This report explores environmental and ecological sample data acquired from video and grab surveys of The Needles Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) during September and October 2025. The survey builds on previous investigations undertaken in 2014 and 2018 and contributes to the evidence base used to inform conservation advice and condition assessments for designated MCZ features.
The survey comprised 30 drop-down video transects and 30 mini-Hamon grab samples, which were used to characterise seabed habitats, assess associated biological communities and identify non-native species. Key findings indicate that the seabed within The Needles MCZ is dominated by subtidal coarse sediment and subtidal mixed sediments, with infralittoral and circalittoral rock habitats recorded throughout the site. Habitat Features of Conservation Interest, including subtidal chalk and seagrass beds, were confirmed, predominantly within the northern part of the MCZ. Macrofaunal analyses demonstrated that subtidal mixed sediments supported higher species richness, abundance and biomass than other sedimentary habitats, while multivariate analyses identified a significant relationship between sediment composition and faunal community structure.
Ecological quality assessments indicated that benthic communities across the MCZ are generally in high ecological status, with no evidence of widespread disturbance. Six non-native species were recorded, most notably Crepidula fornicata and Monocorophium sextonae. Comparison with 2018 data suggests that the distribution and extent of broadscale habitats within The Needles MCZ have remained largely stable over time, with only minor changes in habitat extent and composition.