 3.05 02/07/2006 ASML -5.7675 56.6957 -5.76567 56.6959 20.33 27.63 D-SUN- 1828 1833 0706-1 3 3.06 05/07/2006 ASML -5.76878 56.7079 -5.76886 56.7078 7.78 9.18 D-SUN- 958 1002 0706-9 3 3.07 05/07/2006 ASML -5.76003 56.7097 -5.75991 56.7096 0.87 0.97 D-SUN- 1016 1019 0706-9 3 3.08 05/07/2006 ASML -5.77179 56.7092 -5.77192 56.7093 7.13 7.53 D-SUN- 1005 1009 125 0706-9 3 3.09 05/07/2006 ASML -5.77223 56.7076 -5.77223 56.7076 23.2 23.7 D-SUN- 951 954 0706-9 3 3.12 02/07/2006 ASML -5.80591 56.6847 -5.80514 56.6855 27.52 45.52 D-SUN- 1657 1705 0706-1 3 3.12a 02/07/2006 ASML -5.80591 56.6847 -5.80514 56.6855 27.52 45.52 D-SUN- 1657 1705 0706-1 3 3.13 05/07/2006 ASML -5.78512 56.6838 -5.7846 56.6842 16 21 D-SUN- 1824 1827 0706-11 3 3.14a 05/07/2006 ASML -5.78313 56.688 -5.78212 56.6888 36.91 42.91 D-SUN- 1810 1814 0706-11 3 3.14b 02/07/2006 ASML -5.78387 56.6884 -5.78196 56.6888 34.63 40.33 D-SUN- 1900 1905 0706-1 3 3.15 02/07/2006 SNH -5.81095 56.687 -5.80833 56.6872 0.05 0.05 D-SUN- 1913 1916 0706-2 3 3.16 02/07/2006 ASML -5.80611 56.6887 -5.80496 56.6899 2.32 2.32 D-SUN- 1731 1735 0706-1 3 3.17 02/07/2006 ASML -5.78834 56.7023 -5.78715 56.7024 -0.3 1 D-SUN- 1814 1817 0706-1

Zone Site code Date System Lat In Long In Lat Out Long Out Min Depth Max Depth Video Tape Time in Time out (m bcd) No (Dec 0) (Dec 0) (Dec 0) (Dec 0) (m BCD) 3 3.18 02/07/2006 ASML -5.79831 56.6911 -5.79716 56.6912 39.03 40.53 D-SUN- 1717 0706-1 3 3.19 02/07/2006 SNH -5.80847 56.6877 -5.80756 56.6877 1.79 1.79 D-SUN- 1855 1900 0706-2 3 3.2 05/07/2006 ASML -5.79225 56.6793 -5.79197 56.6795 18.04 23.04 D-SUN- 1833 1836 0706-11 3 3.21 02/07/2006 ASML -5.77794 56.6902 -5.77728 56.6904 3.64 7.34 D-SUN- 1845 1852 0706-1 3 3.24 02/07/2006 ASML -5.79032 56.699 -5.7889 56.6991 12.5 15.2 D-SUN- 1745 1750 0706-1 3 3.25 02/07/2006 ASML -5.79031 56.6961 -5.78906 56.6962 49.45 49.45 D-SUN- 1800 1803 0706-1 3 3.26a 03/07/2006 ASML -5.88607 56.6728 -5.88613 56.6723 28.38 52.38 D-SUN- 1743 1749 0706-4 3 3.26b 04/07/2006 ASML -5.88784 56.6727 -5.88666 56.6728 35.43 39.93 D-SUN- 1401 1406 126 0706-7 3 3.27 03/07/2006 ASML -5.89333 56.6717 -5.89418 56.6712 17.28 19.28 D-SUN- 1700 1704 0706-4 3 3.28 04/07/2006 ASML -5.88684 56.6713 -5.88705 56.6711 45.77 50.87 D-SUN- 1705 1710 0706-7 3 3.29 03/07/2006 ASML -5.9003 56.6729 -5.90049 56.6727 3.31 11.31 D-SUN- 1709 1712 0706-4 3 3.3 04/07/2006 ASML -5.86399 56.679 -5.86217 56.6793 20.09 20.89 D-SUN- 1602 1608 0706-7 3 3.31 04/07/2006 ASML -5.86874 56.665 -5.86751 56.6649 9.62 9.82 D-SUN- 1737 1742 0706-8 3 3.32 02/07/2006 SNH -5.857 56.6621 -5.85527 56.6589 3.33 3.33 D-SUN- 1700 1704 0706-2 3 3.33 02/07/2006 SNH -5.84054 56.6612 -5.83901 56.6612 20 20 D-SUN- 1644 1649 0706-2 3 3.34 04/07/2006 ASML -5.85892 56.6743 -5.85801 56.675 58.37 79.47 D-SUN- 1542 1547 0706-7 3 3.35 03/07/2006 ASML -5.84581 56.6699 -5.84562 56.6693 28.39 28.89 D-SUN- 1808 1815 0706-4

Zone Site code Date System Lat In Long In Lat Out Long Out Min Depth Max Depth Video Tape Time in Time out (m bcd) No (Dec 0) (Dec 0) (Dec 0) (Dec 0) (m BCD) 3 3.36 02/07/2006 SNH -5.82706 56.6804 -5.82547 56.6808 15.95 15.95 D-SUN- 1823 1828 0706-2 3 3.37 04/07/2006 ASML -5.84635 56.6717 -5.84512 56.6718 16.75 19.35 D-SUN- 1526 1530 0706-7 3 3.38 04/07/2006 ASML -5.87694 56.6746 -5.87537 56.6746 66.73 67.23 D-SUN- 1640 1646 0706-7 3 3.39 04/07/2006 ASML -5.87155 56.6663 -5.87029 56.6664 11.67 12.17 D-SUN- 1729 1734 0706-8 3 3.41a 03/07/2006 ASML -5.88823 56.6726 -5.88917 56.6718 2.86 2.86 D-SUN- 1729 1737 0706-4 3 3.41b 04/07/2006 ASML -5.88963 56.672 -5.88846 56.6722 33.59 48.39 D-SUN- 1348 1354 0706-7 3 3.42 04/07/2006 ASML -5.87583 56.67 -5.87357 56.6612 42.33 43.43 D-SUN- 1718 1724 0706-8 3 3.43 04/07/2006 ASML -5.87038 56.6768 -5.86846 56.6769 45.18 51.68 D-SUN- 1615 1620 127 0706-7 3 3.44 04/07/2006 ASML -5.85665 56.6769 -5.85514 56.6772 11.02 25.92 D-SUN- 1554 1557 0706-7 3 3.45 04/07/2006 ASML -5.84457 56.6734 -5.55644 49.7662 1.73 6.13 D-SUN- 1521 1524 0706-7 3 3.46 02/07/2006 SNH -5.83164 56.6737 -5.82609 56.6741 53.45 53.45 D-SUN- 1801 1807 0706-2 3 3.47 02/07/2006 SNH -5.83636 56.664 -5.83498 56.664 38.47 38.47 D-SUN- 1630 1634 0706-2 3 3.48 02/07/2006 SNH -5.83191 56.6649 -5.83017 56.6652 4.82 4.82 D-SUN- 1618 1621 0706-2 3 3.49 02/07/2006 SNH -5.8269 56.6675 -5.82462 56.6678 31.51 31.51 D-SUN- 1740 1747 0706-2 3 3.50a 02/07/2006 ASML -5.81588 56.6837 -5.81325 56.6835 22.5 22.5 D-SUN- 1641 1645 0706-1 3 3.50b 02/07/2006 SNH -5.81532 56.6834 -5.81369 56.6838 23.38 23.38 D-SUN- 1837 1843 0706-2 3 3.51 05/07/2006 ASML -5.80304 56.6766 -5.80221 56.6768 8.47 11.37 D-SUN- 1841 1844 0706-11

Zone Site code Date System Lat In Long In Lat Out Long Out Min Depth Max Depth Video Tape Time in Time out (m bcd) No (Dec 0) (Dec 0) (Dec 0) (Dec 0) (m BCD) 4 4.01 05/07/2006 ASML -5.6731 56.6825 -5.67248 56.6827 4.48 5.88 D-SUN- 1259 1302 0706-10 4 4.02 05/07/2006 ASML -5.70484 56.7021 -5.70404 56.7019 4.11 8.11 D-SUN- 1715 1718 0706-11 4 4.03 05/07/2006 ASML -5.70392 56.7012 -5.70332 56.7008 5.28 11.58 D-SUN- 1708 1712 0706-11 4 4.04 05/07/2006 ASML -5.69996 56.6929 -5.6992 56.6927 12.53 18.93 D-SUN- 1657 1701 0706-11 4 4.05 05/07/2006 ASML -5.68647 56.6901 -5.68633 56.6902 10.62 12.42 D-SUN- 1646 1649 0706-11 4 4.06 05/07/2006 ASML -5.71814 56.6965 -5.71799 56.6964 9.42 10.02 D-SUN- 1131 1135 0706-9 4 4.07 05/07/2006 ASML -5.70901 56.6923 -5.70886 56.6922 20.29 20.59 D-SUN- 1140 1143 0706-9 4 4.08 05/07/2006 ASML -5.73285 56.7016 -5.73233 56.7016 15.92 17.22 D-SUN- 1058 1102 128 0706-9 4 4.09 05/07/2006 ASML -5.71371 56.7081 -5.71352 56.7081 0.25 0.95 D-SUN- 1739 1740 0706-11 4 4.1 05/07/2006 ASML -5.7242 56.7026 -5.72378 56.7025 21.82 29.02 D-SUN- 1115 1120 0706-9 4 4.11 05/07/2006 ASML -5.72056 56.6996 -5.7201 56.6995 4.37 11.37 D-SUN- 1124 1127 0706-9 4 4.12 05/07/2006 ASML -5.73363 56.705 -5.73332 56.705 27.28 28.48 D-SUN- 1105 1111 0706-9 4 4.13 05/07/2006 ASML -5.70981 56.7039 -5.7089 56.7037 5.9 8.7 D-SUN- 1731 1735 0706-11 4 4.14 05/07/2006 ASML -5.71239 56.6899 -5.7121 56.69 0.24 2.04 D-SUN- 1147 1149 0706-9 4 4.15 05/07/2006 ASML -5.7052 56.6838 -5.70508 56.6839 0.14 6.14 D-SUN- 1232 1235 0706-9 4 4.16 05/07/2006 ASML -5.71854 56.7101 -5.71854 56.7101 -0.52 -0.52 D-SUN- 1745 0706-11 4 4.17 05/07/2006 ASML -5.73965 56.7008 -5.73933 56.7008 2.36 8.06 D-SUN- 1050 1053 0706-9

Zone Site code Date System Lat In Long In Lat Out Long Out Min Depth Max Depth Video Tape Time in Time out (m bcd) No (Dec 0) (Dec 0) (Dec 0) (Dec 0) (m BCD) 4 4.18 05/07/2006 ASML -5.70805 56.7011 -5.70717 56.7007 14.67 19.67 D-SUN- 1721 1726 0706-11 4 4.19 05/07/2006 ASML -5.69337 56.6844 -5.6933 56.6844 15.01 15.71 D-SUN- 1240 1245 0706-9 5 5.01 05/07/2006 ASML -5.62592 56.6855 -5.62543 56.6855 4.67 8.37 D-SUN- 1513 1517 0706-10 5 5.02 05/07/2006 ASML -5.65967 56.6801 -5.65955 56.68 6.83 7.63 D-SUN- 1319 1323 0706-10 5 5.03 05/07/2006 ASML -5.64171 56.6839 -5.64136 56.684 -0.59 1.71 D-SUN- 1453 1456 0706-10 5 5.04 05/07/2006 ASML -5.64613 56.6778 -5.64515 56.6776 3.84 7.94 D-SUN- 1427 1432 0706-10 5 5.05 05/07/2006 ASML -5.64781 56.6824 -5.64773 56.6825 7.88 12.88 D-SUN- 1444 1448 0706-10 5 5.06 05/07/2006 ASML -5.65882 56.6794 -5.65861 56.6793 29.42 30.72 D-SUN- 1326 1330 129 0706-10 5 5.07 05/07/2006 ASML -5.627 56.6845 -5.62603 56.6845 35.93 35.93 D-SUN- 1502 1509 0706-10 5 5.08 05/07/2006 ASML -5.6085 56.6782 -5.60741 56.6782 10.84 12.34 D-SUN- 1525 1530 0706-10 5 5.09 05/07/2006 ASML -5.60537 56.6827 -5.60478 56.6827 39.06 41.06 D-SUN- 1536 1538 0706-10 5 5.1 05/07/2006 ASML -5.58481 56.6866 -5.58383 56.6868 12.1 19.1 D-SUN- 1546 1551 0706-10 5 5.11 05/07/2006 ASML -5.57811 56.6825 -5.5773 56.6827 14.98 17.18 D-SUN- 1557 1601 0706-10 5 5.12 05/07/2006 ASML -5.56795 56.6828 -5.56687 56.683 8.3 9.6 D-SUN- 1605 1609 0706-10 5 5.13 05/07/2006 ASML -5.55137 56.6842 -5.55077 56.6843 2.35 4.05 D-SUN- 1615 1618 0706-10 6 6.01 04/07/2006 ASML -5.83905 56.6267 -5.83772 56.6267 0.17 0.27 D-SUN- 1836 1838 0706-8 6 6.02 04/07/2006 ASML -5.85401 56.6371 -5.85283 56.6372 0.48 0.48 D-SUN- 1858 0706-8

Zone Site code Date System Lat In Long In Lat Out Long Out Min Depth Max Depth Video Tape Time in Time out (m bcd) No (Dec 0) (Dec 0) (Dec 0) (Dec 0) (m BCD) 6 6.03 04/07/2006 ASML -5.85896 56.6354 -5.85778 56.6355 -1.12 -0.12 D-SUN- 1907 0706-8 6 6.04 04/07/2006 ASML -5.84621 56.636 -5.84503 56.6361 0.88 0.88 D-SUN- 1851 0706-8 6 6.05 04/07/2006 ASML -5.84571 56.631 -5.84453 56.6311 0.08 0.08 D-SUN- 1844 0706-8 6 6.06 04/07/2006 ASML -5.87951 56.6497 -5.87833 56.6498 1.53 1.53 D-SUN- 1944 0706-8 6 6.07 04/07/2006 ASML -5.89053 56.6434 -5.88936 56.6435 3.86 3.86 D-SUN- 1930 0706-8 6 6.08 04/07/2006 ASML -5.89088 56.6482 -5.8897 56.6483 0.94 0.94 D-SUN- 1937 0706-8 6 6.1 04/07/2006 ASML -5.87489 56.6437 -5.87371 56.6438 2.57 2.57 D-SUN- 1918 0706-8 6 6.11 04/07/2006 ASML -5.87239 56.6597 -5.87121 56.6598 6.37 6.37 D-SUN- 2005 130 0706-8 6 6.12 04/07/2006 ASML -5.88075 56.6546 -5.87957 56.6547 1.81 1.81 D-SUN- 1951 0706-8 6 6.13 04/07/2006 ASML -5.87462 56.6569 -5.87344 56.657 1.59 1.59 D-SUN- 1957 0706-8 3 barge 02/07/2006 SNH -5.81672 56.6719 -5.81426 56.6723 4.13 4.13 D-SUN- 1714 1721 0706-2 4 X02 05/07/2006 ASML -5.70391 56.689 -5.704 56.6889 10.68 11.38 D-SUN- 1221 1224 0706-9 2 X03 04/07/2006 ASML -5.88332 56.6715 -5.88239 56.6718 37.58 40.48 D-SUN- 1412 1416 0706-7 3 X04 04/07/2006 ASML -5.87616 56.6727 -5.87519 56.6729 49.6 53.5 D-SUN- 1651 1658 0706-7 2 X05 03/07/2006 ASML -5.89183 56.6697 -5.89231 56.669 20.33 28.33 D-SUN- 1718 1723 0706-4 2 X06 03/07/2006 SNH -5.91345 56.672 -5.91167 56.6714 36.39 36.39 D-SUN- 1806 1811 0706-6 4 X07 05/07/2006 ASML -5.67656 56.6831 -5.67606 56.6834 4.79 5.89 D-SUN- 1252 1256 0706-10

Zone Site code Date System Lat In Long In Lat Out Long Out Min Depth Max Depth Video Tape Time in Time out (m bcd) No (Dec 0) (Dec 0) (Dec 0) (Dec 0) (m BCD) 4 X08 05/07/2006 ASML -5.67098 56.6811 -5.67031 56.6813 2.15 4.15 D-SUN- 1305 1309 0706-10 4 X09 05/07/2006 ASML -5.66429 56.6797 -5.66402 56.6799 8.65 10.45 D-SUN- 1312 1315 0706-10 5 X10 05/07/2006 ASML -5.64856 56.6817 -5.64823 56.6815 18.87 33.87 D-SUN- 1437 1442 0706-10

131

Appendix 3.2 Summary of analysis of video data collected during 2006 monitoring survey of Loch Sunart

Based on the visual assessment of the 2006 video samples, the substratum was categorised into Reef and Non-Reef. This assessment was based on observations of the physical substratum and did not take account of the biotope present. R Reef Bedrock, boulder or cobble reef areas of qualifying Annex I habitat. NR Non-Reef Predominantly fine (smaller than cobble <67mm) sedimentary substrata. ? Uncertain Mixed cobble and sediment where the amount of cobble may not be enough for the habitat to qualify as reef.

Reef / Site code Non-Reef Biotope 1 Biotope 2 Biotope 3 Notes category Dense Laminaria hyperborea with Echinus, Obelia geniculata and sparse algae. L saccharina & IR.LIR.K.Lhyp IR.HIR.KFa Desmarestia aculeata at bottom edge of forest. Onto boulder & sand plain with filamentous algae, R IR.MIR.KR.Lhyp.Ft 1.01 Lsac R.FoR Heterosiphonia, Brongniartella, Bonnemaisonia asparagoides, Desmarestia aculeata, Alcyonium digitatum, Nemertesia antennina 132 Gradual slope/plain of mixed shell gravel, cobble & boulders. Filamentous & foliose algae common, 1.02 R SS.SMP.KSwSS.LsacR.Gv Echinus, Antedon petasus, Virgularia mirabilis, Laminaria saccharina, Desmarestia sp., Liocarcinus depurator. Possible Limaria reef. Burrowed mud with Funiculina; then cobbles & small boulders on mud with Antedon petasus; SS.SMU.CFiM R & NR CR.LCR.BrAs.AmenCio.Ant Suberites, Ophiocomina nigra, Haliclona oculata, Echinus, hydroids, Ophiothrix, Alcyonium digitatum, 1.03 u.SpnMeg.Fun Ascidiella aspersa. Then silty bedrock with boulders, coralline crusts & feather stars. 1.04 NR SS.SMU.CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun Funiculina quadrangularis & Pennatula phosphorea on soft burrowed mud Slope of silty bedrock, boulders & muddy sediment. Ophiothrix fragilis common. Nemertesia ramosa, SS.SMU.CFiM R & NR CR.LCR.BrAs.AntAsH Nemertesia antennina, Caryophyllia, Antedon petasus, Halecium halecinum, Ascidiella aspersa. 1.05 u.SpnMeg.Fun Moved onto burrowed mud with Funiculina, Leptometra & Munida. Common Leptometra & Antedon petasus on muddy or silty rock outcrops; rare Funiculina in mud 1.06 R CR.LCR.BrAs.AntAsH pockets. Echinus, Caryophyllia smithii, Neocrania anomala, Munida, sparse hydroids including Nemertesia ramosa & Lytocarpia on the rock. Gradual slope of some silty rock then mixed muddy shell gravel & cobble with increasing amounts of R SS.SMP.KSwSS.LsacR.Gv 1.07 L. saccharina & Desmarestia. Echinus, Leptometra, Nemertesia antennina, filamentous algae Plain of mixed shell gravel & mud with cobbles. Sparse Antedon petasus, Nemertesia ramosa, drift R SS.SMX.CMx 1.08 algae, Echinus. L. saccharina, L. hyperborea, Echinus, boulders, red algae on stipes & rock. Callophyllis laciniata, 1.09 R IR.LIR.K.LhypLsac Delesseria sanguinea. Second drop into L. saccharina park with Desmarestia aculeata on boulders & sediment. Shelly sand (few cobbles), Desmarestia spp., scattered L. saccharina, further there were more L. R & NR SS.SMP.KSwSS 1.10 saccharina Mixed sediment & occasional cobble with Virgularia, Echinus & rare Funiculina. Silty bedrock slope, 1.11a R CR.LCR.BrAs big boulders - fairly bare with abundant coralline crusts & Ascidia mentula. 11m Desmarestia then kelp, L. saccharina & L. hyperborea.

Reef / Site code Non-Reef Biotope 1 Biotope 2 Biotope 3 Notes category Mixed sediment & occasional cobble with Virgularia, Echinus & rare Funiculina. Silty bedrock slope, 1.11b R IR.LIR.K.LhypLsac big boulders - fairly bare with abundant coralline crusts & Ascidia mentula. 11m Desmarestia then kelp, L. saccharina & L. hyperborea. Mixed sandy mud & some scattered boulders on sediment. Camera moving fast onto muddy sand SS.SMU.CFiM R & NR CR.LCR.BrAs.AntAsH with burrows & Funiculina then boulder slope. Virgularia, Liocarcinus depurator, Cerianthus lloydii, 1.12 u.SpnMeg.Fun Amphiura sp., Munida, ascidians, sparse hydroids and crusts on rocks. Steep slope of bedrock & boulders with Ascidia mentula & dense species-rich hydroid turf. Camera dropped to sediment seabed down steep rock. Nemertesia antennina, N. ramosa, foliose algae, 1.13 R CR.HCR.XFa.SwiLgAs Halecium halecinum, Abietinaria abietina, Kirchenpaueria pinnata, branching sponge (?Iophonopsis), Lytocarpia myriophyllum, Echinus, Axinella infundibuliformis, Caryophyllia smithii, Clavelina lepadiformis, Cuckoo wrasse. Boulders on mixed muddy shell gravel. Silty hydroid turf with Diazona & Alcyonium glomeratum. Tubularia indivisa, Diazona (small), Leptometra celtica, Ascidia mentula, Echinus, cuckoo wrasse, R CR.LCR.BrAs.AntAsH 1.14 Alcyonium glomeratum, Nemertesia ramosa, Caryophyllia smithii, Munida, sponge crusts, Clavelina lepadiformis, Ophiocomina nigra, Amphiura spp., Kirchenpaueria pinnata. Leptometra abundant on silty bedrock & boulders with Echinus and rich hydroid turf, Alc. glomeratum, Metridium, Abietinaria abietina, Kirchempaueria pinnata, Munida, Aequipecten, Cerianthus. Large R CR.LCR.BrAs.AntAsH 1.15 patches of sediment. Small fish shoals, Corymorpha nutans at 41m. Camera dropped onto sediment plain with Corymorpha frequent.

133 1.16 NR SS.SMU.CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun Densely burrowed mud with abundant Funiculina & Nephrops burrows. Virgularia, Pennatula. Silty bedrock, grazed with algal crusts & occasional feather stars & clumps of hydroids. Probably SS.SMU.CFiM dropped off edge of steep rock to level seabed with mixed shell gravel & boulders, then burrowed R & NR CR.LCR.BrAs.AntAsH 1.17 u.SpnMeg mud right at end of drop. Echinus esculentus, Antedon petasus, Nemertesia antennina, Munida, occasional hydroids, sponges (?Iophonopsis), Caryophyllia, coralline crusts, Pomatoceros, Lineus. SS.SMU.CSa Bedrock & boulders with dense L. hyperborea forest, & some L. saccharina, Foliose algae, 1.18 R & NR IR.LIR.K.LhypLsac Mu.VirOphPm Desmarestia aculeata, Callophyllis laciniata. Moved onto plain of muddy shell gravel & sand with ax Liocarcinus depurator & Virgularia. Kelp sparse at 16m. Mixed muddy sand with boulders, cobbles & silty rock with Echinus, Munida, abundant Leptometra, 1.19 R CR.LCR.BrAs.AntAsH short bryozoan/hydroid turf. Sertularella gayi, Nemertesia ramosa, coralline crusts, Neocrania anomala, sponge crusts, Caryophyllia smithii, Dense forest of L. saccharina & cape L. hyperborea. Filamentous algae on fronds. Substratum not R IR.LIR.K.LhypLsac 1.20 seen. Drop abandoned because engines cut Boulders with L. saccharina & cape L. hyperborea. Foliose algae, Delesseria sanguinea, Echinus, 1.21 R IR.LIR.K.LhypLsac Gibbula cineraria, Desmarestia aculeata, Ascidiella aspersa, 20m more open kelp forest. Desmarestia aculeata. Cobbles Mud, cobbles, small boulders, feather stars, hydroids, Nemertesia (Viewer battery change); Echinus, R CR.LCR.BrAs.AntAsH 2.01 rocks Slope of burrowed muddy sand with shell gravel, possibly over rock. Leptometra celtica, Cerianthus R SS.SMX.CMx.ClloMx 2.02 lloydii, Caryophyllia smithii, Munida, Alcyonidium diaphanum. 2.03 NR SS.SMU.CFiMu Muddy, soft, nothing else! (East of old fish farm) Drop not labelled SS.SMU.CFiM Glimpse of silty bedrock with feather stars & ascidians, then camera drifted onto mud. Burrowed mud, R & NR CR.LCR.BrAs.AntAsH 2.04 u.SpnMeg Cerianthus, feather stars, Leptometra celtica, Pecten maximus, Nephrops, 2.05 R & NR SS.SMX.CMx Muddy sand, shelly, brittlestars, as above

Reef / Site code Non-Reef Biotope 1 Biotope 2 Biotope 3 Notes category Rugged rock & boulders with rich silty hydroid turf. Caryophyllia smithii, Ophiocomina nigra, Halecium 2.06 R CR.MCR.EcCr.CarSp.Bri halecinum, Abietinaria abietina, Ophiothrix fragilis, Nemertesia antennina, Nemertesia ramosa, Rhizocaulus verticillatus, Aglaophenia tubulifera. 2.07 R CR.LCR.BrAs.AmenCio.Bri Very silty rock ledges & occasional boulders with Ophiothrix fragilis bed, Luidia ciliaris Boulders with cape form Laminaria saccharina, Laminaria hyperborea, Saccorhiza polyschides, R IR.LIR.K.Lsac.Ft 2.08 Chorda filum. Carpet of filamentous & foliose algae, probably covering cobble & mixed sediment (not visible). R SS.SMp.KSwSS.LsacR.Sa 2.09 Desmarestia aculeata, Chaetopterus variopedatus, Cerianthus lloydii. Cobbles on muddy sand & shell. Bed of Ophiothrix fragilis with Ophiocomina nigra. Inachus R SS.SMx.CMx.OphMx 2.10 phalaganium. Very uniform Chorda & silty filamentous algae on cobbles & sediment. Arenicola mounds, Cerianthus, Desmarestia R SS.SMp.KSwSS.LsacCho 2.11 aculeata, Pecten, occasional L. saccharina. Liocarcinus depurator, Pagurus bernhardus. Rock, cobble & mixed gravel with hydroids & red algae. Delesseria sanguinea, N. antennina, 2.13 R CR.HCR.XFa.SpNemAdia Abietinaria abietina, Echinus, Marthasterias, Nemertesia ramosa, Asterias, Hyas araneus, Necora puber, dense hydroid turf over cobble plain. 2.14 R & NR SS.SMx.CMx.ClloMx Cerianthus, Virgularia, red algae, shelly sand, pebbles - few, Desmarestia Cobbles on sediment with Ophiothrix bed. Luidia ciliaris, Ophiomina nigra, Corymorpha, Caryophyllia 2.15 R SS.SMx.CMx.OphMx smithii, Nemertesia ramosa, Rhizocaulus verticillatus, Corella parallelogramma, Pododesmus, boulder with Neocrania, coralline crusts. 134 2.16 NR SS.SMX.CMx Muddy sand & shell gravel with scattered Ophiocomina nigra, dragonet, anemone (not seen clearly). 2.17 NR SS.SMU.CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun Soft burrowed mud with Funiculina, Munida, Nephrops burrows, Cerianthus, Pachycerianthus. Muddy sand & shell debris with brittlestar bed. Ophiothrix, Munida, Pecten maximus, Ophiura 2.18 R SS.SMx.CMx.OphMx ophiura, Virgularia mirabilis, Ophiocomina nigra, Nemertesia antennina, Ophiura albida, occ. hydroid tufts, Nemertesia ramosa, Corella parallelogramma 2.19 NR SS.SMU.CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun Soft burrowed mud with Funiculina SS.SMu.CSaMu.VirOphPmax Level muddy shell gravel & cobble with abundant Virgularia & patches of filamentous algae & R & NR 2.21 .HAs hydroids. Muddy sand & cobbles with silty filamentous algae. Sparse L. saccharina, common Desmarestia sp., R SS.SMp.KSwSS.LsacR.Mu 2.22 Ulva, Carcinus maenas, Sabella, Cerianthus. Cobbles & mixed muddy shell gravel. Virgularia, Liocarcinus depurator, Cerianthus, Turritella shells, SS.SMu.CSaMu.VirOphPmax R & NR Cancer, Pomatoceros, Munida, occasional hydroids, Myxicola, occasional burrows including 2.23 .HAs holothurian burrow 2.24 NR SS.SMU.CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun Soft burrowed mud with dense Funiculina & occasional Pennatula. Dense kelp forest with Desmarestia aculeata, L. saccharina, L. hyperborea. Kelp very dense with little R IR.LIR.K.LhypLsac.Ft 2.25 visible beneath canopy. Some foliose red algae. Burrowed mud with occasional Funiculina, common Corymorpha, Leptometra, Ascidiella aspersa, NR SS.SMU.CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun 2.26 Munida, Sagartiogeton, Amphiura sp. 2.27 R CR.LCR.BrAs.AntAsH PM (new tape). Boulders & feather stars, Leptometra, crinoid field, Caryophyllia, hydroids Cobbles with dense cover of silty algae. Chorda filum, Ulva, L. saccharina, filamentous algae, R SS.SMp.KSwSS.LsacR.Sa 2.28 Lacuna, Asperococcus, Chondrus. Sandy patches. Boulders & mixed gravel, very silty. Munida, sparse hydroids, then bedrock with sponges, silty 2.29 R CR.LCR.BrAs.AntAsH hydroids, brittlestars, Nemertesia antennina, Nemertesia ramosa, Ophiocomina nigra, Ophiothrix fragilis, Protanthea, Neocrania, Suberites, Caryophyllia, Antedon petasus, Kirchenpaueria pinnata.

Reef / Site code Non-Reef Biotope 1 Biotope 2 Biotope 3 Notes category Shelly mixed gravel & pebbles with dense L. saccharina forest, Ulva, silty filamentous algae, Chorda R IR.LIR.K.LhypLsac 2.30 filum, L. hyperborea cape form, Dictyota. Boulders, cobble & mixed sediment with Ophiothrix fragilis bed. Echinus, Marthasterias glacialis, R SS.SMx.CMx.OphMx 3.01 some filamentous algae, L. saccharina Rock, boulders & cobble with Antedon petasus, coralline crusts, Pomatoceros, Kirchenpaueria R CR.LCR.BrAs.AntAsH 3.02 pinnata, Munida, Echinus, Ascidiella aspersa, Modiolus modiolus, Derbesia. Fairly bare Muddy shell gravel, cobble & shell, boulders. L. saccharina occasional. Coralline crusts, occasional R SS.SMp.KSwSS.LsacR.Sa 3.03 algal tufts. Cobble & muddy shell gravel with frequent red algae, Munida, Callionymus lyra, L. saccharina, R SS.SMP.KSwSS.LsacR.Gv 3.04 Echinus Cobbles on sediment. Munida, Protanthea, Leptometra celtica, Pomatoceros, Neocrania, Ascidia R CR.LCR.BrAs.AmenCio.Ant 3.05 mentula, Ascidiella aspersa, Pecten maximus, barnacles. Muddy shell gravel, pebble & cobble. Pomatoceros, Echinus, Nemertesia antennina, Ascidiella R CR.LCR.BrAs.AmenCio 3.06 aspersa, Asterias. Fairly barren Muddy shell gravel, pebble & cobble with sparse algae. Chorda filum, L. saccharina, Psammechinus R SS.SMp.KSwSS.LsacR.Sa 3.07 miliaris, Sabella pavonina, coralline crusts, Pomatoceros. Muddy shell gravel. Occasional (rare) L. saccharina, Pecten maximus, Aequipecten opercularis, R SS.SMp.KSwSS.LsacR.Sa 3.08 Echinus, Pomatoceros Muddy shell gravel & boulders. Protanthea, Hyas araneus, Pagurus bernhardus, Pomatoceros, 3.09 R CR.LCR.BrAs.AmenCio 135 Munida 3.12 NR SS.SMU.CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun Mud with Funiculina & burrows. Motored in to look for reef & dropped again into 29m. Motored in from previous drop to look for reef & dropped again into 29m. 2nd drop with boulders on 3.12a R CR.LCR.BrAs.AmenCio.Ant sediment. Munida, Leptometra, Alc digitatum, Protanthea, Ser. argentea, Chaetopterus, Some steep bedrock. Ophiothrix, Halecium halecinum. Muddy shell gravel & cobble with Echinus esculentus, Munida rugosa, Pomatoceros, coralline crusts, R & NR SS.SMX.CMx 3.13 Corella parallelogramma, Chaetopterus variopedatus, Ascidiella aspersa, Pecten maximus. CR.LC Mud with occasional boulders, Antedon petasus, Munida, Echinus, clumps of hydroids, Funiculina R & NR SS.SMU.CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun R.BrAs.AntAs 3.14a quadrangularis H Mud with Funiculina & burrows. Nephrops burrows, Pachycerianthus multiplicatus, Pennatula NR SS.SMU.CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun 3.14b phosphorea. One boulder. Amphiura spp., Echinus, flatfish, other burrowing anemone. Boulders & cobbles with L. saccharina, Chorda filum, filamentous green algae & dense Ophiothrix R IR.LIR.K.Lsac.Gz 3.15 fragilis & Ophiocomina nigra. 3.16 R SS.SMp.KSwSS.LsacCho Pebbles & cobbles. L. saccharina cape form forest. Chorda filum, filamentous algae. Cobbles & some boulders with Ophiocomina nigra, Ophiothrix fragilis & L. saccharina forest. Foliose R IR.LIR.KVS.LsacPsaVS 3.17 algae, Pomatoceros sp., filamentous algae, Psammechinus miliaris, Chorda filum, 3.18 NR SS.SMU.CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun Soft mud with Funiculina & Amalosoma. Pennatula phosphorea, Munida Boulders & cobbles with L. saccharina, Chorda filum, filamentous green algae & dense Ophiothrix R IR.LIR.K.Lsac.Gz 3.19 fragilis & Ophiocomina nigra. Asterias. Cobble & grazed boulders with Echinus, Protanthea, Munida, Chaetopterus variopedatus, R CR.LCR.BrAs.AmenCio 3.20 Bougainvillea ramosa. Adjacent to fish farm Boulders & sediment with L. saccharina. Echinus. Very silty. Ascidia mentula, some foliose algae, R IR.LIR.K.Lsac.Ft 3.21 Desmarestia aculeata, Asterias, Antedon bifida, Echinus, Chorda filum, filamentous algae,

Reef / Site code Non-Reef Biotope 1 Biotope 2 Biotope 3 Notes category Cobbles on sediment with Ophiothrix fragilis, Echinus, Kirchenpaueria pinnata, algal crusts. Lots of 3.24 R CR.LCR.BrAs.AmenCio silt, patches of sediment. Protanthea, Munida, Corella parallelogramma, Ascidiella aspersa, Pomatoceros sp. 3.25 NR SS.SMU.CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun Mud with Funiculina & burrows. Nephrops burrows, Pagurus bernhardus CR.LCR.BrAs. Boulders & rock, probably a steep wall shallower then cobble/gravel seabed. Brittlestar bed @ 53m. R CR.LCR.BrAs.AmenCio.Bri 3.26a AntAsH Abietinaria abietina, Ophiothrix fragilis, Alcyonium digitatum, Munida Boulders, cobbles, bedrock & muddy sand. Hydroids, common Echinus, large patches of Ophiothrix, 3.26b R SS.SMx.CMx.OphMx Pomatoceros, Abietinaria, Ophiocomina, Munida, N. antennina, N. ramosa, Henricia, Rhizocaulus verticillatus, Kirchenpaueria pinnata, poss. Limaria. Boulder & cobble with rich hydroid and ascidian turf. Ascidia mentula, Ascidia virginea, Antedon petasus, Munida, Nemertesia ramosa, N. antennina, Ophiothrix, Halecium halecinum, Leptometra, R CR.HCR.XFa.SpNemAdia 3.27 Echinus, Crossaster, Corella, pipe fish, Liocarcinus depurator, coralline crusts, Pomatoceros, Goldsinny, Suberites, ?Iophonopsis Rock, cobble & gravel plain. Dense Ophiothrix, Munida, N. ramosa, N.antennina, Abietinaria abietina, SS.SMx.IMx.Li R SS.SMx.CMx.OphMx Kirchenpaueria pinnata, pagurids, Echinus, Ophiocomina, Antedon petasus. Burrows under groups of 3.28 m cobbles. 3.29 R IR.MIR.KR.Lhyp.Ft L. hyperborea forest with Obelia on fronds. Desmarestia aculeata. Seabed not visible under canopy Muddy sand with cobbles & shell debris. Moved onto more boulders & small bedrock outcrops at end. Feather stars, silty hydroids, ascidians. A. petasus, Virgularia, Amphiura spp., N. ramosa, Echinus,

136 SS.SMu.CSa R CR.LCR.BrAs.AmenCio Asterias, Pag bernhardus, Pomatoceros, Munida, Ascidia mentula, coralline crusts, Inachus 3.30 Mu dorsettenesis, Lanice, Pomatoceros, Chaetopterus, Necora, Neocrania, Pododesmus, Caryophyllia smithii. Boulders & sandy mud patches. A. petasus, Bonnemaisonia asparagoides, Desmarestia viridis, Phyllophora crispa, Leptometra, Desmarestia aculeata, Munida rugosa, Abietinaria, Virgularia, R IR.HIR.KFaR.FoR 3.31 Sporochnus pedunculatus, Echinus, Hyas araneus, Liocarcinus depurator, Cerianthus, Pomatoschistus 3.32 R IR.LIR.K.Lsac.Ft Dense L. saccharina, Chorda filum, filamentous algae, Antedon bifida, feather stars, boulders Sandy mud with Cerianthus lloydii, Pennatula phosphorea, Pecten maximus, burrows, Asterias, NR SS.SMU.CFiMu.SpnMeg 3.33 Pagurus bernhardus, hydroid on cobble Muddy sediment & cobbles. Amphipod tubes, Ophiothrix fragilis, Serpula, Boulders. Echinus. Rock R CR.LCR.BrAs 3.34 steps with Pododesmus, Neocrania. Mixed sediment/cobble. Ophiothrix bed with Nemertesia antennina, N. ramosa, Ascidiella aspersa, SS.SMU.CSa Callionymus lyra, Ophiocomina nigra. Moved onto cleaner sand with scattered common Ophiura R & NR SS.SMx.CMx.OphMx Mu.VirOphPm 3.35 ophiura, clumps of brittlestars & common Amalosoma. Ophiocomina nigra, Ophiothrix fragilis, ax Inachus dorsettensis, Funiculina, Hyas araneus, Pagurus bernhardus. Muddy sand & cobble with shell debris & occasional small boulders. Moved onto slope with mixed sediment & more small boulders. Bougainvillea ramosa, Amalosoma, Ophiura ophiura, Munida R CR.LCR.BrAs.AmenCio SS.SMX.CMx 3.36 rugosa, Asterias rubens, Pecten maximus, Modiolus modiolus, Asterias rubens, Antedon petasus, Echinus esculentus, enc. Coralline algae, Callionymus. Muddy sand & shell & occasional cobbles. N. antennina, Turritella, Virgularia, Lytocarpia myriophyllum, N. antennina, Polyplumaria frutescens, Sagartiogeton, Funiculina quadrangularis, NR SS.SMU.CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun 3.37 Nephrops norvegicus, ?Alcyonium glomeratum, Pennatula phosphorea, Liocarcinus depurator, Amphiura spp.

