Habitat mapping
Recent developments in acoustic technologies, along with
traditional survey techniques, offer a chance to explore and map
the seabed at high-resolution. These technologies and developments
make it possible to conduct wide-scale reconnaissance surveys
required for regional spatial planning and environmental
management.
Cefas has been actively involved in evaluating an array of
state-of-the-art seabed-mapping techniques for some time. Our
involvement in a number of mapping projects means that we can
advise on the cost-effectiveness and application of tools for
environmental management, monitoring and advisory work. And we can
produce high-resolution habitat maps ourselves, using acoustic
technology in a cost-effective way.
Our multi-disciplinary research scientists are experienced in
the analysis and interpretation of multiple data layers within
geographical information systems (GIS), enabling geospatial data to
be presented as maps. These maps can be analysed in many ways to
provide information on seabed status.
What are the benefits of habitat maps?
Marine habitat maps provide customers with fundamental
information for the sustainable management of offshore
resources. As they visualise a virtual seabed they are
increasingly used for nature conservation, economic development and
resolving conflicts of multiple marine impacts such as fishing,
dredging and construction. They help us to:
- understand the distribution and extent of marine species and
habitats
- assess the importance of species and habitats in a regional
context
- provide evidence-based information to safeguard priority
habitats
- assess changes in marine habitats as a result of human
activities
- understand interactions and the complexities within survey
areas.
If you would like to know more about our habitat-mapping
capabilities, please contact us.