Synthesis of information on the benthos of area SEA6 - Clyde Sea Area

In 1999, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) initiated the process of
Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA) for the UK prior to the issue of
licenses allowing oil and gas exploration and exploitation.
The Strategic Environmental Assessment process involves extensive
consultation with the public and stakeholders. This document forms part of the
consultative process covering the Clyde Sea which is part of SEA area 6 (SEA6).
The Clyde Sea includes the Great Plateau, the Arran Basin, the waters around
Bute and Cumbrae, the major sea lochs of Fyne, Long and Striven and part of
the Clyde estuary.
This review aims to provide a synthesis of current information pertaining to
benthic communities and seabed habitats in the Clyde Sea. This is presented in
the context of the hydrography and sedimentology of the area. The focus is on
dominant species and broad descriptions of community types (biotopes). It also
reviews existing major human activities in the SEA6 area that are currently
affecting the benthos.