Reef / Site code Non-Reef Biotope 1 Biotope 2 Biotope 3 Notes category SS.SMx.IMx.Li Cobble on mixed muddy shell gravel with Ophiothrix fragilis bed. Ophiocomina nigra, Munida, ?poss. R & NR? SS.SMx.CMx.OphMx 3.38 m Limaria Boulders, bedrock & mixed sediment with foliose & filamentous red algae. Leptometra celtica, 3.39 R SS.SMp.KSwSS.LsacR.Sa hydroids, Nemertesia antennina, occasional L. saccharina, Ascidia mentula, Munida, cape kelp plants, coralline crusts, Cobble & muddy shell gravel with dense brittlestars, and occasional Limaria hians nests. Moved onto boulders & bedrock with dense hydroids, erect sponges. Ophiothrix, Limaria, Munida, hermits, SS.SMx.IMx.Li R CR.HCR.XFa.SwiLgAs Corella, hydroids, Cuckoo wrasse, N.antennina, Abietinaria, S.argentea, Sertularella, Lytocarpia, 3.41a m A.digitatum, A.glomeratum, Echinus, H.halecinum, U.eques, erect sponges (?Haliclona), A.infundibuliformis, Caryophyllia, Swiftia, Metridium Plain of mixed cobble & shell gravel with Ophiothrix fragilis, Ophiocomina nigra & occasional Limaria nests. Drifted onto species rich bedrock & boulders with hydroids, anemones and sponges. SS.SMx.IMx.Li R CR.HCR.XFa.SwiLgAs Ophiothrix, Ophiocomina, Limaria, Henricia, A. glomeratum, A. digitatum, Caryophyllia smithii, 3.41b m Neocrania, Chaetopterus, wrasse, Abietinaria, Suberites, Axinella infundibuliformis, Swiftia, large branching sponge, Diphasia, Parazoanthus anguicomus, sponges. 3.42 NR SS.SMU.CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun Burrowed mud with Funiculina quadrangularis, Pennatula phosphorea & Nephrops norvegicus Heavily silted bedrock, sediment & cobble. Leptometra celtica abundant, Munida, Corella R CR.LCR.BrAs.AntAsH 3.43 parallelogramma, Nemertesia ramosa, Neocrania anomala, Protanthea. Steep slope of cobbles/small boulders on mixed muddy sediment. Munida, Echinus, pagurids,

137 3.44 R CR.LCR.BrAs.AmenCio Protanthea, coralline crusts, Pododesmus, Pecten, Neocrania, Ophiothrix, Chaetopterus, Alcyonidium diaphanum, Mixed hydroids, bryozoan crusts Cobble & mixed shell gravel. Foliose & filamentous algae were common. Camera moved onto dense R SS.SMp.KSwSS.LsacR.Gv 3.45 L. saccharina. 3.46 NR SS.SMU.CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun Mud with Funiculina & abundant burrows. Nephrops burrows, 3.47 NR SS.SMU.CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun Mud with Funiculina quadrangularis & burrows. SS.SMx.IMx.Li Mixed muddy shell gravel with L. saccharina, red algae, Chorda filum, Ulva, Asterias, Probably R SS.SMp.KSwSS.LsacCho 3.48 m Limaria - dead shells present. SS.SMU.CFiM Muddy sand plain with shell debris. Pagurus bernhardus, Antedon petasus, Munida, Chaetopterus. NR SS.SMU.CSaMu 3.49 u.SpnMeg.Fun Moved onto burrowed mud with sparse Nephrops, Funiculina, Pachycerianthus & frequent Munida. Boulders on sediment. Antedon petasus, Leptometra, Ascidia mentula, Crossaster, Coralline crusts, 3.50a R CR.LCR.BrAs.AntAsH Protanthea, Ophiothrix, Pomatoceros, Echinus, Sabella, Munida, Chaetopterus, Pagurus bernhardus, Neocrania anomala Gradual slope of cobbles/small boulders on muddy sand. Reasonably diverse fauna with SS.SMU.CFiM Chaetopterus, Ophiothrix fragilis, Protanthea simplex, Echinus esculentus, coralline crusts, Ascidiella R & NR CR.LCR.BrAs.AmenCio.Bri 3.50b u.SpnMeg.Fun aspersa, Cerianthus lloydii, Limaria nests. Patch of burrowed mud with Funiculina, then cobble & sediment slope CR.LCR.BrAs. Grazed boulder slope with rare L. saccharina, Echinus, Munida, some foliose reds, Nemertesia R IR.LIR.K.Lsac.Pk 3.51 AntAsH antennina, frequent Antedon petasus, Ascidia mentula, Protanthea, coralline crusts SS.SMp.KSwS Dense L. saccharina on cobble then maerl & maerl gravel with scattered algae. Cerianthus lloydii R SS.SMp.Mrl.Pcal 4.01 S.LsacR.Gv common. Boulders, bedrock outcrops & muddy sand. Ridges with dense Laminaria saccharina. Munida rugosa, 4.02 R IR.LIR.KVS.LsacPsaVS Callionymus lyra, Echinus esculentus, Psammechinus miliaris, coralline crusts, Protanthea simplex, sparse hydroids, Dictyota dichotoma, Chorda filum.

Reef / Site code Non-Reef Biotope 1 Biotope 2 Biotope 3 Notes category Muddy sand, shell & cobble. L. saccharina, Arenicola casts. Drifted onto more cobbles. Fauna R IR.LIR.KVS.LsacPsaVS 4.03 sparse, coralline crusts common. Liocarcinus depurator, Echinus, occasional tufts of red algae. Cobbles & occasional boulders with abundant coralline crusts, Pomatoceros, Psammechinus, Munida 4.04 R IR.LIR.KVS.LsacPsaVS rugosa, Ophiothrix fragilis, Ophiocomina nigra, hydroids, Protanthea simplex, Kirchenpaueria pinnata, Serpula vermicularis. Then more abundant brittlestars, Echinus esculentus. Muddy shell gravel, cobble & boulders. Coralline crusts, hydroids, Munida, Pomatoceros, Ascidiella R CR.LCR.BrAs.AmenCio 4.05 aspersa, Echinus, Kirchenpaueria pinnata, Chaetopterus variopedatus. Muddy shell gravel & cobble. L. saccharina, Munida, occasional foliose & filamentous algae, 4.06 R SS.SMp.KSwSS.LsacR.Sa Pomatoceros, Ophiothrix fragilis, Pecten maximus, Kirchenpaueria pinnata, Psammechinus miliaris, Echinus, Amalosoma eddystonense. Boulders & muddy shell gravel with Echinus esculentus, Pomatoceros, Protanthea simplex, 4.07 R CR.LCR.BrAs.AmenCio Suberites, Ascidiella aspersa, Leptometra celtica, Munida rugosa, Halecium halecinum, Bougainvillea ramosa, Neocrania anomala, Funiculina quadrangularis. Muddy shell gravel & cobble with some silty bedrock. Superficially barren. Pomatoceros, Munida, R CR.LCR.BrAs 4.08 hermit crab, coralline crusts, Liocarcinus depurator, Protanthea, very rare hydroids, Arenicola casts. 4.09 R IR.LIR.K.Lsac.Ft Dense canopy of silty L. saccharina & Chorda filum, possibly L. hyperborea Muddy shell gravel & cobble with common Leptometra celtica. Ophiothrix fragilis, Munida, Ascidiella R CR.LCR.BrAs.AntAsH 4.10 aspersa, Ascidia virginea, Halecium halecinum, Pomatoceros, coralline crusts SS.SMx.CMx. R CR.LCR.BrAs.AmenCio.Bri Boulders & muddy shell gravel with dense Ophiothrix fragilis bed 138 4.11 OphMx Muddy shell gravel & cobble. Ophiothrix, Ophiocomina, Antedon petasus, Leptometra, Crossaster, CR.LCR.BrAs. R SS.SMx.CMx.OphMx Munida, Ascidiella aspersa, Ascidia virginea, Corella, Pyura microcosmus, Chaetopterus, 4.12 AntAsH Aequipecten, Pododesmus, Neocrania, Ophiura albida. Silty grazed bedrock with patches of muddy shell gravel, steep rock in places. L. saccharina, Echinus, R IR.LIR.K.Lsac.Gz 4.13 Munida, Asterias, Pomatoceros, Bedrock & boulders. L. saccharina forest with Chorda filum & filamentous brown algae. Ophiocomina R IR.LIR.K.Lsac.Ft 4.14 nigra common. Pomatoceros, coralline crusts, Psammechinus. 4.15 R IR.LIR.K.Lsac.Ft Muddy shell gravel, cobble & boulder with Chorda filum & dense L. saccharina forest Muddy sand & pebble with Chorda filum, Pomatoceros, Liocarcinus depurator & patches of R & NR SS.SMp.KSwSS.LsacCho 4.16 filamentous green & brown algae Cobble, pebble, boulder, muddy shell gravel. Delesseria sanguinea, L. saccharina, red algae, R SS.SMP.KSwSS.LsacR.Gv 4.17 Pomatoceros, Echinus, Marthasterias glacialis, Munida, Ophiothrix fragilis Grazed boulders & cobbles on muddy gravel. Echinus, Chaetopterus, Pomatoceros, coralline crusts, 4.18 R CR.LCR.BrAs.NeoPro Munida, Leptometra celtica, clumps of hydroids, Protanthea, Ascidiella aspersa, Neocrania anomala, Metridium senile. Muddy shell gravel & cobble with rare L. saccharina & sparse fauna. Echinus, Callionymus lyra, R SS.SMp.KSwSS.LsacR.Sa 4.19 Pagurus bernhardus, Ascidiella aspersa, Pomatoceros, coralline crusts. Rock with dense L. saccharina then muddy shell gravel with Echinus, L. saccharina, occasional R SS.SMp.KSwSS.LsacCho 5.01 algae, Munida, Ascidiella aspersa, Hyas araneus, Psammechinus miliaris. SS.SMx.CMx. Cobbles on coarse sediment with brittlestar bed. Ophiothrix fragilis, Psammechinus miliaris, scattered R ?SS.SMx.IMx.Lim 5.02 OphMx red algae. Low ridges/platforms of cobbles on the sediment. Muddy shell gravel & cobble with Chorda filum, L. saccharina, filamentous green & brown algae, R IR.LIR.Lag.FChoG 5.03 Fucus serratus, Asterias, Pagurus bernhardus

Reef / Site code Non-Reef Biotope 1 Biotope 2 Biotope 3 Notes category Muddy gravel, cobble, & pebble with Ophiothrix fragilis, Ophiocomina nigra, Ascidia mentula, coralline R ?SS.SMx.IMx.Lim 5.04 crusts, Psammechinus, Pomatoceros. Cobble, gravel & shell plain. Munida, rare Ophiothrix fragilis, Echinus. Lots of drift algae. Some silty R & NR SS.SMX.CMx 5.05 rock SS.SMx.CMx. Cobbles on coarse sediment with brittlestar bed. Ophiothrix fragilis, Psammechinus miliaris, R ?SS.SMx.IMx.Lim 5.06 OphMx Alcyonium digitatum. Boulders on sediment & patches of bedrock. Protanthea, Sabella pavonina, Echinus esculentus, Pagurus bernhardus, Chaetopterus variopedatus, Munida, Bougainvillea ramosa, Halecium R CR.LCR.BrAs.NeoPro 5.07 halecinum, Ascidiella aspersa, Funiculina quadrangularis, bushy hydroid. 1st part of drop not recorded on tape. Sediment with occasional cobbles. Amphiura sp., Pecten maximus, Virgularia mirabilis, Nephrops, NR SS.SMu.CSaMu.VirOphPmax 5.08 fish - ?snake blenny. 5.09 NR SS.SMu.CFiMu.MegMax Burrowed mud with Nephrops norvegicus Mud with clumps of Chaetopterus variopedatus, Munida, drift kelp plants, Protanthea, Bougainvillea NR CR.LCR.BrAs.NeoPro 5.10 ramosa, Virgularia mirabilis, Amphiura sp., Echinus, Ascidiella aspersa. Muddy gravel & shell debris. Occasional hydroids, Ascidiella aspersa, Amphiura sp., Munida, 5.11 NR SS.SMx.CMx.ClloMx.Nem Asterias, Pagurus bernhardus, Cerianthus lloydii, Sagartiogeton, Suberites, Nemertesia antennina, Funiculina quadrangularis SS.SMu.CSa Big boulders covered with coralline crusts, & areas of muddy shell gravel & cobble. Coralline crusts,

139 5.12 R CR.LCR.BrAs.AmenCio Mu.VirOphPm Alcyonium digitatum, Echinus, coralline crusts, Protanthea, barnacles, Pomatoceros, Chaetopterus ax variopedatus, Virgularia mirabilis, Amphiura sp. Muddy shell gravel & cobble with L. saccharina. Pagurus bernhardus, Pomatoceros, Cerianthus, R SS.SMp.KSwSS.LsacR.Mu 5.13 Pomatoschistus. Mud, cobble & shell debris with Chorda filum & L. saccharina. Filamentous algal mat patches R SS.SMp.KSwSS.LsacCho 6.01 ?Trailliella. SS.SMp.KSwS Cobble, shell & muddy gravel. Filamentous algae. L. saccharina, Chorda filum, Serpula vermicularis R SS.SBR.PoR.Ser 6.02 S.LsacCho reef Cobble, shell & muddy gravel. Filamentous algae. L. saccharina, Chorda filum, Mytilus edulis, L. R SS.SMp.KSwSS.LsacCho 6.03 hyperborea SS.SMp.KSwS Cobble, shell & muddy gravel. Filamentous algae. L. saccharina, Chorda filum, Pomatoceros, small R SS.SBR.PoR.Ser 6.04 S.LsacCho clumps of Serpula vermicularis Muddy gravel, cobble, mud & shell debris with filamentous algae, Chorda filum, L. saccharina, R SS.SMp.KSwSS.LsacCho 6.05 Buccinum undatum, Serpula vermicularis 6.06 NR SS.SMp.KSwSS.LsacCho Dense Chorda filum, L. saccharina & filamentous algal mat. Very silty. 6.07 NR SS.SMU.CFiMu Very soft mud & some shell debris. Little seen 6.08 R IR.LIR.K.Lsac.Ft Cape form L. saccharina forest, possibly L. hyperborea, Desmarestia aculeata, Chorda filum, Ulva. Filamentous algae, ?Trailliella, Asperococcus, L. saccharina, Chorda filum, Cerianthus lloydii, NR SS.SMp.KSwSS.Tra 6.10 Sagartiogeton. Red algae on cobbles. Echinus, L. saccharina, Enteromorpha, Asperococcus, Desmarestia aculeata, R SS.SMp.KSwSS.LsacR.Sa 6.11 Ulva, Munida, Liocaricinus depurator, Pagurus bernhardus 6.12 R IR.LIR.K.Lsac.Ft Dense L. saccharina, Chorda filum, Echinus Boulders, cobble & gravel with L. saccharina & L. hyperborea. Echinus. Much cleaner than other R IR.LIR.K.LhypLsac.Ft 6.13 sites. Phycodrys, some Chorda filum, Ulva, coralline crusts, Goldsinny

Reef / Site code Non-Reef Biotope 1 Biotope 2 Biotope 3 Notes category Mud, gravelly sand, lots of bark debris, scattered L. saccharina plants with clumps of foliose & NR SS.SMp.KSwSS.LsacCho barge filamentous algae, Chorda filum sparse, Desmarestia aculeata, Asterias, Ensis (many dead shells) SS.SMx.IMx.Li R SS.SMx.CMx.OphMx Muddy shell gravel & cobble with Ophiothrix fragilis bed X02 m Cobble/muddy gravel plain with rich hydroid turf. Nemertesia antennina, N. ramosa, Polyplumaria X03 R CR.HCR.XFa.SwiLgAs frutescens, Rhizocaulus verticillatus, Sertularia argentea, Urticina eques, Echinus esculentus, Munida, Antedon petasus, Pomatoceros, Kirchenpaueria, dogfish, Ophiothrix fragilis. Cobbles with brittlestar bed. Ophiothrix fragilis, Nemertesia antennina, Kirchenpaueria pinnata, R SS.SMx.CMx.OphMx X04 Munida, Sertularia argentea, Nemertesia ramosa, Ascidia mentula. Very uniform Rock & boulder with dense silty hydroid turf. Ascidia mentula, Alcyonium digitatum, Antedon petasus, X05 R CR.LCR.BrAs.AntAsH Echinus, Neocrania anomala, Goldsinny wrasse, Ophiocomina, Ophiothrix, Caryophyllia smithii, Aglaophenia tubulifera, Munida, ?branching sponge Boulders on muddy sediment slope with abundant Neocrania anomala, Ophiothrix fragilis, R CR.LCR.BrAs.AmenCio.Bri X06 Ophiocomina nigra, Munida, occasional hydroids. X07 R IR.LIR.K.LhypLsac.Ft Kelp forest with Laminaria saccharina, Laminaria hyperborea, foliose algae, Urticina felina Dense kelp forest with L. saccharina & L. hyperborea. Delesseria sanguinea, Cryptopleura ramosa. R IR.LIR.K.LhypLsac.Ft X08 Not much seabed visible under canopy SS.SMx.CMx. Very uniform brittlestar bed on cobble. Ophiothrix fragilis, Alcyonium digitatum. Looks like ridges of R ?SS.SMx.IMx.Lim X09 OphMx Limaria nests with small openings visible

140 Steep slope of bedrock & boulders then muddy gravel & scattered cobble & shell plain. Ophiothrix X10 R SS.SMX.CMx fragilis, Chaetopterus variopedatus, Turritella communis, Munida, Echinus, Liocarcinus depurator, Bougainvillea ramosa.

Appendix 3.3 Summary of subtidal video data collected from Loch Sunart prior to 2006 survey.

Includes Heriot Watt survey during 2001 broad scale mapping of Loch Sunart (Bates et al., 2004) and data from an SNH/Marine Harvest survey of fish farms in February 2005. Where possible, tapes were reviewed and biotopes reassigned as part of the present exercise.

SeaMap/SNH Sampling Record no Latitude Longitude Biotope assigned 2006 Data source Video Code system R6 56.65225 -5.93213 K.Lsac.Ft HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-4 ROV R6 56.65225 -5.93213 BrAs.AmenCio HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-4 ROV R6 56.65225 -5.93213 K.Lsac.Gz HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-4 ROV R6 56.65225 -5.93213 CSaMu.VirOphPmax HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-4 ROV R6 56.65225 -5.93213 CSaMu.VirOphPmax HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-4 ROV R7 56.65590 -5.92212 IFiMu.Beg HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-4 ROV R7 56.65590 -5.92212 KSwSS.LsacR HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-4 ROV R7 56.65590 -5.92212 KSwSS.Tra HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-4 ROV R8 56.65792 -5.92922 K.Lsac.Ft HW 2001 - ROV R8 56.65792 -5.92922 KSwSS.Tra HW 2001 - ROV R18 56.66623 -5.87075 BrAs.AntAsH HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-7 ROV R18 56.66623 -5.87075 K.Lsac.Ft HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-7 ROV R18 56.66623 -5.87075 KSwSS.LsacR HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-7 ROV R19 56.67702 -5.85672 BrAs.AntAsH HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-7 ROV R19 56.67702 -5.85672 CMx.ClloMx.Nem HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-7 ROV R19 56.67702 -5.85672 K.Lsac.Ft HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-7 ROV R20 56.66313 -5.83690 BrAs.AntAsH HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-7 ROV R20 56.66313 -5.83690 CMx.ClloMx.Nem HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-7 ROV R20 56.66313 -5.83690 K.Lsac.Ft HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-7 ROV R20 56.66313 -5.83690 BrAs.NeoPro HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-7 ROV R20 56.66313 -5.83690 CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-7 ROV R21 56.68023 -5.82668 CMx HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-8 ROV R21 56.68023 -5.82668 IMx HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-8 ROV R21 56.68023 -5.82668 KSwSS.LsacR HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-8 ROV R21 56.68023 -5.82668 CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-8 ROV R22 56.67672 -5.80492 BrAs.AmenCio HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-8 ROV R22 56.67672 -5.80492 CMx.ClloMx.Nem HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-8 ROV R22 56.67672 -5.80492 K.Lsac.Gz HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-8 ROV R22 56.67672 -5.80492 CFiMu.SpnMeg HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-8 ROV R23 56.68997 -5.80497 BrAs.AmenCio.Bri HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-8 ROV R23 56.68997 -5.80497 CMx HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-8 ROV R23 56.68997 -5.80497 IMx HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-8 ROV R23 56.68997 -5.80497 KSwSS.LsacR HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-8 ROV R23 56.68997 -5.80497 CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-8 ROV R24 56.68812 -5.78270 BrAs.AntAsH.Lept HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-9 ROV R24 56.68812 -5.78270 CMx HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-9 ROV R24 56.68812 -5.78270 K.Lsac.Ft HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-9 ROV R24 56.68812 -5.78270 K.Lsac.Gz HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-9 ROV R25 56.69555 -5.76162 CMx HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-9 ROV R25 56.69555 -5.76162 KSwSS.LsacR HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-9 ROV R25 56.69555 -5.76162 BrAs.NeoPro HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-9 ROV R25 56.69555 -5.76162 CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-9 ROV R27 56.70135 -5.72225 BrAs.AntAsH.Lept HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-3 ROV

141

SeaMap/SNH Sampling Record no Latitude Longitude Biotope assigned 2006 Data source Video Code system R27 56.70135 -5.72225 CMx.OphMx HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-3 ROV R28 56.70740 -5.71595 IMuSa HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-3 ROV R28 56.70740 -5.71595 KSwSS.LsacR HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-3 ROV R29 56.68547 -5.70673 BrAs.AmenCio HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-3 ROV R29 56.68547 -5.70673 BrAs.AmenCio.Bri HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-3 ROV R29 56.68547 -5.70673 KVS.LsacPsaVS HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-3 ROV R30 56.69052 -5.68787 CMx HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-3 ROV R30 56.69052 -5.68787 KVS.LsacPsaVS HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-3 ROV R30 56.69052 -5.68787 CSaMu HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-3 ROV R31 56.67955 -5.66003 IMx.Lim HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-10 ROV R32 56.67685 -5.65660 IMx.Lim HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-2 ROV R33 56.67842 -5.64020 CMx HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-2 ROV R33 56.67842 -5.64020 K.Lsac.Gz HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-2 ROV R33 56.67842 -5.64020 KVS.LsacPsaVS HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-2 ROV R33 56.67842 -5.64020 BrAs.NeoPro HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-2 ROV R33 56.67842 -5.64020 CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-2 ROV R34 56.68480 -5.62935 CMx HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-2 ROV R34 56.68480 -5.62935 IMx.Lim HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-2 ROV R34 56.68480 -5.62935 K.Lsac.Gz HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-2 ROV R34 56.68480 -5.62935 KVS.LsacPsaVS HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-2 ROV R35 56.67788 -5.62242 IMx HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-1 ROV R35 56.67788 -5.62242 KVS.LsacPsaVS HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-1 ROV R36 56.68888 -5.60323 Lag.FChoG HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-1 ROV R36 56.68888 -5.60323 IMx HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-1 ROV R37 56.68220 -5.59565 CMx HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-1 ROV R37 56.68220 -5.59565 KVS.LsacPsaVS HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-1 ROV R37 56.68220 -5.59565 BrAs.NeoPro HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-1 ROV R38 56.68428 -5.55355 KSwSS.LsacR HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-1 ROV R38 56.68428 -5.55355 SMx HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-1 ROV R39 56.67890 -5.66238 IMx.Lim HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-3 ROV S1 56.67470 -5.99497 CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-4 ROV S1 56.67470 -5.99497 CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun HW 2001 - Grab S2 56.66313 -5.98303 CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-4 ROV S3 56.65818 -5.99573 CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-4 ROV S3 56.65818 -5.99573 CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun HW 2001 - Grab S4 56.65543 -5.92968 CFiMu.SpnMeg HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-4 ROV S4 56.65543 -5.92968 CFiMu.SpnMeg HW 2001 - Grab S5 56.67364 -5.86536 BrAs.AntAsH.Lept HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-5 ROV S6 56.69072 -5.79378 CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-5 ROV S6 56.69072 -5.79378 CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun HW 2001 - Grab S7 56.69860 -5.76258 CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-5 ROV S7 56.69860 -5.76258 CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun HW 2001 - Grab S9 56.65333 -5.98610 CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-4 ROV S10 56.65650 -5.95790 CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-4 ROV S11 56.67625 -5.96627 CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-5 ROV S11 56.67625 -5.96627 CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun HW 2001 - Grab S12 56.67043 -5.94977 CMx.OphMx HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-6 ROV S12 56.67043 -5.94977 XFa.SwiLgAs HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-6 ROV S13 56.68122 -5.93348 CMx.ClloMx HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-6 ROV S14 56.67300 -5.92693 CMx.OphMx HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-6 ROV

142

SeaMap/SNH Sampling Record no Latitude Longitude Biotope assigned 2006 Data source Video Code system S14 56.67300 -5.92693 CMx.OphMx HW 2001 - Grab S15 56.65823 -5.89985 ISaMu HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-6 ROV S15 56.65823 -5.89985 CFiMu.SpnMeg HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-6 Grab S16 56.67252 -5.88364 CMx.OphMx HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-6 ROV S17 56.67682 -5.87017 BrAs.AntAsH.Lept HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-6 ROV S17 56.67682 -5.87017 BrAs.AntAsH.Lept HW 2001 - Grab S18 56.66137 -5.86635 CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-7 ROV S18 56.66137 -5.86635 CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun HW 2001 - Grab S19 56.67337 -5.82800 CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun HW 2001 ROV S19 56.67337 -5.82800 CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun HW 2001 - Grab S20 56.70809 -5.77505 BrAs.NeoPro HW 2001 ROV S21 56.70597 -5.73218 CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-9 ROV S21 56.70597 -5.73218 CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun HW 2001 - Grab S22 56.69120 -5.70058 CSaMu.VirOphPmax.Has HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-9 ROV S24 56.67913 -5.65463 IMx.Lim HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-10 ROV S25 56.68217 -5.62362 CFiMu.SpnMeg HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-10 ROV S26 56.68681 -5.68998 CSaMu.VirOphPmax HW 2001 - Grab S26 56.68681 -5.68998 CSaMu.VirOphPmax.Has HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-11 ROV S27 56.66440 -5.96452 CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-6 ROV S27 56.66440 -5.96452 CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun HW 2001 - Grab S28 56.68025 -5.64502 CSaMu.VirOphPmax HW 2001 R-SUN-0701-10 ROV S28 56.68025 -5.64502 CSaMu.VirOphPmax HW 2001 - Grab S81 56.68511 -5.59794 BrAs.NeoPro HW 2001 ROV S81 56.68511 -5.59794 CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun HW 2001 ROV S81 56.68511 -5.59794 CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun HW 2001 - Grab D1 56.67975 -6.02575 KFaR.Ala.Ldig HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-2 Diver video D1 56.67975 -6.02575 CMx HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-2 Diver video D1 56.67975 -6.02575 KR.Lhyp.Ft HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-2 Diver video D1 56.67975 -6.02575 KSed.XKScrR HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-2 Diver video D2 56.66842 -5.99660 KR.Lhyp.Ft HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D2 56.66842 -5.99660 K.Lsac.Pk HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D2 56.66842 -5.99660 XFa.SwiLgAs HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D3 56.66777 -5.98542 BrAs.AntAsH HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-2 Diver video D3 56.66777 -5.98542 K.LhypLsac.Pk HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-2 Diver video D3 56.66777 -5.98542 IMx.Lim HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-2 Diver video D3 56.66777 -5.98542 XFa.SwiLgAs HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-2 Diver video D4 56.65082 -6.00558 BrAs.AntAsH HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D4 56.65082 -6.00558 KR.Lhyp.GzFt HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D4 56.65082 -6.00558 K.Lsac.Ft HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D5 56.65283 -5.95978 KFaR.Ala.Ldig HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D5 56.65283 -5.95978 KR.Lhyp.Ft HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D5 56.65283 -5.95978 K.Lsac.Ft HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D5 56.65283 -5.95978 CSaMu.VirOphPmax HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D6 56.65225 -5.93213 BrAs.AmenCio.Ant HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D6 56.65225 -5.93213 K.Lsac.Ft HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D6 56.65225 -5.93213 K.Lsac.Ldig HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D6 56.65225 -5.93213 CFiMu.SpnMeg HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D9 56.66307 -5.94960 BrAs.AmenCio HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D9 56.66307 -5.94960 BrAs.AmenCio.Bri HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D9 56.66307 -5.94960 CSaMu.VirOphPmax.Has HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video

143

SeaMap/SNH Sampling Record no Latitude Longitude Biotope assigned 2006 Data source Video Code system D10 56.67553 -5.97010 BrAs.AmenCio HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D10 56.67553 -5.97010 K.Lsac.Ft HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D10 56.67553 -5.97010 K.Lsac.Ldig HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D10 56.67553 -5.97010 CSaMu.VirOphPmax.Has HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D11 56.67897 -5.93683 BrAs.AntAsH HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D11 56.67897 -5.93683 K.Lsac.Ft HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D12 56.66743 -5.92295 BrAs.AmenCio.Bri HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D12 56.66743 -5.92295 BrAs.AntAsH HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-4 Diver video D12 56.66743 -5.92295 K.LhypLsac.Ft HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-4 Diver video D12 56.66743 -5.92295 K.LhypLsac.Pk HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-4 Diver video D13 56.67583 -5.91815 BrAs.AntAsH HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D13 56.67583 -5.91815 CSaMu.VirOphPmax.Has HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D14 56.67217 -5.90362 BrAs.AntAsH HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-2 Diver video D14 56.67217 -5.90362 KR.Lhyp.Ft HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-2 Diver video D14 56.67217 -5.90362 IMx.Lim HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-2 Diver video D15 56.67190 -5.89587 BrAs.AntAsH HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D15 56.67190 -5.89587 IMx.Lim HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D16 56.66615 -5.89170 K.Lsac.Ft HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D16 56.66615 -5.89170 K.Lsac.Ldig HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D16 56.66615 -5.89170 SS.SMx HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D17 56.67127 -5.88257 BrAs.AntAsH HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-4 Diver video D17 56.67127 -5.88257 KR.Lhyp.Ft HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-4 Diver video D17 56.67127 -5.88257 IMx.Lim HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-4 Diver video D19 56.67702 -5.85672 BrAs.AntAsH HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D19 56.67702 -5.85672 K.Lsac.Ft HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D19 56.67702 -5.85672 K.Lsac.Gz HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D19 56.67702 -5.85672 BrAs.NeoPro HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D19 56.67702 -5.85672 CSaMu.VirOphPmax HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D22 56.67672 -5.80492 K.Lsac.Ft HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D22 56.67672 -5.80492 KSwSS.LsacR HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D22 56.67672 -5.80492 BrAs.NeoPro HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D26 56.70827 -5.76860 BrAs.AmenCio.Bri HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D26 56.70827 -5.76860 KVS.LsacPsaVS HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D26 56.70827 -5.76860 SMx HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D29 56.68547 -5.70673 BrAs.AmenCio.Bri HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D29 56.68547 -5.70673 BrAs.AntAsH HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D37 56.68220 -5.59565 K.Lsac.Gz HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D37 56.68220 -5.59565 KVS.LsacPsaVS HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D37 56.68220 -5.59565 BrAs.NeoPro HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D37 56.68220 -5.59565 CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video D37 56.68220 -5.59565 CSaMu.VirOphPmax HW 2001 S-SUN-0701-? Diver video CG1a 56.66273 -5.84710 CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun SNH 2005 S-SUNART-0205-3 Diver video CG1b 56.66273 -5.84710 CSaMu.VirOphPmax SNH 2005 S-SUNART-0205-3 Diver video CG1c 56.66157 -5.84972 BrAs.AmenCio.Ant SNH 2005 S-SUNART-0205-3 Diver video CG1d 56.66157 -5.84972 K.Lsac.Gz SNH 2005 S-SUNART-0205-3 Diver video CG2a 56.66263 -5.84155 CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun SNH 2005 S-SUNART-0205-3 Diver video CG2b 56.66160 -5.83853 CMx.ClloMx SNH 2005 S-SUNART-0205-3 Diver video CG2c 56.66160 -5.83853 K.Lsac.Gz SNH 2005 S-SUNART-0205-3 Diver video GC1a 56.68125 -5.79202 CSaMu.VirOphPmax SNH 2005 S-SUNART-0205-2 Diver video GC1b 56.68125 -5.79202 BrAs.AmenCio.Ant SNH 2005 S-SUNART-0205-2 Diver video

144

SeaMap/SNH Sampling Record no Latitude Longitude Biotope assigned 2006 Data source Video Code system GC1c 56.68043 -5.79022 K.Lsac.Pk SNH 2005 S-SUNART-0205-2 Diver video GC1d 56.68043 -5.79022 K.Lsac.Ft SNH 2005 S-SUNART-0205-2 Diver video GC2a 56.68327 -5.79943 CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun SNH 2005 S-SUNART-0205-2 Diver video GC2b 56.68327 -5.79943 IMx.Lim SNH 2005 S-SUNART-0205-2 Diver video GC2c 56.68232 -5.78647 K.Lsac.Pk SNH 2005 S-SUNART-0205-2 Diver video GC2d 56.68232 -5.78647 K.Lsac.Ft SNH 2005 S-SUNART-0205-2 Diver video IB1a 56.68650 -5.70632 BrAs.NeoPro SNH 2005 S-SUNART-0205-1 Diver video IB1b 56.68650 -5.70632 BrAs.AmenCio.Ant SNH 2005 S-SUNART-0205-1 Diver video IB1c 56.68655 -5.70780 K.Lsac.Gz SNH 2005 S-SUNART-0205-1 Diver video IB2a 56.68753 -5.70167 CFiMu.SpnMeg.Fun SNH 2005 S-SUNART-0205-1 Diver video IB2b 56.68753 -5.70167 BrAs.AmenCio.Ant SNH 2005 S-SUNART-0205-1 Diver video IB2c 56.68920 -5.70272 CMx.OphMx SNH 2005 S-SUNART-0205-1 Diver video IB2d 56.68920 -5.70272 CMx.ClloMx SNH 2005 S-SUNART-0205-1 Diver video IB3a 56.68457 -5.70143 BrAs.NeoPro SNH 2005 S-SUNART-0205-1 Diver video IB3b 56.68457 -5.70143 CMx.ClloMx SNH 2005 S-SUNART-0205-1 Diver video IB3c 56.68358 -5.69997 K.Lsac.Gz SNH 2005 S-SUNART-0205-1 Diver video

145

Appendix 3.4 Summary of intertidal transects and subtidal diving transects and the data collected during the 2006 Loch Sunart monitoring survey

Depth/ Field Phase II Quad No of Date Site name Easting Northing Profile Photos Video Height Shore/seabed type Site No Survey size Quads (m rcd) Laudale th A steeply sloping sheltered reef with lichen, 13 Narrows 6.5 – 0.7 L9 175881 759849 0.25m2 10 Ascophyllum nodosum barnacle and Fucus littoral m acd July serratus zones. Variable salinity transect Laudale th Laminaria saccharina forest with Psammechinus 13 Narrows 0.7 - -20 S9 175883 759850 0.25m2 15 miliaris, brittlestar beds and Limaria hians nest subittoral m bcd July terraces transect Sligneach th A moderately exposed moderately steep shore 13 Mor 6.4-0.9 L10 156261 760208 0.25m2 10 with lichen, barnacle and fucoid zones and littoral m acd July Laminaria digitata occurring on the lowershore. transect Sligneach A stepped reef and steep boulderslope with a -

146 th Mor 0.9- 27 mixed forest of L. hyperborea and L. saccharina, a S10 9 July 156269 760223 0.25m2 11 sublittoral m bcd red algal zone and then a diverse community of transect seafans, sponges and hydroids th Oronsay (NE) 10 6.5-1.0 A moderately steep sloping reef with lichens and L11 littoral 159703 759659 0.25m2 10 m acd barnacles and lowershore fucoids. July transect A stepped reef and steep boulderslope with a - 12th Oronsay (NE) 1.0- mixed forest of L. hyperborea and L. saccharina, a S11 subittoral 159755 759715 0.25m2 10 28.2 m red algal zone and then a diverse community of July transect bcd hydroids and, brittlestars including Leptometra celtica Camas th A gently sloping reef and boulder shore with 11 Salach 7.6-1.3 L12 167777 760529 0.25m2 10 lichens, and mosaics of barnacles and mixed littoral m acd July fucoids in variable salinity conditions. transect Camas A boulderslope with a L. saccharina forest and, a th 11 Salach 1.3- -26 red algal zone and then a typical fjordic sealoch S12 167766 760535 0.25m2 11 July sublittoral m bcd community of Neocrania anomala and Protanthea transect simplex Torran a th A steep sloping, sheltered reef with lichens, 12 Chonnaidh 5.2-0.9 L13 172967 761165 0.25m2 10 barnacles and mixed fucoids exposed to variable littoral m acd July salinities transect

Depth/ Field Phase II Quad No of Date Site name Easting Northing Profile Photos Video Height Shore/seabed type Site No Survey size Quads (m rcd) A gently angled boulder slope with a sparse L. Torran a - saccharina forest encrusted with brittlestars and th 0.9- 12 Chonnaidh Psammechinus miliaris, then a dense forest, a red S13 172972 761173 0.25m2 10 17.5m sublittoral algal zone and a rich community of hydroids and July bcd transect ascidians. Holothurians, echiuroids and bivalves were abundant in the surrounding sediment. West of th A moderately exposed steeply, stepped reef of 16 Waterfalls 6.1-1.4 L16 155752 757923 0.25m2 10 lichens, mixed barnacles and sparse fucoids littoral m acd July ending in L. dgitata transect A steeply sloping reef with a Laminaria hyperborea West of - th 1.4- forest and a rock wall of hydroids ascidians and 16 Waterfalls S16 155752 757923 0.25m2 10 26.3 m anemones. Then on to a boulder slope with a red sublittoral July bcd algal zone and then encrusting faunal biotopes of transect ascidians, hydroids and bryozoans. NE shore of A gently sloping reef of lichens, fucoids and th Inner Loch

147 17 6.4-0.5 barnacles with dense beds of Ascophyllum L18 Teacuis 164850 755312 0.25m2 10 m acd nodosum and F. serratus, all exposed to variable July littoral salinity conditions. transect NE shore of A gentle slope of cobbles and boulders in soft th Inner Loch sediment with a Laminaria saccharina forest with 17 0.5- -5.3 S18 Teacuis 164850 755312 0.25m2 10 Psammechinus miliaris and reefs of Serpula m bcd July sublittoral vermicularis. A narrow band of these Serpula reefs transect then runs on to amud plain. A steep reef with a sparse kelp and Halidrys zone exposed to variable salinities runs into a dense L. 19th Torr Molach 0.0- - saccharina zone with brittle stars and Limaria S22 Subittoral 167802 762400 0.25m2 13 26.5 m hians beneath. Then a step boulder and sediment July transect bcd slope with ascidians, hydroids and Antedon sp. give way to the Neocrania biotope on bedrock outcrops.

