CEFAS22-64 Contract for Drop Down Video survey of the Berwickshire to North Northumberland Coast SAC

On behalf of Natural England, Cefas wish to undertake ecological survey work to acquire data from the Berwickshire to North Northumberland Coast SAC to contribute to condition assessment of selected features of this site using drop down video (DDV) surveying techniques. All collected sample data must be delivered as set out below alongside a report of survey.

• Objective 1: Acquire high quality video/image data sufficient to verify the extent and distribution of subtidal 'reef' and 'reef like' features, determine the main characterising species present and quantitative enumeration of fauna within such habitats so that temporal comparisons can be made, as far as possible, with previous data collected;
• Objective 2: Identify and record the abundance and location of Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) (Descriptor 2) and marine litter (Descriptor 10) wherever encountered during surveys, to satisfy the requirements of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) and any observed evidence of anthropogenic impacts.

Upon review of existing data, locations for ~ 10-minute DDV camera tows are proposed across four survey areas (Annex 1) to characterise macrofauna assemblages, confirm Broad Scale Habitat (BSH) type and gather evidence of reef features.

Stations have been selected to ground truth one of the following features as previously identified from acoustic data; on the reef, off- reef or lee of reef.