European Ocean Biodiversity Information System

Marine biological surveys of seabed and shore habitats in four areas exposed to strong tidal currents around southwest and northwest Wales, made in summer 2002 and 2003. Survey work focused on rocky reefs and tidal rapids, and recorded the extent, quality and composition of the biotopes and communities. The results forms the basis for CCW Contract Science Report 611. Tidal Rapids are a UK Biodiversity Action Plan feature and rocky Reefs are an Annex I feature under the Habitats Directive (1992). These features are of conservation importance and the data collected during this survey is used to help define conservation objectives and inform decisions regarding protection and management. The survey was conducted on the shore or by diving. Survey methods were based on the standard Marine Nature Conservation Review (MNCR) techniques using in-situ identification of conspicuous species and description of habitat and community characteristics. Subtidal and intertidal components of the fieldwork were carried out separately. Further details of these standard methodologies are given in MNCR Rational and Methods (Hiscock 1996). Each site survey was recorded immediately on standard MNCR recording forms. Work carried out for CCW under contract by Coastal Assessment, Liaison & Monitoring (CALM), Jon Moore. Geographical coverage

Menai Strait - Subtidal and intertidal

Daugleddau Estuary & Milford Haven - Subtidal and intertidal

North West Anglesey - Subtidal only

West Pembrokeshire - Subtidal only Three of the four areas also lie within marine candidate Special Areas of Conservation (cSACs); (Rocky reefs are major features of the cSACs.) Temporal Coverage:

Menai Strait: 01 to 05 August 2002 (subtidal) and 07 to 10 September 2002 (intertidal)

Daugleddau Estuary & Milford Haven: 30 August to 04 September 2002 (subtidal) and 07 to 09 October 2002 (intertidal) North West Anglesey: 24 to 27 June 2003 (subtidal)

West Pembrokeshire: 23 to 26 July 2003 (subtidal) Additional Information Sources: Kirsten Ramsey, Sub-tidal Team Leader, Marine and Freshwater Sciences Group, CCW, Maes-y-Ffynnon, Penrhosgarnedd, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2DW.