Medway Estuary MCZ Intertidal Survey

Responses by email only: Medway Estuary Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) is an inshore site on the Kent coast which was designated in 2013 under the Marine and Coastal Access Act (2009). The MCZ completes the protection of habitats within the Medway Estuary, with its designated broad-scale habitat features, including rare habitats like peat and clay exposures. Natural England seeks to complete evidence gaps in previous Phase 1 and 2 surveys of the intertidal habitats in Medway Estuary MCZ. The surveys would identify and map the extent and distribution, species composition and distribution of biotopes within the intertidal habitats of Medway Estuary MCZ. The data collected will address a clear evidence gap which will allow Natural England to deliver evidence based advise, for example when assessing the pressures of fishing activities on peat and clay exposures. By filling evidence gaps, data can also be shared publicly and will contribute to condition assessments for the MCZ. The overall outputs of this contract are:

• Using previous data, identify and map the extent and distribution of biotopes and biological communities within the intertidal habitats in Medway Estuary MCZ, according to the JNCC Marine Habitat Classification for Britain and Ireland.
• Provide semi-quantitative information on species composition across the range of habitat biotopes and biotope complexes identified.
• Inform a subsequent quantitative Phase 2 survey with infauna and PSA analysis of intertidal sediments.

Additional information: Quotations are requested to provide information required in the RFQ. The timeline given in the RFQ will be followed to enable the project to be delivered by end of March 2023.