Swallow Sand MCZ Post-survey Site Report. Contract Reference: MB0120 Report Number: 33 Version 6 March 2016

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1 Swallow Sand MCZ Post-survey Site Report Contract Reference: MB0120 Report Number: 33 Version 6 March 2016

2 Project Title: Marine Protected Areas Data and Evidence Co-ordination Programme Report No 33. Title: Swallow Sand MCZ Post-survey Site Report Defra Project Code: MB0120 Defra Contract Manager: Carole Kelly Funded by: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Marine Science and Evidence Unit Marine Directorate Nobel House 17 Smith Square London SW1P 3JR Authorship Matthew Curtis Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) Acknowledgements We thank Robin Law and Christopher Barrio Frojan (Cefas) for reviewing earlier drafts of this report. Disclaimer: The content of this report does not necessarily reflect the views of Defra, nor is Defra liable for the accuracy of information provided, or responsible for any use of the report s content. Although the data provided in this report have been quality assured, the final products - e.g. habitat maps may be subject to revision following any further data provision or once they have been used in SNCB advice or assessments.

3 Cefas Document Control Title: Swallow Sand MCZ Post-survey Site Report Submitted to: Marine Protected Areas Survey Co-ordination & Evidence Delivery Group Date submitted: March 2016 Project Manager: Sue Ware Report compiled by: Matthew Curtis Quality control by: Robin Law, Christopher Barrio Frojan Approved by & date: Keith Weston (02/03/2016) Version: V6 Version Control History Author Date Comment Version Matthew Curtis 02/12/2014 First draft 1 Matthew Curtis 25/08/2015 Update after external reviewers comments 2 Matthew Curtis 28/10/2015 Update after external reviewers comments 3 Matthew Curtis 18/12/2015 Additional Defra comments received 4 Keith Weston 25/01/2016 Additional Defra comments received 5 Keith Weston 02/03/2016 Additional Defra comments received 6

4 Table of Contents Table of Contents... i List of Tables... iii List of Figures... iv 1 Executive Summary: Report Card Features proposed in the SAD for inclusion within the MCZ designation Features protected in the 2013 MCZ Designation Order Features present in the SAD but not proposed for inclusion in the MCZ designation Features observed but not proposed in the SAD or included in the 2013 MCZ Designation Order Evidence of human activities occurring within the MCZ Introduction Location of the MCZ Rationale for site position and designation Rationale for prioritising this MCZ for additional evidence collection Survey aims and objectives Methods Acoustic data acquisition Ground truth sample acquisition Results Site Assessment Document habitat map Broadscale habitats identified Correspondence of the newly acquired survey data with the SAD habitat map Habitat FOCI identified Species FOCI identified Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) Observations of human impacts on the seabed Conclusions Presence of broadscale habitats Presence of habitat FOCI Presence and distribution of species FOCI Evidence of human activities impacting the seabed References Data sources Annexes Annex 1. Broadscale habitat features listed in the ENG Swallow Sand MCZ Post-survey Site Report i

5 Annex 2. Habitat FOCI listed in the ENG Annex 3. Low or limited mobility species FOCI listed in the ENG Annex 4. Highly mobile species FOCI listed in the ENG Annex 5. Video and stills processing protocol Appendices Appendix 1. Survey metadata Appendix 2. Evidence of human activities within the MCZ Appendix 3. Species list Appendix 4. Analyses of sediment samples: classification and composition Appendix 5. BSH/EUNIS Level 3 descriptions derived from video and stills Appendix 6. Example images from survey for broadscale habitats Appendix 7. Example images from survey for habitat FOCI Swallow Sand MCZ Post-survey Site Report ii

6 List of Tables Table 1. Broadscale habitats for which this MCZ was proposed for designation Table 2. Habitat FOCI for which this MCZ was proposed for designation Table 3. Species FOCI for which this MCZ was proposed for designation Table 4. Broadscale habitats identified in this MCZ Table 5. Broadscale habitats identified from PSA and their correspondence with the SAD habitat map Table 6. Broadscale habitats identified from video and stills analysis and their correspondence with the SAD habitat map Table 7. Habitat FOCI identified in this MCZ Table 8. Species FOCI identified in this MCZ Swallow Sand MCZ Post-survey Site Report iii

7 List of Figures Figure 1. Location of the Swallow Sand MCZ. Bathymetry is from the Defra Digital Elevation Model (Astrium, 2011) Figure 2. Location of the 2012 and 2014 ground truth sampling sites in the Swallow Sand MCZ. Bathymetry displayed is from Defra s Digital Elevation Model (Astrium, 2011) Figure 3. Habitat map from the Site Assessment Document Figure 4. Broadscale habitats identified from PSA overlaid on the SAD habitat map Figure 5. Broadscale habitats identified from video and stills analysis overlaid on the SAD habitat map Figure 6. Habitat FOCI identified overlaid on the SAD habitat map Figure 7. Location of point records of species FOCI overlaid on SAD habitat map. 16 Corrigendum In July 2015 Defra declared the following amendments to reporting of Features of Conservation Importance (FOCI) in MPAG reports to reflect changes described within Defra MCZ consultation and designation material: The habitat FOCI Subtidal Sands and Gravels is considered to be adequately protected by its component broadscale habitat features, subtidal sand and/or subtidal coarse sediment, and is no longer included within MCZ designations. The species FOCI Stalked jellyfish (Haliclystus auricula) is now referred to as Haliclystus species for the purpose of MCZ protection, to account for potential presence of Haliclystus octoradiatus that has not been consistently differentiated within scientific records. The species are therefore considered jointly as an MCZ feature. The species FOCI Fan mussel (Atrina pectinata) should be correctly referred to as Fan mussel (Atrina fragilis). MCZs are no longer considered to be an appropriate tool for the protection of the species FOCI European eel (Anguilla anguilla). They have been identified as habitat generalists for which it is particularly difficult to identify unique nursery or foraging grounds due to their wide distribution across coastal and freshwater zones. Conservation and management of European eels is considered to be more effectively achieved through the Eel Regulations and Eel Management Plans. The species FOCI Sea snail (Paludinella littorina) has been removed from Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act. This means that it is no longer a FOCI so has been removed as a feature for MCZ designation. In January 2016 Defra declared the following amendments to reporting of Features of Conservation Importance (FOCI) in MPAG reports to reflect changes described within Defra MCZ consultation and designation material: The habitat FOCI Mud Habitats in Deep Water is considered to be adequately protected by its component broadscale habitat features, subtidal mud, and is no longer included within MCZ designations. Whilst the agreed changes will be reflected in MCZ Post-survey Site Reports written after the declaration, those reports produced prior to August 2015 may still contain references to the above FOCI as they appeared in the original Ecological Network Guidance document (NE & JNCC, 2010). Swallow Sand MCZ Post-survey Site Report iv

