Marine Geophysical and Biological Survey of Mid Irish Sea and Solan Bank (May 2008)

A Joint Nature Conservation Committee marine survey collected multibeam bathymetry, sidescan sonar, video, stills, and grab samples in May 2008. The aim was to identify Annex I habitats like Submarine structures and Reefs in the mid-Irish Sea and Solan Bank areas. Data components are archived at the British Geological Survey, DASSH, and UKHO.

Use Cases

• Analyze multibeam bathymetry data to map seafloor topography and identify potential submarine structures from leaking gases.
• Use sidescan sonar data alongside video and still images for ground-truthing and habitat classification of Reef areas.
• Correlate Hamon grab and rock dredge sampling results with video imagery to assist in taxonomic identification of epibiota.
• Integrate geological and geophysical data archived at BGS with biological data from DASSH for a holistic seabed habitat study.

Strengths

• Survey employed multiple complementary ground-truthing techniques including towed/drop video, stills, and grab sampling.
• Data collection targeted specific Annex I habitats (Submarine structures, Reefs) within defined Areas of Search.
• Technical details are documented in specific JNCC and BGS reports (No. 430, CR/09/51).

Limitations

• Data is from a single, short-duration survey in May 2008, limiting temporal analysis and trend detection.
• Sample data and column structure are unavailable, complicating assessment of data format and direct usability.

Provenance

Source

Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), archived at British Geological Survey (BGS), DASSH, and UKHO.

Collection Method

Marine survey using RV CEFAS Endeavour, collecting multibeam bathymetry, sidescan sonar, video, stills, and grab samples.

Time Range

18 May 2008 to 29 May 2008

Freshness

null

Geography

Submarine structures in the mid-Irish Sea Area of Search and the Solan Bank Area of Search.