Anton Dohrn Seamount and East Rockall Bank (2009)
Commissioned by JNCC, the surveys were undertaken by the
British Geological Survey, University of Plymouth and Marin
Mättenik AB. Its key objective was to acquire high quality
acoustic and photographic “ground-truthing” data to enable the
distribution, extent and biological characterisation of Annex I
reef within both AoS.
Anton Dohrn Seamount
This survey acquired 215 line kilometres of multibeam
echosounder data and 10 photographic “ground-truthing” sites
targeted within Anton Dohrn Seamount AoS. Although data is still
being analysed and interpreted, initial observations revealed the
flanks and area immediately adjacent to Anton Dohrn Seamount to
comprise predominantly gravel-rich sediment with bedrock
outcropping on the steeper sections of the seamount flanks.
Interestingly, the parasitic cones surveyed within the Anton Dohrn
Seamount AoS comprised predominantly corals, including large
gorgonian species, small bamboo coral, the soft coral Anthomastus
sp. and the antipatharian Leiopathes sp.
East Rockall Bank
Within East Rockall Bank AoS, 692 line kilometres of multibeam
echosounder and 168 line kilometres of sidescan sonar data were
acquired - 17 photographic “ground-truthing” sites were also
targeted. Initial observations indicate East Rockall Bank to
comprise predominantly gravelly muddy sand on the eastern flank of
the Bank with gravel- and sand-rich sediments dominating the crest
of the Bank. Significant bedrock reef was encountered along an
escarpment located on the eastern flank of Rockall Bank roughly
coincident with the 500m bathymetric contour. This laterally
extensive feature primarily comprises volcanic bedrock with
possible sedimentary bedrock cropping out at sea bed colonised by
large stylsaterid hydrocorals and sponges.
Preliminary observations and interpretation of the data acquired
during the course of this cruise suggest that several sites at both
AoS may fit the definition of Annex I reef under the EC
Habitats Directive. Once reporting is completed (end March
2010), the sites will undergo assessment against site selection criteria for possible
consideration as SACs.
The cruise report available below summarises operations and
initial observations onboard the M/V Franklin during
cruise 2009/03-JNCC on behalf of JNCC.
Further Reading
- Stewart, H., Davies, J., Long, D., Strömberg, H. & Hitchen,
K. 2009. JNCC Offshore Natura Survey: Anton Dohrn
Seamount and East Rockall Bank. 2009/03-JNCC Cruise
Report. Report No. CR/09/113.
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