8 1 Executive Summary: Report Card This report details the findings of a dedicated seabed survey at the Swallow Sand Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ). The site has been included in a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in UK waters, designed to meet conservation objectives under the Marine and Coastal Access Act Prior to the dedicated survey reported here, the site assessment had been made on the basis of best available evidence, drawn largely from historical data, modelled habitat maps and stakeholder knowledge of the area. The purpose of the most recent surveys was to provide direct evidence of the presence of the broadscale habitats (BSH) and habitat FOCI (Features of Conservation Importance) that had been detailed in the original Site Assessment Document (SAD) (Net Gain, 2011). A systematic dedicated acoustic survey was not undertaken at this site, consequently only acoustic data collected opportuistically during transits between sampling stations exist, therefore an updated habitat map has not been produced for this site. This Executive Summary is presented in the form of a Report Card comparing the characteristics predicted in the original SAD with new sample data obtained from the surveys of the site conducted by Cefas in May 2012 and March The comparison covers broadscale habitats and habitat FOCI; no species FOCI were proposed. 1.1 Features proposed in the SAD for inclusion within the MCZ designation Extent according to SAD Extent according to updated habitat map Accordance between SAD and updated habitat map Feature Broadscale Habitats (BSH) Presence Extent A5.1 Subtidal coarse sediment km 2 10 Point Records* N/A* A5.2 Subtidal sand km 2 87 Point Records* N/A* Habitat FOCI Subtidal Sands and Gravels km 2 ** 97 Point Records* N/A* Species FOCI None proposed N/A N/A N/A N/A Geological Feature North Sea glacial tunnel valleys (Swallow hole) km 2 N/A N/A N/A* * Extent values not calculated, as an updated habitat map was not produced for this site. ** This is the corrected value calculated using the combined estimated spatial extent of the subtidal coarse sediment and subtidal sand broadscale habitats stated in the SAD. Swallow Sand MCZ Post-survey Site Report 1

9 1.2 Features protected in the 2013 MCZ Designation Order Feature Extent according to SAD Extent according to updated habitat map Accordance between SAD and updated habitat map Broadscale Habitats (BSH) Presence Extent A5.1 Subtidal coarse sediment km 2 10 Point Records* N/A* A5.2 Subtidal sand km 2 87 Point Records* N/A* Habitat FOCI None proposed N/A N/A N/A N/A Species FOCI None proposed N/A N/A N/A N/A Geological Feature North Sea glacial tunnel valleys (Swallow hole) km 2 N/A N/A N/A* * Extent values not calculated, as an updated habitat map was not produced for this site. ** This is the corrected value calculated using the combined estimated spatial extent of the subtidal coarse sediment and subtidal sand broadscale habitats stated in the SAD. 1.3 Features present in the SAD but not proposed for inclusion in the MCZ designation Feature Extent according to SAD Extent according to updated habitat map Accordance between SAD and updated habitat map Broadscale Habitats (BSH) Presence Extent None N/A N/A N/A N/A Habitat FOCI None N/A N/A N/A N/A Species FOCI Ocean Quahog (Arctica islandica) Not given 71 Point Records N/A 1.4 Features observed but not proposed in the SAD or included in the 2013 MCZ Designation Order Extent according to SAD Extent according to updated habitat map Accordance between SAD and updated habitat map Feature Broadscale Habitats (BSH) Presence Extent A5.3 Subtidal mud 0 km 2 36 Point Records* N/A* A5.4 Subtidal mixed sediments 0 km 2 48 Point Records* N/A* Habitat FOCI Mud Habitats in Deep Water 0 km 2 36 Point Records* N/A* Sea-Pen and Burrowing Megafauna Communities 0 km 2 7 Point Records* N/A* Species FOCI None recorded N/A N/A N/A N/A * Extent values not calculated, as an updated habitat map was not produced for this site. Swallow Sand MCZ Post-survey Site Report 2

10 1.5 Evidence of human activities occurring within the MCZ There is evidence from the underwater video and still images of litter present on the seabed within the boundaries of the MCZ (Appendix 2). Swallow Sand MCZ Post-survey Site Report 3

