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Subtidal Benthic Ecology Survey

There has been a long history of study of the marine life of the UK seabed (benthos), based on extensive benthic sampling and environmental monitoring , and as a result the responses of benthic habitats and species to both natural and human disturbances are generally well understood. Invertebrates dwelling within seabed sediments are important food for fish and seabirds and are therefore of considerable importance to commercial fisheries and nature conservation interests. An understanding of benthic habitats is, therefore, particularly relevant for impact assessment and ecological monitoring  of marine developments. 

EMU Limited. specialises in the quantitative sampling of benthic habitats and associated species using a variety of grabs as well as the collection of qualitative data on bottom dwelling fish and shellfish using scientific trawls. The focus of ecological surveys is the characterisation of seabed biological communities, their distribution and importance to inform impact assessments, conservation assessments and, ultimately the decision making processes.  Our studies are carefully designed within the appropriate legislative frameworks and in full consultation with regulators and stakeholders.

Services include;