The Needles MCZ, adjacent to the Isle of Wight’s north-west coast, was designated in 2016 due to the presence of rare and fragile habitats including chalk, shallow water (infralittoral) rock and soft sediment and a number of associated species of conservation interest.
The site also supports spawning and nursery areas for fish species, and is designated for seagrass beds which support stalked jellyfish, sea hares, and marine molluscs. Lobsters and whelks occur in the area, and the site is important for native oyster and Peacock’s Tail.
ABPmer was commissioned to undertake a survey to provide robust evidence of the distribution and extent of select habitats and species throughout the MCZ. This data was collected to underpin Natural England’s Condition Assessment of the features of the MCZ, which guides the site’s monitoring, assessment, and management.
Survey Objectives
To obtain the required habitat and species data within the MCZ, our specialists undertook a survey to map the distribution and condition of various habitats throughout the site. This allowed for comparison against similar surveys undertaken in 2014 and 2018 to understand changes over time.
The specific objectives of the surveys were to:
- Identify the presence of biological communities and map the extent and distribution of distinctive communities;
- Collect grab samples, still images, and video footage of the seabed to assess the abundance and distribution of key features;
- Characterize habitats/biotopes surveyed within the MCZ and identification of any non-native species;
- Compare the current distribution and abundance of habitats and species with historic reports to assess changes in biological communities; and
- Identify human influences impacting the ability of the sub-feature to achieve favorable condition.
Undertaking the Surveys
Our surveyors utilized a combination of mini-Hamon grab sampling and a towed drop-down video (DDV) system across the MCZ to target the key habitat features. Data from the previous surveys was used to select specific locations.
The DDV survey was undertaken over two days, operating from Gosport Marina, with 30 DDV tows conducted across the MCZ. The system captured high-definition video and full resolution stills concurrently, using LED lighting for optimal color and definition. In addition to the DDV system, Go-Pro and Ultra HD cameras were secured to the seabed frame to deliver wide, 360° seabed coverage.
The grab sampling was also undertaken over two days, this time operating from Cowes Marina. Samples were collected at 30 stations for particle size and invertebrate analysis.
Results and Next Steps
Spatial mapping and DDV analysis indicated that the seafloor is dominated by subtidal coarse sediments and subtidal mixed sediments, which together formed the most extensive broadscale habitats across the site. The distribution and extent of these habitats was broadly similar to those recorded in previous surveys. Typical species characterizing these habitats included Rissoa parva (sea snail), Balanus crenatus (acorn barnacle), and Spirobranchus lamarcki (segmented worm).
Overall, the community observed was indicative of the habitats surveyed being in good benthic condition with low levels of disturbance. These findings provide an up-to-date baseline dataset that will support future conservation assessments and management of The Needles MCZ.
