Sublittoral Habitat Map of the Sound of Barra, Scotland

A biotope classification map of sublittoral habitats in the Sound of Barra, Scotland, a proposed Special Area of Conservation. The map synthesizes data from a comprehensive survey conducted in August 2001 by a collaborative research group from the University of St Andrews, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh University, and Scottish Natural Heritage. It details habitats of conservation value, including eelgrass Zostera marina beds and tide-swept maerl beds.

Use Cases

• Analyze the distribution of eelgrass Zostera marina beds based on habitat mapping data.
• Model conservation value of sandbank habitats for Special Area of Conservation (pSAC) designation.
• Study the spatial relationship between maerl beds and other sublittoral biotopes.
• Assess habitat diversity and coverage for marine biodiversity monitoring.

Strengths

• Based on a dedicated biotope mapping survey conducted in August 2001.
• Synthesizes information for a nationally important area proposed as a Special Area of Conservation.
• Focuses on specific, high-value habitats like eelgrass and maerl beds.

Limitations

• Data is from a single survey in 2001; freshness should be verified for current applications.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count and spatial resolution are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.

Provenance

Source

Joint Nature Conservation Committee.

Collection Method

Biotope mapping survey supplemented by existing knowledge, synthesized into classification maps.

Time Range

Survey conducted in August 2001.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-04-14 09:45:55.222972; the underlying survey data is from 2001.

Geography

The Sound of Barra, Scotland, specifically the area from Traigh Mhor to near Loch Obe.