Appendix 4 - Biotope inventory

Biotopes recorded during the current survey of Loch Sunart SAC with illustrative photograph or video frame ‘grab’ and details of sampling locations

148

Biotope Stations Photograph LR.FLR.Lic.YG Transect L09.1; Yellow and grey lichens L10.1; on supralittoral rock L11.1; L12.1; L13.1; L16.1; L18.1

LR.FLR.Lic.Ver Transect L09.2 Verrucaria maura on littoral fringe rock

LR.FLR.Lic.Ver.B Transect L11.3; Verrucaria maura and L16.3b sparse barnacles on exposed littoral fringe rock.

LR.FLR.Lic.Ver.Ver Transect L09.3; Verrucaria maura on L10.2; very exposed to very L10.6; sheltered upper littoral L11.2b; fringe rock L12.2; L16.2; L18.2

149

Biotope Stations Photograph LR.FLR.Rkp.Cor Transect L10.4a; Corallina officinalis, L10.8a coralline crusts and brown seaweeds in shallow eulittoral rockpools

LR.FLR.Rkp.FK Transect L11.5a Fucoids and kelp in deep eulittoral rockpools

LR.HLR.MusB.Sem Transect L09.5; Semibalanus balanoides L10.4b; on exposed to L11.4; moderately L13.3 exposed or vertical sheltered eulittoral rock

150

Biotope Stations Photograph LR.HLR.MusB. Transect Sem.FvesR L16.5

Semibalanus balanoides, Fucus vesiculosus and red seaweeds on moderately exposed eulittoral rock

LR.HLR.MusB. Transect Sem.LitX L12.6

Semibalanus balanoides and Littorina spp. on exposed to moderately exposed eulittoral boulders and cobbles

LR.HLR.MusB. Transect Sem.Sem L10.9a; L12.5; Semibalanus L16.4 balanoides, Patella vulgata and Littorina spp. on exposed to moderately exposed or vertical sheltered eulittoral rock

LR.HLR.MusB. Transect Cht.Lpyg L16.3a

Chthamalus spp., small littorinids & Lichina pygmaea on steep exposed upper eulittoral rock

151

Biotope Stations Photograph LR.MLR.BF.Fser.R Transect L10.9b; (Middle-ground of the L11.5b photograph)

Fucus serratus and red seaweeds on moderately exposed lower eulittoral rock

LR.MLR.BF.FspiB Transect L10.4c; Fucus spiralis on full L10.7 salinity exposed to moderately exposed upper eulittoral rock

LR.MLR.BF.FvesB Transect L10.8b Fucus vesiculosus and barnacle mosaics on moderately exposed mid eulittoral rock

152

Biotope Stations Photograph LR.MLR.BF.PelB Transect L10.3; Pelvetia canaliculata L10.5; and barnacles on L11.2a moderately exposed littoral fringe rock

LR.LLR.FVS.AscVS Transect L09.4; Ascophyllum nodosum L12.7; and Fucus vesiculosus L13.4; on L18.5 variable salinity mid eulittoral rock

LR.LLR.FVS.FserVS Transect L09.6; Fucus serratus and L12.8; large Mytilus edulis on L13.5 variable salinity lower eulittoral rock

153

Biotope Stations Photograph LR.LLR.FVS.FspiVS Transect L12.4; Fucus spiralis on L18.4b sheltered variable salinity upper eulittoral rock

LR.LLR.FVS.FvesVS Transect L18.4a Fucus vesiculosus on mid eulittoral variable salinity boulders and stable mixed substrata

154

Biotope Stations Photograph LR.LLR.FVS.PelVS Transect L12.3; Pelvetia canaliculata on L13.2; sheltered, variable L18.3 salinity littoral fringe rock

IR.HIR.KFaR.FoR Video 3.31; Lower infralittoral Bio3 bedrock with dense foliose red algae Transect S10.13; S11.9; S12.10; S13.8

IR.MIR.KR. Video Lhyp.Ft 1.01; 3.29

Laminaria hyperborea forest and foliose red seaweeds on moderately exposed upper infralittoral rock

155

Biotope Stations Photograph IR.HIR.KFaR. Transects LhypR.Ft 16.7

Laminaria hyperborea forest with dense foliose red seaweeds on exposed upper infralittoral rock

IR.MIR.KR.Ldig Transects S10.11 Laminaria digitata on (top of the moderately exposed photo) sublittoral fringe rock

IR.MIR.KR.Ldig.Ldig Transects L10.10; Laminaria digitata on L11.6; moderately exposed S16.6 sublittoral fringe rock

156

Biotope Stations Photograph IR.MIR.KR.XFoR Transects S16.8a; Dense foliose red S16.9 seaweeds on moderately exposed, silted, stable infralittoral rock

IR.LIR.K. Video LhypLsac 1.21; 1.01 Bio2; Mixed Laminaria 1.11b; hyperborea and 2.30 Laminaria saccharina on sheltered infralittoral rock

IR.LIR.K. Video LhypLsac.Ft 2.25; 6.13; X07; X08 Mixed Laminaria hyperborea and Laminaria saccharina Transect forest on sheltered upper S10.12; infralittoral rock S11.8

157

Biotope Stations Photograph IR.LIR.K.Lsac.Ft Video 3.21; 3.32; Laminaria saccharina 4.09; 4.14; forest on very sheltered 4.15; 6.08; upper infralittoral rock 6.12

Transect S12.9; S13.7

IR.LIR.K.Lsac.Ldig Transect S11.7 Laminaria saccharina and Laminaria digitata on sheltered sublittoral fringe rock

No suitable picture from the transects

IR.LIR.K.Lsac.Pk Video 3.51 Laminaria saccharina park on very sheltered lower infralittoral rock

No suitable picture from video drops

158

Biotope Stations Photograph IR.LIR.K.Lsac.Gz Video 3.15; 3.19; Grazed Laminaria 4.13 saccharina with Echinus, brittlestars and coralline crusts on sheltered infralittoral rock

IR.LIR.KVS Transect S22.1 Kelp in variable salinity conditions

IR.LIR.KVS. LsacPsaVS Video 3.17; 4.02; Laminaria saccharina 4.03; 4.04 and Psammechinus miliaris on variable Transect salinity grazed S09.7; infralittoral rock S13.6; S18.6b; S22.2

159

Biotope Stations Photograph IR.LIR.Lag. FChoG Video 5.03 Mixed fucoids, Chorda filum and green seaweeds on reduced salinity infralittoral rock

CR.HCR.XFa. Video SwiLgAs 1.13 3.41a Mixed turf of hydroids 3.41b and large ascidians with X03 Swifter pallida and Caryophyllia smithii on Transect weakly tide-swept S10.14 circalittoral rock

160

Biotope Stations Photograph CR.MCR.EcCr.CarSwi.L Transect gAs S16.11

Caryophyllia smithii, Swiftia pallida and large solitary ascidians on exposed or moderately exposed circalittoral rock

CR.HCR.XFa. Video SpNemAdia 2.13 3.27 Sparse sponges, Nemertesia spp. and Alcyonidium diaphanum on circalittoral mixed substrata

161

Biotope Stations Photograph CR.MCR.EcCr. Video CarSp.Bri 2.06

Brittlestars overlying coralline crusts, Parasmittina trispinosa and Caryophyllia smithii No suitable picture from video drops on wave-exposed circalittoral rock

CR.LCR.BrAs Video 1.11a Brachiopod and ascidian communities

No suitable picture from video drops

CR.LCR.BrAs. Video AmenCio 3.06; 3.09; 3.20; 3.24; Solitary ascidians, 3.30; 3.36; including Ascidia 3.44; 4.05; mentula and Ciona 4.07; 5.12 intestinalis, on wave- sheltered circalittoral rock

162

Biotope Stations Photograph CR.LCR.BrAs. Video AmenCio.Ant 1.03; 3.05; 3.12a Solitary ascidians, including Ascidia mentula and Ciona Transect intestinalis, with Antedon S16.10 spp. and Leptometra celtica on wave- sheltered circalittoral rock

CR.LCR.BrAs. Video AmenCio.Bri 2.07; 4.11; 3.26a; Dense brittlestars with 3.50b; sparse Ascidia mentula X06 and Ciona intestinalis on sheltered circalittoral Transect mixed substrata S09.9b

163

Biotope Stations Photograph CR.LCR.BrAs. Video AntAsH 1.05; 1.06; 1.12; 1.14; Antedon spp., 1.15; 1.17; Leptometra celtica, 1.19; 2.01; solitary ascidians and 2.04; 2.27; fine hydroids on 2.29; 3.02; sheltered circalittoral 3.43; 4.10; rock 3.14 Bio2; 3.26 Bio2; 3.50a; 3.51 Bio2; 4.12 Bio2; X05

Transect S11.10; S13.9; S16.8b; S22.3

CR.LCR.BrAs. Video NeoPro 4.18; 5.07; 5.10 Neocrania anomala and Protanthea simplex on Transect sheltered circalittoral S12.11; rock S22.4

164

Biotope Stations Photograph

CR.FCR.FouFa.Aasp Transects S09.9a Ascidiella aspersa fouling community on circalittoral artificial substrata - Old pier stanchions

SS.SBR.PoR.Ser Video 6.02; 6.04 Polychaete worm reefs (on sublittoral sediment) Transects S18.6a; S18.7

165

Biotope Stations Photograph SS.SMU.IFiMu.PhiVir Transect

Philine aperta and S18.8 Virgularia mirabilis in soft stable infralittoral mud No suitable picture from transects

SS.SMu.CFiMu Video 2.03; 6.07 Circalittoral fine mud

No suitable picture from video drops

SS.SMu.CFiMu. Video SpnMeg 3.33; 1.17 Bio2; Seapens and burrowing 2.04 Bio2 megafauna in circalittoral fine mud

166

Biotope Stations Photograph SS.SMu.CFiMu. Video SpnMeg.Fun 1.04; 1.16; 2.17; 2.19; Seapens, including 2.24; 2.26; Funiculina 3.12; 3.18; quadrangularis, and 3.25; 3.37; burrowing megafauna in 3.42; 3.46; undisturbed circalittoral 3.47; fine mud 1.03 Bio2; 1.05 Bio2; 1.12 Bio2; 3.14a; 3.14b; 3.49 Bio2; 3.50b Bio2

SS.SMu.CFiMu. Video MegMax 5.09

Burrowing megafauna and Maxmuelleria lankesteri in circalittoral mud No suitable picture from video drops

SS.SMu.CSaMu Video 3.49; Circalittoral sandy mud 3.30 Bio2

No suitable picture from video drops

167

Biotope Stations Photograph SS.SMu.CSaMu. Video VirOphPmax 5.08; 1.18 Bio2; Virgularia mirabilis and 3.35 Bio2; Ophiura spp. with 5.12 Bio2 Pecten maximus on circalittoral sandy or shelly mud

SS.SMu.CSaMu. Video VirOphPmax.Has 2.21; 2.23

Virgularia mirabilis and Ophiura spp. with Pecten maximus, hydroids and ascidians on circalittoral sandy or shelly mud with stones

168

Biotope Stations Photograph SS.SMx.IMx.Lim Video 5.02; 5.04; Limaria hians beds in 5.06; tide-swept sublittoral 3.28 Bio2; muddy mixed sediment 3.38 Bio2; 3.41a Bio2; 3.41b Bio2; 3.48 Bio2; X02 Bio2; X09

Transect S09.8

SS.SMx.CMx Video 1.08; 2.05; Circalittoral mixed 2.16; 3.13; sediment 5.05; 3.36 Bio2; X10

169

Biotope Stations Photograph SS.SMx.CMx.ClloMx Video 2.02; 2.14 Cerianthus lloydii and other burrowing anemones in circalittoral muddy mixed sediment No suitable picture from video drops

SS.SMx.CMx.ClloMx.Ne Video m 5.11

Cerianthus lloydii with Nemertesia spp. and other hydroids in circalittoral muddy mixed No suitable picture from video drops sediment

SS.SMx.CMx. Video OphMx 2.1; 2.15; 2.18; 3.01; Ophiothrix fragilis and/or 3.28; 3.35; Ophiocomina nigra 3.38; 4.12; brittlestar beds on 3.26b; sublittoral mixed 4.11 Bio2; sediment 5.02 Bio2; 5.06 Bio2; X02; X04; X09 Bio2

SS.SMp.Mrl.Pcal Video 4.01 Phymatolithon calcareum maerl beds in infralittoral clean gravel or coarse sand

170

Biotope Stations Photograph SS.SMp.KSwSS Video 1.1 Kelp and seaweed communities on sublittoral sediment No suitable picture from video drops

SS.SMP.KSwSS. Video LsacR.Gv 1.02; 1.07; 3.04; 3.45; Laminaria saccharina 4.17; and robust red algae on 4.01 Bio2 infralittoral gravel and pebble

171

Biotope Stations Photograph SS.SMp.KSwSS. Video LsacR.Sa 2.09; 2.28; 3.03; 3.07; Laminaria saccharina 3.08; 3.39; and filamentous red 4.06; 4.19; algae on infralittoral 6.11 sand

SS.SMp.KSwSS. Video LsacR.Mu 2.22; 5.13

Laminaria saccharina with red and brown seaweeds on lower infralittoral muddy mixed sediment

172

Biotope Stations Photograph SS.SMp.KSwSS. Video LsacCho 2.11; 3.16; 3.48; 4.16; Laminaria saccharina 5.01; 6.01; and Chorda filum on 6.03; 6.05; sheltered upper 6.06; infralittoral muddy 6.02 Bio2; sediment 6.04 Bio2; barge

SS.SMp.KSwSS. Video Tra 6.10

Mats of Trailliella on infralittoral muddy gravel No suitable picture from video drops

173

Appendix 5 - Local biotope descriptions

These have been compiled for the sublittoral biotopes where quadrats were surveyed

174

SS.SMX.IMx.Lim Limaria hians beds in tide-swept sublittoral muddy mixed sediment

Recorded at Laudale Narrows (S9 - Biotope 8) Depth 2m–20m bcd

Steep slope of muddy sand and shell gravel with terraces of cobbles, pebbles and shell fragments consolidated by Limaria hians nest byssus. Ophiothrix fragilis is abundant with Ophiocomina nigra common on the faces of the ledges and Ophiopholis aculeata on the level surfaces. Psammechinus miliaris is also abundant and Munida rugosa common. Coralline crusts, particularly Lithothamnion glaciale, were prevalent on the cobbles and Chaetopterus variopedatus tubes frequently adorning the nests

Conspicuous characterising species a) Species/groups recorded from the quadrats at S9.8 with the greatest contribution to the similarity in the PRIMER analyses

Percentage contribution to Species similarity Limaria hians reef 29.31 Ophiothrix fragilis 22.12 Enc. Coralline algae 18.93 Ophiocomina nigra 14.21 Psammechinus miliaris 9.19 b) Species additional to those above recorded as Frequent or above in Phase II data at S9.8

Species Abundance Lithothamnion glaciale C Ophiopholis aculeata C Adamsia carciniopados F Carcinus maenas F Chaetopterus variopedatus F Hyas araneus F Munida rugosa F Pagurus bernhardus F Terebellidae indet F Pagurus prideaux F Mya truncata F

175

CR.HCR.XFa.SwiLgAs Mixed turf of hydroids and large ascidians with Swiftia pallida and Caryophyllia smithii on weakly tide-swept circalittoral rock

Recorded at Sligneach Mor (S10 - Biotope 14) Depth 15.5 – 27m (bcd)

A moderately exposed steeply angled, slope (60o ) of muddy sand and shell gravel with embedded cobbles and angular boulders. Alcyonium digitatum, Swiftia pallida and large branching colonies of Halichondria bowerbankia are all common and conspicuous. Axinella infundibuliformis and Phakellia ventilabrum are frequent. The boulders are covered with a silty hydroid turf which was dominated by Diphasia pinaster, Polyplumaria frutescens, Aglaophenia tubulifera and Sertularia argentea. Virgularia mirabilis was present in the surrounding sediment at the bottom of the slope.

Conspicuous characterising species a) Species/groups recorded from the quadrats at S10.14 with the greatest contribution to the similarity in PRIMER analyses

Percentage contribution Species to similarity Enc. Coralline algae 21.7 Clavelina lepadiformis 11.51 Aglaophenia tubulifera 9.33 Caryophyllia smithii 9.28 Securiflustra securifrons 8.38 Bonnemaisonia asparagoides 5.54 Halopteris catharina 5.5 Alcyonidium diaphanum 4.36 Sertularia argentea 4.29 Enc. Bryozoa 1.9 Enc. Sponge (yellow) 1.72 Halichondria bowerbankia 1.65 Polyplumaria frutescens 1.48 Omalosecosa ramulosa 1.48 Diphasia pinaster 1.41 Enc. Sponge (orange) 1.22 b) Species additional to above recorded as Frequent or above in Phase II data at S10.14 Species Abundance Alcyonium glomeratum F Antedon petasus F Axinella infundibuliformis F Diazona violacea F Eucratea loricata F Leptometra celtica F Munida rugosa F Parasmittina trispinosa F Phakellia ventilabrum F Swiftia pallida F

176

CR.LCR.BrAs.AntAsH Antedon spp., solitary ascidians and fine hydroids on sheltered circalittoral rock

Recorded at NE Oronsay S11 - Biotope 10) Depth 17 – 28m (bcd)

A steep sheltered slope of mainly large, angular boulders with several out crops of bedrock on muddy sand and shell gravel, the biotope occupies the band between17-28m bcd. The biotope is dominated by a silty hydroid turf with Sertularia argentea, Abietinaria abietina and Halopteris catharina frequent and the cup-coral Caryophyllia smithii also common. The featherstars Antedon bifida, Antedon petasus and Leptometra celtica are all present to varying degrees and there are scattered colonies of Alcyonium digitatum on the rock surface. The squat lobster Munida rugosa is frequent under the overhangs beneath the boulders.

Conspicuous characterising species a) Species/groups recorded from the quadrats at S11.10 with the greatest contribution to the similarity in PRIMER analyses

Percentage contribution Species to similarity Enc. Coralline algae 19 Clavelina lepadiformis 9.4 Enc. Red algae (non calcareous) 9.02 Sertularia argentea 8.8 Caryophyllia smithii 8.49 Halopteris catharina 7.75 Aglaophenia tubulifera 6.08 Cellepora pumicosa 3.84 Omalosecosa ramulosa 3.04 Neocrania anomala 3.01 Diplosoma listerianum 2.12 Sertularella polyzonias 1.95 Bonnemaisonia asparagoides 1.78 Abietinaria abietina 1.77 Scypha ciliata 1.52 Compsothamnion thuyoides 1.45 Enc. Orange bryozoan 1.36 b) Species additional to above recorded as Frequent or above in Phase II data at S11.10

Species Abundance Munida rugosa C Antedon bifida F Echinus esculentus F Pycnogonida indet. F

LCR.BrAs.NeoPro Neocrania anomala and Protanthea simplex on low energy circalittoral rock

177

Recorded at Camas Salach S12 - Biotope 11) Depth 13 – 26m (bcd)

A sheltered, circalittoral cobble and boulder slope with pebbles and shell gravel embedded in muddy sand. On the hard substrate a typical sheltered sealoch community of sparse encrusting coralline algae to 26m bcd, with Protanthea simplex, Neocrania anomala, Dendrodoa grossularia, Munida rugosa and serpulid species on the rock’s surface. Cerianthus lloydii, Pecten maximus and Aequipecten opercularis are numerous in the surrounding sediment. Limaria hians is also present beneath the pebbles and cobbles and the small foliose red alga Bonnemaisonia asparagoides is also abundant.

Conspicuous characterising species a) Species/groups recorded from the quadrats at S12.11 with the greatest contribution to the similarity in PRIMER analyses.

Percentage contribution Species to similarity Enc. Coralline algae 27.78 Protanthea simplex 18.90 Dendrodoa grossularia 12.78 Munida rugosa 11.26 Neocrania anomala 6.43 Enc. Bryozoa 6.34 Pomatoceros sp. 5.42 Sertularella polyzonias 1.85

b) Species additional to above recorded as Rare or above in Phase II data at S12.11

Species Abundance Bonnemaisonia asparagoides A Pagurus bernhardus C Callionymus lyra F Serpulidae indet. O Aequipecten opercularis R Alcyonium digitatum R Ascidia mentula R Asterias rubens R Caryophyllia smithii R Chaetopterus variopedatus R Corella parallelogramma R Echinus esculentus R Halopteris catharina R Limaria hians R Parasmittina trispinosa R Pecten maximus R Polycarpa rustica R

178

IR.HIR.KFaR.FoR Foliose red seaweeds on exposed lower infralittoral rock

Recorded at Torran a chonnaidh (S13 - Biotope 8) Depth 9.3 – 12m (bcd)

A gentle slope of muddy shell-gravel and cobbles, with a turf of sparse red algae and hydroids growing on the available hard substrata. Antedon petasus and Antedon bifida are both frequent, and the ascidians Ascidiella aspersa, Ascidiella scabra and Ascidia virginea are also present at low levels of abundance. Bonnemaisonia asparagoides, Compsothamnion thuyoides, Pterothamnion plumula, Aglaothamnion byssoides and Dasya hutchinsiae are the most commonly occurring foliose red algae present in the sward.

Conspicuous characterising species a) Species/groups recorded from the quadrats at S13.8 with the greatest contribution to the similarity in PRIMER analyses.

Percentage contribution Species to similarity Enc. Red algae (non calcareous) 42.81 Enc. Coralline algae 13.32 Bonnemaisonia asparagoides 7.71 Halopteris catharina 5.12 Ophiothrix fragilis 4.39 Munida rugosa 3.54 Antedon petasus 2.53 Kirchenpaueria pinnata 2.35 Lithothamnion glaciale 2.33 Foliose red algal sporelings 2.16 Pomatoceros sp. 2.16 Obelia dichotoma 2.12

b) Species additional to above recorded as Frequent or above in Phase II data at S13.8

Species Abundance Amphiura chiajei/filiformis F Ascidia mentula F Ascidiella aspersa F Pagurus bernhardus F Sertularia argentea F

179

CR.LCR.BrAs.AntAsH Antedon spp., solitary ascidians and fine hydroids on sheltered circalittoral rock.

Recorded at West of Waterfalls S16 - Biotope 8) Depth 7.6 – 11m (bcd)

A vertical bedrock wall between 7.6 and 11m bcd, with some overhanging sections and some areas more upward facing. Patchy assemblages of species occur with large areas dominated by silty hydroids, particularly Sertularella polyzonias, Diphasia rosacea and Obelia dichotoma. The anthozoan Alcyonium digitatum is abundant on the upper part of the wall on the east side of the transect (and dominates the biotope further to the east). Several sizeable patches of Parazoanthus anguicomus occur on the vertical parts of the transect and Ascidia mentula is abundant in overhanging areas. Dense growths of red foliose algae include Delesseria sanguinea, Bonnemaisonia asparagoides and Plocamium cartilaginum. Encrusting coralline algae cover much of the rock surfaces.

Conspicuous characterising species a) Species/groups recorded from the quadrats at S16.8 with the greatest contribution to the similarity in PRIMER analyses.

Percentage contribution Species to similarity Enc. Coralline algae 14.67 Parazoanthus anguicomus 12.97 Ascidia mentula 9.62 Diphasia rosacea 5.68 Nolella dilatata 5.48 Sertularella polyzonias 4.91 Lafoea dumosa 4.68 Clavelina lepadiformis 4.46 Enc. Red algae (non calcareous) 4.37 Enc. Sponge (buff coloured) 3.2 Crisiidae indet. 3.16 Alcyonium digitatum 2.83 Enc. Bryozoa 2.1 Botryllus schlosseri 1.92 Protanthea simplex 1.76 Ascidia virginea 1.67 Calliostoma ziziphinum 1.63 Caryophyllia smithii 1.54 Enc. Orange sponge 1.39 Myxilla incrustans 1.35 Halopteris catharina 1.2 b) Species additional to above recorded as Frequent or above in Phase II data at S16.8

Species Abundance Aurelia aurita (scyphistomae) F Electra pilosa F Obelia dichotoma F

180

SS.SBR.PoR.Ser Serpula vermicularis reefs on very sheltered, circalittoral muddy sand.

Recorded at NE Loch Teacuis S18 - Biotope 7) Depth 3.5 – 3.9m (bcd)

A shallow slope of mud with cobbles, pebbles and shell debris lying just below the surface. Scattered small reefs of Serpula vermicularis and occasional plants of Laminaria saccharina dominate the biotope. Virgularia mirabilis is rare and there are some Cerianthus lloydii in the surrounding sediment. Hermit crabs and Liocarcinus depurator are frequent on the substrate. The reefs are also home for numerous other species such as Chlamys varia, terebellids, Palaemon serratus, hermit crabs and Galathea sp.

Conspicuous characterising species a) Species/groups recorded from the quadrats at S18.7 with the greatest contribution to the similarity in PRIMER analyses.

Percentage contribution Species to similarity Serpula vermicularis 40.61 Laminaria saccharina 17.34 Terebellidae indet. 8.93 Palaemon serratus 8.38 Enc. Coralline algae 6.44 Pomatoceros sp. 5.41 Ascidia mentula 4.87 b) Species additional to above recorded as Occasional or above in Phase II data at S18.7

Species Abundance Pagurus bernhardus F Aequipecten opercularis O Asterias rubens O Buccinum undatum O Carcinus maenas O Hyas araneus O Liocarcinus depurator O Pomatoschistus sp. O Spirorbidae O Hydractinia echinata O Pagurus prideaux O

181

CR.LCR.BrAs.AntAsH Antedon spp., solitary ascidians and fine hydroids on sheltered circalittoral rock

Recorded at Torr Molach S22 - Biotope 3) Depth 7.7 – 16m (bcd)

A steep slope of muddy shell gravel, cobbles, and angular boulders with occasional outcrops of bedrock. There are sparse filamentous and foliose algae on the rocks, with frequent ascidians particularly Ascidiella aspersa, Ascidia mentula and Polycarpa pomaria. Psammechinus miliaris and occasional Antedon petasus are also present with small patches of tufty hydroid growths. Neocrania anomala was frequent on the rocks. In the shallower part of the zone there was a lot of organic drift debris.

Conspicuous characterising species a) Species/groups recorded from the quadrats at S22.3 with the greatest contribution to the similarity in PRIMER analyses.

Percentage contribution Species to similarity Enc. Red algae (non calcareous) 43.76 Enc. Coralline algae 16.21 Pomatoceros sp. 10.2 Munida rugosa 5.27 Kirchenpaueria pinnata 3.78 Ophiothrix fragilis 3.31 Ascidia mentula 2.96 Dasya hutchinsiae 2.31 Protanthea simplex 2.08 Protula tubularia 2.07 b) Species additional to above recorded as Frequent or above in Phase II data at S22.3

Species Abundance Ascidiella aspersa C Bonnemaisonia asparagoides F Echinus esculentus F Hypoglossum hypoglossoides F Liocarcinus depurator F Parasmittina trispinosa F Pododesmus patelliformis F Polycarpa pomaria F Pomatoceros lamarcki F Psammechinus miliaris F

182

Appendix 6 - Site profile data and site relocation sheets

183

LOCH SUNART SAC – INTERTIDAL SITE LOCATION SHEET

Site: LR09 Laudale Narrows Jetty Top of transect: OS Grid Ref. NM 75881 59847 Lat./Long.(WGS84) 56o 40.596’ N 5o 39.613’W Bottom of transect: OS Grid Ref. NM 75883 59850 Lat./Long.(WGS84) 56o 40.596’ N 5o 39.708’W Bearing from top of transect: 10o Top of transect marked by: Rusty old iron stake (in rock just below road) and yellow road paint Note: The bottom of zone 6 on the intertidal transect (12.5m) marks the start of the contiguous subtidal transect (SR09); which heads off on a bearing of 10o. Access: By road. Park in layby next to disused fish farm jetty. Steep rocky shore (take care, very slippery when wet) just to west of jetty and wall.

Other images: 15 other digital photos and Video Tape No. L-SUN-0706-9 Height No. Zone Tape (m) Notes (m) rcd LR.FLR.Lic.YG - Supralittoral bedrock with 1 0 - 4.46 6.5-5.3 grey lichens LR.FLR.Lic.Ver - Supralittoral rock yellow, 2 4.46 - 4.8 5.3-4.9 black & grey lichens 3 LR.FLR.Lic.Ver.Ver - Littoral fringe 4.8 - 5.9 4.9-3.7 4 LR.LLR.FVS.AscVS- Mid-eulittoral 5.9 - 8.02 3.7-3.1 5 LR.HLR.MusB.Sem- Lower littoral fringe 8.02 - 11.4 3.1-1.7 2006: 10 Quadrats 6 LR.LLR.FVS.FserVS- Sublittoral fringe 11.4 - 12.5 1.7-0.7

184

DSC05643.JPG DSC05642.JPG

Yellow paint

Iron stake

DSC05647.JPG DSC05645.JPG

DSC05648.JPG DSC05649.JPG

185

DSC05650.JPG DSC05646.JPG

DSC05653.JPG DSC05656.JPG

DSC05660.JPG

186

LOCH SUNART SAC – SUBTIDAL SITE LOCATION SHEET

Site: SR09 Laudale Narrows Jetty Top of transect: OS Grid Ref. NM 75883 59857 Lat./Long.(WGS84) 56o 40.596’ N 5o 39.611’ W Bottom of transect: OS Grid Ref. NM 75894 59920 Lat./Long.(WGS84) 56o 40.632’ N 5o 39.604’ W Bearing from top of transect: 10o Top of transect marked by: A rusty iron stake and yellow road paint marks the top of the contiguous intertidal transect (LR09). The subtidal transect continues from the bottom of zone 6 on the intertidal transect at approx 12.5m along the tape. Access: By road. Park in layby next to old fish farm jetty. Steep rocky shore (take care, very slippery when wet) just to west of jetty.

