Marine Nature Conservation Review Benthos Data

Overview: 

The MNCR was initiated to provide a comprehensive baseline of information on marine habitats and their associated species around the coast of Britain focusing on benthic habitats in intertidal and inshore (typically within 3nm) subtidal areas. This dataset includes the survey data that were collected during the Marine Nature Conservation Review (MNCR) between 1987 and 1998, together with data from surveys commissioned by the Nature Conservancy Council in the 1970s and 1980s and data collected subsequently by JNCC made available at OBIS.

 

Dataset Location: Metadata, OBIS MNCR Benthos Data

Direct Download: OBIS MNCR Benthos Data

Site Location: United Kingdom coastline

Site(s) Georeferenced: Yes

Timespan: 1954 - 2000, most after 1980

Sampling Frequency: Irregularly

Data Collection Summary / Methods: Data was collected at a range of sites within a geographical area to sample and describe the variety of habitats present. Habitats were sampled for a range of substrata, depths, wave exposures, current regimes, and salinity regimes. Each habitat was sampled using semi-quantitative recording techniques (SACFOR abundance scales) for recording epibiota on rocky habitats. Detailed methodology can be found in: Hiscock, K., ed. 1996. Marine Nature Conservation Review: rationale and methods. Peterborough, Joint Nature Conservation Committee. (Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series.)

Data collected: OBIS data - species name, individual count, date, location, temperature, depth, salinity, nitrogen, oxygen, silicate

Known Issues: To obtain this dataset you must use the interactive data mapper and make multiple clicks to orient and dowload data. May be difficult to locate quickly or with an automated program.

Best Practices: tips for separating the wheat from the chaff.
 
Conditions for use: 'freely available' and 'open-access' as per OBIS: http://iobis.org/about/vision

MNCR opperates under MarBEF and EurOBIS.

Citation/ Distributing Author: Ostler, R. Marine Nature Conservation Review (MNCR) and associated benthic marine data held and managed by JNCC. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Centre for Ecology and hydrology, Aberdeenshire, UK.
 
Supplemental resources: Hiscock, K., ed. 1998. Marine Nature Conservation Review. Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic. Peterborough, Joint Nature Conservation Committee. (Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series.)
 
Available via the EcoData Retriever: No

Last modified: 
2015
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