11 2 Introduction In accordance with the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, the UK is committed to the development and implementation of a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The network will incorporate existing designated sites (e.g., Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas) along with a number of newly designated sites which, within the English territorial waters and offshore waters of England, Wales and Northern Ireland, will be termed Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs). In support of this initiative, four regional projects were set up to select sites that could contribute to this network because they contain one or more features specified in the Ecological Network Guidance (ENG; Natural England and the JNCC, 2010). The regional projects proposed a total of 127 recommended MCZs (MCZs) and compiled a Site Assessment Document (SAD) for each site. The SAD summarises what evidence was available for the presence and extent of the various habitat, species and geological features specified in the ENG and for which the site was being recommended. Due to the scarcity of survey-derived seabed habitat maps in UK waters, these assessments were necessarily made using best available evidence, which included historical data, modelled habitat maps and stakeholder knowledge of the areas concerned. It became apparent that the best available evidence on features for which some sites had been recommended as MCZs was of variable quality. Consequently, Defra initiated a number of measures aimed at improving the evidence base, one of which took the form of a dedicated survey programme, implemented and coordinated by Cefas, to collect and interpret new survey data at selected MCZ sites. This report provides an interpretation of the survey data collected jointly by Cefas and JNCC personnel at the Swallow Sand MCZ site during May 2012 and March Swallow Sand MCZ Post-survey Site Report 4

12 2.1 Location of the MCZ The Swallow Sand MCZ is located in the North Sea, approximately 99 km from the Berwickshire region of the north Northumberland coast (Figure 1). Figure 1. Location of the Swallow Sand MCZ. Bathymetry is from the Defra Digital Elevation Model (Astrium, 2011). 2.2 Rationale for site position and designation The Swallow Sand MCZ was included in the proposed network of MPAs because of its compliance with Ecological Network Guidance (ENG) criteria which contribute to broadscale habitats and their ecological importance. For a detailed site description see Final Report and Recommendations for Marine Conservation Zones 2011 (Net Gain, 2011) and The Marine Conservation Zone Project: Ecological Network Guidance (Natural England and the JNCC, 2010) Broadscale habitats proposed for designation Two broadscale habitats (BSH) were included in the recommendations for designation at this site (Table 1). See Annex 1 for a full list of broadscale habitat features listed in the ENG. Table 1. Broadscale habitats for which this MCZ was proposed for designation. EUNIS code & Broadscale Habitat Spatial extent according to the SAD A5.1 Subtidal coarse sediment km 2 A5.2 Subtidal sand km 2 Swallow Sand MCZ Post-survey Site Report 5

13 2.2.2 Habitat FOCI proposed for designation Annex 2 presents all the habitat FOCI listed in the ENG. The habitat FOCI Subtidal Sands and Gravels was included in the recommendations for designation (Table 2). It should be noted that the spatial extent for this habitat FOCI stated in the SAD appears to have been miscalculated as km 2. The correct spatial extent is km 2 (derived from combining the estimated spatial extent of the subtidal coarse sediment and the subtidal sand). The corrected value will be used in this report. Table 2. Habitat FOCI for which this MCZ was proposed for designation. Habitat FOCI Spatial extent according to SAD Subtidal Sands and Gravels km 2 * * This is the corrected value calculated using the combined estimated spatial extent of the subtidal coarse sediment and subtidal sand broadscale habitats stated in the SAD Species FOCI proposed for designation No Low or limited mobility species and no Highly mobile species FOCI were included in the recommendations for designation of this MCZ (Table 3). Lists of both classes of species FOCI are presented in Annexes 3 and 4. Table 3. Species FOCI for which this MCZ was proposed for designation. Species FOCI Low or limited mobility species FOCI Highly mobile species FOCI None proposed None proposed 2.3 Rationale for prioritising this MCZ for additional evidence collection Prioritisation of MCZ sites for further evidence collection was informed by a gap analysis and evidence assessment. The prime objective was to elevate the confidence status for as many MCZs as feasible to support designation in terms of the amount and quality of evidence for the presence and extent of broadscale habitat features and habitat FOCI and, where possible, species FOCI. The confidence status was originally assessed in the SADs according to Technical Protocol E (Natural England and the JNCC, 2012). The confidence score for the presence and extent of broadscale habitats and habitat FOCI reported for the Swallow Sand MCZ was Low/Moderate (Net Gain, 2011; JNCC and Natural England, 2012). This site was therefore prioritised for additional evidence collection. 2.4 Survey aims and objectives Primary Objectives To collect groundtruthing data to verify the presence of broadscale habitats and habitat FOCI within the MCZ. Swallow Sand MCZ Post-survey Site Report 6

14 Secondary Objectives To provide evidence, where possible, of the presence of species FOCI listed within the ENG (Annexes 3 and 4) within the MCZ. To report evidence of human activity occurring within the MCZ found during the course of the survey. It should be emphasised that surveys were not primarily designed to address the secondary objectives under the current programme of work. Whilst the newly collected data will be utilised for the purposes of reporting against the primary objectives of the current programme of work (given above), it is recognised that these data will be valuable for informing the assessment and monitoring of the condition of given habitat features in the future. Swallow Sand MCZ Post-survey Site Report 7

