Optimisation of benthic image analysis approaches

There are multiple policy drivers for marine biodiversity monitoring within the UK, including the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (2008), the EU Habitats Directive (1992) and the EU Birds Directive (1979 amended 2009). The key elements of these directives have been enshrined in national legislation such as the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995, UK Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010, the Marine Act (Northern Ireland) 2013, The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 and the Conservation of Offshore Marine Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. All of these drivers have individual requirements for assessment and reporting which cover varying geographical scales and different aspects of biodiversity (Hinchen, 2014). To meet these requirements, the UK Marine Biodiversity Monitoring Programme (hereafter referred to as 'the UK MBMP') was established by the UK Marine Monitoring and Assessment Strategy (UKMMAS) to provide a coordinated and integrated approach to monitoring UK marine biodiversity, both in protected sites and the wider environment. JNCC is leading on a number of the elements of this Programme, including benthic habitat monitoring of offshore marine habitats (> 12 nm offshore). The UK MBMP aims to improve the quality of evidence on the state of marine biodiversity and to focus research into whether and how the biodiversity elements are changing in response to both natural and human induced pressures. The Programme will support the Defra 25 Year Environment Plan: to enable the UK to design a world-class, cost-effective marine monitoring system, to meet the full range of legislative and policy requirements in an integrated fashion upon exit from the EU.