MMT conducts habitat mapping projects as standalone solutions or in combination with other survey activities. MMT marine biologists participate onboard the survey vessel during the field work as well as in the onshore laboratories after completion of the field work. This ensures correct handling and interpretation of the survey data and biological samples. We combine geophysical data sets with footage of the seabed by ground-truthing. This means that we verify and analyse what is seen with remote sensing by drop-cameras or ROVs as well as biological sampling of the seabed surface.
Marine habitat mapping provides essential information for managing marine resources. Possible use includes aquaculture development, management of fishery habitats and marine national park planning. It is also an important part of investigating the environmental effects of installations for example of pipelines, cables, wind farms and coastal development proposals.
Our vessel Franklin is equipped with three laboratories: a wet laboratory, a biological laboratory and a chemical laboratory. The laboratories and the instruments used for marine environmental surveys can be mobilised and equipped to fulfil any ecological survey task and equip our other vessels.
Examples of marine environmental surveys recently completed by MMT:
• 2011 - Statnett - Investigated seabed conditions and identified e.g shipwrecks, debris and corals for a power transmission link between Norway and Germany.
• 2010 – National Grid - Identified species and classify habitats, biotopes and species diversity for further environmental evaluation for a HVDC between UK and Belgium.
• 2009 – JNCC – Search and mapping of deep-water coral reefs at 2000 m depth in UK waters.
• 2008 – SSE – Seabed sampling and underwater photography to map the seabed fauna for a
sub-sea transmission connection between Shetland and the mainland of Scotland.
For more information regarding our marine environmental surveys, please contact
Dr Helena Strömberg, Senior Biologist, helena.stromberg@mmt.se
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