Other images: 101 digital photos and Video Tape No. S-SUN-0706-09 Depth (m No. Zone Tape (m) Notes rcd) IR.LIR.KVS.LsacPsaVS - Laminaria 7 12.5 - 26.5 0.7 - -2.3 saccharina forest 8 SS.SMX.IMx.Lim - Limaria hians reef 26.5 - 100 -2.3 - -17.7 2006: 10 Quadrats

DSC05643.JPG DSC05642.JPG

Yellow paint

Iron stake

187

Laudale Transect with divers buoys CMH2.jpg DSC05645.JPG

SMB marking end of subtidal transect

DSC05660.JPG

Iron stake marking top of intertidal transect

Intertial zone 6 – subtidal transect continues below

188

SUN09

Ver.Ver

Ver AscVS Laudale Narrows littoral and sublittoral profile YG Sem 10. 0 FserVS

5.0

0.0 020 2040608010012040 60 80 -5.0

-10.0 LsacPsaVS

Lim 189 -15.0 rcd) (m Height/depth -20.0

Distance (m)

LOCH SUNART SAC – INTERTIDAL SITE LOCATION SHEET

Site: LR10 Sligneach Mor Top of transect: OS Grid Ref. NM 56261 60208 Lat./Long.(WGS84) 56o 40.200’ N 5o 58.799’W Bottom of transect: OS Grid Ref. NM 56267 60224 Lat./Long.(WGS84) 56o 40.206’ N 5o 58.795’W Bearing from top of transect: 40o Top of transect marked by: Yellow road paint in a crevice in the yellow lichen zone Note: The top of the contiguous subtidal transect (SR10), which continues on a bearing of 40o, is situated in the lower mid shore (just above the Fucus serratus zone) about 1 or 2 metres east of the LR10 transect. Access: By boat

Other images: 25 other digital photos and Video Tape No. S-SUN-0706-10

Height No. Zone Tape (m) Notes (m) rcd 1 LR.FLR.Lic.YG 0-4.1 6.4-5 2 LR.FLR.Lic.Ver.Ver 4.1-4.9 5-4.4 3 LR.MLR.BF.PelB 4.9-5.42 4.4-4 4 LR.MLR.BF.FspiB 5.42-6.1 4-3.8 5 LR.MLR.BF.PelB 6.1-10.3 3.8-3.8 6 LR.FLR.Lic.Ver.Ver 10.3-13.3 3.8-4.8 7 LR.MLR.BF.FspiB 13.3-16.4 4.8-4.3 8 LR.MLR.BF.FvesB 16.4-18.6 4.3-3.6 9 LR.MLR.BF.Fser.R 18.6-20.8 3.6-2.4 2006: 10 Quadrats 10 IR.MIR.KR.Ldig.Ldig 20.8-24 2.4-0.9

190

JJM060713p2088

JJM060709p1996

JJM060713p2087 JJM060713p2100 Yellow road paint

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JJM060713p2090

JJM060713p2089

JJM060713p2091 JJM060713p2092

JJM060713p2093 JJM060713p2094

JJM060713p2095 JJM060713p2097

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JJM060713p2096

193

LOCH SUNART SAC – SUBTIDAL SITE LOCATION SHEET

Site: SR10 Signeach Mor Top of transect: OS Grid Ref. NM 56269 60223 Lat./Long.(WGS84) 56o 40.206’ N 5o 58.793’ W Bottom of transect: OS Grid Ref. NM 56280 60297 Lat./Long.(WGS84) 56o 40.248’ N 5o 58.786’ W Bearing from top of transect: Approx. 40o Top of transect marked by: A small rocky lump and crevice (into which the transect line was hooked) situated in the lower mid shore (just above the Fucus serratus zone) approx 1 or 2m east of the intertidal (LR10) transect. Access: By boat

Other images: 39 digital photos and Video Tape No. S-SUN-0706-10 No. Zone Tape (m) Depth (m rcd) Notes 11 IR.MIR.KR.Ldig 0-17.1 0.9- -0.6 m 12 IR.LIR.K.LhypLsac.Ft 17.1-42.7 -0.6- -8.5 m 13 IR.HIR.KFaR.FoR 42.7-51.5 -8.5- -15.5 m 14 CR.HCR.XFa.SwiLgAs 51.5-72m+ -15.5- -27 m 2006: 11 Quadrats

194

TSM060709_Sunart06.jpg JJM060709p1993

JJM060709p1995

SMB marking end of subtidal transect

JJM060709p2000 JJM060709p2004

JJM060709p2003

Line hooked into crevice, marking start of subtidal transect

195

JJM060709p1999 JJM060709p1997

Transect heads off in line with this fence SMB marking end of subtidal transect

JJM060709p2006

Transect line Divers’ SMB

SMB marking end of subtidal transect

196

SUN10

Ver.Ver Ver.Ver Sligneach Mor littoral and sublittoral profile PelB FspiB YG Pe lB FvesB FspiB Fser.R 10.0 Ldig.Ldig 5.0 Ldig 0.0

02040608010012060 80 100 -5.0

197 LhypLsac.Ft -10.0

-15.0 FoR -20.0 Height/depth (m rcd) SwiLgAs -25.0

-30.0

Distance (m)

LOCH SUNART SAC – INTERTIDAL SITE LOCATION SHEET

Site: LR11 Oronsay Top of transect: OS Grid Ref. NM 59694 59659 Lat./Long.(WGS84) 56o 40.008’ N 5o 55.416’W Bottom of transect: OS Grid Ref. NM 59711 59661 Lat./Long.(WGS84) 56o 40.014’ N 5o 55.399’W Bearing from top of transect: 60o Top of transect marked by: Yellow road paint. Note: A piton in the mid shore (9.5m along intertidal transect) marks the top of the contiguous subtidal transect (SR11); which heads off on a bearing of 60o. Access: By boat

Other images:32 digital images and Video Tape No. L-SUN-0706-11 Height No. Zone Tape (m) Notes (m) rcd 1 LR.FLR.Lic.YG 0-5.0 6.5-4.9 2 LR.FLR.Lic.Ver.Ver 5.0-6.65 4.9-4.25 3 LR.FLR.Lic.Ver.B 6.65-8.35 4.25-3.4 4 LR.HLR.MusB.Sem 8.35-11.1 3.4-2.0 2006: 10 Quadrats 5 LR.MLR.BF.Fser.R 11.1-16.2 2-1.2 6 IR.MIR.KR.Ldig.Ldig 16.2-17.4 1.2-1.0

198

TSM060710_Sunart01.jpg JJM060710p2009

JJM060712p2052 JJM060712p2038

Yellow paint

JJM060712p2039

Yellow paint

199

JJM060712p2046 JJM060712p2047

JJM060712p2050

JJM060712p2041

JJM060712p2040

200

JJM060712p2042 JJM060712p2043

Piton marking top of subtidal transect

JJM060712p2044 JJM060712p2045

201

LOCH SUNART SAC – SUBTIDAL SITE LOCATION SHEET

Site: SR11 Oronsay Top of transect: OS Grid Ref. NM 59703 59659 Lat./Long.(WGS84) 56o 40.008’ N 5o 55.407’ W Bottom of transect: OS Grid Ref. NM 59755 59715 Lat./Long.(WGS84) 56o 40.044’ N 5o 55.360’ W Bearing from top of transect: Approx. 60o Top of transect marked by: Small metal piton, with 1 hole for karabiner attachment, banged into crevice in mid shore. Note: this piton lies part way down (9.5m) the contiguous intertidal transect (LR11). Access: By boat

Other images: 31 Digital images and Video Tape No. S-SUN-0706-11 Depth (m No. Zone Tape (m) Notes rcd) 17.4- 1 IR.LIR.K.Lsac.Ldig 1.0- -1.67 22.35 22.35- 2 IR.LIR.K.LhypLsac.Ft -1.67- -9.17 45.8 -9.17- - 3 IR.HIR.KFaR.FoR 45.8-59.3 16.97 -16.97- - 4 CR.LCR.BrAs.AntAsH 59.3-84.0 2006: 10 Quadrats 28.17

202

TSM060710_Sunart01.jpg JJM060712p2038

JJM060710p2008 Intertidal transect line

Subtidal transect heads off in approx. this direction

JJM060712p2042 JJM060710p2012

PITON MARKING Piton START OF

JJM060710p2013 JJM060710p2014

Piton Piton

203

Oronsay (NE) littoral and sublittoral profile Ver.V er MusB Sem Ldig.Ldig YG Ver.B F ser.R 10.0 5.0 0.0

-5.0 0 1020304050607080203040 50 60 7 0

-10.0 LhypLsac.Ft

204 -15.0

-20.0 FoR

-25.0 rcd) (m Height/Depth AntA sH -30.0 Lsac.Ldig Di sta nce (m )

LOCH SUNART SAC – INTERTIDAL SITE LOCATION SHEET

Site: LR12 Camas Salach Top of transect: OS Grid Ref. NM 67773 60529 Lat./Long.(WGS84) 56o 40.772’ N 5o 47.572’W Bottom of transect: OS Grid Ref. NM 67759 60553 Lat./Long.(WGS84) 56o 40.734’ N 5o 47.587’W Bearing from top of transect: 325o Top of transect marked by: Small patch of yellow road paint. Note: A piton at the base of the steep bedrock slope (6.8m along intertidal transect) marks the top of the contiguous subtidal transect (SR12); which heads off on a bearing of 325o. Access: By boat

Other images: 21other digital photos and Video Tape No. L-SUN-0706-12&17 Height No. Zone Tape (m) Notes (m) r cd 1 LR.FLR.Lic.YG 0.0-3.4 7.6-6.2 2 LR.FLR.Lic.Ver.Ver 3.4-6.0 6.2-6.0 3 LR.LLR.FVS.PelVS 6.0-7.1 6.0-5.5 4 LR.LLR.FVS.FspiVS 7.1-8.7 5.5-5.2 5 LR.HLR.MusB.Sem.Sem 8.7-10.4 5.2-4.2 10.4- 6 LR.HLR.MusB.Sem.LitX 4.2-3.0 12.1 12.1- 7 LR.LLR.FVS.AscVS 3.0-1.5 2006: 10 Quadrats 19.5 19.5- 8 LR.LLR.FVS.FserVS 1.5-1.31 20.0

205

JJM060711p2034 JJM060711p2020 Yellow paint

JJM060711p2035 JJM060711p2028

206

JJM060711p2022 JJM060711p2023

JJM060711p2024 JJM060711p2025

JJM060711p2027 JJM060711p2026

Piton marking top of subtidal transect

JJM060711p2029

207

JJM060711p2032

208

LOCH SUNART SAC – SUBTIDAL SITE LOCATION SHEET

Site: SR12 Camas Salach Top of transect: OS Grid Ref. NM 67766 60535 Lat./Long.(WGS84) 56o 40.728’ N 5o 47.579’ W Bottom of transect: OS Grid Ref. NM 67717 60580 Lat./Long.(WGS84) 56o 40.746’ N 5o 47.629’ W Bearing from top of transect: Approx. 325o Top of transect marked by: Small metal piton, with hole for karabiner attachment, banged into crevice at base of steep bedrock slope. Note: this second piton lies part way down (6.8m) the contiguous intertidal transect (LR12). Access: By boat

Other images: 2 digital photos and Video Tape No. S-SUN-0706-12 Depth (m No. Zone Tape (m) Notes rcd) 9 IR.LIR.K.Lsac.Ft 20.0- 49.4 1.31- -7.69 10 IR.HIR.KFaR.FoR 49.4-59.6 -7.69- -13.09 -13.09- - 11 CR.LCR.BrAs.NeoPro 59.6-87.0 2006: 11 Quadrats 25.99

209

JJM060711p2034 JJM060711p2035

Intertidal transect line

JJM060711p2026 Intertidal Piton marking start of transect line subtidal transect

JJM060711p2018 JJM060711p2036

SMB marking end of subtidal Piton transect

Divers’ SMB

Piton marking start of subtidal transect at 9.95m

JJM060711p2019

210

Divers’ SMB Divers’ SMB SMB marking end of subtidal transect CamasSalach shore transect.jpg Camas Salach transect.jpg

211

FspiVS Ver.Ver AscVS Camas Salach transect profile YG PelVS Sem.Sem FserVS Se m.Li tX 10.0

5.0 0.0

-5.0 0 1020304050607080900 30 40 50 60 70 80

-10.0 Lsac.Ft 212 -15.0 FoR -20.0 NeoPro

Height/depth (m rcd) (m Height/depth -25.0 -30.0

Distance (m)

LOCH SUNART SAC – INTERTIDAL SITE LOCATION SHEET

Site: LR13 Torran A Chonnaidh Top of transect: OS Grid Ref. NM 72967 61165 Lat./Long.(WGS84) 56o 41.220’ N 5o 42.530’W Bottom of transect: OS Grid Ref. NM 72972 61173 Lat./Long.(WGS84) 56o 41.220’ N 5o 42.525’W Bearing from top of transect: 50o Top of transect marked by: Yellow road paint in a crevice just to right of a hole (looking up shore) in yellow lichen zone. 6.5m from a single birch tree. Note: A piton in the mid shore (approx 5m along intertidal transect) marks the top of the contiguous subtidal transect (SR13); which heads off on a bearing of 50o. Intertidal quadrats thrown at 4.0-5.0m along tape in Limpet barnacle zone Access: By boat

Other images: 11 other digital photos and Video Tape No. S/L-SUN-0706-13 Height No. Zone Tape (m) Notes (m) 1 LR.FLR.Lic.YG 0.0-1.0 5.2-4.9 2 LR.LLR.FVS.PelVS 1.0-2.2 4.9-4.4 3 LR.HLRMusB.Sem 4.4-6.95 4.4-2.6 2006: 10 Quadrats 4 LR.LLR.FVS.AscVS 6.95-8.75 2.6-1.7 5 LR.LLR.FVS.FserVS 8.75-13.0 1.7-0.9

213

Loch Sunart 013.jpg Loch Sunart 004.jpg

Yellow paint

Loch Sunart 022.jpg Loch Sunart 002.jpg

Yellow paint

Piton marking top of subtidal transect

214

Loch Sunart 015.jpg Loch Sunart 016.jpg

Loch Sunart 017.jpg Loch Sunart 018.jpg

Piton marking top of subtidal transect

215

Loch Sunart 019.jpg Loch Sunart 021.jpg

Loch Sunart 020.jpg

216

LOCH SUNART SAC – SUBTIDAL SITE LOCATION SHEET

Site: SR13 Torran A Chonnaidh Top of transect: OS Grid Ref. NM 72968 61168 Lat./Long.(WGS84) 56o 41.220’ N 5o 42.529’ W Bottom of transect: OS Grid Ref. NM 73024 61237 Lat./Long.(WGS84) 56o 41.256’ N 5o 42.478’ W Bearing from top of transect: Approx. 50o Top of transect marked by: A black piton in the mid shore, approx 5m along the contiguous intertidal transect (LR13). Access: By boat

Other images: ?? digital photos and Video Tape No. S/L-SUN-0706-13 Depth (m No. Zone Tape (m) Notes rcd) 13.0- 6 IR.LIR.KVS.LsacPsaVS 0.9- -0.6 18.44 18.44- 7 IR.LIR.K.Lsac.Ft -0.6- -9.3 45.7 8 IR.HIR.KFaR.FoR 45.7-57.5 -9.3- -12.0 2006: 10 Quadrats 57.5- 9 CR.LCR.BrAs.AntAsH -12.0- -17.5 100.0

217

Loch Sunart 008.jpg Loch Sunart 022.jpg

SMB marking end of subtidal transect

Loch Sunart 014.jpg

SMB marking end of subtidal transect

Loch Sunart 017.jpg Loch Sunart 007.jpg

Piton marking start of subtidal transect Piton marking start of subtidal transect

218

Torran a Chonnaidh littoral and sublittoral profile YG Pel V S AscV S LsacPsaVS Sem FserVS 10.0

5.0

0.0 0 2040608010012040 60 80 219 -5.0

-10.0

Ls ac.Ft

-15.0 FoR AntAsH Height/depth (m rcd)

-20.0

Distance (m)

LOCH SUNART SAC – INTERTIDAL SITE LOCATION SHEET

Site: LR16 W. of Waterfalls Top of transect: OS Grid Ref. NM 55752 57923 Lat./Long.(WGS84) 56o 38.952’ N 5o 59.167’ W Bottom of transect: OS Grid Ref. NM 55750 57926 Lat./Long.(WGS84) 56o 38.958’ N 5o 59.169’ W Site established/surveyed by: Jon Moore, Robert Irving, Tom Mercer, Mark Steward Bearing from top of transect: 335o Top of transect marked by: Yellow road paint on top of bedrock pinnacle in yellow lichen zone. Note: Prominent pinnacle 9.6m to the west of the highest point on the shore (WP 43) (NM 55762 57919) Note: The bottom of zone 5 on the intertidal transect (7.6m) marks the start of the contiguous subtidal transect (SR16); which heads off on a bearing of 335o Access: By boat

Other images: 63 other digital photos for contiguous transects and Video Tape No. L/S-SUN-0706-16. Tape Height No. Zone Notes (m) (m) 1 LR.FLR.Lic.YG 0.0-0.7 6.1-5.75 2 LR.FLR.Lic.Ver.Ver 0.7-2.85 5.75-4.2 3 LR.FLR.Lic.Ver.B 2.85-3.9 4.2-3.6 4 LR.HLR.MusB.Sem.Sem 3.9-7.0 3.6-2.1 5 LR.HLR.MusB.Sem.FvesR 7.0-7.7 2.1-1.4 2006: 10 Quadrats 6 IR.MIR.KR.Ldig.Ldig 7.7-9.9 1.4-0.3

220

JJM060716p2160 DSCN3125.JPG Yellow paint

JJM060716p2157 JJM060716p2147

JJM060716p215 JJM060716p2151 0

221

JJM060716p2153 JJM060716p2159

JJM060716p2154

JJM060716p2158

222

LOCH SUNART SAC – SUBTIDAL SITE LOCATION SHEET

Site: SR16 W. of Waterfalls Top of transect: OS Grid Ref. NM 55750 57926 Lat./Long.(WGS84) 56o 38.958’ N 5o 59.169’ W Bottom of transect: OS Grid Ref. NM 55729 57967 Lat./Long.(WGS84) 56o 38.976’ N 5o 59.192’ W Bearing from top of transect: Approx. 335o Top of transect marked by: A black piton in the mid shore, approx 7.0m along the contiguous intertidal transect (LR16). Access: By boat

Other images: 29 digital photos and Video Tape No. L/S-SUN-0706-16 Depth (m No. Zone Tape (m) Notes rcd) 7 IR.HIR.KFaR.LhypR.Ft 9.9-20.0 0.3- -7.6 8 CR.LCR.BrAs.AntAsH 20.0-23.7 -7.6- -11.0 2006: 10 Quadrats 9 IR.MIR.KR.XFoR 23.7-27.6 -11.0- -12.8 10 CR.LCR.BrAs.AmenCio.Ant 27.6-36.6 -12.8- -18.4 11 CR.MCR.EcCr.CarSwi.LgAs 36.6-49.5 -18.4- -26.3

223

DSCN3127.JPG JJM060716p2160

SMB marking end of subtidal DSCN3133.JPG transect

SMB marking end of subtidal transect

JJM060716p2155 Piton

Piton marking top of subtidal transect

JJM060716p2158

224

West of Waterfalls littoral and sublittoral profile Ver.Ver Sem

YG Ver.B FvesR Ldig.Ldig 10.0

5.0

0.0 0 510 15 20 225 30 35 40 -5.0

225 -10.0

-15.0 H s

A LhypR.Ft t

n Height/depth (m rcd) (m Height/depth XF oR -20.0 A AmenCio.Ant

-25.0 CarSwiLgAs

-30.0

Distance (m)

LOCH SUNART SAC – INTERTIDAL SITE LOCATION SHEET

Site: LR18 Loch Teacuis Top of transect: OS Grid Ref. NM 64850 55312 Lat./Long.(WGS84) 56o 37.830’ N 5o 50.142’ W Bottom of transect: OS Grid Ref. NM 64835 55292 Lat./Long.(WGS84) 56o 37.818’ N 5o 50.156’ W Bearing from top of transect: 235o Top of transect marked by: Yellow road paint in crevice. Left hand side of outcrop. [piton banged into crevice at 5.5m, bottom of Pelvetia zone] Note: The bottom of zone 5 on the intertidal transect (33.3m) marks the start of the contiguous subtidal transect (SR18); which heads off on a bearing of 235o. Access: By boat

Other images: 33 other digital photos and Video Tape No. L/S-SUN-0706-18 No. Zone Tape (m) Height (m) Notes 1 LR.FLR.Lic.YG 0.0-3.5 6.4-5.7 2 LR.FLR.Lic.Ver.Ver 3.5-4.2 5.7-5.3 3 LR.LLR.FVS.PelVS 4.2-5.6 5.3-4.6 4 LR.LLR.FVS.FspiVS 5.6-6.2 4.6-4.1 2006: 10 Quadrats 5 LR.LLR.FVS.AscVS 6.2-33.3 4.1-0.5

DSC05709.JPG DSCN3143.JPG

226

DSC05708.JPG DSC05718.JPG

Yellow paint

DSC05712.JPG

Piton

DSC05713.JPG

227

DSC05714.JPG DSC05716.JPG

228

LOCH SUNART SAC – SUBTIDAL SITE LOCATION SHEET

Site: SR18 Loch Teacuis Top of transect: OS Grid Ref. NM 64835 55292 Lat./Long.(WGS84) 56o 37.818’ N 5o 50.156’ W Bottom of transect: OS Grid Ref. NM 64818 55267 Lat./Long.(WGS84) 56o 37.806’ N 5o 50.170’ W Bearing from top of transect: 235o Top of transect marked by: The bottom of zone 5 (33.3m) of the contiguous intertidal transect (LR18). [A piton was also banged into a crevice at 5.5m, bottom of Pelvetia zone.] Access: By boat

Other images: 15 digital photos and Video Tape No. L/S-SUN-0706-18 Depth (m No. Zone Tape (m) Notes rcd) 33.3- 6 IR.LIR.KVS.LsacPsaVS 0.5- -3.5 49.45 49.45- 7 SS.SBR.PoR.Ser -3.5- -3.9 2006: 10 Quadrats 52.0 8 SS.SMU.IFiMu.PhiVir 52.0-55+ -3.9- -5.3

229

DSC05718.JPG DSC05709.JPG

DSCN3139 JPG

Intertidal transect SMB marking end of subtidal transect

DSC05714.JPG DSC05712.JPG

Piton Piton

230

NE shore Inner Loch Teacuis littoral and sublittoral profile PelVS Ver.Ver FspiVS 8.0

6.0

4.0

2.0 YG AscV S 0.0

231 0 10203040506040 50 -2.0

LsacPsaVS Height/depth (m rcd) -4.0

Ser -6.0 PhiVir Distance (m)

LOCH SUNART SAC – SUBTIDAL SITE LOCATION SHEET

Site: SR22 Torr Molach Top of transect: OS Grid Ref. NM 67772 62447 Lat./Long.(WGS84) 56o 41.754’ N 5o 47.677’ W Bottom of transect: OS Grid Ref. NM 67802 62400 Lat./Long.(WGS84) 56o 41.730’ N 5o 47.645’ W Bearing from top of transect: Approx. 148o Top of transect marked by: Silvery metal piton (knife blade type), with hole for karabiner attachment, banged into crevice in mid shore. Also, yellow road paint in lichen zone marks top of potential intertidal transect (not surveyed in 2006) [OS Grid Ref. NM 67770 62449]. Access: Site is right next to road, so potentially possible to access from land, but road is narrow (no parking and shore is very steep. Boat recommended, using picnic area beach approx. 200m north along coast as a base and launch site to ferry waves of divers.

Other images: 15 digital photos and Video Tape No. S-SUN-0706-22 No. Zone Tape (m) Depth (m rcd) Notes 1 IR.LIR.KVS 0.0-0.85m 0- -0.5 2 IR.LIR.KVS.LsacPsaVS 0.85-12.5 -0.5- -7.7 3 CR.LCR.BrAs.AntAsH 12.5-32.9 -7.7--16.0 2006: 13 Quadrats 4 CR.LCR.BrAs.NeoPro 32.9-66.0 -16- -26.5

232

JJM060719p2183 JJM060719p2179 Start of subtidal transect Yellow paint

JJM060719p2185 JJM060719p2184 Piton (edge of water) marking start of subtidal transect

Piton (edge of water) marking start of subtidal transect

233

Torr Molach littoral and sublittoral profile

0.0 0102030405060700 10 20 30 40 50 60 -5.0

-10.0

-15.0 Lsac PsaVS

234 AntAsH -20.0

Height/depth (m rcd) (m Height/depth -25.0 NeoPro

-30.0 Dis tance (m) KVS

Appendix 7 - Photographs of intertidal quadrats

235

Site: S9 Zone 5 / Quadrat 1 Site: S9 Zone 5 / Quadrat 2

Site: S9 Zone 5 / Quadrat 3 Site: S9 Zone 5 / Quadrat 4

Site: S9 Zone 5 / Quadrat 5

236

Site: S9 Zone 5 / Quadrat 6 Site: S9 Zone 5 / Quadrat 7

Site: S9 Zone 5 / Quadrat 8 Site: S9 Zone 5 / Quadrat 9

Site: S9 Zone 5 / Quadrat 10

237

Site: S10 Zone 9 / Quadrat 1 Site: S10 Zone 9 / Quadrat 2

Site: S10 Zone 9 / Quadrat 3 Site: S10 Zone 9/ Quadrat 4

Site: S10 Zone 9 / Quadrat 5

238

Site: S10 Zone 9 / Quadrat 6 Site: S10 Zone 9 / Quadrat 7

Site: S10 Zone 9 / Quadrat 8 Site: S10 Zone 9 / Quadrat 9

Site: S10 Zone 9 / Quadrat 10

239

Site: S11 Zone 4 / Quadrat 1 Site: S11 Zone 4 / Quadrat 2

Site: S11 Zone 4 / Quadrat 3 Site: S11 Zone 4 / Quadrat 4

Site: S11 Zone 4 / Quadrat 5

240

Site: S11 Zone 4 / Quadrat 6 Site: S11 Zone 4 / Quadrat 7

Site: S11 Zone 4 / Quadrat 8 Site: S11 Zone 4 / Quadrat 9

Site: S11 Zone 4 / Quadrat 10

241

Site: S12 Zone 7 / Quadrat 1 Site: S12 Zone 7 / Quadrat 2

Site: S12 Zone 7 / Quadrat 3 Site: S12 Zone 7 / Quadrat 4

Site: S12 Zone 7 / Quadrat 5 Site: S12 Zone 7 / Quadrat 6

242

Site: S12 Zone 7 / Quadrat 7 Site: S12 Zone 7 / Quadrat 8

No photograph No photograph

Site: S12 Zone 7 / Quadrat 9 Site: S12 Zone 7 / Quadrat 10

No photograph No photograph

243

Site: S13 Zone 3 / Quadrat 1 Site: S13 Zone 3 / Quadrat 2

No photograph No photograph

Site: S13 Zone 3 / Quadrat 3 Site: S13 Zone 3 / Quadrat 4

No photograph No photograph

Site: S13 Zone 3 / Quadrat 5

No photograph

244

Site: S13 Zone 3 / Quadrat 6 Site: S13 Zone 3 / Quadrat 7

No photograph No photograph

Site: S13 Zone 3 / Quadrat 8 Site: S13 Zone 3 / Quadrat 9

No photograph No photograph

Site: S13 Zone 3 / Quadrat 10

No photograph

245

Site: S16 Zone 5 / Quadrat 1 Site: S16 Zone 5 / Quadrat 2

Site: S16 Zone 5 / Quadrat 3 Site: S16 Zone 5 / Quadrat 4

Site: S16 Zone 5 / Quadrat 5

246

Site: S16 Zone 5 / Quadrat 6 Site: S16 Zone 5 / Quadrat 7

Site: S16 Zone 5 / Quadrat 8 Site: S16 Zone 5 / Quadrat 9

Site: S16 Zone 5 / Quadrat 10

247

Site: S18 Zone 2/3 / Quadrat 1 Site: S18 Zone 2/3 / Quadrat 2

Zone 2/3 / Quadrat Site: S18 Site: S18 Zone 2/3 / Quadrat 4 3

Zone 2/3 / Quadrat Site: S18 5

248

Site: S18 Zone 2/3 / Quadrat 6 Site: S18 Zone 2/3 / Quadrat 7

Zone 2/3 / Quadrat Site: S18 Site: S18 Zone 2/3 / Quadrat 9 8

Zone 2/3 / Quadrat Site: S18 10

249

Appendix 8 - Species recorded from diving and intertidal work in 2006

Appendix 8 lists all the species recorded and the sites at which they were found. The full data set including semi-quantitative abundances in each Phase II habitat and quantitative abundances from all quadrats has been entered into Marine Recorder. Excel spreadsheets containing all the information collected are held by SNH.

Species from sites where the intertidal and subtidal transects were contiguous are shown in a single column. Where the transects were at separate locations, the species are shown in separate columns.

250

MCS L9/ L10/ L11/ L12/ L13/ L16/ L18/ L22/ Limaria Transect site no. S14 S15 S19 S20 S21 Code S9 S10 S11 S12 S13 S16 S18 S22 site no. Species C00080 Clathrina coriacea * C00260 Leucosolenia complicata * C00350 Scypha ciliata * * C00900 Enc Sponge (various) * * C00900 Enc. Sponge (orange) * * C01670 Pachymatisma johnstonia * C02200 Suberites carnosus * * * * C02210 Suberites ficus * C03020 Cliona celata * C03540 Axinella infundibuliformis * C03720 Phakellia ventilabrum * * * C04080 Stelligera stuposa * * * * * C04250 Raspailia hispida * * C04810 Halichondria bowerbanki * * * C04840 Halichondria panicea * * * * * * * C05230 Hymeniacidon perleve * * * * * C05960 Esperiopsis fucorum * C06450 Myxilla incrustans * C07250 Hymedesmia paupertas * C07590 Phorbas fictitius * C08640 Haliclona urceolus * * C08650 Haliclona viscosa * C08900 Dysidea fragilis * C09100 Halisarca dujardini * * D00830 Aurelia aurita (Scypistomae) * D02330 Eudendrium capillare * * D02370 Eudendrium rameum * * D02380 Eudendrium ramosum * * D03060 Bougainvillia ramosa * * * * D03340 Hydractinia * * * D03970 Modeeria rotunda * * * * D05160 Lafoea dumosa * * * D05250 Halecium beanii * * D05260 Halecium halecinum * * D05560 Aglaophenia tubulifera * * * D05780 Halopteris catharina * * * * * * D05850 Kirchenpaueria pinnata * * * * D05970 Nemertesia antennina * * D05990 Nemertesia ramosa * * D06050 Plumularia setacea * * * * * * D06150 Polyplumaria frutescens * D06260 Abietinaria abietina * * * D06360 Diphasia * D06370 Diphasia alata * D06420 Diphasia pinaster * * D06430 Diphasia rosacea * D06480 Dynamena pumila * * * * * D06670 Sertularella gayi * * D06690 Sertularella polyzonias * D06760 Sertularia argentea * * * * * * *

251

MCS L9/ L10/ L11/ L12/ L13/ L16/ L18/ L22/ Limaria Transect site no. S14 S15 S19 S20 S21 Code S9 S10 S11 S12 S13 S16 S18 S22 site no. Species D07280 Obelia * * * * * D07300 Obelia dichotoma * * * * * D07310 Obelia geniculata * * * D07430 Rhizocaulus verticillatus * * * D10240 Alcyonium digitatum * * * * * * * * D10250 Alcyonium glomeratum * * D10370 Swiftia pallida * D10560 Virgularia mirabilis * * * * D10750 Cerianthus lloydii * * * * * D11160 Parazoanthus anguicomus * D11390 Protanthea simplex * D11510 Actinia equina * * * * * D11580 Anemonia viridis * * * D11680 Urticina felina * * * D11690 Urticina eques * * D12250 Metridium senile * * * D12310 Sagartia elegans * * * D12470 Sagartiogeton laceratus * * * * D12920 Adamsia carciniopados * * D13700 Caryophyllia smithii * * * * G00001 NEMERTEA * O00150 Amalosoma eddystonense * P00270 Aphrodita aculeata * P13750 Chaetopterus variopedatus * * * * * * * P20000 Terebellidae * P20310 Lanice conchilega * * P22610 Sabella pavonina * P22720 Serpulidae * * * P23020 Pomatoceros * P23030 Pomatoceros lamarcki * * * * * * P23040 Pomatoceros triqueter * P23090 Serpula vermicularis * P23460 Protula tubularia * P23550 Spirorbidae * P23550 Spirorbidae * * Q00010 Pycnogonida * * * * * * * * * Q00800 Red mites * R00720 Chthamalus montagui * * * * * * R00730 Chthamalus stellatus * * R00990 BALANOIDEA * * * R01080 Semibalanus balanoides * R01090 Balanus balanus * * * * R01100 Balanus crenatus * * * S01660 AMPHIPODA * * S17890 Ligia oceanica * * * S22100 Palaemon serratus * S23310 Crangon crangon * S24140 Palinurus elephas * S24650 Pagurus bernhardus * * S24700 Pagurus prideaux * * *

252

MCS L9/ L10/ L11/ L12/ L13/ L16/ L18/ L22/ Limaria Transect site no. S14 S15 S19 S20 S21 Code S9 S10 S11 S12 S13 S16 S18 S22 site no. Species S24860 Galathea intermedia * S24900 Galathea strigosa * S24950 Munida rugosa * * S25070 Porcellana platycheles * * * S25590 Hyas araneus * * * * * * S25600 Hyas coarctatus * * * S25850 Macropodia rostrata * S26460 Cancer pagurus * * * * * * * S26690 Liocarcinus depurator * S26720 Necora puber * * * * S26900 Carcinus maenas * * * * * * * W00730 Lepidochitona (Lepidochitona) * * * W00780 Tonicella marmorea * W00790 Tonicella rubra * * * * W01250 Tectura testudinalis * * * * * * W01260 Tectura virginea * * * * W01300 Patella * * W01330 Patella ulyssiponensis * * * * W01340 Patella vulgata * W01390 Helcion pellucidum * W01810 Jujubinus miliaris * W01890 Gibbula magus * W01930 Gibbula cineraria * * * * * * * * W01950 Gibbula umbilicalis * * * * W02000 Calliostoma zizyphinum * * * * W02500 Littorina littorea * * W02520 Melarhaphe neritoides * * * * * W02540 Littorina mariae * * * W02550 Littorina obtusata * W02580 Littorina neglecta * * W02600 Littorina saxatilis * * * * W07370 Trivia arctica * W07380 Trivia monacha * W08170 Nucella lapillus * * * * W08440 Buccinum undatum * * * * * * * W09790 Philine aperta * * * * * * W12420 Tritonia hombergii * * W13140 Trapania pallida * * W13620 Polycera faeroensis * W13630 Polycera quadrilineata * * W14020 Archidoris * W16500 Mytilus edulis * * * * * * * * * W16500 Mytilus edulis * * * W16750 Modiolus modiolus * W17390 Limaria hians * * W18000 Chlamys varia * * W18050 Aequipecten opercularis * * * * * * W18090 Pecten maximus * W18200 Pododesmus patelliformis * * W18210 Heteranomia * *

253

MCS L9/ L10/ L11/ L12/ L13/ L16/ L18/ L22/ Limaria Transect site no. S14 S15 S19 S20 S21 Code S9 S10 S11 S12 S13 S16 S18 S22 site no. Species W20220 Ensis * W21250 Arctica islandica * * W21640 Dosinia lupinus * W22270 Mya truncata * W24080 Sepiola atlantica * X00070 Neocrania anomala * Y00001 Enc. Bryozoa * * * * Y00030 Crisiidae * * Y01370 Alcyonidium diaphanum * * * Y01390 Alcyonidium hirsutum * * * * Y01420 Alcyonidium polyoam * Y01480 Flustrellidra hispida * * * * * Y03770 Parasmittina trispinosa * * * Y03830 Porella compressa * Y04480 Schizomavella linearis * * * * Y06060 Cellepora pumicosa * Y06120 Celleporina hassallii * Y06300 Omalosecosa ramulosa * * Y06580 Eucratea loricata * Y06640 Membranipora membranacea * Y06780 Electra pilosa * * * * Y07100 Securiflustra securifrons * Y08360 Scrupocellaria * * Y08380 Scrupocellaria reptans * * Y08720 Bugula flabellata * * ZB00110 Antedon bifida * * * ZB00120 Antedon petasus * * * * * ZB00220 Leptometra celtica * * * * * * ZB00410 Astropecten irregularis * ZB00670 Luidia ciliaris * * ZB01010 Porania pulvillus * * * * * * * * * * * ZB01430 Solaster endeca * * * * ZB01490 Crossaster papposus * * * ZB01640 Henricia * * ZB01900 Asterias rubens * * * * * * * * ZB02000 Marthasterias glacialis * ZB02350 Ophiothrix fragilis * * ZB02420 Ophiocomina nigra * * * ZB02680 Ophiactis balli * ZB02780 Ophiopholis aculeata * * * ZB02860 Amphiura chiajei * ZB03120 Ophiura affinis * * * * * ZB03130 Ophiura albida * * * ZB03550 Psammechinus miliaris * * * ZB03620 Echinus esculentus * * * * * * * * * * * ZB04740 Pawsonia saxicola * * ZB04790 Aslia lefevrei * * ZB04850 Ocnus planci * * * * * ZB04950 Thyone fusus * * ZB04980 Thyone roscovita *

254

MCS L9/ L10/ L11/ L12/ L13/ L16/ L18/ L22/ Limaria Transect site no. S14 S15 S19 S20 S21 Code S9 S10 S11 S12 S13 S16 S18 S22 site no. Species ZB05080 Thyonidium drummondii * ZB05150 Psolus phantapus * ZD00060 Clavelina lepadiformis * * * * ZD00340 Polyclinum aurantium * ZD00530 Sidnyum sp. * ZD00640 Aplidium punctum * ZD00970 Diplosoma listerianum * * * ZD01170 Ciona intestinalis * * * * * ZD01230 Diazona violacea * * ZD01350 Corella parallelogramma * * * * * ZD01410 Ascidiella aspersa * * * * * ZD01430 Ascidiella scabra * * * * * * ZD01500 Ascidia mentula * * * * * * * * ZD01530 Ascidia virginea * * * * * * ZD01870 Polycarpa pomaria * * ZD01880 Polycarpa scuba * * * * * ZD01940 Dendrodoa grossularia * * * * * * * * ZD02090 Botryllus schlosseri * * * * * * * ZD02140 Botrylloides leachi * * * * ZF00400 Scyliorhinus canicula * ZG01730 Gadus morhua * ZG02080 Pollachius pollachius * * * * * ZG04330 Myoxocephalus * * * * * ZG05920 Centrolabrus exoletus * ZG06010 Crenilabrus melops * ZG06050 Ctenolabrus rupestris * * * ZG06090 Labrus bergylta * * ZG06100 Labrus mixtus * * * ZG06320 Lipophrys pholis * * * * * * ZG06530 Chirolophis ascanii * ZG06800 Pholis gunnellus * * * * * * ZG07000 Callionymus lyra * * * * * * ZG07230 Gobius niger * ZG07280 Gobiusculus flavescens * * * * ZG07400 Pomatoschistus * * ZG07480 Thorogobius ephippiatus * * * ZM00010 Enc. Red algae * * * * * * * * ZM00830 Porphyra * * * * * * ZM02080 Bonnemaisonia asparagoides * * * * * * ZM02150 Gelidium * ZM02170 Gelidium pusillum * * * ZM02420 Palmaria palmata * * * * * * * ZM02560 Dilsea carnosa * ZM02660 Dumontia contorta * * ZM03230 Callophyllis laciniata * * ZM03280 Kallymenia reniformis * * * ZM03330 Meredithia microphylla * * ZM03790 Hildenbrandia rubra * * * ZM03830 Enc. Coralline algae * * * * * * * * * * * * ZM04040 Corallina officinalis *

