Chapter 4: Healthy and Biologically Diverse

The spatial variation in size composition (Large Fish Indicator) of Demersal fish in waters around Scotland, averaged over the period 1999 to 2008.

This dataset is part of the larger Spatial Variation of Demersal Fish in Waters Around Scotland Dataset, which includes three layers that show the spatial variation of Demersal fish (generally living on or near the seabed) in waters around Scotland (averaged over the period 1999 to 2008) for:

• Size Composition (Large Fish Indicator) (defined as the proportion of fish (by weight) in the community that is greater than 40 cm in length). The higher the value (varying between 0 and 1), the greater the proportion of large fish in the community.
• Species Richness (a count of the number of demersal fish species recorded in any survey sample).
• Species Diversity (indices that also take account of the relative abundance of each species in the sample).

All three datasets are based on surveys carried out by ICES set up to provide fisheries independent information to support stock assessments.

Scottish underwater TV surveys to estimate Nephrops burrow distribution and abundance, from Nephrops Functional Units of significance to Scotland. Underwater TV footage is taken at specified stations within Functional Units. The underwater camera is mounted on a towed sledge and tow duration is 10 minutes. Records of Nephrops burrows, Nephrops and other benthic fauna is recorded onto DVD for analysis and review. At each station, a custom built sledge is towed along the sea bed and all Nephrops burrow complexes are counted and used to derive density estimates. These estimates are shown in this data layer.

The Marine Protected Area (MPA) network in Scotland’s Seas is designed to conserve a selection of marine biodiversity (species and habitats) and geodiversity (the variety of landforms and natural processes that underpin the marine landscapes), offering long-term support for the services our seas provide to society.

Special Protection Areas (SPAs) in Scotland are classified by Scottish Ministers. These are areas of the most important habitat for rare (listed on Annex I to the Directive) and regularly occurring migratory birds within the European Union. SPAs are classified under the EC Birds Directive and together with SACs, form the Natura 2000 network. Proposed Special Protection Areas (pSPA) may be subject to change prior to classification.

This layer is a Web Map Service (WMS) displaying Scotland's SPA's that contribute to the MPA network.

A Marine Protected Area (MPA) network in Scotland’s Seas is designed to conserve a selection of marine biodiversity (species and habitats) and geodiversity (the variety of landforms and natural processes that underpin the marine landscapes), offering long-term support for the services our seas provide to society.

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) are those areas of land and water (to the seaward limits of local authority areas or MLWS) that Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) considers to best represent our natural heritage - its diversity of plants, animals and habitats, rocks and landforms, or a combinations of such natural features. They are the essential building blocks of Scotlands protected areas for nature conservation. Many are also designated as Natura sites (Special Protection Areas or Special Areas of Conservation). The national network of SSSIs in Scotland forms part of the wider GB series. SNH designates SSSIs under the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004. SSSIs are protected by law. It is an offence for any person to intentionally or recklessly damage the protected natural features of an SSSI.

This layer is a Web Map Service (WMS) displaying Scotland's SSSI's that contribute to the MPA network.