This dataset contains information on infaunal abundance and biomass from sediment grabs in Red Bay, Co. Antrim in 2004 on the RV Lough Foyle. The data from this survey was used to help support the Special Area of Conservation (SAC) site designation for Red Bay, Co. Antrim. A day grab was used to collect the samples, in total there were 20 samples taken and analysed. Particle Size Analysis (PSA) and Carbon & Nitrogen analysis was carried out on the sediments from the grab. The presence and absence of Maerl (alive or dead) was also recorded. The most abundant species found was Calcarea sp. and the most frequently recorded was the polychaete Glycera lapidium.

This data set comprises of marine epibenthos (approx. 70 identified taxa derived from Algae, Annelida, Arthropoda, Bryozoa, Chordata, Cnidaria, Echinodermata, Mollusca, Porifera) data collected in June 2013 from Flamborough Head (UK) Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Data were collected using a high definition towed underwater video system . Fourteen areas were surveyed, seven areas were inside the SAC, one of which was a No Take Zone (NTZ) and seven were outside of the SAC. Three replicate 200 m x 0.5 m transects were recorded in each area. Locations of transects were selected based on previous surveys. The survey was commissioned by Natural England as part of a condition assessment to characterise the subtidal epibenthos and habitats within the SAC and in comparable areas outside the SAC. The extent and condition of biotopes was also identified and mapped.

This data set comprises of marine epibenthos (approx. 74 identified taxa derived from Algae, Annelida, Arthropoda, Bryozoa, Chordata, Cnidaria, Echinodermata, Mollusca, Porifera) data collected during September 2010 from the Big Russel channel in Guernsey, Channel Islands, UK. Surveys were appointed as part of a Regional Environmental Assessment to determine the feasibility of marine renewable energy developments in the area. Data were collected using a high definition towed underwater video system. 36 transects each approximately 200 x 0.5 metres were undertaken to document the epibenthos in the Big Russel, providing a baseline of species composition in an area where tidal development may occur and to identifying suitable control areas for future impact assessments.

This data set comprises of marine epibenthos (approx. 57 identified taxa derived of Algae, Annelida, Arthropoda, Bryozoa, Chordata, Cnidaria, Echinodermata, Mollusca, Porifera) data collected in July 2013 from Thanet Coast (UK) Special Area of Conservation (SAC) using a high definition towed underwater video system. 12 areas were surveyed, six inside the SAC and six outside the SAC. Three replicate 200 m x 0.5 m transects were recorded in each area. The survey was commissioned by Natural England as part of a condition assessment to report the extent and condition of habitats and biotopes, and to determine the composition of the benthic species present.

This dataset comprises marine epibenthos (approx. 26 identified taxa derived of Algae, Annelida, Arthropoda, Bryozoa, Chordata, Cnidaria, Echinodermata, Mollusca, Nemertea, Porifera) and associated habitat data (percentage cover maerl, sand, reef and shell) collected during August 2012 as part of an investigation to identify and map maerl beds off the east coast of Jersey, Channel Islands, UK. Jersey’s coastline plays host to a rich variety of marine life, the waters around the island were previously thought to host maerl beds although the location and extent of this ecologically important habitat was unknown. 47 transects were undertaken using a towed high definition video camera, each transect being approximately 200 x 0.5 metres. As a result of this work the maerl beds identified in south east Jersey were subsequently protected from destructive bottom towed fishing activity.