255

MCS L9/ L10/ L11/ L12/ L13/ L16/ L18/ L22/ Limaria Transect site no. S14 S15 S19 S20 S21 Code S9 S10 S11 S12 S13 S16 S18 S22 site no. Species ZM04610 Lithothamnion glaciale * * * * * * ZM05590 Schmitzia hiscockiana * * * * * ZM05840 Phyllophora crispa * * ZM06050 Mastocarpus stellatus * * ZM06110 Chondrus crispus * * * * * * ZM06310 Plocamium cartilagineum * ZM06480 Halarachnion ligulatum * * ZM06710 Catenella caespitosa * ZM06820 Calliblepharis ciliata * ZM06880 Cystoclonium purpureum * ZM06930 Rhodophyllis divaricata * * * * * * ZM06940 Rhodophyllis divaricata var. werneri * ZM07190 Cordylecladia erecta * ZM07400 Chylocladia verticillata * ZM07500 Lomentaria * * * * * * * ZM07510 Lomentaria articulata * * ZM07530 Lomentaria orcadensis * * * * ZM07850 Aglaothamnion bipinnatum * ZM07860 Aglaothamnion byssoides * * ZM08121 Ceramium cimbricum * ZM08230 Ceramium nodulosum * ZM08239 Ceramium secundatum * ZM08340 Compsothamnion thuyoides * * * * * * ZM08880 Pterothamnion plumula * * * * * * ZM09080 Seirospora interrupta * * ZM09350 Acrosorium venulosum * ZM09500 Cryptopleura ramosa * * * * ZM09550 Delesseria sanguinea * * * * * * ZM09850 Hypoglossum hypoglossoides * * * ZM09900 Membranoptera alata * * * * ZM09950 Haraldiophyllum bonnemaisonii * ZM10020 Nitophyllum punctatum * * * ZM10120 Phycodrys rubens * ZM10320 Dasya hutchinsiae * * * * * ZM10500 Brongniartella byssoides * * * ZM10800 Osmundea pinnatifida * * * * * ZM10970 Odonthalia dentata * * * ZM11010 Polysiphonia * ZM11050 Polysiphonia elongata * * ZM11060 Polysiphonia elongella * * ZM11150 Polysiphonia lanosa * * * ZM11170 Polysiphonia fucoides * ZM11300 Polysiphonia stricta * ZM11370 Pterosiphonia parasitica * * * * ZR00030 Ectocarpaceae * * * * * ZR02470 Elachista * * * ZR03860 Enc. Brown algae * * * ZR03890 Cutleria multifida * ZR04390 Cladostephus spongiosus * ZR04570 Dictyota dichotoma * * *

256

MCS L9/ L10/ L11/ L12/ L13/ L16/ L18/ L22/ Limaria Transect site no. S14 S15 S19 S20 S21 Code S9 S10 S11 S12 S13 S16 S18 S22 site no. Species ZR04970 Desmarestia aculeata * ZR05000 Desmarestia viridis * * * * ZR05480 Asperococcus * ZR06250 Chorda filum * * * * ZR06320 Laminaria digitata * * * ZR06330 Laminaria hyperborea * * * * * * ZR06360 Laminaria saccharina * * * * * * * * * * * ZR06460 Saccorhiza polyschides * * ZR06640 Ascophyllum nodosum * * * * * * ZR06740 Fucus serratus * ZR06740 Fucus serratus * * * * * * ZR06750 Fucus spiralis * * * ZR06760 Fucus vesiculosus * * * * * * ZR06810 Pelvetia canaliculata * * * * * ZR06870 Himanthalia elongata * * ZR07160 Halidrys siliquosa * * * ZS02110 Enteromorpha * * * * * * * ZS02400 Ulva * ZS02450 Ulva lactuca * * ZS03380 Cladophora * * * * ZS03560 Cladophora rupestris * ZS04140 Codium * Anaptychia fusca * Caloplaca marina * * * * * Caloplaca thallincola * * * * Green lichen * Grey lichens * * * * * * * Lecanora atra * Lichina confinis * Lichina pygmaea * * * Ochrolechia parella * * * * Ramalina siliquosa * Verrucaria (black) * * * * * * * Verrucaria (green) * * * * * * * Xanthoria parietina * * * * * * * Grass (Fescue) * * * Armeria maritima (Thrift) * * Anurida maritima * Number of Taxa 78 188 134 79 126 128 83 68 44 16 17 24 26

257

Appendix 9 - Photograph and video logs

Appendix 9.1 Photograph log

Appendix 9.2 Video log

258

Appendix 9.1 Photograph log

This is an abbreviated log. A fully detailed version with more fields (eg. site position) is available on a separate Excel spreadsheet linked to the photographs

Abbreviations used below:

Image No. Date Taken Photographer Site no. Subject Eastings Northings Sun0607P0001 3-Jul-2006 Mark Steward General Aquilla 161000 760000 Sun0607P0002 3-Jul-2006 Mark Steward General Aquilla 161000 760000 Sun0607P0003 3-Jul-2006 Mark Steward General Aquilla 161000 760000 Sun0607P0004 3-Jul-2006 Mark Steward General Aquilla 161000 760000 Sun0607P0005 3-Jul-2006 Mark Steward General Rahoy 164000 756000 Sun0607P0006 3-Jul-2006 Mark Steward General Rahoy 164000 756000 Sun0607P0007 3-Jul-2006 Laura Baxter General Camasinus 165800 761000 Sun0607P0008 3-Jul-2006 Laura Baxter General Camasinus 165800 761000 Sun0607P0009 3-Jul-2006 Laura Baxter General Camasinus 165800 761000 Sun0607P0010 3-Jul-2006 Laura Baxter General Camasinus 165800 761000 Sun0607P0011 3-Jul-2006 Laura Baxter General Camasinus 165800 761000 Sun0607P0012 3-Jul-2006 Laura Baxter General Camasinus 165800 761000 Sun0607P0013 3-Jul-2006 Laura Baxter General Camasinus 165800 761000 Sun0607P0014 3-Jul-2006 Ben James General Yacht 161000 760000 Sun0607P0015 3-Jul-2006 Ben James General Creel boat 161000 760000 Sun0607P0016 3-Jul-2006 Ben James General Laga Bay –fish farm 163500 760600 Sun0607P0017 3-Jul-2006 Ben James General Laga Bay -fish farm 163500 760600 Sun0607P0018 3-Jul-2006 Ben James General Aquilla 161000 790000 Sun0607P0019 3-Jul-2006 Ben James General Aquilla 161000 760000 Sun0607P0020 3-Jul-2006 Ben James General Aquilla 161000 760000 Sun0607P0021 3-Jul-2006 Ben James General Creeler's pontoon 161000 760000 Sun0607P0022 3-Jul-2006 Ben James General Creeler's pontoon 161000 760000 Sun0607P0023 3-Jul-2006 Ben James General Risga -North Channel 161000 760220 Sun0607P0024 3-Jul-2006 Ben James General Aquilla steaming 161000 760000 Sun0607P0025 3-Jul-2006 Ben James General Dropdown equipment 161000 760000 Sun0607P0026 3-Jul-2006 Ben James General Rubha Aird Beithe 161650 760250 Sun0607P0027 3-Jul-2006 Ben James General Laga Bay fish farm 161650 760250 Sun0607P0028 3-Jul-2006 Ben James General Laga Bay fish farm 163200 760600 Sun0607P0029 4-Jul-2006 Ben James General Boat traffic - Timber barge 165800 761000 Sun0607P0030 4-Jul-2006 Ben James General Boat traffic - Timber barge 165800 761000 Sun0607P0031 4-Jul-2006 Ben James General Boat traffic - Timber barge 165800 761000 Sun0607P0032 4-Jul-2006 Ben James General Boat traffic - Timber barge 165800 761000 Sun0607P0033 4-Jul-2006 Ben James General Vivier boat 161000 760000 Sun0607P0034 4-Jul-2006 Ben James General Vivier boat 161000 760000 Sun0607P0035 4-Jul-2006 Ben James General Glenborrodale Castle 160700 760300

259

Image No. Date Taken Photographer Site no. Subject Eastings Northings Sun0607P0036 4-Jul-2006 Ben James General Glenborrodale Castle 160700 760300 Sun0607P0037 4-Jul-2006 Ben James General Yacht 161000 760000 Sun0607P0038 4-Jul-2006 Laura Baxter General Sea grass monitoring 155569 761543 Sun0607P0039 4-Jul-2006 Laura Baxter General Sea grass monitoring 155569 761543 Sun0607P0040 4-Jul-2006 Laura Baxter General Sea grass monitoring 155569 761543 Sun0607P0041 5-Jul-2006 Laura Baxter? General Dropdown video 161000 760000 Sun0607P0042 5-Jul-2006 Laura Baxter? General Dropdown video 161000 760000 Sun0607P0043 5-Jul-2006 Laura Baxter? General Dropdown video 161000 760000 Sun0607P0044 5-Jul-2006 Laura Baxter? General Dropdown video 161000 760000 Sun0607P0045 5-Jul-2006 Laura Baxter? General Dropdown video 161000 760000 Sun0607P0046 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson General westwards from Sron na Saobhaidh 177600 760600 Sun0607P0047 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson General Laudale House 177600 760600 Sun0607P0048 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson General Laudale House 177600 760600 Sun0607P0049 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson General Eastwards from Sron na Saobhaidh 177600 760600 Sun0607P0050 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson General Canoeists near Laudale 177000 760000 Sun0607P0051 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson General Carcinus on Zostera noltii bed 175870 760690 Sun0607P0052 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson General Saltmarsh on Eilean Mor (SW) 175900 760550 Sun0607P0053 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson General Saltmarsh on Eilean Mor (E) 175900 760550 Sun0607P0054 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson General Saltmarsh on Eilean Mor (SW) 175650 760450 Sun0607P0055 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson General Shingle on Eilean Mor (NW) 175600 760400 Sun0607P0056 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson General Shingle on Eilean Mor (NW) 175600 760400 Sun0607P0057 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson General Shingle on Eilean Mor (NW) 175600 760400 Sun0607P0058 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson General Glasswort 175600 760400 Sun0607P0059 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson General Glasswort 175600 760400 Sun0607P0060 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson General Strandline - Litter 175600 760400 Sun0607P0061 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson General Eilean an t-Sionnaich 175300 761150 Sun0607P0062 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson General Eilean an t-Sionnaich 175300 761150 Sun0607P0063 5-Jul-2006 Jon Moore General Dropdown video - off Camasinus 166000 761000 Sun0607P0064 5-Jul-2006 Jon Moore General Cottage from Mooring 166000 761000 Sun0607P0065 5-Jul-2006 Jon Moore General Mooring from cottage 165900 761150 Sun0607P0066 5-Jul-2006 Jon Moore General Mooring from cottage 165900 761150 Sun0607P0067 5-Jul-2006 Jon Moore General Mooring from cottage 165900 761150 Sun0607P0068 5-Jul-2006 Jon Moore General Mooring from cottage 165900 761150 Sun0607P0069 5-Jul-2006 Jon Moore General Mooring from cottage 165900 761150 Sun0607P0070 5-Jul-2006 Jon Moore General At Rubha Aird Shlignich 156430 760530 Sun0607P0071 5-Jul-2006 Jon Moore General Vivier boat 161000 760000 Sun0607P0072 5-Jul-2006 Jon Moore General Laudale from Camuschoirk 176600 760500 Sun0607P0073 5-Jul-2006 Jon Moore General Laudale from Camuschoirk 176600 760500 Sun0607P0074 5-Jul-2006 Jon Moore General Laudale across Glas Eilean 175600 760350 Sun0607P0075 5-Jul-2006 Jon Moore General Northwest from Eilean Mor 175750 760750 Sun0607P0076 5-Jul-2006 Jon Moore General Northwest across Eilean an t- 175500 761000 Sionnaich

260

Image No. Date Taken Photographer Site no. Subject Eastings Northings Sun0607P0077 5-Jul-2006 Jon Moore General Northwest across Eilean an t- 175500 761000 Sionnaich Sun0607P0078 5-Jul-2006 Jon Moore General Southwest across Eilean an t- 175400 761300 Sionnaich Sun0607P0079 5-Jul-2006 Jon Moore General Southwest across Eilean an t- 175400 761300 Sionnaich Sun0607P0080 5-Jul-2006 Jon Moore General Cottage from southwest 165750 760850 Sun0607P0081 6-Jul-2006 Sue Mitchell General work indoors 165880 761161 Sun0607P0082 8-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson General Site 9 175881 759847 Sun0607P0083 11-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson General Aquaculture- glencripesdale 167650 760650 Sun0607P0084 11-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson General Aquaculture- glencripesdale 167650 760650 Sun0607P0085 11-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson General Aquaculture- glencripesdale 167650 760650 Sun0607P0086 11-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson General Aquaculture- glencripesdale 167650 760650 Sun0607P0087 11-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson General Aquaculture- glencripesdale 167650 760650 Sun0607P0088 11-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson General Peregrine cabin - Camas Salach 167650 760650 Sun0607P0089 11-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson General Peregrine deck - Camas Salach 167650 760650 Sun0607P0090 12-Jul-2006 Laura Baxter General General Loch Teacuis 164750 755330 Sun0607P0091 12-Jul-2006 Laura Baxter General Inner Loch Teacuis northwest 164750 755330 Sun0607P0092 12-Jul-2006 Laura Baxter General Inner Loch Teacuis northwest 164750 755330 Sun0607P0093 12-Jul-2006 Laura Baxter General Inner Loch Teacuis southeast 164750 755330 Sun0607P0094 12-Jul-2006 Laura Baxter General Transect area Inner Loch Teacuis 164750 755330 Sun0607P0095 12-Jul-2006 Laura Baxter General Coalas Rahuaidh from Transect? 164750 755330 Sun0607P0096 12-Jul-2006 Laura Baxter General Head of Loch Teacuis 164750 755330 Sun0607P0097 12-Jul-2006 Laura Baxter General Snorkelling for Serpula in Teacuis 164750 755330 Sun0607P0098 12-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson General Invasion Bay fish farm 173200 761000 Sun0607P0099 12-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson General Invasion Bay fish farm 173200 761000 Sun0607P0100 12-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson General Invasion Bay fish farm 173200 761000 Sun0607P0101 12-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson General Invasion Bay fish farm 173200 761000 Sun0607P0102 12-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson General Invasion Bay fish farm 173200 761000 Sun0607P0103 12-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson General Invasion Bay fish farm 173200 761000 Sun0607P0104 12-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson General Invasion Bay fish farm 173200 761000 Sun0607P0105 12-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson General Invasion Bay fish farm 173200 761000 Sun0607P0106 12-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson General Invasion Bay fish farm 173200 761000 Sun0607P0107 13-Jul-2006 Sue Mitchell General Camusinas 165850 761100 Sun0607P0108 13-Jul-2006 Sue Mitchell General Camusinas 165850 761100 Sun0607P0109 13-Jul-2006 Sue Mitchell General Camusinas 165850 761100 Sun0607P0110 13-Jul-2006 Sue Mitchell General Camusinas 165850 761100 Sun0607P0111 13-Jul-2006 Sue Mitchell General Camusinas 165850 761100 Sun0607P0112 13-Jul-2006 Sue Mitchell General Camusinas 165850 761100 Sun0607P0113 14-Jul-2006 Sue Mitchell General Camusinas 165850 761100 Sun0607P0114 14-Jul-2006 Sue Mitchell General Camusinas 165850 761100 Sun0607P0115 14-Jul-2006 Sue Mitchell General Camusinas 165850 761100

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Image No. Date Taken Photographer Site no. Subject Eastings Northings Sun0607P0116 14-Jul-2006 Sue Mitchell General Camusinas 165850 761100 Sun0607P0117 14-Jul-2006 Sue Mitchell General Camusinas 165850 761100 Sun0607P0118 14-Jul-2006 Jon Moore General Team shot 165800 761000 Sun0607P0119 14-Jul-2006 Jon Moore General Christine swimming to Camas Salach 165800 761000 Sun0607P0120 14-Jul-2006 Jon Moore General Christine swimming to Camas Salach 167759 760553 Sun0607P0121 14-Jul-2006 Jon Moore General View of Camasinas 167766 760535 Sun0607P0122 14-Jul-2006 Jon Moore General Fish farm in Laga Bay 163450 761150 Sun0607P0123 16-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson General West of Waterfalls 155750 757950 Sun0607P0124 16-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson General General 155750 757950 Sun0607P0125 16-Jul-2006 Mark Steward General Aquila 2!! 165850 761100 Sun0607P0126 18-Jul-2006 Jon Moore General General, on shore just west of site 9 155750 757950 Sun0607P0127 18-Jul-2006 Jon Moore General General, on shore just west of site 9 155750 757950 Sun0607P0128 18-Jul-2006 Jon Moore General General, on shore just west of site 9 155750 757950 Sun0607P0129 18-Jul-2006 Jon Moore General General, on shore just west of site 9 155750 757950 Sun0607P0130 18-Jul-2006 Jon Moore General General, on shore just west of site 9 155750 757950 Sun0607P0131 18-Jul-2006 Jon Moore General General, on shore just west of site 9 155750 757950 Sun0607P0132 18-Jul-2006 Jon Moore General General, on shore just west of site 9 155750 757950 Sun0607P0133 18-Jul-2006 Jon Moore General General, on shore just west of site 9 155750 757950 Sun0607P0134 18-Jul-2006 Jon Moore General Loch Sunart general 161000 760000 Sun0607P0135 18-Jul-2006 Jon Moore General Loch Sunart general 161000 760000 Sun0607P0136 18-Jul-2006 Jon Moore General Loch Sunart general 161000 760000 Sun0607P0137 12-Jul-2006 Jon Moore General Rocky shore zonation 161000 760000 Sun0607P0138 12-Jul-2006 Jon Moore General Rocky shore zonation 161000 760000 Sun0607P0139 12-Jul-2006 Jon Moore General Rocky shore zonation 161000 760000 Sun0607P0140 13-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Grabbing Grab sampling 163230 760820 Sun0607P0141 13-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Grabbing Rigging the grab 161000 760000 Sun0607P0142 13-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Grabbing Grab of soft mud on sieving table 161000 760000 Sun0607P0143 13-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Grabbing The Laurenca grabbing setup 161000 760000 Sun0607P0144 15-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Grabbing Grab on the deck 161000 760000 Sun0607P0145 15-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Grabbing Head of the loch from Laudale area 178000 765000 Sun0607P0146 15-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Grabbing Head of the loch from Laudale area 178000 765000 Sun0607P0147 15-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Grabbing Grab contents - unsieved 177200 760566 Sun0607P0148 15-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Grabbing Grab contents - unsieved 177200 760566 Sun0607P0149 15-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Grabbing Grab contents - unsieved 177200 760566 Sun0607P0150 15-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Grabbing Van Veen Grab 161000 760000 Sun0607P0151 15-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Grabbing Grab contents - sieved 177304 760060 Sun0607P0152 15-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Grabbing Grab contents - sieved 177304 760060 Sun0607P0153 15-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Grabbing Grab contents - sieved 177304 760060 Sun0607P0154 15-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Grabbing Grab contents - sieved 177304 760060 Sun0607P0155 15-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Grabbing Grab contents - sieved 176252 760051 Sun0607P0156 4-Jul-2006 Mark Steward Site 01 Z.marina Camas nan Geall 155569 761543

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Image No. Date Taken Photographer Site no. Subject Eastings Northings Sun0607P0157 4-Jul-2006 Mark Steward Site 01 Z.marina Camas nan Geall 155569 761543 Sun0607P0158 4-Jul-2006 Mark Steward Site 01 Z.marina Camas nan Geall 155569 761543 Sun0607P0159 4-Jul-2006 Mark Steward Site 02 Z. marina Rubha Camp an Righ 157954 761508 Sun0607P0160 4-Jul-2006 Mark Steward Site 02 Z. marina Rubha Camp an Righ 157954 761508 Sun0607P0161 4-Jul-2006 Mark Steward Site 02 Z. marina Rubha Camp an Righ 157954 761508 Sun0607P0162 4-Jul-2006 Mark Steward Site 02 Z. marina Rubha Camp an Righ 157954 761508 Sun0607P0163 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 03 AMAC Camaschoirk (Area 1) 176733 760582 Sun0607P0164 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 03 AMAC Camaschoirk (Area 1) 176733 760582 Sun0607P0165 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 03 AMAC Camaschoirk (Area 1) 176733 760582 Sun0607P0166 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 03 AMAC Camaschoirk (Area 1) 176733 760582 Sun0607P0167 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 03 AMAC Camaschoirk (Area 2) 176764 760639 Sun0607P0168 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 03 AMAC Camaschoirk (Area 2) 176764 760639 Sun0607P0169 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 03 AMAC Camaschoirk (Area 1) 176747 760616 Sun0607P0170 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 03 AMAC Camaschoirk (Area 1) 176747 760616 Sun0607P0171 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 03 AMAC Camaschoirk (Area 1) 176747 760616 Sun0607P0172 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 03 AMAC Camaschoirk (Area 1) 176570 760510 Sun0607P0173 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 03 AMAC Camaschoirk (Area 2) 176587 760627 Sun0607P0174 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 03 AMAC Camaschoirk (Area 2) 176587 760627 Sun0607P0175 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 03 AMAC Camaschoirk (Area 2) 176620 760664 Sun0607P0176 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 03 AMAC Camaschoirk (Area 2) 176620 760664 Sun0607P0177 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 03 AMAC Camaschoirk (Area 2) 176620 760664 Sun0607P0178 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 03 AMAC Camaschoirk (Area 2) 176620 760664 Sun0607P0179 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 03 AMAC Camaschoirk (Area 2) 176648 760661 Sun0607P0180 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 03 AMAC Camaschoirk (Area 2) 176648 760661 Sun0607P0181 5-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 03 AMAC Camaschoirk (Area 1) 176744 760602 Sun0607P0182 5-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 03 AMAC Camaschoirk (Area 1) 176744 760602 Sun0607P0183 5-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 03 AMAC Camaschoirk (Area 1) 176744 760602 Sun0607P0184 5-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 03 AMAC Camaschoirk (Area 1) 176768 760615 Sun0607P0185 5-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 03 AMAC Camaschoirk (Area 1) 176768 760615 Sun0607P0186 5-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 03 AMAC Camaschoirk (Area 1) 176600 760555 Sun0607P0187 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 04 AMAC Eilean Mor (Area 4) 175930 760700 Sun0607P0188 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 04 AMAC Eilean Mor (Area 4) 175930 760700 Sun0607P0189 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 04 Z.noltii Eilean Mor (Area 1) 175900 760620 Sun0607P0190 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 04 Z.noltii Eilean Mor (Area 1) 175900 760620 Sun0607P0191 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 04 Z.noltii Eilean Mor (Area 1) 175900 760620 Sun0607P0192 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 04 Z.noltii Eilean Mor (Area 1) 175900 760620 Sun0607P0193 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 04 Z.noltii Eilean Mor (Area 1) Quadrat 1 175900 760620 Sun0607P0194 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 04 Z.noltii Eilean Mor (Area 1) Quadrat 2 175900 760620 Sun0607P0195 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 04 Z.noltii Eilean Mor (Area 1) Quadrat 3 175900 760620 Sun0607P0196 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 04 Z.noltii Eilean Mor (Area 1) Quadrat 4 175900 760620 Sun0607P0197 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 04 Z.noltii Eilean Mor (Area 1) Quadrat 5 175900 760620

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Image No. Date Taken Photographer Site no. Subject Eastings Northings Sun0607P0198 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 04 AMAC Eilean Mor (Area 3) 175855 760572 Sun0607P0199 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 04 AMAC Eilean Mor (Area 3) 175855 760572 Sun0607P0200 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 04 AMAC Eilean Mor (Area 2) 175900 760660 Sun0607P0201 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 04 AMAC Eilean Mor (Area 2) 175900 760660 Sun0607P0202 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 04 AMAC Eilean Mor (Area 2) 175900 760660 Sun0607P0203 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 04 AMAC Eilean Mor (Area 2) 175900 760660 Sun0607P0204 5-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 04 AMAC Eilean Mor (Area 2) 175900 760660 Sun0607P0205 5-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 04 AMAC Eilean Mor (Area 2) 175900 760660 Sun0607P0206 5-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 04 AMAC Eilean Mor (Area 2) 175900 760660 Sun0607P0207 5-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 04 AMAC Eilean Mor (Area 2) 175900 760660 Sun0607P0208 5-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 04 Z.noltii Eilean Mor (Area 1) 175900 760620 Sun0607P0209 5-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 04 Z.noltii Eilean Mor (Area 1) 175900 760620 Sun0607P0210 5-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 04 AMAC Eilean Mor (Area 2) 175900 760660 Sun0607P0211 6-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 05 AMAC Head of Loch (area 2) 183300 760350 Sun0607P0212 6-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 05 AMAC Head of Loch (area 2) 183260 760450 Sun0607P0213 6-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 05 AMAC Head of Loch (area 2) 183260 760450 Sun0607P0214 6-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 05 AMAC Head of Loch (area 2) 183260 760450 Sun0607P0215 6-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 05 AMAC Head of Loch (area 2) 183260 760450 Sun0607P0216 6-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 05 AMAC Head of Loch (area 2) 183260 760450 Sun0607P0217 6-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 05 AMAC Head of Loch (area 2) 183260 760450 Sun0607P0218 6-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 05 AMAC Head of Loch (area 2) 183260 760450 Sun0607P0219 6-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 05 AMAC Head of Loch (area 2) 183260 760450 Sun0607P0220 6-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 05 AMAC Head of Loch (area 1) 183430 760450 Sun0607P0221 6-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 05 AMAC Head of Loch (area 1) 183430 760450 Sun0607P0222 6-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 05 AMAC Head of Loch (area 1) 183430 760450 Sun0607P0223 6-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 05 AMAC Head of Loch (Just south of 183380 760560 larger burn) Sun0607P0224 6-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 05 AMAC Head of Loch (Just south of 183380 760560 larger burn facing North) Sun0607P0225 6-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 05 AMAC Head of Loch (Just south of 183380 760560 larger burn facing South) Sun0607P0226 6-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 05 AMAC Head of Loch (WPT 27) 183200 760550 Sun0607P0227 6-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 05 AMAC Head of Loch 183200 760550 Sun0607P0228 6-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 05 AMAC Head of Loch 183200 760550 Sun0607P0229 6-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 05 AMAC Head of Loch (WPT 31) 183320 760580 Sun0607P0230 6-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 05 AMAC Head of Loch 183400 760500 Sun0607P0231 6-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 05 AMAC Head of Loch 183460 760410 Sun0607P0232 6-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 05 AMAC Head of Loch 183130 760270 Sun0607P0233 6-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 05 AMAC Head of Loch 183130 760270 Sun0607P0234 6-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 05 AMAC Head of Loch 183130 760270 Sun0607P0235 6-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 06 AMAC Strontian 181485 761322 Sun0607P0236 6-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 06 AMAC Strontian 181486 761315

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Image No. Date Taken Photographer Site no. Subject Eastings Northings Sun0607P0237 6-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 06 AMAC Strontian 181451 761328 Sun0607P0238 6-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 06 AMAC Strontian 181451 761328 Sun0607P0239 6-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 06 AMAC Strontian 181463 761220 Sun0607P0240 6-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 06 AMAC Strontian 181463 761220 Sun0607P0241 6-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 06 AMAC Strontian 181456 761252 Sun0607P0242 6-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 06 AMAC Strontian 181456 761252 Sun0607P0243 6-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 06 AMAC Strontian 181507 761175 Sun0607P0244 6-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 06 AMAC Strontian 181548 761139 Sun0607P0245 6-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 06 AMAC Strontian 181456 761252 Sun0607P0246 6-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 06 AMAC Strontian 181456 761252 Sun0607P0247 6-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 06 AMAC Strontian 181456 761252 Sun0607P0248 6-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 06 AMAC Strontian 181456 761252 Sun0607P0249 6-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 06 AMAC Strontian 181533 761178 Sun0607P0250 6-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 06 AMAC Strontian 181453 761261 Sun0607P0251 6-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 06 AMAC Strontian 181453 761261 Sun0607P0252 6-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 06 AMAC Strontian 181453 761261 Sun0607P0253 6-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 06 AMAC Strontian 181453 761261 Sun0607P0254 6-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 06 AMAC Strontian 181453 761261 Sun0607P0255 6-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 06 AMAC Strontian 181472 761311 Sun0607P0256 6-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 06 AMAC Strontian 181472 761311 Sun0607P0257 6-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 06 AMAC Strontian 181472 761311 Sun0607P0258 6-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 06 AMAC Strontian 181557 761318 Sun0607P0259 6-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 06 AMAC Strontian 181557 761318 Sun0607P0260 6-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 06 AMAC Strontian 181557 761318 Sun0607P0261 6-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 07 AMAC Glenborrodale Bay 160960 760740 Sun0607P0262 6-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 07 AMAC Glenborrodale Bay 160960 760740 Sun0607P0263 6-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 07 AMAC Glenborrodale Bay 160960 760740 Sun0607P0264 6-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 07 AMAC Glenborrodale Bay 160960 760740 Sun0607P0265 6-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 07 AMAC Glenborrodale Bay 160960 760740 Sun0607P0266 6-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 07 AMAC Glenborrodale Bay 160840 760960 Sun0607P0267 6-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 07 AMAC Glenborrodale Bay 160840 760960 Sun0607P0268 6-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 07 AMAC Glenborrodale Bay 160960 760980 Sun0607P0269 6-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 07 AMAC Glenborrodale Bay 160970 761000 Sun0607P0270 6-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 07 AMAC Glenborrodale Bay 160960 760980 Sun0607P0271 6-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 07 AMAC Glenborrodale Bay 160960 760980 Sun0607P0272 5-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 08 Serpulid reef - Loch Teacuis 163841 756142 Sun0607P0273 5-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 08 Serpulid reef - Loch Teacuis 163841 756142 Sun0607P0274 5-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 08 Serpulid reef - Loch Teacuis 163841 756142 Sun0607P0275 5-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 08 Serpulid reef - Loch Teacuis 163841 756142 Sun0607P0276 5-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 08 Serpulid reef - Loch Teacuis 163841 756142 Sun0607P0277 12-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 08 Serpulid reef - Loch Teacuis 163841 756142

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Image No. Date Taken Photographer Site no. Subject Eastings Northings Sun0607P0278 12-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 08 Serpulid reef - Loch Teacuis 163841 756142 Sun0607P0279 12-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 08 Serpulid reef - Loch Teacuis 163841 756142 Sun0607P0280 12-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 08 Serpulid reef - Loch Teacuis 163841 756142 Sun0607P0281 12-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 08 Serpulid reef - Loch Teacuis 163841 756142 Sun0607P0282 12-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 08 Serpulid reef - Loch Teacuis 163841 756142 Sun0607P0283 12-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 08 Serpulid reef - Loch Teacuis 163841 756142 Sun0607P0284 12-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 08 Serpulid reef - Loch Teacuis 163841 756142 Sun0607P0285 12-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 08 Serpulid reef - Loch Teacuis 163841 756142 Sun0607P0286 12-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 08 Serpulid reef - Loch Teacuis 163841 756142 Sun0607P0287 12-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 08 Serpulid reef - Loch Teacuis 163841 756142 Sun0607P0288 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Hermit crab with Hydractina hat 163841 756142 Sun0607P0289 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Serpula vermicularis tubes 163841 756142 Sun0607P0290 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Small serpulid reef amongst kelp 163841 756142 Sun0607P0291 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Crab on top of serpulid reef 163841 756142 Sun0607P0292 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Crab on top of serpulid reef 163841 756142 Sun0607P0293 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Small serpulid reef 163841 756142 Sun0607P0294 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Small serpulid reef amongst kelp 163841 756142 Sun0607P0295 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Small serpulid reef amongst kelp 163841 756142 Sun0607P0296 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Scallop with sponge cloak 163841 756142 Sun0607P0297 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Small serpulid reef amongst kelp 163841 756142 Sun0607P0298 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Small serpulid reef amongst kelp 163841 756142 Sun0607P0299 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Squirt on Halidrys in shallow sublittoral 163841 756142 Sun0607P0300 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Serpula vermicularis 163841 756142 Sun0607P0301 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Small serpulid reef amongst kelp 163841 756142 Sun0607P0302 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Small serpulid reef 163841 756142 Sun0607P0303 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Small serpulid reef 163841 756142 Sun0607P0304 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Large Suberites ficus 163841 756142 Sun0607P0305 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Large Suberites ficus 163841 756142 Sun0607P0306 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Large Suberites ficus close-up 163841 756142 Sun0607P0307 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Large Suberites ficus with urchin 163841 756142 Sun0607P0308 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 ?Iophonopsis sp. sponge 163841 756142 Sun0607P0309 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Small serpulid reef 163841 756142 Sun0607P0310 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Small serpulid reef 163841 756142 Sun0607P0311 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Small serpulid reef 163841 756142 Sun0607P0312 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Serpula vermicularis tubes and 163841 756142 sponge Sun0607P0313 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Serpula vermicularis tubes and 163841 756142 sponge Sun0607P0314 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Serpula vermicularis with hermit crab 163841 756142 Sun0607P0315 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Small serpulid reef amongst kelp 163841 756142 Sun0607P0316 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Small serpulid reef 163841 756142 Sun0607P0317 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Psammechinus miliaris 163841 756142

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Image No. Date Taken Photographer Site no. Subject Eastings Northings Sun0607P0318 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Small serpulid reef 163841 756142 Sun0607P0319 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Small serpulid reef 163841 756142 Sun0607P0320 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Small serpulid reef 163841 756142 Sun0607P0321 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Small serpulid reef 163841 756142 Sun0607P0322 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Small serpulid reef 163841 756142 Sun0607P0323 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Small serpulid reef 163841 756142 Sun0607P0324 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Small serpulid reef 163841 756142 Sun0607P0325 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Small serpulid reef 163841 756142 Sun0607P0326 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Small serpulid reef 163841 756142 Sun0607P0327 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Small serpulid reef 163841 756142 Sun0607P0328 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Small serpulid reef 163841 756142 Sun0607P0329 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Small serpulid reef amongst kelp 163841 756142 Sun0607P0330 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Small serpulid reef 163841 756142 Sun0607P0331 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Serpula vermicularis 163841 756142 Sun0607P0332 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Serpula vermicularis with hermit crab 163841 756142 Sun0607P0333 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Small serpulid reef 163841 756142 Sun0607P0334 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Small serpulid reef 163841 756142 Sun0607P0335 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Large Suberites ficus 163841 756142 Sun0607P0336 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Serpula vermicularis & Suberites ficus 163841 756142 Sun0607P0337 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Small serpulid reef 163841 756142 Sun0607P0338 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Large Suberites ficus 163841 756142 Sun0607P0339 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Small serpulid reef 163841 756142 Sun0607P0340 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Small serpulid reef 163841 756142 Sun0607P0341 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Small serpulid reef 163841 756142 Sun0607P0342 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Small serpulid reef 163841 756142 Sun0607P0343 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Small serpulid reef & Sabella pavonina 163841 756142 Sun0607P0344 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Serpula vermicularis 163841 756142 Sun0607P0345 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Serpula vermicularis calcareous tubes 163841 756142 Sun0607P0346 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Small serpulid reef 163841 756142 Sun0607P0347 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 08 Scallop with sponge cloak 163841 756142 Sun0607P0348 8-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0349 8-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0350 8-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0351 8-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0352 8-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0353 8-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0354 8-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0355 8-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0356 8-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0357 8-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0358 8-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890

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Image No. Date Taken Photographer Site no. Subject Eastings Northings Sun0607P0359 8-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0360 8-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0361 8-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0362 8-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0363 8-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0364 8-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0365 8-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0366 8-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0367 8-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175881 759847 Sun0607P0368 8-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175881 759847 Sun0607P0369 8-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175881 759847 Sun0607P0370 8-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175881 759847 Sun0607P0371 8-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175881 759847 Sun0607P0372 8-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0373 8-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0374 8-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0375 8-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0376 8-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0377 8-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0378 8-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0379 8-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0380 8-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0381 8-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0382 8-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0383 8-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0384 8-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0385 8-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0386 8-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0387 8-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0388 8-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0389 8-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0390 8-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0391 8-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0392 8-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0393 8-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0394 8-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0395 8-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0396 8-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0397 8-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0398 8-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0399 8-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890

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Image No. Date Taken Photographer Site no. Subject Eastings Northings Sun0607P0400 8-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0401 8-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0402 8-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0403 8-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0404 8-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0405 8-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0406 8-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0407 8-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0408 8-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0409 8-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0410 8-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0411 8-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0412 8-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0413 8-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 09 Site 9, Zone 5 transect species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0414 8-Jul-2006 Sue Mitchell Site 09 Site 9 - sublittoral species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0415 8-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 09 Site 9 - sublittoral species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0416 8-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 09 Site 9 - sublittoral species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0417 8-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 09 Site 9 - sublittoral species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0418 8-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Site 9 - sublittoral species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0419 8-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Site 9 - sublittoral species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0420 8-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Site 9 - sublittoral species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0421 8-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Site 9 - sublittoral species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0422 8-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Site 9 - sublittoral species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0423 8-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Site 9 - sublittoral species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0424 8-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Site 9 - sublittoral species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0425 8-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Site 9 - sublittoral species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0426 8-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Site 9 - sublittoral species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0427 8-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Site 9 - sublittoral species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0428 8-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Site 9 - sublittoral species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0429 8-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Site 9 - sublittoral species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0430 8-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Site 9 - sublittoral species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0431 8-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Site 9 - sublittoral species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0432 8-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Site 9 - sublittoral species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0433 8-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Site 9 - sublittoral species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0434 8-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Site 9 - sublittoral species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0435 8-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Site 9 - sublittoral species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0436 8-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Site 9 - sublittoral species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0437 8-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Site 9 - sublittoral species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0438 8-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Site 9 - sublittoral species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0439 8-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Site 9 - sublittoral species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0440 8-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Site 9 - sublittoral species 175890 759890

