Sanday sublittoral lifeforms map (reduced lifeforms)

The kelp beds and interspersed sandy bays around Sanday were intensively surveyed using an acoustic ground discrimination system for remote survey and a Towed video for ground truth sampling. The data were analysed using image classification techniques to produce a map showing the distribution of the kelp life forms and sand habitats. Phase 2 diver records were used, together with the video records, to describe the biotopes in detail. The kelp biotopes were typical of those described in the UK National Marine Biotope Classification (Connor et al. 1997). The report will inform site managers (including non-marine officers in Scottish Natural Heritage) of the biological importance of the kelp beds.