European Ocean Biodiversity Information System

This data set comprises of marine epibenthos (approx. 74 identified taxa derived from Algae, Annelida, Arthropoda, Bryozoa, Chordata, Cnidaria, Echinodermata, Mollusca, Porifera) data collected during September 2010 from the Big Russel channel in Guernsey, Channel Islands, UK. Surveys were appointed as part of a Regional Environmental Assessment to determine the feasibility of marine renewable energy developments in the area. Data were collected using a high definition towed underwater video system. 36 transects each approximately 200 x 0.5 metres were undertaken to document the epibenthos in the Big Russel, providing a baseline of species composition in an area where tidal development may occur and to identifying suitable control areas for future impact assessments.