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Image No. Date Taken Photographer Site no. Subject Eastings Northings Sun0607P0441 8-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Site 9 - sublittoral species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0442 8-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Site 9 - sublittoral species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0443 8-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Site 9 - sublittoral species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0444 8-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Site 9 - sublittoral species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0445 8-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Site 9 - sublittoral species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0446 8-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Site 9 - sublittoral species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0447 8-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Site 9 - sublittoral species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0448 8-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Site 9 - sublittoral species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0449 8-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Site 9 - sublittoral species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0450 8-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Site 9 - sublittoral species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0451 8-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Site 9 - sublittoral species 175890 759890 Sun0607P0452 13-Jul-2006 Laura Baxter Site 09 Site 9 - Profile and zonation 175881 759847 Sun0607P0453 13-Jul-2006 Laura Baxter Site 09 Site 9 - Profile and zonation 175881 759847 Sun0607P0454 13-Jul-2006 Laura Baxter Site 09 Site 9 - Profile and zonation 175881 759847 Sun0607P0455 13-Jul-2006 Laura Baxter Site 09 Site 9 - Profile and zonation 175881 759847 Sun0607P0456 13-Jul-2006 Laura Baxter Site 09 Site 9 - Profile and zonation 175881 759847 Sun0607P0457 13-Jul-2006 Laura Baxter Site 09 Site 9 - Profile and zonation 175881 759847 Sun0607P0458 13-Jul-2006 Laura Baxter Site 09 Site 9 - Profile and zonation 175881 759847 Sun0607P0459 13-Jul-2006 Laura Baxter Site 09 Site 9 - Profile and zonation 175881 759847 Sun0607P0460 13-Jul-2006 Laura Baxter Site 09 Site 9 - Profile and zonation 175881 759847 Sun0607P0461 13-Jul-2006 Laura Baxter Site 09 Site 9 - Profile and zonation 175881 759847 Sun0607P0462 13-Jul-2006 Laura Baxter Site 09 Site 9 - Profile and zonation 175881 759847 Sun0607P0463 13-Jul-2006 Laura Baxter Site 09 Site 9 - Profile and zonation 175881 759847 Sun0607P0464 13-Jul-2006 Laura Baxter Site 09 Site 9 - Profile and zonation 175881 759847 Sun0607P0465 13-Jul-2006 Laura Baxter Site 09 Site 9 - Profile and zonation 175881 759847 Sun0607P0466 13-Jul-2006 Laura Baxter Site 09 Site 9 - Profile and zonation 175881 759847 Sun0607P0467 13-Jul-2006 Laura Baxter Site 09 Site 9 - Profile and zonation 175881 759847 Sun0607P0468 13-Jul-2006 Laura Baxter Site 09 Site 9 - Profile and zonation 175881 759847 Sun0607P0469 13-Jul-2006 Laura Baxter Site 09 Site 9 - Profile and zonation 175881 759847 Sun0607P0470 13-Jul-2006 Laura Baxter Site 09 Site 9 - Profile and zonation 175881 759847 Sun0607P0471 13-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 View from top of transect 175881 759847 Sun0607P0472 13-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 View from top of transect 175881 759847 Sun0607P0473 13-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Littoral quadrat 175881 759847 Sun0607P0474 13-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Littoral quadrat 175881 759847 Sun0607P0475 13-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Littoral quadrat 175881 759847 Sun0607P0476 13-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Littoral quadrat 175881 759847 Sun0607P0477 13-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Littoral quadrat 175881 759847 Sun0607P0478 13-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Littoral quadrat 175881 759847 Sun0607P0479 13-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Littoral quadrat 175881 759847 Sun0607P0480 13-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Littoral quadrat 175881 759847 Sun0607P0481 13-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Littoral quadrat 175881 759847

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Image No. Date Taken Photographer Site no. Subject Eastings Northings Sun0607P0482 13-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Littoral quadrat 175881 759847 Sun0607P0483 13-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Jetty in Laudale Narrows 175881 759847 Sun0607P0484 13-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Jetty in Laudale Narrows 175881 759847 Sun0607P0485 13-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Jetty in Laudale Narrows 175881 759847 Sun0607P0486 13-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Jetty in Laudale Narrows 175881 759847 Sun0607P0487 13-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Jetty in Laudale Narrows 175881 759847 Sun0607P0488 13-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Jetty in Laudale Narrows 175881 759847 Sun0607P0489 13-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Jetty in Laudale Narrows 175881 759847 Sun0607P0490 13-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Jetty in Laudale Narrows 175881 759847 Sun0607P0491 13-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Jetty in Laudale Narrows 175881 759847 Sun0607P0492 13-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Jetty in Laudale Narrows 175881 759847 Sun0607P0493 13-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Jetty in Laudale Narrows 175881 759847 Sun0607P0494 13-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Jetty in Laudale Narrows 175881 759847 Sun0607P0495 13-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Jetty in Laudale Narrows 175881 759847 Sun0607P0496 13-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 09 Jetty in Laudale Narrows 175881 759847 Sun0607P0497 9-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Site 10, Sligneach Mor 156261 760208 Sun0607P0498 9-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Site 10, Sligneach Mor 156261 760208 Sun0607P0499 9-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Site 10, Sligneach Mor 156261 760208 Sun0607P0500 9-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Site 10, Sligneach Mor 156261 760208 Sun0607P0501 9-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Site 10, Sligneach Mor 156261 760208 Sun0607P0502 9-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Site 10, Sligneach Mor 156261 760208 Sun0607P0503 9-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Site 10, Sligneach Mor 156261 760208 Sun0607P0504 9-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Site 10, Sligneach Mor 156261 760208 Sun0607P0505 9-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Site 10, Sligneach Mor 156267 760224 Sun0607P0506 9-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Site 10, Sligneach Mor 156267 760224 Sun0607P0507 9-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Site 10, Sligneach Mor 156267 760224 Sun0607P0508 9-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Site 10, Sligneach Mor 156267 760224 Sun0607P0509 9-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Site 10, Sligneach Mor 156267 760224 Sun0607P0510 9-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Site 10, Sligneach Mor 156280 760297 Sun0607P0511 9-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Site 10, Sligneach Mor 156280 760297 Sun0607P0512 9-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Site 10, Zone 5 transect species 156280 760297 Sun0607P0513 9-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Site 10, Zone 5 transect species 156280 760297 Sun0607P0514 9-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Site 10, Zone 5 transect species 156280 760297 Sun0607P0515 9-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Site 10, Zone 5 transect species 156280 760297 Sun0607P0516 9-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Site 10, Zone 5 transect species 156280 760297 Sun0607P0517 9-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Site 10, Zone 5 transect species 156280 760297 Sun0607P0518 9-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Site 10, Zone 5 transect species 156280 760297 Sun0607P0519 9-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Site 10, Zone 5 transect species 156280 760297 Sun0607P0520 9-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Site 10, Zone 5 transect species 156280 760297 Sun0607P0521 9-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Site 10, Zone 5 transect species 156280 760297 Sun0607P0522 9-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Site 10, Zone 5 transect species 156280 760297

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Image No. Date Taken Photographer Site no. Subject Eastings Northings Sun0607P0523 9-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Site 10, Zone 5 transect species 156280 760297 Sun0607P0524 9-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Site 10, Zone 5 transect species 156280 760297 Sun0607P0525 9-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Site 10, Zone 5 transect species 156280 760297 Sun0607P0526 9-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 10 Sligneach Mor 156280 760297 Sun0607P0527 9-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 10 Sligneach Mor 156280 760297 Sun0607P0528 9-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 10 Sligneach Mor 156280 760297 Sun0607P0529 9-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 10 Sligneach Mor 156280 760297 Sun0607P0530 9-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 10 Sligneach Mor 156280 760297 Sun0607P0531 9-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 10 Sligneach Mor 156280 760297 Sun0607P0532 9-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 10 Sligneach Mor 156280 760297 Sun0607P0533 9-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 10 Sligneach Mor 156280 760297 Sun0607P0534 9-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 10 Sligneach Mor 156280 760297 Sun0607P0535 9-Jul-2006 Sue Mitchell Site 10 Sligneach Mor 156280 760297 Sun0607P0536 9-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 10 Sligneach Mor 090706 S-SUN0706-10 156280 760297 Sun0607P0537 9-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 10 Sligneach Mor 090706 S-SUN0706-10 156280 760297 Sun0607P0538 9-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 10 Sligneach Mor 090706 S-SUN0706-10 156280 760297 Sun0607P0539 9-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 10 Sligneach Mor 090706 S-SUN0706-10 156280 760297 Sun0607P0540 9-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 10 Sligneach Mor 090706 S-SUN0706-10 156280 760297 Sun0607P0541 9-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 10 Sligneach Mor 090706 S-SUN0706-10 156280 760297 Sun0607P0542 9-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 10 Sligneach Mor 090706 S-SUN0706-10 156280 760297 Sun0607P0543 9-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 10 Sligneach Mor 090706 S-SUN0706-10 156280 760297 Sun0607P0544 9-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 10 Sligneach Mor 090706 S-SUN0706-10 156280 760297 Sun0607P0545 9-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 10 Sligneach Mor 090706 S-SUN0706-10 156280 760297 Sun0607P0546 9-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 10 Sligneach Mor 090706 S-SUN0706-10 156280 760297 Sun0607P0547 9-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 10 Sligneach Mor 090706 S-SUN0706-10 156280 760297 Sun0607P0548 9-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 10 Sligneach Mor 090706 S-SUN0706-10 156280 760297 Sun0607P0549 9-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 10 Sligneach Mor 090706 S-SUN0706-10 156280 760297 Sun0607P0550 9-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 10 Sligneach Mor 090706 S-SUN0706-10 156280 760297 Sun0607P0551 9-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 10 Sligneach Mor 090706 S-SUN0706-10 156280 760297 Sun0607P0552 9-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 10 Sligneach Mor 090706 S-SUN0706-10 156280 760297 Sun0607P0553 9-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 10 Sligneach Mor 090706 S-SUN0706-10 156280 760297 Sun0607P0554 9-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 10 Sligneach Mor 090706 S-SUN0706-10 156280 760297 Sun0607P0555 9-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 10 Sligneach Mor 090706 S-SUN0706-10 156280 760297 Sun0607P0556 9-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 10 Sligneach Mor 090706 S-SUN0706-10 156280 760297 Sun0607P0557 9-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 10 Sligneach Mor 090706 S-SUN0706-10 156280 760297 Sun0607P0558 9-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 10 Sligneach Mor 090706 S-SUN0706-10 156280 760297 Sun0607P0559 9-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 10 Sligneach Mor 090706 S-SUN0706-10 156280 760297 Sun0607P0560 9-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 10 Sligneach Mor 156280 760297 Sun0607P0561 9-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 10 Sligneach Mor 156280 760297 Sun0607P0562 9-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 10 Sligneach Mor 156280 760297 Sun0607P0563 9-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 10 Sligneach Mor 156280 760297

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Image No. Date Taken Photographer Site no. Subject Eastings Northings Sun0607P0564 9-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 10 Sligneach Mor 156280 760297 Sun0607P0565 9-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 10 Sligneach Mor 156280 760297 Sun0607P0566 13-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Sligneach Mor - General 156280 760297 Sun0607P0567 13-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Sligneach Mor - General 156280 760297 Sun0607P0568 13-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Sligneach Mor - General 156280 760297 Sun0607P0569 13-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Sligneach Mor - General 156261 760208 Sun0607P0570 13-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Sligneach Mor 156261 760208 Sun0607P0571 13-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Sligneach Mor 156261 760208 Sun0607P0572 13-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Sligneach Mor 156261 760208 Sun0607P0573 13-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Sligneach Mor 156261 760208 Sun0607P0574 13-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Sligneach Mor 156261 760208 Sun0607P0575 13-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Sligneach Mor 156261 760208 Sun0607P0576 13-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Sligneach Mor 156261 760208 Sun0607P0577 13-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Sligneach Mor 156261 760208 Sun0607P0578 13-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Sligneach Mor 156261 760208 Sun0607P0579 13-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Sligneach Mor 156261 760208 Sun0607P0580 13-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Sligneach Mor 156261 760208 Sun0607P0581 13-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Sligneach Mor 156261 760208 Sun0607P0582 13-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Sligneach Mor 156261 760208 Sun0607P0583 13-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Sligneach Mor 156261 760208 Sun0607P0584 13-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Sligneach Mor - General 156261 760208 Sun0607P0585 13-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Suz recording 156261 760208 Sun0607P0586 13-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Sligneach Mor - General 156261 760208 Sun0607P0587 13-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Sligneach Mor 156267 760224 Sun0607P0588 13-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Sligneach Mor 156267 760224 Sun0607P0589 13-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Sligneach Mor 156267 760224 Sun0607P0590 13-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Sligneach Mor 156261 760208 Sun0607P0591 13-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Sligneach Mor 156261 760208 Sun0607P0592 13-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Sligneach Mor - General 156261 760208 Sun0607P0593 13-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Sligneach Mor 156261 760208 Sun0607P0594 13-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Sligneach Mor 156261 760208 Sun0607P0595 13-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Sligneach Mor 156261 760208 Sun0607P0596 13-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Sligneach Mor 156261 760208 Sun0607P0597 13-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Sligneach Mor 156261 760208 Sun0607P0598 13-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Sligneach Mor 156261 760208 Sun0607P0599 13-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Sligneach Mor 156261 760208 Sun0607P0600 13-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Sligneach Mor 156261 760208 Sun0607P0601 13-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 10 Camasinas - view from window 165800 761000 Sun0607P0602 10-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159740 759680 Sun0607P0603 10-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159740 759680 Sun0607P0604 10-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159740 759680

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Image No. Date Taken Photographer Site no. Subject Eastings Northings Sun0607P0605 10-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0606 10-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0607 10-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0608 10-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0609 10-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0610 10-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0611 10-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0612 10-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0613 10-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159694 759659 Sun0607P0614 10-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159694 759659 Sun0607P0615 10-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159694 759659 Sun0607P0616 10-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159694 759659 Sun0607P0617 10-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159694 759659 Sun0607P0618 10-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159694 759659 Sun0607P0619 10-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159694 759659 Sun0607P0620 10-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159703 759659 Sun0607P0621 10-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0622 10-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0623 10-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0624 10-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0625 10-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0626 10-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0627 10-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0628 10-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0629 10-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0630 10-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0631 10-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0632 10-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0633 10-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0634 10-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0635 10-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0636 10-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0637 10-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0638 10-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0639 10-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0640 10-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0641 10-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0642 10-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0643 10-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0644 10-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0645 10-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715

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Image No. Date Taken Photographer Site no. Subject Eastings Northings Sun0607P0646 10-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0647 10-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0648 10-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0649 10-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0650 10-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0651 10-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0652 10-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0653 10-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0654 10-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0655 10-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0656 10-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0657 10-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0658 10-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0659 10-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0660 10-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159755 759715 Sun0607P0661 12-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159694 759659 Sun0607P0662 12-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159711 759661 Sun0607P0663 12-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159711 759661 Sun0607P0664 12-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159711 759661 Sun0607P0665 12-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159711 759661 Sun0607P0666 12-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159711 759661 Sun0607P0667 12-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159711 759661 Sun0607P0668 12-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159711 759661 Sun0607P0669 12-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159711 759661 Sun0607P0670 12-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159711 759661 Sun0607P0671 12-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159711 759661 Sun0607P0672 12-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159711 759661 Sun0607P0673 12-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159694 759659 Sun0607P0674 12-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159694 759659 Sun0607P0675 12-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159711 759661 Sun0607P0676 12-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159711 759661 Sun0607P0677 12-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159711 759661 Sun0607P0678 12-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159711 759661 Sun0607P0679 12-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159711 759661 Sun0607P0680 12-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159711 759661 Sun0607P0681 12-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159711 759661 Sun0607P0682 12-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159711 759661 Sun0607P0683 12-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159711 759661 Sun0607P0684 12-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 11 Oronsay (NE) 159711 759661 Sun0607P0685 11-Jul-2006 Sue Mitchell Site 12 Camas Salach (SW) 167717 760580 Sun0607P0686 11-Jul-2006 Sue Mitchell Site 12 Camas Salach (SW) 167717 760580

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Image No. Date Taken Photographer Site no. Subject Eastings Northings Sun0607P0687 11-Jul-2006 Sue Mitchell Site 12 Camas Salach (SW) 167717 760580 Sun0607P0688 11-Jul-2006 Sue Mitchell Site 12 Camas Salach (SW) 167717 760580 Sun0607P0689 11-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 12 Camas Salach (SW) 167773 760529 Sun0607P0690 11-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 12 Camas Salach (SW) 167766 760535 Sun0607P0691 11-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 12 Camas Salach (SW) 167766 760535 Sun0607P0692 11-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 12 Camas Salach (SW) 167766 760535 Sun0607P0693 11-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 12 Camas Salach (SW) 167773 760529 Sun0607P0694 11-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 12 Camas Salach (SW) 167773 760529 Sun0607P0695 11-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 12 Camas Salach (SW) 167773 760529 Sun0607P0696 11-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 12 Camas Salach (SW) 167773 760529 Sun0607P0697 11-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 12 Camas Salach (SW) 167773 760529 Sun0607P0698 11-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 12 Camas Salach (SW) 167766 760535 Sun0607P0699 11-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 12 Camas Salach (SW) 167766 760535 Sun0607P0700 11-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 12 Camas Salach (SW) 167766 760535 Sun0607P0701 11-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 12 Camas Salach (SW) 167766 760535 Sun0607P0702 11-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 12 Camas Salach (SW) 167766 760535 Sun0607P0703 11-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 12 Camas Salach (SW) 167766 760535 Sun0607P0704 11-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 12 Camas Salach (SW) 167759 760553 Sun0607P0705 11-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 12 Camas Salach (SW) 167759 760553 Sun0607P0706 11-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 12 Camas Salach (SW) 167759 760553 Sun0607P0707 11-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 12 Camas Salach (SW) 167759 760553 Sun0607P0708 11-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 12 Camas Salach (SW) 167773 760529 Sun0607P0709 11-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 12 Camas Salach (SW) 167773 760529 Sun0607P0710 11-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 12 Camas Salach (SW) 167766 760535 Sun0607P0711 11-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 12 Camas Salach (SW) 167717 760580 Sun0607P0712 11-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 12 Camas Salach (SW) 167717 760580 Sun0607P0713 11-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 12 Camas Salach (SW) 167717 760580 Sun0607P0714 11-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 12 Camas Salach (SW) 167717 760580 Sun0607P0715 11-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 12 Camas Salach (SW) 167717 760580 Sun0607P0716 11-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 12 Camas Salach (SW) 167717 760580 Sun0607P0717 11-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 12 Camas Salach (SW) 167717 760580 Sun0607P0718 11-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 12 Camas Salach (SW) 167717 760580 Sun0607P0719 11-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 12 Camas Salach (SW) 167717 760580 Sun0607P0720 11-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 12 Shore work 167717 760580 Sun0607P0721 11-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 12 Shore work 167717 760580 Sun0607P0722 14-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 12 Camas Salach (SW) 167766 760535 Sun0607P0723 14-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 12 Camas Salach (SW) 167766 760535 Sun0607P0724 14-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 12 Camas Salach (SW) 167766 760535 Sun0607P0725 14-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 12 Camas Salach (SW) 167766 760535 Sun0607P0726 14-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 12 Camas Salach (SW) 167766 760535 Sun0607P0727 14-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 12 Camas Salach (SW) 167766 760535

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Image No. Date Taken Photographer Site no. Subject Eastings Northings Sun0607P0728 12-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 13 Bottom of shore transect 172990 761190 Sun0607P0729 12-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 13 Bottom of shore transect 172990 761190 Sun0607P0730 12-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 13 View up the transect 172990 761190 Sun0607P0731 12-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 13 Torran a Chonnaidh 172967 761165 Sun0607P0732 12-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 13 Torran a Chonnaidh 172967 761165 Sun0607P0733 12-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 13 Torran a Chonnaidh 172967 761165 Sun0607P0734 12-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 13 Torran a Chonnaidh 172967 761165 Sun0607P0735 12-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 13 Torran a Chonnaidh 172967 761165 Sun0607P0736 12-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 13 Torran a Chonnaidh 172967 761165 Sun0607P0737 12-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 13 Torran a Chonnaidh 172968 761168 Sun0607P0738 12-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 13 Torran a Chonnaidh 172967 761165 Sun0607P0739 12-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 13 Torran a Chonnaidh 173024 761237 Sun0607P0740 12-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 13 Torran a Chonnaidh 173024 761237 Sun0607P0741 12-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 13 Torran a Chonnaidh 173024 761237 Sun0607P0742 12-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 13 Torran a Chonnaidh 173024 761237 Sun0607P0743 12-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 13 Torran a Chonnaidh 173024 761237 Sun0607P0744 12-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 13 Torran a Chonnaidh 173024 761237 Sun0607P0745 12-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 13 Torran a Chonnaidh 172967 761165 Sun0607P0746 12-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 13 Torran a Chonnaidh 172967 761165 Sun0607P0747 12-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 13 Torran a Chonnaidh 172968 761168 Sun0607P0748 12-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 13 Torran a Chonnaidh 172968 761168 Sun0607P0749 12-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 13 Torran a Chonnaidh 172968 761168 Sun0607P0750 12-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 13 Torran a Chonnaidh 172972 761173 Sun0607P0751 12-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 13 Torran a Chonnaidh 172972 761173 Sun0607P0752 12-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 13 Torran a Chonnaidh 172972 761173 Sun0607P0753 18-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 14 West of Glas Eilean 175492 760294 Sun0607P0754 18-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 14 West of Glas Eilean 175492 760294 Sun0607P0755 18-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 14 West of Glas Eilean 175492 760294 Sun0607P0756 18-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 14 West of Glas Eilean 175492 760294 Sun0607P0757 18-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 14 West of Glas Eilean 175492 760294 Sun0607P0758 18-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 14 West of Glas Eilean 175492 760294 Sun0607P0759 18-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 14 West of Glas Eilean 175492 760294 Sun0607P0760 18-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 14 West of Glas Eilean 175492 760294 Sun0607P0761 18-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 14 West of Glas Eilean 175492 760294 Sun0607P0762 18-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 14 West of Glas Eilean 175492 760294 Sun0607P0763 18-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 14 West of Glas Eilean 175492 760294 Sun0607P0764 18-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 14 West of Glas Eilean 175492 760294 Sun0607P0765 18-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 14 West of Glas Eilean 175492 760294 Sun0607P0766 15-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 15 SE of Glas Eilean 175885 760162 Sun0607P0767 15-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 15 SE of Glas Eilean 175885 760162 Sun0607P0768 15-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 15 SE of Glas Eilean 175885 760162

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Image No. Date Taken Photographer Site no. Subject Eastings Northings Sun0607P0769 15-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 15 SE of Glas Eilean 175885 760162 Sun0607P0770 15-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 15 SE of Glas Eilean 175885 760162 Sun0607P0771 15-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 15 SE of Glas Eilean 175885 760162 Sun0607P0772 15-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 15 SE of Glas Eilean 175885 760162 Sun0607P0773 15-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 15 SE of Glas Eilean 175885 760162 Sun0607P0774 15-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 15 SE of Glas Eilean 175885 760162 Sun0607P0775 15-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 15 SE of Glas Eilean 175885 760162 Sun0607P0776 15-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 15 SE of Glas Eilean 175885 760162 Sun0607P0777 15-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 15 SE of Glas Eilean 175885 760162 Sun0607P0778 15-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 15 SE of Glas Eilean 175885 760162 Sun0607P0779 15-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 15 SE of Glas Eilean 175885 760162 Sun0607P0780 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls 155750 757926 Sun0607P0781 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls 155750 757926 Sun0607P0782 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls 155750 757926 Sun0607P0783 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls 155750 757926 Sun0607P0784 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls 155750 757926 Sun0607P0785 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls 155750 757926 Sun0607P0786 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls 155750 757926 Sun0607P0787 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls 155750 757926 Sun0607P0788 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls 155750 757926 Sun0607P0789 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls 155750 757926 Sun0607P0790 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls 155750 757926 Sun0607P0791 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls 155750 757926 Sun0607P0792 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls 155750 757926 Sun0607P0793 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls 155750 757926 Sun0607P0794 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls 155750 757926 Sun0607P0795 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls 155750 757926 Sun0607P0796 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls 155750 757926 Sun0607P0797 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls 155750 757926 Sun0607P0798 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls 155750 757926 Sun0607P0799 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls 155729 757967 Sun0607P0800 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls 155750 757926 Sun0607P0801 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls 155750 757926 Sun0607P0802 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls 155729 757967 Sun0607P0803 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls, zone 11 155729 757967 Sun0607P0804 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls, zone 11 155729 757967 Sun0607P0805 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls, zone 11 155729 757967 Sun0607P0806 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls, zone 11 155729 757967 Sun0607P0807 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls, zone 11 155729 757967 Sun0607P0808 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls, zone 11 155729 757967 Sun0607P0809 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls, zone 11 155729 757967

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Image No. Date Taken Photographer Site no. Subject Eastings Northings Sun0607P0810 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls, zone 11 155729 757967 Sun0607P0811 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls, zone 11 155729 757967 Sun0607P0812 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls, zone 10 155729 757967 Sun0607P0813 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls, zone 10 155729 757967 Sun0607P0814 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls, zone 10 155729 757967 Sun0607P0815 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls, zone 10 155729 757967 Sun0607P0816 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls, zone 8 155729 757967 Sun0607P0817 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls, zone 8 155729 757967 Sun0607P0818 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls, zone 8 155729 757967 Sun0607P0819 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls, zone 8 155729 757967 Sun0607P0820 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls, zone 8 155729 757967 Sun0607P0821 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls, zone 8 155729 757967 Sun0607P0822 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls, zone 8 155729 757967 Sun0607P0823 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls, zone 8 155729 757967 Sun0607P0824 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls, zone 7 155750 757926 Sun0607P0825 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls, zone 7 155750 757926 Sun0607P0826 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls, zone 7 155750 757926 Sun0607P0827 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls, zone 7 155750 757926 Sun0607P0828 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls, zone 7 155750 757926 Sun0607P0829 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls, zone 7 155750 757926 Sun0607P0830 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls, zone 7 155750 757926 Sun0607P0831 16-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 16 W. of Waterfalls, zone 6 155750 757926 Sun0607P0832 16-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 16 Yellow paint on pinnacle top 155752 757923 Sun0607P0833 16-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 16 Transect direction 155752 757923 Sun0607P0834 16-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 16 Transect direction 155752 757923 Sun0607P0835 16-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 16 Shot to the northeast. 155752 757923 Sun0607P0836 16-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 16 Shot to the northwest. 155752 757923 Sun0607P0837 16-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 16 View to the west through the origin 155752 757923 Sun0607P0838 16-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 16 View to the east through the origin 155752 757923 Sun0607P0839 16-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 16 View along transect through the buoy 155729 757967 Sun0607P0840 16-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 16 View along transect through the buoy 155729 757967 Sun0607P0841 16-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 16 View along transect through the buoy 155729 757967 Sun0607P0842 16-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 16 View to the southwest from distance 156000 758100 Sun0607P0843 16-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 16 West of Waterfalls 155729 757967 Sun0607P0844 16-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 16 West of Waterfalls 155729 757967 Sun0607P0845 16-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 16 West of Waterfalls 155729 757967 Sun0607P0846 16-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 16 West of Waterfalls 155729 757967 Sun0607P0847 16-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 16 West of Waterfalls 155729 757967 Sun0607P0848 16-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 16 West of Waterfalls 155729 757967 Sun0607P0849 16-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 16 West of Waterfalls 155729 757967 Sun0607P0850 16-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 16 West of Waterfalls 155729 757967

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Image No. Date Taken Photographer Site no. Subject Eastings Northings Sun0607P0851 16-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 16 West of Waterfalls 155729 757967 Sun0607P0852 16-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 16 West of Waterfalls 155729 757967 Sun0607P0853 16-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 16 West of Waterfalls 155729 757967 Sun0607P0854 16-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 16 West of Waterfalls 155729 757967 Sun0607P0855 16-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 16 West of Waterfalls 155729 757967 Sun0607P0856 16-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 16 West of Waterfalls 155729 757967 Sun0607P0857 16-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 16 West of Waterfalls 155729 757967 Sun0607P0858 16-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 16 West of Waterfalls 155729 757967 Sun0607P0859 16-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 16 West of Waterfalls 155729 757967 Sun0607P0860 16-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 16 West of Waterfalls 155729 757967 Sun0607P0861 16-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 16 West of Waterfalls 155729 757967 Sun0607P0862 16-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 16 West of Waterfalls 155729 757967 Sun0607P0863 16-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 16 West of Waterfalls 155729 757967 Sun0607P0864 6-Jul-2006 Mark Steward Site 17 AMAC Salen 168922 764649 Sun0607P0865 6-Jul-2006 Mark Steward Site 17 AMAC Salen 168922 764649 Sun0607P0866 6-Jul-2006 Mark Steward Site 17 AMAC Salen 168922 764649 Sun0607P0867 6-Jul-2006 Mark Steward Site 17 AMAC Salen 169035 764530 Sun0607P0868 6-Jul-2006 Mark Steward Site 17 AMAC Salen 169035 764530 Sun0607P0869 16-Jul-2006 Mark Steward Site 17 AMAC - site 17 area 1 169060 764490 Sun0607P0870 16-Jul-2006 Mark Steward Site 17 AMAC - site 17 area 1 169060 764490 Sun0607P0871 16-Jul-2006 Mark Steward Site 17 AMAC - site 17 area 1 169060 764490 Sun0607P0872 16-Jul-2006 Mark Steward Site 17 AMAC - site 17 area 1 169060 764490 Sun0607P0873 16-Jul-2006 Mark Steward Site 17 AMAC - site 17 area 1 169060 764490 Sun0607P0874 16-Jul-2006 Mark Steward Site 17 AMAC - site 17 area 1 169060 764490 Sun0607P0875 16-Jul-2006 Mark Steward Site 17 AMAC - site 17 area 2 169035 764530 Sun0607P0876 16-Jul-2006 Mark Steward Site 17 AMAC - site 17 area 2 169035 764530 Sun0607P0877 16-Jul-2006 Mark Steward Site 17 AMAC - site 17 area 2 169035 764530 Sun0607P0878 16-Jul-2006 Mark Steward Site 17 Free living F.serratus area 6 168970 764600 Sun0607P0879 16-Jul-2006 Mark Steward Site 17 Free living F.serratus area 6 168970 764600 Sun0607P0880 16-Jul-2006 Mark Steward Site 17 AMAC - site 17 area 3 168970 764610 Sun0607P0881 16-Jul-2006 Mark Steward Site 17 AMAC - site 17 area 3 168970 764640 Sun0607P0882 16-Jul-2006 Mark Steward Site 17 AMAC - site 17 area 3 168970 764640 Sun0607P0883 16-Jul-2006 Mark Steward Site 17 AMAC with free living F.serratus 168970 764640 Sun0607P0884 16-Jul-2006 Mark Steward Site 17 AMAC with free living F.serratus 168970 764640 Sun0607P0885 16-Jul-2006 Mark Steward Site 17 AMAC - site 17 area 3 168970 764640 Sun0607P0886 16-Jul-2006 Mark Steward Site 17 AMAC - site 17 area 3 168970 764640 Sun0607P0887 16-Jul-2006 Mark Steward Site 17 AMAC - site 17 area 3 168970 764640 Sun0607P0888 16-Jul-2006 Mark Steward Site 17 AMAC - site 17 area 3 168970 764640 Sun0607P0889 16-Jul-2006 Mark Steward Site 17 AMAC - site 17 area 3 168970 764640 Sun0607P0890 16-Jul-2006 Mark Steward Site 17 AMAC - site 17 area 4 168870 764560 Sun0607P0891 16-Jul-2006 Mark Steward Site 17 AMAC - site 17 area 4 168870 764560

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Image No. Date Taken Photographer Site no. Subject Eastings Northings Sun0607P0892 16-Jul-2006 Mark Steward Site 17 AMAC - site 17 area 4 168870 764560 Sun0607P0893 16-Jul-2006 Mark Steward Site 17 AMAC - site 17 area 5 168880 765510 Sun0607P0894 16-Jul-2006 Mark Steward Site 17 AMAC - site 17 area 5 168880 765510 Sun0607P0895 16-Jul-2006 Mark Steward Site 17 AMAC - site 17 area 5 168880 765510 Sun0607P0896 16-Jul-2006 Mark Steward Site 17 AMAC - site 17 area 5 168880 765510 Sun0607P0897 16-Jul-2006 Mark Steward Site 17 AMAC - site 17 area 5 168880 765510 Sun0607P0898 16-Jul-2006 Mark Steward Site 17 AMAC - site 17 area 5 168880 765510 Sun0607P0899 16-Jul-2006 Mark Steward Site 17 AMAC - site 17 area 5 168880 765510 Sun0607P0900 17-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 18 View south to the head of the loch 164850 755312 Sun0607P0901 17-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 18 View south to the head of the loch 164850 755312 Sun0607P0902 17-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 18 View along the transect 164850 755312 Sun0607P0903 17-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 18 View along the transect from the origin 164850 755312 Sun0607P0904 17-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 18 The yellow paint 164850 755312 Sun0607P0905 17-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 18 The piton at the Pelvetia/ Fucus 164847 755309 boundary Sun0607P0906 17-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 18 Up the transect from the middleshore 164834 755291 Sun0607P0907 17-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 18 View along the north shore from site 164834 755291 Sun0607P0908 17-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 18 View along the south shore from site 164834 755291 Sun0607P0909 17-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 18 Divers working along the Serpula 164850 755312 transect Sun0607P0910 17-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 18 Serpula vermicularis colony 164826 755275 Sun0607P0911 17-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 18 Close-up of Serpula vermicularis 164826 755275 colony Sun0607P0912 17-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 18 Terebellid tentacles among the worms 164826 755275 Sun0607P0913 17-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 18 Galathea sp. among the worms 164826 755275 Sun0607P0914 17-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 18 ?Macropodia among the worms 164826 755275 Sun0607P0915 17-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 18 Close-up of Serpula vermicularis 164826 755275 colony Sun0607P0916 17-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 18 Close-up of Serpula vermicularis 164826 755275 colony Sun0607P0917 17-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 18 ?Palaemon sp among the worms 164826 755275 Sun0607P0918 17-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 18 Hydractinia on a pagurid on the worms 164826 755275 Sun0607P0919 17-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 18 Hydractinia on a pagurid on the worms 164826 755275 Sun0607P0920 17-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 18 Chlamys varia and Ascidia mentula 164826 755275 Sun0607P0921 17-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 18 Close-up of Serpula vermicularis 164826 755275 colony Sun0607P0922 17-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 18 Close-up of Serpula vermicularis 164826 755275 colony Sun0607P0923 17-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 18 Video clip 164826 755275 Sun0607P0924 17-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 18 Close-up of Serpula vermicularis 164826 755275 colony Sun0607P0925 17-Jul-2006 Tom Mercer Site 18 Colony among the kelp & Fucus 164826 755275 vesiculosus Sun0607P0926 17-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 18 Quadrats 164847 755309

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Image No. Date Taken Photographer Site no. Subject Eastings Northings Sun0607P0927 17-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 18 Quadrats 164847 755309 Sun0607P0928 17-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 18 Quadrats 164847 755309 Sun0607P0929 17-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 18 Quadrats 164847 755309 Sun0607P0930 17-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 18 General 164847 755309 Sun0607P0931 17-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 18 General 164847 755309 Sun0607P0932 17-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 18 Quadrats 164847 755309 Sun0607P0933 17-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 18 Quadrats 164847 755309 Sun0607P0934 17-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 18 Quadrats 164847 755309 Sun0607P0935 17-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 18 Quadrats 164847 755309 Sun0607P0936 17-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 18 Quadrats 164847 755309 Sun0607P0937 17-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 18 Quadrats 164847 755309 Sun0607P0938 17-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 18 Top of transect 164850 755312 Sun0607P0939 17-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 18 From top of transect (zone 1) 164850 755312 Sun0607P0940 17-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 18 From top of transect (zone 1) 164850 755312 Sun0607P0941 17-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 18 Boundary zone 1 & 2 164850 755312 Sun0607P0942 17-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 18 Zone 2 & 3 with piton 164850 755312 Sun0607P0943 17-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 18 Zone 3 164847 755309 Sun0607P0944 17-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 18 Zone 3, 2 &1 164847 755309 Sun0607P0945 17-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 18 Zone 1 &2 164847 755309 Sun0607P0946 17-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 18 Zone 4 164826 755291 Sun0607P0947 17-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 18 Zone 4 164826 755291 Sun0607P0948 17-Jul-2006 Suz Henderson Site 18 From bottom of transect (zone 4) 164826 755291 Sun0607P0949 17-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 18 NE SHore Inner Loch Teacuis 164826 755275 Sun0607P0950 17-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 18 NE SHore Inner Loch Teacuis 164826 755275 Sun0607P0951 17-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 18 NE SHore Inner Loch Teacuis 164826 755275 Sun0607P0952 17-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 18 NE SHore Inner Loch Teacuis 164826 755275 Sun0607P0953 17-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 18 NE SHore Inner Loch Teacuis 164826 755275 Sun0607P0954 17-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 18 NE SHore Inner Loch Teacuis 164826 755275 Sun0607P0955 17-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 18 NE SHore Inner Loch Teacuis 164826 755275 Sun0607P0956 17-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 18 NE SHore Inner Loch Teacuis 164826 755275 Sun0607P0957 17-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 18 NE SHore Inner Loch Teacuis 164826 755275 Sun0607P0958 17-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 18 NE SHore Inner Loch Teacuis 164826 755275 Sun0607P0959 17-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 18 NE SHore Inner Loch Teacuis 164826 755275 Sun0607P0960 17-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 18 NE SHore Inner Loch Teacuis 164826 755275 Sun0607P0961 17-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 18 NE SHore Inner Loch Teacuis 164826 755275 Sun0607P0962 17-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 18 NE SHore Inner Loch Teacuis 164826 755275 Sun0607P0963 17-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 18 NE SHore Inner Loch Teacuis 164826 755275 Sun0607P0964 17-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 18 NE SHore Inner Loch Teacuis 164826 755275 Sun0607P0965 17-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 18 NE SHore Inner Loch Teacuis 164826 755275 Sun0607P0966 17-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 18 NE SHore Inner Loch Teacuis 164826 755275 Sun0607P0967 17-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 18 NE SHore Inner Loch Teacuis 164826 755275

