Provision of an inshore vessel-based marine survey of Purbeck coast MCZ

Tender description

Natural England have a requirement for a vessel-based survey of the Purbeck coast Marine Conservation Zone, to carry out stratified grab samples and drop-down video of the Maerl beds and subtidal sediment features. It is anticipated that there will be up to 5 days of vessel survey time, followed by analysis of samples and data. The general objectives of the survey will be: (primarily) to accurately map and report on the extent and distribution of the maerl bed feature in Purbeck Coast MCZ, and the distribution of live and dead maerl across these beds. Species composition data of the component maerl communities, and associated sediment composition data, will also need to be collected and analysed, and compared with infaunal community and sediment composition data of surrounding sediments. If observed, any evidence of maerl spores having settled and re-established on dead rhodoliths will also need to be recorded and reported; (secondary) to map and report on the distribution of subtidal sediment communities in Purbeck Coast MCZ. The specific objectives of the survey will be: to design and undertake a cost-effective sampling strategy that obtains ground-truthed samples within the Purbeck Coast MCZ, to be assessed against relevant attributes and using the Common Standards Monitoring Guidance; to collect data using drop-down/towed video, still photographs and grab samples, and undertake rigorous analysis to map and report.