Canyons Survey Cruise 2007
The aims of the R/V Celtic Explorer cruise were to
acquire high resolution multibeam, sub-bottom profiler and camera
data in the SW Approaches area, located approximately 320km
southwest of Land’s End. The cruise not only mapped the variable
morphology of the SW Approaches area, but also investigated the
biological communities within the canyon system for the assessment
of potential Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) under the EC
Habitats and Birds Directive (Annex I). The cruise also tested the
application of the survey standards and protocols developed under
the MESH project. The cruise was the first thorough test for the
recently completed MESH Guidance Framework, providing a ‘proof of
concept’ from planning to completion.
Over the fifteen day cruise on the Marine Institute’s “RV
Celtic Explorer”, a detailed multibeam and backscatter survey
focused on the canyons flanks, or interfluves, was undertaken,
along with a boomer and sparker survey. Groundtruthing was
undertaken using a drop frame equipped with high resolution digital
stills and video. This research cruise will assist in
identifying the extent of EC Habitats Directive Annex I reef
habitat, and characterise the biological communities associated
with it. Further along the continental shelf break in the Bay
of Biscay, occurrences of the cold water coral Lophelia
pertusa have been recorded on canyon
interfluves.
For more detailed information on the cruise please read
the report below.
Three large exhibition boards and numberous photographs have
been prepared for display and are available to loan on request.
Exhibition at the
Plymouth Aquarium showing the results from the Canyons Cruise
Survey
Acknowledgements
Data contained in this report were
recorded during a collaborative survey involving the Joint Nature
Conservation Committee, the Marine Institute, the British
Geological Survey and the University of Plymouth. Defra Natural
Environment Group Science Division (CRO 361) made a significant
contribution to this work.