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Image No. Date Taken Photographer Site no. Subject Eastings Northings Sun0607P0968 17-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 18 NE SHore Inner Loch Teacuis 164826 755275 Sun0607P0969 17-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 18 NE SHore Inner Loch Teacuis 164826 755275 Sun0607P0970 17-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 18 NE SHore Inner Loch Teacuis 164826 755275 Sun0607P0971 17-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 18 NE SHore Inner Loch Teacuis 164826 755275 Sun0607P0972 17-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 18 NE SHore Inner Loch Teacuis 164826 755275 Sun0607P0973 17-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 18 NE SHore Inner Loch Teacuis 164826 755275 Sun0607P0974 17-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 18 NE SHore Inner Loch Teacuis 164826 755275 Sun0607P0975 17-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 18 NE SHore Inner Loch Teacuis 164826 755275 Sun0607P0976 17-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 18 NE SHore Inner Loch Teacuis 164826 755275 Sun0607P0977 17-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 18 NE SHore Inner Loch Teacuis 164826 755275 Sun0607P0978 17-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 18 NE SHore Inner Loch Teacuis 164826 755275 Sun0607P0979 17-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 18 NE SHore Inner Loch Teacuis 164826 755275 Sun0607P0980 17-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 18 NE SHore Inner Loch Teacuis 164826 755275 Sun0607P0981 17-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 18 NE SHore Inner Loch Teacuis 164826 755275 Sun0607P0982 17-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 18 NE SHore Inner Loch Teacuis 164826 755275 Sun0607P0983 18-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 20 Species & habitats 174920 760780 Sun0607P0984 18-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 20 Species & habitats 174920 760780 Sun0607P0985 18-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 20 Species & habitats 174920 760780 Sun0607P0986 18-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 20 Species & habitats 174920 760780 Sun0607P0987 18-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 20 Species & habitats 174920 760780 Sun0607P0988 18-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 20 Species & habitats 174920 760780 Sun0607P0989 18-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 20 Species & habitats 174920 760780 Sun0607P0990 18-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 20 Species & habitats 174920 760780 Sun0607P0991 18-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 20 Species & habitats 174920 760780 Sun0607P0992 18-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 20 Species & habitats 174920 760780 Sun0607P0993 18-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 20 Species & habitats 174920 760780 Sun0607P0994 18-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 20 Species & habitats 174920 760780 Sun0607P0995 18-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 20 Species & habitats 174920 760780 Sun0607P0996 18-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 20 Species & habitats 174920 760780 Sun0607P0997 18-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 20 Species & habitats 174920 760780 Sun0607P0998 18-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 20 Species & habitats 174920 760780 Sun0607P0999 18-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 21 E of Jetty Laudale Narrows 176131 759826 Sun0607P1000 18-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 21 E of Jetty Laudale Narrows 176131 759826 Sun0607P1001 18-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 21 E of Jetty Laudale Narrows 176131 759826 Sun0607P1002 18-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 21 E of Jetty Laudale Narrows 176131 759826 Sun0607P1003 18-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 21 E of Jetty Laudale Narrows 176131 759826 Sun0607P1004 18-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 21 E of Jetty Laudale Narrows 176131 759826 Sun0607P1005 18-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 21 E of Jetty Laudale Narrows 176131 759826 Sun0607P1006 18-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 21 E of Jetty Laudale Narrows 176131 759826 Sun0607P1007 18-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 21 E of Jetty Laudale Narrows 176131 759826 Sun0607P1008 18-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 21 E of Jetty Laudale Narrows 176131 759826

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Image No. Date Taken Photographer Site no. Subject Eastings Northings Sun0607P1009 18-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 21 E of Jetty Laudale Narrows 176131 759826 Sun0607P1010 18-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 21 E of Jetty Laudale Narrows 176131 759826 Sun0607P1011 18-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 21 E of Jetty Laudale Narrows 176131 759826 Sun0607P1012 18-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 21 E of Jetty Laudale Narrows 176131 759826 Sun0607P1013 18-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 21 E of Jetty Laudale Narrows 176131 759826 Sun0607P1014 18-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 21 E of Jetty Laudale Narrows 176131 759826 Sun0607P1015 18-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 21 E of Jetty Laudale Narrows 176131 759826 Sun0607P1016 18-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 21 E of Jetty Laudale Narrows 176131 759826 Sun0607P1017 18-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 21 E of Jetty Laudale Narrows 176131 759826 Sun0607P1018 18-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 21 E of Jetty Laudale Narrows 176131 759826 Sun0607P1019 18-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 21 E of Jetty Laudale Narrows 176131 759826 Sun0607P1020 18-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 21 E of Jetty Laudale Narrows 176131 759826 Sun0607P1021 18-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 21 E of Jetty Laudale Narrows 176131 759826 Sun0607P1022 18-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 21 E of Jetty Laudale Narrows 176131 759826 Sun0607P1023 18-Jul-2006 Christine Howson Site 21 E of Jetty Laudale Narrows 176131 759826 Sun0607P1024 19-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 22 Torr Molach 167771 762447 Sun0607P1025 19-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 22 Torr Molach 167771 762447 Sun0607P1026 19-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 22 Torr Molach 167771 762447 Sun0607P1027 19-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 22 Torr Molach 167771 762447 Sun0607P1028 19-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 22 Torr Molach 167771 762447 Sun0607P1029 19-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 22 Torr Molach 167771 762447 Sun0607P1030 19-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 22 Torr Molach 167771 762447 Sun0607P1031 19-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 22 Torr Molach 167771 762447 Sun0607P1032 19-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 22 Torr Molach 167771 762447 Sun0607P1033 19-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 22 Torr Molach 167770 762449 Sun0607P1034 19-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 22 Torr Molach 167770 762449 Sun0607P1035 19-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 22 Torr Molach 167770 762449 Sun0607P1036 19-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 22 Torr Molach 167771 762447 Sun0607P1037 19-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 22 Torr Molach 167771 762447 Sun0607P1038 19-Jul-2006 Jon Moore Site 22 Torr Molach 167771 762447 Sun0607P1039 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 23 Zostera 158800 758070 Sun0607P1040 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 23 Zostera 158800 758070 Sun0607P1041 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 23 Zostera 158800 758070 Sun0607P1042 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 23 Zostera 158800 758070 Sun0607P1043 20-Jul-2006 Ben James Site 23 Zostera 158800 758070

284

Appendix 9.2 Video log

Video Tape Tape No. Site No. Date Summary of footage/Comments Start time End time Operator format Shore and diving work Suz L-SUN-0706-01 3 05/07/2006 MiniDV AMAC at Camaschoirk (area 1) 00:00:00:00 00:01:26:21 Henderson Laura L-SUN-0706-01 4 05/07/2006 MiniDV Z.nolti at Eilean Mor (area 1) 00:01:26:21 00:02:18:01 Baxter Mark L-SUN-0706-01 6 06/07/2006 MiniDV AMAC at Strontian 00:02:18:01 00:08:17:00 Steward Suz Footage of biotope where quadrats were taken from the sublittoral transect S-SUN-0706-10 10 09/07/2006 MiniDV 00:00:12:00 00:08:55:00 Henderson at site 10 Laura S-SUN-0706-10 10 09/07/2006 MiniDV Sublittoral transect at site 10 from deep to shallow 00:08:55:00 00:25:29:00 Baxter Laura S-SUN-0706-11 11 10/07/2006 MiniDV Sublittoral transect at site 11 from deep to shallow 00:00:00:00 00:23:24:17 Baxter Footage of biotope where quadrats were taken from the sublittoral transect S-SUN-0706-11 11 10/07/2006 Sue MitchellMiniDV 00:31:41:13 00:42:36:00 at site 11 285 S-SUN-0706-12 12 11/07/2006 Sue Mitchell MiniDV Sublittoral transect at site 12 from deep to shallow 00:00:00:00 00:22:53:00 Laura Footage of biotope where quadrats were taken from the sublittoral transect S-SUN-0706-12 12 11/07/2006 MiniDV 00:22:53:00 00:38:28:00 Baxter at site 12. (Spurdog!!) Suz S/L-SUN-0706-13 13 12/07/2006 MiniDV Sublittoral transect at site 13 from deep to shallow 00:00:00:00 00:30:08:00 Henderson Suz S/L-SUN-0706-13 13 12/07/2006 MiniDV Littoral transect at site 13 00:30:08:00 00:38:15:00 Henderson Footage of biotope where quadrats were taken from the sublittoral transect S/L-SUN-0706-13 13 12/07/2006 Sue MitchellMiniDV 38:15:00:00 52:36:00:00 at site 13. L-SUN-0706-11 11 12/07/2006 Jane Dodd MiniDV Littoral transect at site 11 00:00:09:10 00:05:33:00 Suz L-SUN-0706-10 10 13/07/2006 MiniDV Littoral transect at site 10 00:00:00:00 00:00:09:44 Henderson Sublittoral transect at site 9 from deep to shallow, including footage of L/S-SUN-0706-9 9 13/07/2006 Jane Dodd MiniDV 00:00:00:00 00:23:33:00 zone where quadrats were taken L/S-SUN-0706-9 9 13/07/2006 Jane Dodd MiniDV Littoral transect at site 9 00:23:33:00 00:27:55:00 Laura L-SUN-0706-12&17 12 14/07/2006 MiniDV Littoral transect at site 12 00:00:00:00 00:04:21:00 Baxter Laura L-SUN-0706-12&17 17 16/07/2006 MiniDV AMAC at Salen 00:04:37:00 00:08:52:00 Baxter L/S-SUN-0706-16 16 16/07/2006 Jane Dodd MiniDV Sublittoral transect at site 16 00:00:21:00 00:14:34:00 Laura L/S-SUN-0706-16 16 16/07/2006 MiniDV Footage of biotope at site 16 00:14:45:00 00:28:56:00 Baxter

Video Tape Tape No. Site No. Date Summary of footage/Comments Start time End time Operator format L/S-SUN-0706-16 16 16/07/2006 Tom MercerMiniDV Littoral transect at site 16 00:29:00:00 00:35:56:00 Suz S-SUN-0706-15 15 15/07/2006 MiniDV Limaria beds 00:00:00:00 00:12:00:00 Henderson S-SUN-0706-14 14 15/07/2006 Jane Dodd MiniDV Limaria beds 00:00:30:00 00:22:50:00 L/S-SUN-0706-18 18 17/07/2006 Jane Dodd MiniDV Sublittoral transect at site 18 00:00:00:00 00:07:53:00 L/S-SUN-0706-18 18 17/07/2006 Jane Dodd MiniDV Littoral transect at site 18 00:07:53:00 00:13:10:00 L/S-SUN-0706-18 18 17/07/2006 Tom Mercer MiniDV footage of serpulids at site 18 00:13:17:00 00:22:30:00 L/S-SUN-0706-8 &23 23 20/07/2006 Ben James MiniDV Zostera at site 23 00:00:00:00 00:00:44:00 Suz L/S-SUN-0706-8 &23 8 20/07/2006 MiniDV Serpulids in Loch Teacuis 00:00:44:00 00:23:20:00 Henderson S-SUN-0706-22A 22 19/07/2006 Ben James MiniDV Sublittoral transect site 22 00:00:00:00 00:25:50:04 Drop-Down Video Project Drop- D-SUN-0706-1 02/07/2006 ASML gear MiniDV Zone 3 00:00:00:00 00:37:37 down Drop- D-SUN-0706-2 02/07/2006 SNH Gear MiniDV Zone 3 00:00:00:00 00:53:01 down Drop- 286 D-SUN-0706-3 03/07/2006 SNH Gear MiniDV Zones 1 and 2. 00:00:00:00 00:58:37 down Drop- D-SUN-0706-4 03/07/2006 ASML gear MiniDV Zones 2 and 3. 00:00:00:00 00:57:50 down Drop- D-SUN-0706-5 03/07/2006 SNH Gear MiniDV Zones 1 and 2. 00:00:00:00 00:58:32 down Drop- D-SUN-0706-6 03/07/2006 SNH Gear MiniDV Zones 1 and 2. 00:00:00:00 01:02:30 down Drop- D-SUN-0706-7 04/07/2006 ASML gear MiniDV Zones 2 and 3. 00:00:00:00 00:56:32 down Drop- Zones 2, 3 and 6 (includes Serpula vermicularis discovery in Loch D-SUN-0706-8 04/07/2006 ASML gear MiniDV 00:00:00:00 00:45:08 down Teacuis). Drop- D-SUN-0706-9 04/07/2006 ASML gear MiniDV Zones 3 and 4 00:00:00:00 00:59:41 down Drop- D-SUN-0706-10 05/07/2006 SNH Gear MiniDV Zones 4 and 5. 00:00:00:00 00:55:35 down Drop- D-SUN-0706-11 05/07/2006 ASML gear MiniDV Zones3, 4 and 5 - End of the drop-down project. 00:00:00:00 00:34:58 down

Appendix 10 - Log of specimens collected

287

Ref Collected Provisional identification Ref/Voucher Site Code Depth / Height Date Specimen id by date No. by Upper middle 1 Gelidium pusillum x SUN-0607-09 J J Moore 06/07/2006 Gelidium pusillum CMH 06/07/2006 shore 2 Porifera indet. X SUN-0607-09 2m bcd J J Moore 08/07/2006

3 Porifera indet. X SUN-0607-10 20m bcd J J Moore 09/07/2006

4 Porifera indet. X SUN-0607-10 20m bcd J J Moore 09/07/2006

5 ?Halichondria bowerbankii X SUN-0607-10 30m bcd C M Howson 09/07/2006 CMH 09/07/2006

6 ?Suberites carnosus X SUN-0607-10 25m bcd C M Howson 09/07/2006 CMH 09/07/2006

7 Haliclona viscosa X SUN-0607-10 25m bcd S Mitchell 09/07/2006 Haliclona viscosa CMH 09/07/2006

8 Schmitzia hiscockiana X SUN-0607-10 20m bcd C M Howson 09/07/2006 Schmitzia hiscockiana CMH 09/07/2006

9 Dasya hutchinsiae X SUN-0607-10 20m bcd C M Howson 09/07/2006 CMH 09/07/2006

288 10 Trapania pallida X SUN-0607-10 15m bcd S Mitchell 09/07/2006 SM 09/07/2006

11 Porifera indet. X SUN-0607-11 20m bcd T Mercer 10/07/2006

12 Porifera indet. X SUN-0607-11 20m bcd T Mercer 10/07/2006

13 Pychnogonidae indet X SUN-0607-11 20m bcd T Mercer 10/07/2006

14 Caprellidae indet X SUN-0607-11 20m bcd T Mercer 10/07/2006

15 Eudendrium capillare X SUN-0607-11 20m bcd J J Moore 10/07/2006 Eudendrium capillare CMH 10/07/2006

16 Mixed polychaetes from 12 X SUN-0607-12 15m bcd T Mercer 11/07/2006

17 Holothuria indet X SUN-0607-13 18m bcd T Mercer 12/07/2006

18 Mixed algae from shore 13 X SUN-0607-13 +3m T Mercer 12/07/2006 Hydroid turf from Limaria X SUN-0607-15 20m bcd C Howson 15/07/2006 19 bed Hydroid turf from Limaria X SUN-0607-15 20m bcd C Howson 15/07/2006 20 bed

Ref Collected Provisional identification Ref/Voucher Site Code Depth / Height Date Specimen id by date No. by

21 ?Esperiopsis fucorum X SUN-0607-15 13m bcd L.Baxter 15/07/2006

22 Eudendrium rameum X SUN-0607-15 13m bcd J J Moore 15/07/2006 Eudendrium rameum JJM 15/07/2006

23 Bougainvillia ramosa X SUN-0607-15 13m bcd J J Moore 15/07/2006 Bougainvillia ramosa JJM 15/07/2006

24 Eudendrium ramosum X SUN-0607-15 13m bcd J J Moore 15/07/2006 Eudendrium ramosum JJM 15/07/2006

25 Halichondria bowerbanki X SUN-0607-16 12m bcd C Howson 16/07/2006

26 Myxilla incrustans X SUN-0607-16 12m bcd C Howson 16/07/2006

27 Haliclona sp. X SUN-0607-16 12m bcd C Howson 16/07/2006

28 Pale yellow/beige X SUN-0607-16 12m bcd C Howson 16/07/2006

29 Pale yellow/beige X SUN-0607-16 12m bcd C Howson 16/07/2006

289 30 Polysiphonia X SUN-0607-16 +0.6m J J Moore 16/07/2006 Porifera (soft yellow 31 X SUN-0607-16 25m bcd J J Moore 16/07/2006 tassles) 32 Porifera (soft yellow) X R Irving 16/07/2006 SUN-0607-16 33 Polysiphonia X SUN-0607-16 0m bcd J J Moore 16/07/2006

34 Pyura microcosmus X SUN-0607-22 15m bcd J J Moore 19/07/2006 Pyura microcosmus JJM 19/07/2006

35 Polycarpa pomaria X SUN-0607-22 15mbcd J J Moore 19/07/2006 Polycarpa pomaria JJM 19/07/2006

Appendix 11 - Site Attribute Tables for Loch Sunart SAC & SSSI

290

Sunart SAC Site Attribute Table (SAT)

Site Reporting Interest Interest Attribute Target Prescription Result of Monitoring Target Category Feature level met? (Y/N) Sunart 1 Littoral and 1.1 Reefs SAC 1.1.1 Extent 1.1.1a No change in extent At 6-yearly intervals (in To be completed by SNH To be sublittoral rock of littoral and inshore addition to individual case No relevant activities seen or previously reported at completed sublittoral rock allowing for assessments) review the time of 2006 SCM survey. Differences between by SNH natural succession or activities that have had the the 2001 Broadscale Survey reef map and the 2006 known cyclical change. potential to reduce the extent SCM survey to be used to tighten the boundaries of of the reef feature (in recorded reef and to be continually reviewd following consultation with SNH Area any georeferenced remote video or mapping Office, relevant authorities fieldwork. and site management groups

291 where applicable).

At 6-yearly intervals determine localised changes in extent of reef by a programme of zoned and depth stratified random remote video sampling using drop-down video. 6 zones to be sampled, each divided into blocks of reef corresponding to the following depth bands: 0-20m, 20+. Location of the zones and methods are shown in Mercer et al. (2007). Sunart 1 Littoral rock 1.1 Reefs SAC 1.1.1 Extent 1.1.1b No change in extent At 18-yearly intervals check To be completed by SNH To be and sublittoral of littoral rock or inshore the most recent aerial completed rock sublittoral rock allowing for photographs against previous by SNH natural succession or photographs and baseline

Site Reporting Interest Interest Attribute Target Prescription Result of Monitoring Target Category Feature level met? (Y/N) known cyclical change. intertidal data. At 18 year intervals perform Subtidal baseline established in 2001 following the acoustic bathymetric survey broadscale survey. Reef maps to be throughout the SAC. updated/tightened in the light of the 2006 drop down video findings and to be continually reviewd following any georeferenced remote video or mapping fieldwork. Sunart 1 sublittoral 1.1 Reefs SAC 1.1.2 Biotope 1.1.2a Maintain the variety At 6-yearly intervals To be completed by SNH To be rock composition of the of sublittoral biotopes undertake a programme of The biotopes found in 2006 compare well with those completed inshore sublittoral identified for the site, stratified random drop-down recorded in 2001 and are representative for the types by SNH allowing for natural video sampling using 6 zones of habitats in which they were found. 35 reef and succession or known established in 2006. Each reef-like biotopes were recorded in 2006 (Mercer et cyclical change. zone divided into blocks of al., 2007). There is no evidence to suggest that reef reef corresponding to the 292 No loss of sublittoral reef biotope composition has changed over the medium biotopes recorded along 8 following depth bands: term since 2001. fixed transects established 0-20m, 20+. Location of the on baseline survey in 2006 zones and methods are (Mercer et al, 2007) shown in Mercer et al., (2007). At 6-yearly intervals evaluate the biotope composition of a series of 8 fixed-position subtidal transects (S9-S13, S16, S18 and S22). Locations, methods and descriptions are given in Mercer et al., (2007).

Biotope complement should be compared with the results in Bates et al., (2004) and Mercer et al., (2007).

Site Reporting Interest Interest Attribute Target Prescription Result of Monitoring Target Category Feature level met? (Y/N) Sunart 1 Littoral rock 1.1 Reefs SAC 1.1.2 Biotope 1.1.2b Maintain the variety At 6-yearly intervals evaluate To be completed by SNH SNH composition of the of littoral biotopes identified the biotope composition of a 20 intertidal reef biotopes were recorded in 2006 littoral for the site, allowing for series of 7 fixed-position (Mercer et al, 2007). No data exists prior to this natural succession or intertidal transects (L9-L13, study. known cyclical change. L16 and 18). No loss of littoral reef Locations, methods and biotopes recorded along descriptions are given in fixed transects established Mercer et al., (2007). on baseline survey in 2006 (Mercer et al., 2007) 293

Site Reporting Interest Interest Attribute Target Prescription Result of Monitoring Target Category Feature level met? (Y/N) Sunart 1 Sublittoral 1.1 Reefs SAC 1.1.3 Distribution of 1.1.3a Maintain the spatial At 6-yearly intervals To be completed by SNH SNH rock biotopes. Spatial arrangement of the undertake a programme of arrangement of biotopes present on the 8 stratified random drop-down biotopes at specified subtidal fixed transects; S9- video sampling using 6 zones locations S13, S16, S18, S22 and established in 2006. To maintain the broader assess distribution and geographic distribution of spatial arrangement of specified infralittoral & biotopes. Each zone divided circalittoral biotopes within into blocks of reef a series of specified remote corresponding to the following video sampling zones, depth bands: 0-20m, 20+. allowing for natural Location of the zones and succession/known cyclical methods are shown in Mercer change. et al., (2007).

294 Biotopes to include the At 6-yearly intervals following: evaluate the biotope distribution and spatial Infralittoral arrangement of biotopes IR.HIR.KFaR.FoR, on a series of 8 fixed- IR.HIR.KFaR.Lhyp.Ft, position subtidal transects IR.HIR.KFaR.LhypR.Ft, (S9-S13, S16, S18 and IR.MIR.KR.Ldig, S22). Take video footage and digital photographs of IR.MIR.KR.Ldig.Ldig, each transect to provide a IR.MIR.KR.XfoR, permanent visual record IR.LIR.K.LhypLsac.Ft, of the biotopes. IR.LIR.K.Lsac (.Ft/Pk/Gz), IR.LIR.K.Lsac.Ldig, Locations, methods and IR.LIR.KVS, descriptions are given in IR.LIR.KVS.LsacPsaVS, Mercer et al., (2007). SS.SMP.KSwSS.LsacR.Gv , SS.SMp.KSwSS.LsacR.Sa, SS.SMp.KSwSS.LsacR.Mu , SS.SMp.KSwSS.LsacCho,

Site Reporting Interest Interest Attribute Target Prescription Result of Monitoring Target Category Feature level met? (Y/N) IR.LIR.Lag.FchoG, SS.SMp.Mrl.Pcal, SS.SMX.IMx.Lim, SS.SBR.PoR.Ser Circalittoral CR.HCR.XFa.SpNemAdia, CR.HCR.XFa.SwiLgAs, CR.MCR.EcCr.CarSp.Bri, CR.LCR.BrAs.AmenCio, CR.LCR.BrAs.AmenCio.An t, CR.LCR.BrAs.AmenCio.Bri , CR.LCR.BrAs.AntAsH, CR.LCR.BrAs.NeoPro, 295 CR.FCR.FouFa.AaspCR, CR.MCR.EcCr.CarSwi.LgA s, SS.SMX.CMx.ClloMx, SS.SMx.CMx.ClloMx.Nem, SS.SMX.CMx.OphMx, SS.SMu.CSaMu.VirOphPm ax.HAs

Sunart 1 Littoral rock 1.1 Reefs SAC 1.1.3 Distribution of 1.1.3b Maintain the At six- year intervals confirm To be completed by SNH SNH biotopes. Spatial distribution and spatial the geographic distribution arrangement of arrangement of littoral reef and zonation patterns of biotopes at specified biotopes, allowing for littoral reef biotopes along the locations natural succession/known 7 fixed transects of the cyclical change. baseline survey (L9-L13, L16, L18 and L22) Biotopes to include the Take video footage and following: digital photographs of each transect to provide a Littoral permanent visual record

Site Reporting Interest Interest Attribute Target Prescription Result of Monitoring Target Category Feature level met? (Y/N) LR.FLR.Lic.YG, of the biotopes. LR.HLR.MusB.Cht.Lpyg, LR.FLR.Lic.Ver, Locations and descriptions LR.MLR.BF.Fser.R, are given in Mercer et al., LR.FLR.Lic.Ver.B, (2007) LR.MLR.BF.FspiB, LR.FLR.Lic.Ver.Ver, . LR.MLR.BF.FvesB, LR.FLR.Rkp.Cor, LR.MLR.BF.PelB, LR.FLR.Rkp.FK, LR.LLR.FVS.AscVS, LR.HLR.MusB.Sem, LR.LLR.FVS.FserVS, LR.HLR.MusB.Sem.FvesR, LR.LLR.FVS.FspiVS, LR.HLR.MusB.Sem.LitX, LR.LLR.FVS.FvesVS,

296 LR.HLR.MusB.Sem.Sem, LR.LLR.FVS.PelVS. Sunart 1 Sublittoral 1.1 Reefs SAC 1.1.4 Extent of 1.1.4a No change in extent Every six years assess the To be completed by SNH SNH rock representative or of the biotopes identified for extent of specified biotopes The 2006 survey completed 8 sublittoral notable biotope the site allowing for natural along 8 established, fixed, transects and future monitoring surveys can succession/known cyclical relocatable, sublittoral assess the results against this baseline change. transects. (S9-S13, S16, S18 No change in the extent and S22). (range along transect and Locations, methods, depth range) of specified descriptions and first set of biotopes along 8 fixed data are given in Mercer et transects al., (2007). Biotopes to include the following: Infralittoral IR.HIR.KFaR.FoR IR.HIR.KFaR.LhypR.Ft IR.MIR.KR.Ldig IR.MIR.KR.Ldig.Ldig

Site Reporting Interest Interest Attribute Target Prescription Result of Monitoring Target Category Feature level met? (Y/N) IR.MIR.KR.XFoR IR.LIR.K.LhypLsac.Ft IR.LIR.K.Lsac (.Ft/Pk/Gz) IR.LIR.K.Lsac.Ldig IR.LIR.KVS IR.LIR.KVS.LsacPsaVS SS.SMX.IMx.Lim SS.SBR.PoR.Ser Circalittoral CR.HCR.XFa.SwiLgAs CR.LCR.BrAs.AmenCio.An t CR.LCR.BrAs.AmenCio.Bri CR.LCR.BrAs.AntAsH

297 CR.LCR.BrAs.NeoPro CR.FCR.FouFa.AaspCR CR.MCR.EcCr.CarSwi.LgA s Sunart 1 Littoral rock 1.1 Reefs SAC 1.1.4 Extent of 1.1.4b No change in extent Every six years assess the To be completed by SNH SNH representative or of the biotopes identified for extent of specified biotopes The 2006 survey completed 7 littoral transects notable biotope the site allowing for natural along 7 established, fixed, and future monitoring surveys can assess the succession/known cyclical relocatable, littoral transects. results against this baseline change. (L9-L13, L16, L18 and L22). No change in the extent Locations, methods, (range along transect and descriptions and first set of depth range) of specified data are given in Mercer et biotopes along 7 fixed al., (2007). transects Biotopes to include the following: Littoral LR.FLR.Lic.YG LR.FLR.Lic.Ver

Site Reporting Interest Interest Attribute Target Prescription Result of Monitoring Target Category Feature level met? (Y/N) LR.FLR.Lic.Ver.B LR.FLR.Lic.Ver.Ver LR.FLR.Rkp.Cor LR.FLR.Rkp.FK LR.HLR.MusB.Sem LR.HLR.MusB.Sem.FvesR LR.HLR.MusB.Sem.LitX LR.HLR.MusB.Sem.Sem LR.HLR.MusB.Cht.Lpyg LR.MLR.BF.Fser.R LR.MLR.BF.FspiB LR.MLR.BF.FvesB LR.MLR.BF.PelB LR.LLR.FVS.AscVS LR.LLR.FVS.FserVS 298 LR.LLR.FVS.FspiVS LR.LLR.FVS.FvesVS LR.LLR.FVS.PelVS Sunart 1 Sublittoral 1.1 Reefs SAC 1.1.5 Species 1.1.5a No decline in Every six years, carry out To be completed by SNH SNH rock composition of biotope quality due to quadrat studies in specified The 2006 survey completed 8 sublittoral representative or change in species biotopes on the 8 fixed transects and future monitoring surveys can notable biotopes composition or loss of relocatable transects and assess the results against this baseline notable species allowing for collect ‘Phase II’ style semi- natural succession/known quantitative species records cyclical change. from each biotope on the Biotopes to include the subtidal transects. (S9-S13, following: S16, S18 and S22). Circalittoral Compare the results with the species recorded in each SS.SMX.IMx.Lim biotope and the quadrats CR.HCR.XFa.SwiLgAs studied in 2006 (listed in CR.LCR.BrAs.AntAsH Mercer et al. 2007). LCR.BrAs.NeoPro Locations, methods, Infralittoral descriptions and first set of

Site Reporting Interest Interest Attribute Target Prescription Result of Monitoring Target Category Feature level met? (Y/N) IR.HIR.KFaR.FoR data are given in Mercer et SS.SBR.PoR.Ser al., (2007).

Sunart 1 Littoral rock 1.1 Reefs SAC 1.1.5 Species 1.1.5b No decline in Every six years, carry out To be completed by SNH composition of biotope quality due to quadrat studies in specified The 2006 survey completed 7 littoral transects representative or change in species biotopes on the 7 fixed and future monitoring surveys can assess the notable biotopes composition or loss of relocatable transects and results against this baseline notable species allowing for collect ‘Phase II’ style semi- natural succession/known quantitative species records cyclical change. from each biotope on the Biotopes to include the intertidal transects. (L9-L13, following: L16, L18 and L22). Littoral Compare the results with the species recorded in each

299 LR.HLR.MusB.Sem biotope and the quadrats LR.HLR.MusB.Sem.FvesR studied in 2006 (listed in LR.LLR.FVS.AscVS Mercer et al. 2007). LR.MLR.BF.Fser.R LR.LLR.FVS.FspiVS Locations, methods, descriptions and first set of data are given in Mercer et al., (2007).

Sunart SSSI Site Attribute Table (SAT)

Site Reporting Interest Interest Attribute Target Prescription Result of Monitoring Target met? Category Feature level (Y/N) Sunart 1 Littoral rock 1.1 Reefs SSSI 1.1.1 Extent 1.1.1 No change in extent At six year intervals review No relevant activities seen or previously reported. Y of littoral rock allowing for activities and events with the natural succession or potential to reduce extent of known cyclical change. feature such as land reclamation and shoreline development. Monitor activities within the loch at every available opportunity. Sunart 1 Littoral rock 1.1 Reefs SSSI 1.1.2 Biotope 1.1.2 Maintain the variety of At 6-yearly intervals evaluate To be completed by SNH SNH composition of the biotopes identified for the the biotope variety on a 20 intertidal reef biotopes were recorded in 2006 littoral rock and inshore site, allowing for natural series of 7 fixed-position

300 (Mercer et al, 2007). No data exists prior to this sublittoral rock succession or known intertidal transects (L9-L13, study. cyclical change. L16 and 18). No loss of reef biotopes Locations, methods and recorded along fixed descriptions are given in transects established on Mercer et al., (2007). baseline survey Biotopes include; LR.FLR.Lic.YG LR.FLR.Lic.Ver LR.FLR.Lic.Ver.B LR.FLR.Lic.Ver.Ver LR.FLR.Rkp.Cor LR.FLR.Rkp.FK LR.HLR.MusB.Sem LR.HLR.MusB.Sem.FvesR LR.HLR.MusB.Sem.LitX LR.HLR.MusB.Sem.Sem LR.HLR.MusB.Cht.Lpyg LR.MLR.BF.Fser.R

Site Reporting Interest Interest Attribute Target Prescription Result of Monitoring Target met? Category Feature level (Y/N) LR.MLR.BF.FspiB LR.MLR.BF.FvesB LR.MLR.BF.PelB LR.LLR.FVS.AscVS LR.LLR.FVS.FserVS LR.LLR.FVS.FspiVS LR.LLR.FVS.FvesVS LR.LLR.FVS.PelVS Sunart 1 Littoral rock 1.1 Reefs SSSI 1.1.3 Distribution of 1.1.3 Maintain the At six- year intervals review To be completed by SNH SNH biotopes. Spatial distribution and spatial the detailed spatial 20 intertidal reef biotopes were recorded in detail in arrangement of arrangement of biotopes, distribution of the reef 2006 (Mercer et al., 2007). No data exists prior to biotopes at specified allowing for natural biotopes (1.2) along the 7 this study. locations succession/known cyclical fixed transects of the baseline change. survey established in 2006.

301 Sunart 1 Littoral rock 1.1 Reefs SSSI 1.1.4 Extent of 1.1.4 No change in extent At six- year intervals review To be completed by SNH SNH representative or of the biotopes identified for the detailed spatial extent of 20 intertidal reef biotopes were recorded in detail in notable biotopes the site allowing for natural the reef biotopes (1.2) along 2006 (Mercer et al., 2007). No data exists prior to succession/known cyclical the 7 fixed transects of the this study. change. baseline survey established No change in the extent in 2006. (range along transect and shore height range) of selected biotopes along the fixed transects on which they occurred during a baseline survey

Site Reporting Interest Interest Attribute Target Prescription Result of Monitoring Target met? Category Feature level (Y/N) Sunart 2 Littoral 2.1 Eel grass SSSI 2.1.1 Extent 2.1.1a No change in extent At six year intervals review No relevant activities seen or previously reported. Y sediment bed of eel grass beds allowing activities and events with the for natural potential to reduce extent of succession/known cyclical feature such as land change. reclamation and shoreline development. Sunart 2 Littoral 2.1 Eel grass SSSI 2.1.1 Extent 2.1.1b No change in extent Aerial images (at low water) Beds are probably too small for this but they have SNH sediment bed of eel grass beds allowing to be compared with baseline been mapped on foot in 2006. Further work is for natural survey every 12 years unless required to assess the feature. Intertidally, the succession/known cyclical alerted to potential problem extensive shores from Reispole to Laudale Narrows change. by area office or during site and in Loch Teascuis should be surveyed to visit. complete the task. The Loch na Droma Buide Zostera marina bed should be studied more accurately.

302 Sunart 2 Littoral 2.1 Eel grass SSSI 2.1.1 Extent 2.1.1c No change in extent At six year intervals establish Bed boundaries established for Zostera noltii bed in SNH sediment bed (area) of eel grass beds outer boundaries of selected the Doirlinn Channel and for Z. marina in Loch na allowing for natural eelgrass beds by field visit Droma Buide, against which future surveys can succession/known cyclical and GPS positioning. compare. change Sunart 2 Littoral 2.2 Egg wrack SSSI 2.2.1 Extent 2.2.1a No change in extent At six year intervals review The impact of a previous installation of a large sea Target not sediment (Ascophyllum of egg wrack beds allowing activities and events with the outfall at Strontian is not known. Similarly, the effect assessed nodosum for natural potential to reduce extent of of a recently constructed outfall for a domestic ecad mackaii) succession/known cyclical feature such as land property, running across the A. nodosum ecad change. reclamation and shoreline mackaii bed is unknown. development. Sunart 2 Littoral 2.2 Egg wrack SSSI 2.2.1 Extent 2.2.1b No change in extent Aerial images (at low water) Future aerial images can compare ‘Extent’ with the Target not sediment (Ascophyllum of egg wrack beds allowing to be compared with baseline Strontian bed following the 2006 baseline survey, but assessed nodosum for natural survey every 12 years unless it is doubtful that the method will work with the other ecad mackaii) succession/known cyclical alerted to potential problem smaller more diffuse beds. change. by area office or during site visit. A.mac beds to compare; Glenborrodale Bay, Salen

Site Reporting Interest Interest Attribute Target Prescription Result of Monitoring Target met? Category Feature level (Y/N) Bay, Camaschoirk, Strontian and ‘Head of the Loch’

Sunart 2 Littoral 2.2 Egg wrack SSSI 2.2.1 Extent 2.2.1c No change in extent At six- year intervals establish The Glenborrodale Bay, Salen Bay, Camaschoirk, SNH sediment (Ascophyllum of egg wrack beds allowing outer boundaries of selected Strontian and ‘Head of the Loch’ beds were mapped nodosum for natural egg wrack beds by field visit in 2006, establishing their outer boundaries ecad mackaii) succession/known cyclical and GPS positioning.

change. A.mac beds to compare; Glenborrodale Bay, Salen Bay, Camaschoirk, Strontian and ‘Head of the Loch’

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Appendix 12 - SSSI non-reef surveyed features and secondary objectives’ supporting data

Appendix 12.1 Seagrass (and A.mac) field data sheet and intertidal sediment core granulometric cumulative frequency curves.

