Isles of Scilly SAC subtidal sediment data analysis report 2017.
Abstract
Natural England commissioned this project to analyse and report on subtidal sediment grab data collected by the Environment Agency (EA) as part of its Water Framework Directive (WFD) monitoring from the Isles of Scilly Complex SAC. The aim of this project is to analyse sediment infauna data to quantify changes in community composition based upon historical monitoring data. This will contribute towards NE condition assessment using conservation advice for each site and sub-feature. To achieve this aim, the following objectives have been set: (1) Analyse macrofauna data to identify any spatial and temporal changes in community structure within the designated sediment sub-features; and (2) Place any findings in context of the distribution and structure of benthic communities and, where possible, make comments on the use of the data to assess feature condition.