Biotope code allocations were made using the current UK Marine Classification System v4.05 (Connor et al., 2004). Biotopes were allocated to faunal composition at individual grab sites.
Biotopes were assigned using the biotope decision making support tool BioScribe (Hooper et al., 2011). The BioScribe tool matches the species list from a sample to the biological communities usually recorded with potential biotope matches. Confidence indicators and direct links to habitat descriptions from the Marine Habitat Classification for Britain and Ireland are provided to facilitate the process. The tool was used by an experienced ecologist practiced in matching UK biotopes to field survey data with codes applied through expert judgement based on the BioScribe outputs and knowledge of the current biotope classification system. All survey data were used to inform the biotope allocation process including the PSD analysis results and the video ground truthing data.
2.8 Contaminants Analysis 83.
Results were compared to the Clean Seas Environment Monitoring Programme (CSEMP) guideline levels. This is the mechanism through which the UK delivers its monitoring commitments as signatories to the OSPAR Convention. Two assessment criteria have been used to assess contaminant (PAH and metals) concentrations in sediment under CSEMP. These are the Effects Range Low (ERL) and Effects Range Medium (ERM) criteria.
84.
Effects Range values were originally developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as sediment quality guidelines to predict adverse biological effects on organisms (Long et al., 1995). Concentrations below the ERL rarely cause adverse effects in marine organisms; concentrations above the ERM, however, will often cause adverse effects in some marine organisms (OSPAR, 2009a).
85.
CSEMP feeds into the OSPAR Co‐ordinated Environmental Monitoring Programme (CEMP). For the purpose of the CEMP data assessment, ERLs have been used in most cases as the green/red transition for PAHs and trace metals in sediment. OSPAR (2009a) states that “green assessment for a particular contaminant means that the environmental concentrations meet relevant statutory limits or policy objectives, and are satisfactory in that they present little or no risk. A red assessment means that the relevant limit or objective had not been met”. Note that the Agreement on CEMP
Benthic Characterisation Report November 2013
East Anglia THREE and FOUR Offshore Cable Corridor
