The aim of this project was to analyse sediment infauna data to quantify any changes in community composition at the Isles of Scilly Complex Special Area of Conservation (SAC). This will contribute towards Natural England condition assessment using conservation advice for each site and sub-feature.
MarineSpace was commissioned by Natural England to analyse and report on subtidal sediment grab data collected by the Environment Agency as part of its Water Framework Directive and monitoring from the Isles of Scilly. Data were provided from surveys conducted in 1997, 2001, 2002, 2009, and 2013. The scope of the analysis covered site sub-features: 1) sandbanks which are slightly covered by sea water all the time and 2) mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide.