Marine Maps Provide Detailed View of the North Sea

A wide-ranging, multi-disciplinary study of the UK’s east coast marine environment, The East Coast Regional Environmental Characterisation (EC REC), has been published.

A consortium of scientists, led by the Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (Cefas), used state-of-the-art techniques deployed from the research vessel, the Cefas Endeavour. The seabed was comprehensively mapped, revealing distinct areas in terms of their physical properties and associated biological communities.

Combining the resulting evidence with existing data, the EC REC researchers produced a series of high-quality, interpretive maps of the seabed off East Anglia.

Researchers encountered a number of nationally rare or scarce species in the area surveyed, for instance the rare mantis shrimp (Rissoides desmaresti). Discovery of this particular species in the area represents a new scientific record, extending the known range of this shrimp to the east coast of England from what was previously thought to be a relatively confined area on the south and Welsh coasts of the UK.

Understanding of the historical importance of the area was also enhanced through the EC REC study. Regional evidence included:
• internationally important Palaeolithic artefacts, including hand axes, cores and flakes
• peat and wood fragments indicating Mesolithic land surfaces
• wrecks dating from the early 19th century, including the SS Seagull and Xanthe (a sail-assisted steam paddle vessel and steam screw vessel, respectively)
• remains of WWII aircraft.

EC REC researchers also characterised environmentally important features such as sub-tidal reefs, gravel deposits, bedrock outcrops thought to be transported by glaciers, and sandbanks.

Dr Siân Limpenny, EC REC Project Manager, said: “There is increasing demand on marine space and resources, due to the expansion of some maritime industries and also because of newer developments such as wind farms off the east coast.


“The east coast region is also likely to be the focus for the increasing demand for marine aggregates in the future, to support large-scale infrastructure projects and coastal defence programmes.”

She continued: “That’s why these maps are so helpful. They underpin statutory Marine Plans, required under the Marine and Coastal Access Act, which help decision-makers to ensure the sustainable management of offshore resources now and into the future. For instance, sensitive habitats might be safeguarded, whilst other areas may be identified as commercially important fishing grounds or deemed to be ideal for marine construction or for energy supply.


“A wide range of commercial operators and developers, who need to plan their own specific activities, could also find the maps essential tools to support their investment decisions.”

Hard copies of the EC REC report (which includes a DVD), and a high-resolution version with interpreted data outputs, are now available from Marine ALSF (www.marinealsf.org.uk). In addition, a low-resolution online version can be accessed via the Marine ALSF website at their Final Report page.

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