15 3 Methods 3.1 Acoustic data acquisition Acoustic data were acquired opportunistically on the transits between ground truth stations during both the 2012 and 2014 Swallow Sand MCZ surveys, thus providing only a very limited coverage of the site. Acquired data were not deemed adequate for the production of an updated habitat map and therefore updated extent values for both broadscale habitats and habitat FOCI identified on the two surveys were not calculated. For further detail on the acoustic data acquired during survey see the 2012 and 2014 Swallow Sand MCZ survey reports (Ware, 2013; McIlwaine, 2014). Geostatistical analysis of the 2012 grab data was undertaken by the British Geological Survey (Lark, 2014) and a spatial prediction of EUNIS Level 3 classes for the Swallow Sand MCZ was created 3.2 Ground truth sample acquisition Ground truth samples in the 2012 survey were collected from 103 stations which were positioned within the sedimentary habitats using a triangular lattice grid overlaid on the Site Assessment Document (SAD) habitat map. Ground truth samples in the 2014 survey were collected from 65 stations positioned within the North Sea glacial tunnel valley Swallow Hole feature within the MCZ. Benthic grabs were used at all stations to collect sediments and infauna. An underwater camera system was deployed at 37 stations in 2012 and at 15 stations in 2014 to collect video and still images of the seabed. (Figure 2; Appendix 1). Figure 2. Location of the 2012 and 2014 ground truth sampling sites in the Swallow Sand MCZ. Bathymetry displayed is from Defra s Digital Elevation Model (Astrium, 2011). Swallow Sand MCZ Post-survey Site Report 8

16 Sampling equipment comprised a 0.1 m 2 mini Hamon grab fitted with a video camera, the combined gear being known as a HamCam. This allowed an image of the undisturbed seabed surface to be obtained immediately before each grab sample was taken. On recovery of the grab, its contents were emptied into a large plastic bin and a representative sub-sample of sediment (approx. 0.5 litres) taken for Particle Size Analysis (PSA). The remaining sample was photographed and washed over a 1 mm mesh sieve to collect the benthic fauna. Retained material was preserved in buffered 4% formaldehyde for later processing ashore. Within each BSH identified in the SAD and around the Swallow Hole feature, camera sledge deployments were made at a subset of stations sampled by the grab. The frequency of use of the camera sledge was informed by the type of sediment obtained in the grab sample. Where this was consistent with the BSH predicted in the SAD, the camera was deployed at approximately every third station. Where the grab sample was not consistent with the predicted BSH, the camera was used at every station. The camera images helped to characterise the surficial sediments and associated epifaunal communities. The total number of camera deployments for each BSH varied, depending on the uniformity of the habitat and its spatial extent. The towed camera sledge was able to collect both video and still images. A fourpoint laser scaling device was used to provide a reference scale in the video and stills images. Set-up and operation followed the MESH Recommended Operating Guidelines (ROG) for underwater video and photographic imaging techniques (Coggan et al., 2007). Video was recorded simultaneously to a Sony GV-HD700 DV tape and a computer hard drive. A video overlay was used to provide station metadata, time and GPS position (of the vessel) in the recorded video image. Camera sledge tows lasted a minimum of 10 minutes, with the sledge being towed at c. 0.5 knots (c ms -1 ) across a 100 m bullring centred on the sampling station. Still images were captured at regular one minute intervals and opportunistically if specific features of interest were encountered. Video and still images were analysed following an established protocol developed and used by Cefas (Coggan and Howell, 2005; JNCC, in prep.; see Annex 5). For further detail on ground truth sample collection see the 2012 and 2014 Swallow Sand MCZ survey reports (Ware, 2013; McIlwaine, 2014). Swallow Sand MCZ Post-survey Site Report 9

17 4 Results A summary of the particle size analysis of the grab samples is given in Appendix 4. Of the 168 stations where a sample was obtained, subtidal coarse sediment was recorded at 10 stations, subtidal sand at 81 stations, subtidal mud at 33 stations and subtidal mixed sediments at 44 stations. The analysis of the seabed video and stills is summarised in Appendix 5. Example images of the BSHs and habitat FOCI recorded in the video analysis are given in Appendices 6 and 7, respectively. The list of benthic taxa found in the grab and video samples is presented in Appendix 3; a total of 427 infaunal and 93 epifaunal taxa were recorded. 4.1 Site Assessment Document habitat map The SAD habitat map (Figure 3) was produced using broad-scale modelled data from UKSeaMap 2010 v7 (McBreen et al, 2011). For further detail see Section 7 of the Final Report and Recommendations for Marine Conservation Zones 2011 (Net Gain, 2011). Figure 3. Habitat map from the Site Assessment Document. 4.2 Broadscale habitats identified Four subtidal broadscale habitats were identified from the 2012 and 2014 dedicated survey of this MCZ: Subtidal coarse sediment ; Subtidal sand ; Subtidal mud ; and Subtidal mixed sediments (Figure 4; Figure 5). Where both the PSA and video Swallow Sand MCZ Post-survey Site Report 10

