The distribution of selected MPA search features within Loch Linnhe, Etive and Eil - A broadscale validation survey (Part B)

Provisions to designate new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) within Scottish waters were introduced through the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 and the UK Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009.  To help target nature conservation action SNH and JNCC have generated a focused list of habitats and species of importance in Scottish waters - the Priority Marine Features (PMFs).  A subset of the PMFs (MPA search features) will drive the identification of Nature Conservation MPAs.   
 
The Loch Linnhe system was identified as an area with numerous historical records of PMFs and MPA search features.  The present work is a contribution to a broader programme of assessment of the distribution of PMFs in this area (Nickell et al., 2012).  The objective of the Heriot-Watt University component was to validate historical records and to assess the distribution and condition of beds of flame shells (Limaria hians), horse mussels (Modiolus modiolus), intertidal blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) and sea loch egg wrack (Ascophyllum nodosum ecad mackaii) in Lochs Linnhe, Etive, Leven and Eil.  Additional aims included assessment of the current condition of recorded instances of northern sea fan and intertidal tide-swept algal communities.