Studland to Portland Special Area of Conservation (SAC) Monitoring Report 2018 (NECR719)

This report explores environmental and ecological sample data, acquired from video and grab surveys of the Studland to Portland SAC in 2017-18 intended to serve as the first point in a monitoring time series. The Studland to Portland SAC is an inshore site located on the Dorset coast within the ‘Eastern Channel’ Charting Progress 2 (CP2) sea area. Annex I Reef features and three subfeatures (Circalittoral rock, Infralittoral rock and Subtidal stony reef) are designated for protection within the Studland to Portland SAC. Key findings indicate that depth was the strongest environmental driver of variation in biological data, with an apparent transition between infralittoral and circalittoral zones at a depth of approximately 19-21 m. Annex I Reef subfeatures, infralittoral and circalittoral bedrock reef, were observed across the site. Evidence was collected that indicates the presence of stony and biogenic reef (Sabellaria and Ampelisca spp.). Comparison with 2009 data suggests an overall increase in the number of morphological descriptors across three broadscale habitats: ‘A3.1 High energy infralittoral rock’, ‘A4.2 Moderate energy circalittoral rock’ and ‘A5.6 Subtidal biogenic reef’. Recommendations to aid future monitoring of the site include a revised video survey approach, fixed quadrats and the introduction of a closed area for an impact study.