18 agreed at a station, this was counted as one record. The number of point records of each of the broadscale habitats identified are presented in Table 4. Table 4. Broadscale habitats identified in this MCZ. Broadscale Habitat Type (EUNIS Level 3) Presence according to the SAD Presence according to the newly acquired survey data A5.1 Subtidal coarse sediment km 2 10 Point Records A5.2 Subtidal sand km 2 87 Point Records A5.3 Subtidal mud 0 km 2 36 Point Records A5.4 Subtidal mixed sediments 0 km 2 48 Point Records 4.3 Correspondence of the newly acquired survey data with the SAD habitat map The SAD habitat map predicted two BSH within the MCZ (Figure 3) from which 40 stations were sampled within the predicted Subtidal coarse sediment BSH and 128 within the predicted Subtidal sand BSH (Table 5; Table 6). Table 5. Broadscale habitats identified from PSA and their correspondence with the SAD habitat map. SAD BSH Type (EUNIS Level 3) PSA BSH s corresponding with the SAD habitat map BSH (EUNIS Level 3) A5.1 Subtidal coarse sediment 9 x A5.1 Subtidal coarse sediment 16 x A5.2 Subtidal sand 1 x A5.3 Subtidal mud 14 x A5.4 Subtidal mixed sediments A5.2 Subtidal sand 1 x A5.1 Subtidal coarse sediment 65 x A5.2 Subtidal sand 32 x A5.3 Subtidal mud 14 x A5.4 Subtidal mixed sediments Table 6. Broadscale habitats identified from video and stills analysis and their correspondence with the SAD habitat map. SAD BSH Type (EUNIS Level 3) Video analysis BSH s corresponding with the SAD habitat map BSH (EUNIS Level 3) A5.1 Subtidal coarse sediment 9 x A5.2 Subtidal sand 6 x A5.4 Subtidal mixed sediments A5.2 Subtidal sand 18 x A5.2 Subtidal sand 13 x A5.3 Subtidal mud 6 x A5.4 Subtidal mixed sediments 4.4 Habitat FOCI identified Three habitat FOCI were identified from the 2012 and 2014 dedicated surveys of this MCZ: Subtidal Sands and Gravels, Mud Habitats in Deep Water, and Sea-Pen and Burrowing Megafauna Communities (Figure 6). Where both the PSA and video agreed at a station, this was counted as one record. The number of point records of each of the habitat FOCI identified are presented in Table 7. Swallow Sand MCZ Post-survey Site Report 11

19 Table 7. Habitat FOCI identified in this MCZ. Habitat FOCI Presence according to the SAD Presence according to the newly acquired survey data Subtidal Sands and Gravels km 2 * 97 Point Records Mud Habitats in Deep Water 0 km 2 36 Point Records Sea-Pen and Burrowing Megafauna Communities 0 km 2 7 Point Records * This is the corrected value calculated using the combined estimated spatial extent of the subtidal coarse sediment and subtidal sand broadscale habitats stated in the Site Assessment Document. 4.5 Species FOCI identified A total of 140 specimens of the species FOCI Ocean Quahog (Arctica islandica) was recorded in 71 samples collected during both ground truth surveys (Figure 7; Table 8). A maximum of eight individuals was present in any single grab sample. This species FOCI was not listed as part of the proposals for designation of this site. No other species FOCI were found. The list of all taxa identified from grab and video samples collected is presented in Appendix 4. Table 8. Species FOCI identified in this MCZ. Species FOCI Previously recorded in SAD Identified during evidence gathering survey Low or Limited Mobility Species FOCI Ocean Quahog (Arctica islandica) None recorded 71 Point Records Highly Mobile Species FOCI None recorded N/A N/A Swallow Sand MCZ Post-survey Site Report 12

20 Figure 4. Broadscale habitats identified from PSA overlaid on the SAD habitat map. Swallow Sand MCZ Post-survey Site Report 13

21 Figure 5. Broadscale habitats identified from video and stills analysis overlaid on the SAD habitat map. Swallow Sand MCZ Post-survey Site Report 14

22 Figure 6. Habitat FOCI identified overlaid on the SAD habitat map. Swallow Sand MCZ Post-survey Site Report 15

23 Figure 7. Location of point records of species FOCI overlaid on SAD habitat map. Swallow Sand MCZ Post-survey Site Report 16

24 4.6 Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) Particle Size Analysis of sediments PSA for samples collected in 2012 was carried out by Kenneth Pye Associated Ltd. PSA for samples collected in 2014 was carried out by Cefas following standard laboratory practice and the results checked by specialist Cefas staff following the recommendations of the National Marine Biological Analytical Quality Control (NMBAQC) scheme (Mason, 2011). Results of the PSA from all samples are shown in Appendix Infaunal samples Infaunal samples collected during the 2012 survey were processed by Thomson Ecology and those from the 2014 survey were processed by APEM. Both processors followed standard laboratory practices and results were checked following the recommendations of the National Marine Biological Analytical Quality Control (NMBAQC) scheme (Worsfold et al., 2010) Video and still images and analysis Video and photographic stills acquired in 2012 were processed by Envision and those acquired in 2014 by Ocean Ecology. All images were processed in accordance with the guidance documents developed by Cefas and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) for the acquisition and processing of video and stills data (Coggan and Howell, 2005; JNCC, in prep.; summarised in Annex 5). 4.7 Observations of human impacts on the seabed A glass bottle (litter) was observed at one station from the video and stills analysis; the image can be seen in Appendix 2. Swallow Sand MCZ Post-survey Site Report 17

25 5 Conclusions 5.1 Presence of broadscale habitats The 2012 and 2014 dedicated surveys have confirmed the presence of the A5.1 Subtidal coarse sediment and A5.2 Subtidal sand broadscale habitats that were included in the recommendations made by the SAD for designating this site as an MCZ. The 2012 and 2014 dedicated surveys have confirmed the presence of A5.3 Subtidal mud and A5.4 Subtidal mixed sediments broadscale habitats. These BSHs were not included in the recommendations made by the SAD for designating this site as an MCZ. 5.2 Presence of habitat FOCI The 2012 and 2014 dedicated surveys have confirmed the presence of the Subtidal Sands and Gravels habitat FOCI that was included in the recommendations made by the SAD for designating this site as an MCZ. The 2012 and 2014 dedicated surveys have confirmed the presence of the Mud Habitats in Deep Water and Sea-Pen and Burrowing Megafauna Communities habitat FOCI at this site. These habitat FOCI were not included in the recommendations made by the SAD for designating this site as an MCZ. 5.3 Presence and distribution of species FOCI Low or limited mobility species The species FOCI Ocean Quahog (Arctica islandica) has been recorded at 71 stations in the MCZ area. This species FOCI was not included in the recommendations made by the SAD for designating this site as an MCZ Highly mobile species FOCI No highly mobile species FOCI were recorded at this site by the 2012 and 2014 dedicated surveys. These observations are consistent with the evidence presented in the SAD. 5.4 Evidence of human activities impacting the seabed The only evidence of human activity was observed in the video and stills analysis; this was a glass bottle on the seabed (Appendix 2). Swallow Sand MCZ Post-survey Site Report 18

