Cromer Shoal Chalk Beds MCZ 2022 Imagery Analysis.
Abstract
This report presents the findings of a nearshore survey conducted by the Eastern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (EIFCA) in the Cromer Shoal Chalk Beds Marine Conservation Zone (CSCB MCZ). The survey aimed to identify and assess rugged chalk features and document any anthropogenic damage to subtidal chalk. The analysis, undertaken by ENVISION on behalf of Natural England, involved segmenting and analyzing 177 ROV transects across 140 stations, resulting in 13.5 hours of footage. Methodology included categorizing segments based on habitat types, chalk categories, and imagery quality, followed by identification and enumeration of taxa using BIIGLE software. Despite challenges such as poor video quality, 52 different taxa were observed, and 11 biotopes were recorded. The analysis revealed the distribution of habitats and chalk features within the MCZ, with trends in distribution observed across different areas. Although imagery quality impacted data confidence, comparisons with previous studies showed consistent trends in biotope and chalk habitat distribution.