2012 University of Plymouth Falmouth towed underwater video maerl and associated epifauna survey

This data set comprises of marine epibenthos and endobenthos (approx. 370 identified taxa derived from Algae, Annelida, Arthropoda, Bryozoa, Chordata, Echinodermata, Hemichordata, Mollusca, Nematoda, Nemertea, Phoronida, Porifera and Sipuncula), associated with maerl beds in Falmouth Harbour, UK quantified between 2011 – 2013 using a towed underwater video system and hand cores taken by SCUBA divers. Additional data on sediment (organic content and particle size) and the porosity of maerl found at the sites are also provided. Surveys were conducted to assess the extent, distribution and species composition of maerl bed habitats within the harbour in response to proposed dredging activities to deepen the shipping channel. To establish the location and extent of maerl beds and quantify the abundance of epifauna transects were undertaken using a high definition towed underwater video system. Towed video surveys took place in November 2011 and February 2012 and transects were approximately 200 x 0.5 metres. Core samples collected by divers September - November 2012 and July - August 2013 were used to further assess habitat quality and species distribution by quantifying the abundance of infauna and analysing organic content, particle size and maerl structure. For associated infaunal cores, please see: 2012 - 2013 University of Plymouth Falmouth maerl bed infauna and sediment survey using diver cores