26 References Astrium (2011). Creation of a high resolution Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of the British Isles continental shelf: Final Report. Prepared for Defra, Contract Reference: pp. Coggan, R., Mitchell, A., White, J. and Golding, N. (2007). Recommended operating guidelines (ROG) for underwater video and photographic imaging techniques. [Accessed 03/12/2014] Coggan, R. and Howell, K. (2005). Draft SOP for the collection and analysis of video and still images for groundtruthing an acoustic basemap. Video survey SOP version 5, 10 pp. JNCC (in prep.). Video/Stills Camera Standard Operating Procedure for Survey and Analysis: for groundtruthing and classifying an acoustic basemap, and development of new biotopes within the UK Marine Habitat Classification. JNCC Video and Stills Processing SOP v2. 6 pp. JNCC and Natural England (2012). Marine Conservation Zone Project: JNCC and Natural England's advice to Defra on recommended Marine Conservation Zones. Peterborough and Sheffield, UK pp. Lark, R.M. (2014). Mapping seabed sediments of the Swallow Sand and South-west Deeps (West) MCZs. British Geological Survey Internal Report, OR/14/ pp. Mason, C. (2011). NMBAQC s Best Practice Guidance Particle Size Analysis (PSA) for Supporting Biological Analysis. McBreen, F., Askew, N., Cameron, A., Connor, D., Ellwood, H., Carter, A., (2011), UK SeaMap 2010 Predictive mapping of seabed habitats in UK waters, JNCC Report 446, ISBN McIlwaine, P. (2014). Swallow Sand MCZ Survey Report. 50 pp. Natural England and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (2010). The Marine Conservation Zone Project: Ecological Network Guidance. Sheffield and Peterborough, UK. Natural England and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (2012). SNCB MCZ Advice Project-Assessing the scientific confidence in the presence and extent of features in recommended Marine Conservation Zones (Technical Protocol E) Net Gain (2011). Final Recommendations Submission to Natural England and JNCC, Version pp. Ware, S. (2013). Swallow Sand rmcz Survey Report. 58 pp. Swallow Sand MCZ Post-survey Site Report 19

27 Worsfold, T.M., Hall, D.J. and O Reilly, M. (2010). Guidelines for processing marine macrobenthic invertebrate samples: a processing requirements protocol version 1 (June 2010). Unicomarine Report NMBAQCMbPRP to the NMBAQC Committee. 33 pp. %20inv%20-%20prp%20-%20v1.0%20june2010.pdf [Accessed 08/12/2014] Swallow Sand MCZ Post-survey Site Report 20

28 Data sources All enquiries in relation to this report should be addressed to the following address: Swallow Sand MCZ Post-survey Site Report 21

29 Annexes Annex 1. Broadscale habitat features listed in the ENG. Broadscale Habitat Type EUNIS Level 3 Code High energy intertidal rock A1.1 Moderate energy intertidal rock A1.2 Low energy intertidal rock A1.3 Intertidal coarse sediment A2.1 Intertidal sand and muddy sand A2.2 Intertidal mud A2.3 Intertidal mixed sediments A2.4 Coastal saltmarshes and saline reed beds A2.5 Intertidal sediments dominated by aquatic angiosperms A2.6 Intertidal biogenic reefs A2.7 High energy infralittoral rock* A3.1 Moderate energy infralittoral rock* A3.2 Low energy infralittoral rock* A3.3 High energy circalittoral rock** A4.1 Moderate energy circalittoral rock** A4.2 Low energy circalittoral rock** A4.3 Subtidal coarse sediment A5.1 Subtidal sand A5.2 Subtidal mud A5.3 Subtidal mixed sediments A5.4 Subtidal macrophyte-dominated sediment A5.5 Subtidal biogenic reef A5.6 Deep-sea bed*** A6 * Infralittoral rock includes habitats of bedrock, boulders and cobble which occur in the shallow subtidal zone and typically support seaweed communities ** Circalittoral rock is characterised by animal dominated communities, rather than seaweed dominated communities *** The deep-sea bed broadscale habitat encompasses several different habitat sub-types, all of which should be protected within the MPA network. The broadscale habitat deep-sea bed habitat is found only in the south-west of the MCZ project area and MCZs identified for this broadscale habitat should seek to protect the variety of sub-types known to occur in the region. Swallow Sand MCZ Post-survey Site Report 22