Appendix 12.2 Thyasira gouldi population status investigation

Appendix 12.3 Limaria hians study from the Laudale Narrows

Appendix 12.4 Serpula vermicularis transect - colony measurements

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Appendix 12.1 Seagrass field data sheet (Based on WFD draft seagrass tool February 2006)

Surveyor/s & organisation: Seagrass bed name: Physiography: WFD typology:

Seagrass meadow description:

Site: Start time (GMT): Finish time (GMT): Date: # quads per site: Tidal state: Quadrat size: H2O Temp: Height/depth: Salinity: GPS Lat: GPS Long: Transect #: Transect #: GPS Start GPS Start Lat: Lat: Long: Long: GPS Finish GPS Finish Lat: Lat: Long: Long: % Cover % Cover Quad Sp: Sp: Bare Other Notes Quad Sp: Sp: Bare Other Notes # #

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Transect #: Transect #: GPS Start GPS Start Lat: Lat: Long: Long: GPS Finish GPS Finish Lat: Lat: Long: Long: % Cover % Cover Quad Sp: Sp: Bare Other Notes Quad Sp: Sp: Bare Other Notes # #

Survey Notes:

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COMPLETING THE SURVEY DATA SHEET

‘Physiographic features’ refers to features within one of 2 subdivisions; open or enclosed coast. Each of these is further subdivided into one of the following:

Open coast – any part of the coast, including offshore rocks and islands, which is not within a marine inlet or lagoon.

Semi-enclosed coast – An area of coast bounded by headlands which provide some shelter from along-shore winds but which is predominantly open to onshore winds (compare ‘embayments’).

Strait / sound – Channels between the mainland and an island, or between two islands which are open at both ends to the open coast

Barrier beach – Coastal features caused by long-shore drift which create sheltered areas (of sediment) behind them.

Enclosed coast – Marine inlets and lagoons which are fully enclosed from the open sea except at the entrance.

Embayment – An enclosed area of coast in which the entrance provides shelter from onshore winds for the major part of the coast inside, but which is not a sealoch, ria, voe, estuary or lagoon.

Sea loch – Glacially formed inlets of western Scotland and Ireland; typically elongate and deepened by glacial action with little freshwater influence. Often with narrows and sills dividing the loch into a series of basins.

Ria / voe – Drowned river valleys of south-west Britain (ria) and Shetland (voes). Often with a greater presence of rock and more marine in character than estuaries

Estuary – Downstream part of a river where it widens to enter the sea; often with significant freshwater influence and predominantly comprising sediment habitats

Isolated saline water (lagoon) – Enclosed bodies of water, separated from the sea by shingle, sand or sometimes rock and with a restricted exchange of water with the sea, yielding varying salinity regimes.

WFD Typology; chose from Coastal Waters CW8 or CW9; or Transitional Waters TW1, TW2. Where CW8 = Sheltered mesotidal; CW9 = sheltered microtidal; TW1 = generally or partly mixed/stratified, mesohaline/polyhaline, strongly mesotidal, sheltered intertidal or shallow subtidal estuaries; TW2 = fully mixed polyhaline or euhaline, mesotidal/macrotidal, sheltered with extensive intertidal areas. Seagrass meadow description should include this type of information: • Approx. meadow size and dimensions – possibly include a sketch • General health/condition of shoots • Patchiness • Opportunistic macroalgal cover • Any obvious ‘blow-outs’

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• Anthropogenic influences: e.g. bait digging holes, anchor-chain scour, litter, other physical removal, vehicle tracks • Unusual and/or new features.

Site may be the same as ‘Seagrass bed name’ or different if it is a subdivision being surveyed.

Date needs to be noted and Time at the beginning and end of sampling at each site.

# quads per site can be completed at the end of the survey

Tidal State refers to high, mid or low tide and ebb or flood.

Quadrat size should be between 1 m2 and 0.25 m2 and quadrats subdivided with fine wire or string into 4 – 16 squares. Larger quadrats are ideal for patchy or mixed species meadows and small quadrats are adequate for continuous, uniform meadows. Estimates of % cover are made with reference to photographic guides.

Salinity and Temperature of adjacent water, measured using a T-S probe, if available.

Height/depth of survey (m) entered for the upper and lower height or depth limits of the site. Depths below sea level or chart datum should be preceded by a -, and heights as a +.

GPS latitude and longitude can be noted for the approximate centre of the bed. NB: co- ordinates must be noted as decimal. Alternatively, Eastings and Northings may be recorded.

Shoot Abundance is recorded for each whole quad as a direct estimate of % cover, using a ranked set of photographs to standardise such estimates.

Transects • Assign a chronological number for each transect and note this • Record the start and finish Latitude and Longitude for each transect line • Note the (exact or approx.) distance between quadrats

% Cover • In the first row note the names of seagrass species present In the 2nd row estimate the % cover of each species, the % bare sediment and record any other cover, if applicable. NB: The total of the 4 boxes should = 100%. See e.g. below:

% Cover % Cover Qua Sp: Sp: Bare: Other: Notes: Qua Sp: Sp: Bare: Other: Notes: d # d # Z.nol Z.ang hydrob Z.nolti Broken ia shells 1 65 25 10 1 60 35 5

Survey Notes can be made in this section. If they are applicable to a particular transect or quadrat they can be number or letter coded and the relevant code written into the ‘Notes’ column for each quadrat.

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Photographic guide: Rank scale of % cover with images

Glenborrodale core– A.mac.

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Strontian Upper Zone core – A.mac

Strontian Lower Zone core – A.mac.

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Head of the Loch core – A.mac.

Eilean Mor (Doirlinn Channel) core – Zostera noltii

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Appendix 12.2 Thyasira gouldi population status investigation

Appendix 12.2.1 Grab site locations for the 2006 survey.

Site Date Latitude Longitude Easting Northing (NGR) 1 13/07/2006 56.699 -5.70655 173179 762498.1 2 13/07/2006 56.6935 -5.7067 173136.8 761888.7 3 13/07/2006 56.6899 -5.70687 173104.6 761483.3 4 13/07/2006 56.691 -5.69798 173655.3 761583.7 5 13/07/2006 56.6917 -5.6895 174178.3 761626 6 13/07/2006 56.6873 -5.68905 174179.5 761137.1 7 13/07/2006 56.6872 -5.69825 173616 761160 8 13/07/2006 56.6874 -5.61625 178636.3 760916.1 9 13/07/2006 56.6856 -5.62722 177954.3 760747.7 10 13/07/2006 56.6809 -5.60785 179112 760158.5 11 15/07/2006 56.6812 -5.61913 178422.9 760226.6 12 15/07/2006 56.6789 -5.63283 177571 760020.7 13 15/07/2006 56.6836 -5.63935 177199.9 760566.4 14 15/07/2006 56.6792 -5.6372 177305 760060.8 15 15/07/2006 56.6786 -5.65433 176252.6 760051.8

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Appendix 12.2.2 Particle size data for the macrobenthic grabs taken in the 2006 survey.

Site 1 Site 2 Site 3 Site 4 Site 5 Site 6 Site 7 Site 8 Site 9 Site 10 Site 11 Site 12 Site 13 Site 14 Site 15 Descriptive sediment parameters Non inclusive Kurtosis 8.05 -0.98 -0.32 -1.91 6.69 -0.84 1 4.29 14 22.92 4.33 1.9 2.93 1.88 -1.36 Non inclusive Skewness 2.62 0 0.48 0.07 2.3 0.98 1.26 1.91 3.52 4.78 1.9 1.45 2.08 1.26 0.62 Non inclusive Standard deviation 4.85 0.91 2.47 -2.12 3.3 -1.95 3.72 3.39 -0.67 -0.28 3.44 1.72 -1.54 2.61 -1.94 Volume weighted Non inclusive 5.28 0.29 2.04 -2.25 3.64 -1.56 3.8 3.53 -0.14 1.52 3.67 1.75 -0.57 2.31 -1.86 mean (phi) Inclusive Kurtosis 0.96 1.59 1.5 0.94 0.77 0.86 0.76 0.86 1.65 1.18 0.79 1.18 0.79 1.57 0.96 Inclusive Skewness -0.09 0.67 0.63 0.31 0.27 0.02 0.27 0.33 0.09 0.05 0.26 0.37 -0.11 0.43 0.21 Inclusive Standard deviation 1.78 1.99 2.23 2.88 2.24 3.22 2.16 2.07 1.77 2.54 2.18 2.33 3.85 1.81 2.85

Inclusive Mean grain size (phi) 6.25 0.87 3.08 -0.67 4.88 0.26 4.88 4.56 0.68 4.71 4.81 2.88 2.73 3 -0.55

Median grain size Inclusive 6.38 0.22 2.09 -0.83 4.42 0.71 4.48 4.05 0.76 4.38 4.39 2.35 3.07 2.57 -0.5 (phi) Constituent sediment fractions 313 Gravel (%) 0 0 0 49.14 0 32.49 0 0 11.7 4.7 0 0 18.55 0 43.65 Sand (%) 11.53 88.23 76.37 40.43 43.55 52.83 42.9 48.85 80.9 38.93 43.8 76.65 43.5 80.41 43.3 Silt/Clay (%) 88.47 11.77 23.63 10.44 56.45 14.67 57.1 51.15 7.4 56.36 56.2 23.35 37.95 19.59 13.05 Coarse V. coarse Coarse Coarse V. fine V. coarse Description Silt Fine sand Silt Silt Silt Silt Silt Fine sand Fine sand sand sand sand sand sand sand % Volume between each size fraction Size (um) Vol. in % Vol. in % Vol. in % Vol. in % Vol. in % Vol. in % Vol. in % Vol. in % Vol. in % Vol. in % Vol. in % Vol. in % Vol. in % Vol. in % Vol. in % 0.010 0.23 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.14 0.00 0.14 0.09 0.00 0.07 0.12 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.490 1.74 0.00 0.50 0.23 1.27 0.31 1.28 0.93 0.00 1.06 1.18 0.40 0.89 0.27 0.14 0.980 3.31 0.46 0.84 0.54 2.20 0.60 2.16 1.53 0.01 1.73 2.07 0.71 1.48 0.54 0.58 1.950 10.78 1.57 2.76 1.42 6.82 1.88 6.24 4.47 0.52 5.05 5.98 2.28 4.16 1.78 1.30 3.900 19.67 2.75 5.36 2.63 12.11 3.50 11.29 8.74 1.15 9.64 10.75 4.46 7.47 3.70 2.63

Site 1 Site 2 Site 3 Site 4 Site 5 Site 6 Site 7 Site 8 Site 9 Site 10 Site 11 Site 12 Site 13 Site 14 Site 15 7.800 22.50 2.90 6.09 2.69 12.72 3.65 13.02 11.41 1.88 12.20 12.50 5.64 8.80 4.99 3.34 15.600 17.49 2.36 4.68 1.86 9.05 2.57 10.34 9.78 2.07 11.20 10.52 4.89 7.41 4.38 2.88 31.300 12.74 1.74 3.39 1.07 12.14 2.16 12.63 14.21 1.77 15.42 13.06 4.97 7.73 3.94 2.19 62.500 8.65 3.32 3.92 1.06 21.84 1.98 21.45 25.45 1.56 21.70 21.60 13.01 13.05 16.72 1.20 125.000 2.86 8.11 26.04 4.99 15.30 8.43 17.92 16.61 7.00 11.07 16.31 21.36 12.43 33.78 1.93 250.000 0.03 5.84 37.14 13.02 5.42 19.40 3.53 6.38 26.27 3.51 5.57 21.57 7.34 23.91 13.54 500.000 0.00 31.45 9.28 16.72 0.98 15.95 0.00 0.41 28.60 1.04 0.32 16.71 2.77 6.00 14.37 1000.000 0.00 24.55 0.00 1.99 0.00 4.37 0.00 0.00 9.14 0.56 0.00 3.52 3.91 0.00 5.77 314 1400.000 0.00 14.94 0.00 2.65 0.00 2.69 0.00 0.00 8.33 1.05 0.00 0.49 4.01 0.00 6.48 2000.000 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.61 0.00 2.35 0.00 0.00 4.35 0.69 0.00 0.00 1.91 0.00 3.58 2800.000 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 3.71 0.00 0.00 2.62 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.17 0.00 2.80 4000.000 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.72 0.00 0.00 0.34 1.15 0.00 0.00 2.69 0.00 2.83 5600.000 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.30 0.00 0.43 0.00 0.00 1.51 2.57 0.00 0.00 1.64 0.00 8.31 8000.000 0.00 0.00 0.00 46.09 0.00 24.61 0.00 0.00 2.69 0.34 0.00 0.00 9.46 0.00 24.20 10000.000 Organic constituent Organic content 9.31 4.68 1.26 2.10 5.99 3.18 5.97 3.35 0.93 6.02 5.09 1.09 4.52 1.25 1.32 (LOI) % Sediment content %

Appendix 12.2.3 Granulometric data for the macrobenthic grabs – cumulative frequency curves Grab site 3.

Grab site 1.

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Grab site 2 Grab site 4.

Grab site 5 Grab site 7.

316

Grab site 6. Grab site 8.

Grab site 9. Grab site 11.

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Grab site 10. Grab site 12.

Grab site 13. Grab site 15.

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Grab site 14.

Appendix 12.2.3 Macrobenthic species matrix for the Thyasira sp. grabbing survey – July 2006. MCS Code Taxon Station 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 S27850 Astorhiza limicola 1 D10750 Cerianthus lloydii 6 2 1 1 D11310 ACTINIARIA 1 D13410 Edwardsia claparedii 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 G00001 NEMERTEA 1 1 2 1 3 1 3 1 G00460 Tubulanus polymorphus 1 3 4 5 4 2 1 G00620 Cerebratulus 1 1 1 1 1 N00001 SIPUNCULA 2 1 2 N00090 Golfingia elongata 3 1 2 1 5 N00109 Golfingia vulgaris 9 N00190 Thysanocardia procera 1 1 4 10 2 1 2 N00279 Phascolion strombus 1 O00260 Maxmuelleria lankesteri 1 P00440 Acanthicolepis asperrima 1 P00550 Adyte pellucida 1 P00970 Harmothoe 4 3 2 1 P01160 Harmothoe andreapolis 1 1 P01210 Harmothoe marphysae 2 3 P01330 Lepidonotus squamatus 1 6 P01690 Pholoe inornata 2 3 1 2 4 6 2 4 3 7 1 14 27 P01710 Pholoe synophthalmica 5 P01870 Sthenelais boa 1 P01890 Sthenelais limicola 1 1 1 P02000 Phyllodocidae 1 P03140 Phyllodoce rosea 2 1 P02835 Eumida ockelmanni 1 P02820 Eumida 1 1 1 2 P02850 Eumida sanguinea 1 P03060 Paranaitis kosteriensis 1 1 P04710 Glycera 1 4 1 1 1 P04720 Glycera alba 2 1 1 P04760 Glycera lapidum 11 2 P04780 Glycera oxycephala 10 1 P04790 Glycera rouxii 1 P04870 Glycinde nordmanni 1 1 P04930 Goniada maculata 3 1 P05000 Goniadella gracilis 10 P05160 Commensodorum commensalis 1 P05270 Sphaerodorum gracilis 3 P05320 Hesionidae 1 1 P05520 Kefersteinia cirrata 1 P05630 Nereimyra punctata 1 1 8 P05680 Ophiodromus flexuosus 1 1 P05410 Podarkeopsis capensis 2 1 P05830 Syllidia armata 1 1 P06120 Ancistrosyllis groenlandica 5 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 P06270 Glyphohesione klatti 1 1 1 P06170 Litocorsa stremma 5 1 P06550 Syllis cornuta 1 2

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MCS Code Taxon Station 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 P06560 Syllis sp. D 2 P06560 Syllis sp. E frag P06610 Trypanosyllis coeliaca 1 P06550 Syllis armillaris 1 P07440 Exogone hebes 4 1 1 1 P07460 Exogone verugera 1 P07510 Sphaerosyllis bulbosa 2 P07520 Sphaerosyllis erinaceus 1 P07555 Sphaerosyllis taylori 12 P07560 Sphaerosyllis tetralix 1 1 P07610 Autolytus 5 P08320 Nereis 2 P08670 Nephtys 1 P08710 Nephtys hombergii 2 6 6 P08740 Nephtys incisa 5 5 8 7 1 5 11 9 P08720 Nephtys kersivalensis 7 P09360 Aponuphis bilineata 4 1 3 P09910 Nematonereis unicornis 2 P10010 Lumbrineris 1 P10080 Lumbrineris gracilis 17 11 5 8 P10090 Lumbrineris hibernica 1 1 5 1 1 1 P11040 Protodorvillea kefersteini 20 P11380 Orbinia 1 P11520 Scoloplos armiger 16 P11580 Aricidea minuta 11 P11680 Aricidea sp. B 3 P11680 Aricidea sp. C 2 P11660 Aricidea cerrutii 4 5 6 1 4 7 5 P11790 Levinsenia gracilis 1 5 4 P11850 Paradoneis lyra 1 1 2 2 1 2 1 P12100 Apistobranchus tullbergi 1 P12210 Poecilochaetus serpens 1 P12250 Spionidae 2 P12280 Aonides paucibranchiata 23 2 P12500 Laonice bahusiensis 3 1 4 P13380 Microspio mecznikowianus 6 P12690 Minuspio multibranchiata 3 9 4 2 1 P12690 Minuspio cirrifera 6 4 8 1 17 17 1 6 15 P12790 Polydora flava 1 1 5 P13020 Prionospio fallax 9 12 1 11 2 9 1 1 1 3 5 2 P13030 Prionospio banyulensis 7 10 P13110 Pseudopolydora cf. paucibranchiata 9 2 1 1 1 2 1 P13120 Pseudopolydora pulchra 2 P13300 Scolelepis sp. A 1 1 2 1 P13360 Spio filicornis 4 P13440 Spiophanes kroyeri 35 5 4 9 1 3 1 1 1 19 1 P13620 Magelona alleni 1 1 2 1 P13640 Magelona minuta 1 7 1 32 16 4 8 17 9 4 4 P13740 Chaetopterus sp. A 1 ZM06760 Caulleriela alata 54 P13980 Caulleriella zetlandica 4 2 1 1 P14030 Chaetozone sp. D 22 15 28 2 1

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MCS Code Taxon Station 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 P14030 Chaetozone setosa 1 1 4 1 1 2 5 3 2 1 P14180 Dodecaceria 1 P14301 Monticellina dorsobranchialis 4 6 1 1 P13970 Tharyx killariensis 1 1 1 P14670 Cossura sp. 1 P14790 Diplocirrus glaucus 4 1 1 1 3 P14840 Flabelligera affinis 3 P15480 Dasybranchus sp. 1 P15580 Mediomastus fragilis 21 2 1 33 P15640 Notomastus sp. B 9 2 7 P15630 Notomastus latericeus 3 1 2 2 3 4 5 1 3 5 3 9 4 P15910 Maldanidae 1 1 1 P16000 Praxillura longissima 1 4 1 1 P16160 Euclymeninae sp. A 2 P16180 Clymenella cincta 1 1 P16340 Euclymene sp. A 2 6 1 P16310 Euclymene lumbicoides 3 1 3 1 P16480 Praxillella affinis 4 2 1 P16680 Nicomache trispinata 1 P16810 Rhodine loveni 2 1 3 1 1 2 P17380 Polyphysia crassa 1 P17425 Scalibregma celticum 4 1 P17430 Scalibregma inflatum 1 1 10 2 1 1 1 2 3 P18280 Galathowenia oculata 7 4 2 2 1 1 P18360 Owenia fusiformis 4 2 1 3 2 P18590 Pectinaria belgica 1 1 1 P18800 Ampharetidae 1 P18860 Melinna palmata 7 3 1 1 1 P19100 Ampharete lindstroemi 1 1 3 3 1 3 P19160 Amphicteis gunneri 3 1 P19510 Mugga wahlbergi 2 1 3 P19740 Sosane sulcata 1 4 P19900 Terebellides stroemi 2 1 2 1 2 2 1 1 3 P19960 Trichobranchus roseus 1 2 1 2 2 P20000 Terebellidae 1 P20030 Amphitrite cirrata 2 2 P20040 Amphitrite edwardsi 1 P20200 Eupolymnia nesidensis 1 P20760 Pista cristata 2 18 1 P20860 Pista lornensis 1 P21220 Polycirrus indet. 2 P21250 Polycirrus norvegicus 1 1 3 1 1 23 P21260 Polycirrus plumosus 1 1 2 3 4 1 5 3 2 P21500 Sabellidae 1 1 P21620 Branchiomma bombyx 1 P21720 Chone sp. indet. 1 1 P21690 Chone duneri 63 P21710 Chone filicaudata 8 P21770 Demonax branchyona 3 P21880 Euchone southerni 1 1 P22040 Jasmineira caudata 1 4 2 3 10 P23030 Pomatoceros sp. 2

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MCS Code Taxon Station 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 P23090 Serpula vermicularis 5 P24130 Myzostomum cirriferum 1 P24590 Tubificidae indet. 6 1 P25980 Enchytraidae indet. 1 Q00620 Anoplodactylus petiolatus 1 1 R35180 Ostracoda 5 S01930 Eusirus longipes 6 S02190 Monoculodes carinatus 6 S02400 Synchelidium maculatum 1 S02450 Westwoodilla caecula 2 1 S03700 Stenothoe marina 1 S03910 Hyale indet. 1 S04290 Urothoe elegans 1 1 1 1 S04380 Harpinia antennaria 1 1 1 S05110 Lysianassa plumosa 1 S05450 Perrierella audouiniana 3 3 3 3 4 S06660 Listriella mollis 2 S06960 Guernea coalita 2 S07110 Ampelisca diadema 2 1 2 8 S07180 Ampelisca spinipes 8 S07200 Ampelisca tenuicornis 1 S08080 Abludomelita obtusata 1 S08250 Cheirocratus sundevallii 1 23 S09120 Gammaropsis cornuta 4 S09890 Leptocheirus pectinatus 1 1 1 S10840 Pariambus typicus 2 7 S10960 Phtisica marina 2 S11010 Pseudoprotella phasma 1 1 9 S13220 Gnathia oxyuraea 1 2 S14210 Eurydice inermis 2 S19210 Pseudoperatanais batei 1 S18690 Tanaiopsis graciloides 2 1 51 1 W08325 Vaunthompsonia cristata 3 1 S20130 Iphinoe serrata 2 2 1 1 1 S20220 Eudorella truncatula 1 1 S21010 Diastylis rugosa 1 S23040 Processa sp. 1 S23840 Jaxea nocturna 1 S24680 Pagurus cuanensis 1 S24860 Galathea intermedia 3 2 S24950 Munida rugosa 1 1 1 S25020 Pisidia longicornis 1 3 W00050 Scutopus ventrolineatus 2 2 W00100 Chaetoderma nitidulum 1 1 W00140 Falcidens crossotus 2 W00572 Leptochitona asellus 10 3 1 23 R39280 Prosobranch indet 1 1 W01570 Trochidae juv. Indet. 1 W01260 Tectura virginea 1 1 W01480 Iothia fulva 1 W05920 Turitella communis 1 2 19 7 1 10 W03100 Alvania indet. 3

322

MCS Code Taxon Station 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 W03060 Alvania abyssicola 4 W03600 Hyala vitrea 29 W04350 Caecum glabrum 3 W07070 Capulus ungaricus 1 W05430 Odostomia plicata 1 W09690 Cylichna cylindracea 2 1 7 1 1 W12370 NUDIBRANCHIA 1 2 2 W16180 Nucula nitidosa 15 1 2 1 W16200 Nucula sulcata 1 2 W16500 Mytilus edulis 1 2 1 2 W16750 Modiolus modiolus 1 W16690 Modiolarca tumida 16 W17390 Limaria hians 6 W18050 Aequipecten opercularis 1 W18380 Myrtea spinifera 1 1 2 W18420 Lucinoma borealis 1 W18520 Thyasira flexuosa 2 5 10 6 4 8 5 W18800 Semierycina nitida 1 W19050 Mysella bidentata 21 10 4 1 1 6 W19610 Tridonta montagui 1 W20250 Ensis juv. indet. 8 2 W20320 Phaxas pellucidus 1 1 5 W20510 Arcopagia crassa 1 W20570 Fabulina fabula 2 W20870 Gari fervensis 1 W21020 Abra alba 8 4 1 4 1 W21040 Abra nitida 1 W21250 Arctica islandica 3 2 W21890 Chamelea gallina 1 W21930 Clausinella fasciata 1 W21640 Dosinia lupinus 1 1 1 W22130 Mysia undata 1 W22270 Mya truncata 8 1 1 1 2 W22390 Corbula gibba 1 1 11 2 3 W22510 Hiatella arctica 1 1 W22590 Saxicavella jeffreysi 6 W23750 Cuspidaria cuspidata 1 1 X00070 Neocrania anomala 1 ZA00040 Phoronis indet. 2 3 2 1 2 1 ZB00110 Antedon bifida 1 ZB01480 Crossaster papossus 1 1 ZB01900 Asterias rubens 2 ZB02350 Ophiothrix fragilis 1 1 5 ZB02420 Ophiocomina nigra 1 ZB02860 Amphiura chiajei 2 7 2 17 2 9 10 ZB02880 Amphiura filiformis 4 12 10 3 17 13 7 2 11 4 42 ZB03000 Amphipholis squamata 1 3 1 1 8 ZB03130 Ophiura albida 7 1 1 ZB03550 Psammechinus miliaris 1 ZB04060 Echinocardium caudatum 1 ZB04950 Thyone fusus 1 1 ZB05240 Leptosynapta bergensis 1 1 1

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MCS Code Taxon Station 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 ZC00140 Saccoglossus indet. 1 1 1 ZD01440 Ascidiella sp. 2 1

Number of individuals 24 29 265 171 163 150 230 90 514 93 75 119 68 175 392 Number of taxa 11 17 76 60 42 60 43 39 75 36 28 43 29 42 102

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Appendix 12.3 Limaria hians study from the Laudale Narrows

Appendix 12.3.1 Particle size data for the diver cores taken from the Limaria hians bed. SITE REFERENCE Descriptive sediment parameters Limaria 1 Limaria 2 Limaria 3 Limaria 4 Limaria 5 Limaria 6 Limaria 7 Limaria 8 Non inclusive Kurtosis -1.82 -1.74 -1.76 5 -1.67 -1.67 -1.63 3.92 Non inclusive Skewness 0.11 -0.13 -0.06 2.31 -0.31 -0.29 0.42 1.84 Non inclusive Standard deviation -2.08 -2 -2.04 -1.09 -2.03 -1.99 -2.02 0.25 Non inclusive Volume weighted mean (phi) -2.22 -2.39 -2.34 -0.57 -2.5 -2.47 -1.98 0.36 Inclusive Kurtosis 0.89 0.96 1.06 1.73 0.89 0.64 0.92 1.37 Inclusive Skewness 0.55 0.76 0.81 0.41 0.93 0.83 0.3 0.51 Inclusive Standard deviation 2.92 2.55 3.21 3.33 2.41 2.05 3.34 2.87 Inclusive Mean grain size (phi) -0.88 -1.43 -0.84 1.56 -1.66 -1.6 0.06 1.98 Inclusive Median grain size (phi) -1.66 -2.51 -2.5 0.49 -3.07 -2.82 -0.32 0.94

Constituent sediment fractions

325 Gravel (%) 53.91 63.52 59.67 19.61 65.93 67.01 45.83 8.04 Sand (%) 34.53 29.26 25.56 59.58 28.35 29 38.66 70.6 Silt/Clay (%) 11.56 7.23 14.77 20.82 5.72 3.99 15.51 21.36 % Volume between each size fraction Size (um) Vol. in % Vol. in % Vol. in % Vol. in % Vol. in % Vol. in % Vol. in % Vol. in % 0.010 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.490 0.11 0.00 0.00 0.47 0.00 0.00 0.24 0.44 0.980 0.74 0.49 0.95 0.80 0.37 0.06 0.77 0.77 1.950 1.35 0.74 1.76 2.48 0.68 0.41 1.85 2.45 3.900 2.53 1.49 3.17 4.69 1.27 1.09 3.41 4.65 7.800 2.94 1.88 3.73 5.47 1.52 1.16 3.96 5.42 15.600

SITE REFERENCE Descriptive sediment parameters Limaria 1 Limaria 2 Limaria 3 Limaria 4 Limaria 5 Limaria 6 Limaria 7 Limaria 8 2.27 1.54 3.01 4.18 1.22 0.96 3.06 4.27 31.300 1.62 1.08 2.13 2.72 0.66 0.32 2.23 3.35 62.500 1.42 0.75 1.53 2.37 0.74 0.62 1.82 2.16 125.000 4.58 2.82 2.04 1.26 2.86 2.97 3.64 4.34 250.000 16.08 11.04 5.93 13.19 11.31 12.47 12.53 20.75 500.000 7.05 8.07 6.99 24.76 9.63 9.55 13.03 22.99 1000.000 2.79 3.28 4.36 10.19 2.09 1.68 4.84 11.74 1400.000 326 2.62 3.31 4.71 7.80 1.72 1.71 2.80 8.62 2000.000 2.78 2.88 2.57 4.55 2.10 1.91 1.80 4.05 2800.000 3.29 3.31 3.12 4.10 2.68 3.62 2.40 2.99 4000.000 2.49 6.89 3.87 3.54 3.65 4.80 2.77 1.01 5600.000 2.24 5.95 6.65 3.80 6.48 9.68 7.10 0.00 8000.000 40.69 42.63 41.02 3.17 47.62 45.67 30.24 0.00 10000.000

Organic constituent Organic content (LOI) % 1.52 1.55 3.08 2.50 1.58 1.02 2.09 1.34 Sediment content %

Appendix 12.3.2 Granulometric data for the macrobenthic grabs – cumulative frequency curves Limaria site 1 – S14 Limaria site 3– S15

327

Limaria site 2 – S14 Limaria site 4– S15

Limaria site 5– S19 Limaria site 7– S20

328

Limaria site 6– S19 Limaria site 8 – S20

Appendix 12.3.3 Macrobenthic species matrix for the Limaria hians bed, diver coring survey.

SUNART - Limaria cores Site and core 14a 14b 15a 15b 19a 19b 20a 20b D662 Actiniaria indet. 1 F1 Platyhelminthes indet. 1 G001 Nemertea indet. 6 8 1 1 1 4 4 N01 Sipuncula juv. indet. 10 1 9 4 6 1 8 N14 Golfingia elongata 1 1 6 1 N17 Golfingia vulgaris 1 1 4 2 1 N25 Nephasoma minutum 3 9 1 3 5 1 P0032 Adyte pellucida 1 1 P0050 Harmothoe indet. 4 4 1 4 5 P0068 Malmgrenia marphysae 1 P0082 Lepidonotus squamatus 2 1 2 3 P0092 Pholoe inornata 15 27 12 3 6 6 5 3 P0094 Pholoe synopthalmica 54 13 38 38 24 36 53 P0118 Eteone longa 1 1 P0167 Eumida sanguinea 1 2 2 1 3 1 P0260 Glycera lapidum 1 8 1 5 5 3 8 P0276 Goniadella gracilis 4 P0291 Sphaerodorum gracilis 1 1 1 2 P0293 Hesionidae indet. 5 P0305 Kefersteinia cirrata 3 3 8 6 4 P0311 Nereimyra punctifera 1 1 5 4 2 4 P0317 Podarke pallida 1 1 P0321 Syllidia armata 3 2 2 7 P0358 Syllis sp. E 1 1 4 P0365 Syllis armillaris 3 1 P0406 Syllides japonica 1 2 3 6 P0421 Exogone hebes 1 6 3 6 P0425 Sphaerosyllis bulbosa 1 6 P0426 Sphaerosyllis erinaceus 2 2 2 1 P0427 Sphaerosyllis hystrix 2 7 8 11 2 9 2 P0431 Sphaerosyllis tetralix 5 5 2 2 4 6 11 P0434 Autolytus indet. 1 P0539 Aponuphis bilineata 1 7 P0568 Nematonereis unicornis 2 2 P0579 Lumbrineris gracilis 1 2 3 P0638 Protodorvillea kefersteini 1 1 1 P0685 Aricidea cerrutii 1 P0699 Paradoneis lyra 2 1 2 2 7 P0718 Poecilochaetus serpens 1 P0720 Spionidae juv. indet. 1 1 P0722 Aonides oxycephala 3 3 3 3 1 3 1 P0723 Aonides paucibranchiata 1 P0747 Minuspio cirrifera 5 P0748 Polydora indet. 1 P0766 Prionospio banyulensis 1 2 2 P0773 Pseudopolydora paucibranchiata 1 P0790 Spio filicornis 1

329

SUNART - Limaria cores Site and core 14a 14b 15a 15b 19a 19b 20a 20b P0829 Caulleriela alata 1 2 P0836 Cirratulus cirratus 1 P0839 Cirriformia tentaculata 1 1 6 1 P0881 Flabelligera affinis 2 2 1 1 1 1 P0885 Pherusa plumosa 4 1 2 P0907 Capitella capitata 1 P0919 Mediomastus fragilis 5 3 1 10 3 2 6 P0921 Notomastus latericeus 4 3 3 4 1 P0921 Notomastus sp. E 4 6 2 4 1 2 2 P1021 Asclerocheilus indet. 1 9 3 P1024 Polyphysia crassa 2 3 1 2 P1026 Scalibregma celticum 1 1 P1027 Scalibregma inflatum 2 1 1 1 P1093 Galathowenia oculata 1 P1117 Sabellaria spinulosa 1 P1175 Terebellides stroemi 1 1 1 P1178 Trichobranchus roseus 1 2 1 P1217 Pista cristata 1 P1235 Polycirrus indet. 2 P1242 Polycirrus medusa 3 P1243 Polycirrus norvegicus 12 14 11 4 17 15 16 P1257 Sabellidae indet. 1 P1264 Chone sp. indet. 1 P1272 Demonax branchyona 2 P1276 Demonax torulis 1 P1279 Euchone cf. papillosa 1 P1402 Tubificidae indet. 1 1 1 1 7 P1501 Enchytraidae indet. 4 1 9 R2412 Ostracoda 9 22 2 18 7 6 S0131 Perioculodes longimanus 2 S0248 Urothoe elegans 1 1 1 1 4 S0254 Harpinia antennaria 1 S0255 Harpinia crenulata 2 S0265 Parametaphoxus fultoni 1 1 3 2 5 S0303 Lysiannassa ceratina 1 5 S0337 Tmetonyx similis 1 S0397 Liljeborgia pallida 3 2 1 1 S0415 Dexamine spinosa 1 S0418 Guernea coalita 1 S0440 Ampelisca tenuicornis 4 3 1 1 S0506 Cheirocratus sundevallii 1 1 S0598 Microdeutopus versiculatus 4 S1142 Tanaiopsis graciloides 1 1 1 1 S1191 Vaunthompsonia cristata 1 4 S1228 Nannastacus unguiculatus 2 1 S1472 Galathea intermedia 2 S1535 Eurynome indet. 1 W0053 Leptochitona asellus 1 7 1 1 W0082 Tonicella rubra 1 W0089 Prosobranch indet 1

330

SUNART - Limaria cores Site and core 14a 14b 15a 15b 19a 19b 20a 20b W0224 Tectura virginea 1 W0292 Lacuna vincta 1 3 3 W0337 Alvania abyssicola 2 1 5 1 W0344 Alvania punctifera 25 4 1 6 1 10 8 W0371 Onoba semicostata 15 11 3 6 17 9 8 1 W1570 Nucula nucleus 2 W1695 Mytilus edulis 2 2 1 3 W1702 Modiolus modiolus 3 1 3 2 1 1 2 W1718 Modiolarca tumida 2 2 2 W1741 Limaria hians 4 2 2 3 1 2 2 W1829 Lucinoma borealis 1 W1906 Mysella bidentata 17 25 4 1 13 8 9 2 W1947 Parvicardium 1 W2059 Abra alba 4 2 1 W2128 Dosinia lupinus 1 W2147 Mya truncata 1 W2166 Hiatella arctica 2 2 W2227 Thracia juv. indet. 3 1 2 W2239 Cochlodesma praetenue 7 ZB100 Asterias rubens 1 1 2 1 ZB124 Ophiothrix fragilis 2 24 ZB128 Ophiocomina nigra 1 ZB154 Amphiura filiformis 1 ZB161 Amphipholis squamata 3 3 4 1 9 2 9 ZD145 Molgulidae indet. 1 No. Individuals 251 217 167 140 221 162 264 122

No. Taxa 53 51 38 33 56 44 67 34

331

Appendix 12.4 Serpula vermicularis transect - colony measurements

Maximum height Colony Distance (m) Maximum (cm) above the number along the tape circumference (cm) seabed 1 50 24 60 2 49.6 27 60 3 49.1 15 30 4 49.1 23 86 5 48.5 27 53 6 48.2 17 20 7 46.1 18 58 8 46.1 10 15 9 45.3 18 19 10 45.3 19 22 11 45.1 27 53 12 42.3 33 110 13 40.1 29 42 14 38.7 22 27 15 37.4 40 140 16 36.4 30 67 17 35.3 36 74 18 30.8 17 43 19 29.1 10 50 20 28.7 22 65 21 24.6 33 122 22 23.3 20 50 23 23 7 48 24 22.2 21 61 25 21.4 14 9 26 19.9 16 32 27 17.7 23 35 28 17.7 17 28 29 17.1 16 25 30 16.7 25 58 31 16.7 20 44 32 16 22 27 33 15.7 23 46 34 15.5 20 25 35 15 22 40 36 14.7 33 101 37 12.9 45 100 38 12.3 44 76 39 12.2 25 30 40 11 20 42 41 10.2 27 63 42 10.2 22 76 43 10.1 20 60 44 9.8 40 112 45 7.3 29 45 46 6.7 38 106 47 6 24 30 48 5.8 38 133 49 5.7 24 90

332

Maximum height Colony Distance (m) Maximum (cm) above the number along the tape circumference (cm) seabed 50 4.9 42 148 51 4.6 28 54 52 3 31 81 53 2.9 40 60 54 1.4 38 74 55 1.2 36 74 56 1 27 50 57 0.7 34 77

Mean 25.75 cm 60.11 cm

Std deviation ± 8.98 ± 32.5

333