Marine survey and monitoring in Scottish MPAs

Details of our marine survey and monitoring work 

Our marine survey and monitoring work helps inform the designation and management of marine protected areas in Scottish territorial waters.

Our team covers three main areas:

1. Marine survey work includes:

  • marine survey design and planning
  • locating Priority Marine Features
  • assessing condition of features
  • exploring effectiveness of management
  • investigating trends

2. Marine data

  • mobilisation of data
  • data archive

3. Marine research and collaboration 

  • working with experts from universities and institutions in the UK
  • collaborating with local groups and communities

Recent marine monitoring surveys

The 2019 survey season is well underway. This year a large part of our monitoring work is delivered through a joint project with Marine Scotland titled Engaging the Fishing Industry in Marine Environmental Survey and Monitoring (EMFF). The first survey of the year was successfully carried out in the Inner Sound between the 11th to 20th of March. Additional survey locations include Shetland, Orkney, Jura & Islay. To find out more about the project visit the EMFF Marine Scotland blog. 

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