30 Annex 2. Habitat FOCI listed in the ENG. Habitat Features of Conservation Importance (FOCI) Blue Mussel Beds (including Intertidal Beds on Mixed and Sandy Sediments)** Cold-Water Coral Reefs *** Coral Gardens*** Deep-Sea Sponge Aggregations*** Estuarine Rocky Habitats File Shell Beds*** Fragile Sponge and Anthozoan Communities on Subtidal Rocky Habitats Intertidal Underboulder Communities Littoral Chalk Communities Maerl Beds Horse Mussel (Modiolus modiolus) Beds Mud Habitats in Deep Water Sea-Pen and Burrowing Megafauna Communities Native Oyster (Ostrea edulis) Beds Peat and Clay Exposures Honeycomb Worm (Sabellaria alveolata) Reefs Ross Worm (Sabellaria spinulosa) Reefs Seagrass Beds Sheltered Muddy Gravels Subtidal Chalk Subtidal Sands and Gravels**** Tide-Swept Channels * Habitat FOCI have been identified from the OSPAR List of Threatened and/or Declining Species and Habitats and the UK List of Priority Species and Habitats (UK BAP). ** Only includes natural beds on a variety of sediment types. Excludes artificially created mussel beds and those which occur on rocks and boulders. *** Cold-Water Coral Reefs, Coral Gardens, Deep-Sea Sponge Aggregations and File Shell Beds currently do not have distributional data which demonstrate their presence within the MCZ project area. **** Subtidal Sands and Gravels are considered to be adequately protected by its component habitat features subtidal sand and/or subtidal coarse sediment, and is no longer included within MCZ designations. ***** Mud Habitats in Deep Water is considered to be adequately protected by its component broadscale habitat feature Subtidal mud and is no longer included within MCZ designation. Swallow Sand MCZ Post-survey Site Report 23

31 Annex 3. Low or limited mobility species FOCI listed in the ENG. Group Scientific name Common Name Brown Algae Padina pavonica Peacock s Tail Red Algae Cruoria cruoriaeformis Grateloupia montagnei Lithothamnion corallioides Phymatolithon calcareum Burgundy Maerl Paint Weed Grateloup s little-lobed Weed Coral Maerl Common Maerl Annelida Teleostei Alkmaria romijni** Armandia cirrhosa** Gobius cobitis Gobius couchi Hippocampus guttulatus Hippocampus hippocampus Tentacled Lagoon Worm** Lagoon Sand Worm** Giant Goby Couch s Goby Long Snouted Seahorse Short Snouted Seahorse Bryozoa Victorella pavida Trembling Sea Mat Cnidaria Amphianthus dohrnii Eunicella verrucosa Haliclystus auricula**** Leptopsammia pruvoti Lucernariopsis campanulata Lucernariopsis cruxmelitensis Nematostella vectensis Sea Fan Anemone Pink Sea Fan Stalked Jellyfish**** Sunset Cup Coral Stalked Jellyfish Stalked Jellyfish Starlet Sea Anemone Crustacea Mollusca Gammarus insensibilis** Gitanopsis bispinosa Pollicipes pollicipes Palinurus elephas Arctica islandica Atrina pectinata*** Caecum armoricum** Ostrea edulis Paludinella littorina***** Tenellia adspersa** Lagoon Sand Shrimp** Amphipod Gooseneck Barnacle Spiny Lobster Ocean Quahog Fan Mussel*** Defolin s Lagoon Snail** Native Oyster Sea Snail***** Lagoon Sea Slug** * Species FOCI have been identified from the OSPAR List of Threatened and/or Declining Species and Habitats, the UK List of Priority Species and Habitats (UK BAP) and Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act. ** Those lagoonal species FOCI may be afforded sufficient protection through coastal lagoons designated as SACs under the EC Habitats Directive. However, this needs to be assessed by individual regional projects. *** Fan mussel should be correctly described as Atrina fragilis. **** The stalked jellyfish Haliclystus auricula is now referred to as Haliclystus species for the purpose of MCZ protection to account for potential presence of Haliclystus octoradiatus that has not been consistently differentiated within scientific records. The species are therefore considered jointly as an MCZ feature. ***** The sea snail (Paludinella littorina) has been removed from Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act. This means that it is no longer a Feature of Conservation Importance (FOCI) so has been removed as a feature for MCZ designation. Swallow Sand MCZ Post-survey Site Report 24

32 Annex 4. Highly mobile species FOCI listed in the ENG. Group Scientific name Common Name Teleostei Osmerus eperlanus Anguilla anguilla** Smelt European Eel** Elasmobranchii Raja undulata Undulate Ray * Species FOCI have been identified from the OSPAR List of Threatened and/or Declining Species and Habitats, the UK List of Priority Species and Habitats (UK BAP) and Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act. ** MCZs are no longer considered to be an appropriate tool for the protection of European eels. They have been identified as habitat generalists for which it is particularly difficult to identify unique nursery or foraging grounds due to their wide distribution across coastal and freshwater zones. Conservation and management of European eels is considered to be more effectively achieved through the Eel Regulations and Eel Management Plans. Swallow Sand MCZ Post-survey Site Report 25

33 Annex 5. Video and stills processing protocol. The purpose of the analysis of the video and still images is to identify which habitats exist in a video record, provide semi-quantitative data on their physical and biological characteristics and to note where one habitat changes to another. A minimum of 10% of the videos should be re-analysed for QA purposes. Video Analysis The video record is initially viewed rapidly (at approximately 4x normal speed) in order to segment it into sections representing different habitats. The start and end points of each segment are logged, and each segment subsequently subjected to more detailed analysis. Brief changes in habitat type lasting less than one minute of the video record are considered as incidental patches and are not logged. For each segment, note the start and end time and position from the information on the video overlay. View the segment at normal or slower than normal speed, noting the physical and biological characteristics, such as substrate type, seabed character, species and life forms present. For each taxon record an actual abundance (where feasible) or a semi quantitative abundance (e.g. SACFOR scale). Record the analyses on the video pro-forma provided (paper and/or electronic), which is a modified version of the Sublittoral Habitat Recording Form used in the Marine Nature Conservation Review (MNCR) surveys. When each segment has been analysed, review the information recorded and assign the segment to one of the broadscale habitat (BSH) types or habitat FOCI listed in the Ecological Network Guidance (as reproduced in Annexes 1 and 2 above). Note also any species FOCI observed (as per Annex 3 above). Stills analysis Still images should be analysed separately, to supplement and validate the video analysis, and provide more detailed (i.e. higher resolution) information than can be extracted from a moving video image. For each segment of video, select three still images that are representative of the BSH or FOCI to which the video segment has been assigned. For each image, note the time and position it was taken, using information from the associated video overlay. View the image at normal or greater than normal magnification, noting the physical and biological characteristics, such as substrate type, seabed character, species and life forms present. For each taxon record an actual abundance (where feasible) or a semi quantitative abundance (e.g. SACFOR scale). Record the analysis on the stills pro-forma provided (paper and/or electronic), which is a modified version of the Sublittoral Habitat Recording Form used in the MNCR surveys. Assign each still image to the same BSH or habitat FOCI as its parent segment in the video. Swallow Sand MCZ Post-survey Site Report 26

