FeAST Requirements

The Feature Activity Sensitivity Tool (FeAST) is a tool used to collate information on feature sensitivities, pressures, activities, and the evidence on which this is based for Scottish features of conservation importance. The sensitivity data contained in the FeAST tool originally came from a 2010 project, MB0102, led by the Marine Biological Association (MBA). The data was subsequently modified to make sensitivity assessments more applicable to Scottish features and activities, and pressures were altered to be in line with OSPAR work. The tool is currently hosted on the Marine Scotland (MS) website and has been live since 2013. A new introductory FeAST home page was published by NatureScot to help explain ongoing work.

It is possible through FeAST to search by either marine feature or activity. FeAST presents assessments of sensitivity of Scottish features of conservation importance to various pressures (e.g., siltation) and links these to marine activities that could be associated with these pressures. It assesses and combines assessments of tolerance and recovery to derive an overall sensitivity score. It does not consider the intensity, frequency or cumulative impacts from activities taking place at specific locations.

Although there are other sensitivity tools a key distinction is that FeAST is the only tool that provides assessments at the wider feature level . The other tools assess sensitivity at a biotope level, i.e., a more detailed level in the habitat classification hierarchy. The aim in any redevelopment is to retain the current 'feature' level focus to help ensure its usability in the future; much of the legislation and policy focus is on lists of habitats and species at a feature level, such as Priority Marine Features (PMFs) that are marine nature conservation priorities in Scottish waters. It is also felt the tool is more accessible and user friendly, as features are usually referred to when discussing designated sites and casework, and this allows stakeholders to interrogate the tool without having an in-depth knowledge of biotopes.

Additional information: You are invited by JNCC Support Co (JNCC) to submit a tender for the supply of works or services required under the above project. If interested, you should download and carefully read the documents contained within the ITT zip file and supporting documents 01 and 02 to the FeAST requirement tender opportunity.