34 Taxon identification In all analyses, the identification of taxa should be limited to a level that can be confidently achieved from the available image. Hence, taxon identity could range from the life form level (e.g. sponge, hydroid, anemone) to the species level (e.g. Asterias rubens, Alcyonium digitatum). Avoid the temptation to guess the species identity if it cannot be determined positively from the image. For example, Spirobranchus sp. would be acceptable, but Spirobranchus triqueter would not, as the specific identification normally requires the specimen to be inspected under a microscope. Swallow Sand MCZ Post-survey Site Report 27

35 Appendices Appendix 1. Survey metadata CEND 08/12 Date Cruise Stn No. Stn Code Gear Latitude Longitude 16/05/2012 CEND 08/ SS59 HC /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS59 SOL CS /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS59 EOL CS /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS59-SS57 SOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS59-SS57 EOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS57 HC /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS59-SS56 SOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS59-SS56 EOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS56 HC /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS56-SS54 SOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS56-SS54 EOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS54 HC /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS54 SOL CS /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS54 EOL CS /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS54-SS53 SOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS54-SS53 EOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS53 HC /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS53-SS52 SOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS53-SS52 EOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS52 HC /05/2012 CEND 08/ ss52-ss62 SOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ ss52-ss62 EOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS62 HC /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS62 SOL CS /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS62 EOL CS /05/2012 CEND 08/ ss62-ss61 SOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ ss62-ss61 EOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS61 HC /05/2012 CEND 08/ ss61-ss60 SOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ ss61-ss60 EOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS60 HC /05/2012 CEND 08/ ss60-ss51 SOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ ss60-ss51 EOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS51 HC /05/2012 CEND 08/ ss51-ss100 SOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ ss51-ss100 EOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS100 HC /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS100 SOL CS /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS100 EOL CS /05/2012 CEND 08/ ss100-ss49 SOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ ss100-ss49 EOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS49 HC /05/2012 CEND 08/ ss49-ss58 SOL MB Swallow Sand MCZ Post-survey Site Report 28

36 Date Cruise Stn No. Stn Code Gear Latitude Longitude 17/05/2012 CEND 08/ ss49-ss58 EOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS58 HC /05/2012 CEND 08/ ss58-ss47 SOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ ss58-ss47 EOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS47 HC /05/2012 CEND 08/ ss47-swhole SOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ ss47-swhole EOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SWHOLE HC /05/2012 CEND 08/ SWHOLE HC /05/2012 CEND 08/ SWHOLE SOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SWHOLE EOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS101 HC /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS101 SOL CS /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS101 EOL CS /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS101-SS55 SOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS101-SS55 EOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS55 HC /05/2012 CEND 08/ SWHOLE MB SOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SWHOLE MB EOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS36 HC /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS36-SS39 SOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS36-SS39 EOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS39 HC /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS39-SS41 SOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS39-SS41 EOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS41 HC /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS41 SOL CS /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS41 EOL CS /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS41-SS42 SOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS41-SS42 EOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS42 HC /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS42-SS43 SOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS42-SS43 EOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS43 HC /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS43 SOL CS /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS43 EOL CS /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS43-SS44 SOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS43-SS44 EOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS44 HC /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS44-SS45 SOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS44-SS45 EOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS40 HC /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS45-SS46 SOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS45-SS46 EOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS46 HC /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS46 SOL CS /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS46 EOL CS /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS46-SS48 SOL MB Swallow Sand MCZ Post-survey Site Report 29

37 Date Cruise Stn No. Stn Code Gear Latitude Longitude 18/05/2012 CEND 08/ SS46-SS48 EOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS48 HC /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS48-SS50 SOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS48-SS50 EOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS50 HC /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS50-SS40 SOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS50-SS40 EOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS40 HC /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS40 SOL CS /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS40 EOL CS /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS40-SS38 SOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS40-SS38 EOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS38 HC /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS38-SS37 SOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS38-SS37 EOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS37 HC /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS37-SS35 SOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS37-SS35 EOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS35 HC /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS35 SOL CS /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS35 EOL CS /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS35-SS99 SOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS35-SS99 EOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS34 HC /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS34 - SS99 EOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS34 - SS99 SOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS99 HC /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS99 SOL CS /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS99 EOL CS /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS99 -SS94 SOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS99 -SS94 EOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS94 HC /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS94-SS26 SOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS94-SS26 EOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS26 HC /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS26 SOL CS /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS26 EOL CS /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS26-SS86 SOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS26-SS86 EOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS86 HC /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS86-SS92 SOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS86-SS92 EOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS92 HC /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS92 SOL CS /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS92 EOL CS /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS92-SS98 SOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS92-SS98 EOL MB /05/2012 CEND 08/ SS98 HC Swallow Sand MCZ Post-survey Site Report 30