South Rigg MCZ Monitoring report and feasibility study

The primary aim of this project is to produce a clear and concise monitoring report that describes and interprets survey outputs from the South Rigg Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) in the context of the site's conservation features and objectives, while clearly acknowledging the context and limitations under which the data were collected.

Specifically, the project aims to:

• bring together and describe the evidence collected during the 2024 offshore survey at South Rigg, including seabed imagery, macrofaunal (infaunal) data, and particle size data, in a consistent and structured report format as per supplied guidance;
• support JNCC's understanding of the habitats present and their characteristics (see site information centre) contributing to the wider evidence base used to assess condition and consider progress towards conservation objectives at the site;
• ensure that methods, results, assumptions, and limitations are clearly documented, providing a transparent audit record for internal assurance and future use;
• identify evidence gaps and uncertainties, and set out practical recommendations for future monitoring, including suggestions on survey design, data collection, or analysis that would improve understanding of the site over time.

1. Project Objectives

To meet the project aims outlined above, the objectives of this work are to:

• Produce a structured & concise monitoring report

Draft a monitoring report to an agreed structure and format, consistent with JNCC reporting standards, that brings together and describes survey outputs from the 2024 South Rigg offshore survey, including seabed imagery, macrofaunal data, and particle size data (Baited remote underwater video (BRUV) and eDNA data should be summarised from existing analysis reports. No new analysis, re processing, or interpretation beyond high level description is required).

1. Report objectives and structure

The purpose of the monitoring report is to bring together and describe the evidence collected during the 2024 offshore survey at South Rigg in a clear and structured way, recognising that the data were collected as part of the Marine Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment (mNCEA) programme and not within a dedicated MPA monitoring framework.

Table 1.The table below sets out the detailed report objectives and associated outputs required to deliver the monitoring report

Report Objective Analytical approach Proposed outputs

1. Describe the extent and distribution of offshore circalittoral mud within and adjacent to the South Rigg MCZ Use particle size analysis data to characterise sediment composition at survey stations. Compare results with the existing habitat map to assess how well the Broad Scale Habitat was predicted. Point maps showing sediment composition (mud, sand, gravel) at each station (e.g. pie charts or equivalent).
2. Describe the presence and spatial distribution of sea pens and burrowing megafauna Use results from seabed imagery analysis to report the occurrence of sea pens and evidence of burrowing megafauna. Point map showing presence, distribution and density of sea pen species.
3. Describe the structure and distribution of infaunal communities inside and outside the South Rigg MCZ Apply appropriate univariate and multivariate analyses to existing macrofaunal data to describe community structure and differences between stations and areas.

Ordination plots (e.g. nMDS) showing patterns in biological communities.

Summary of differences and variability in assemblage structure between stations and areas

Point maps showing spatial distribution of identified community groupings

1. Investigate factors that may explain variation in infaunal community structure Explore relationships between biological communities and environmental variables (e.g. particle size metrics), where statistically appropriate.

Use Distance based linear models (DistLM) or equivalent analyses identifying variables associated with observed community patterns.

1. Present evidence relating to non indigenous species recorded during the survey

Compare recorded taxa against recognised non indigenous species lists (e.g. GB NNSS, MSFD Descriptor 2). Annexed list of non indigenous species recorded.

Point map showing locations and recorded abundance of non indigenous species.

1. Report on evidence of anthropogenic activity recorded in seabed imagery Review and interpretation of pre analysed seabed video and stills data to collate and summarise recorded anthropogenic features. Descriptive summary supported by selected imagery examples.

Information and materials JNCC will provide

JNCC will provide the contractor with the data, documentation, and guidance required to deliver the monitoring report to the required standard. These materials will be supplied following contract award and will include, as appropriate:

1. Product Specification

JNCC is committed to making its publicly available resources and documents accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.

Making material accessible means making sure it can be used by as many people as possible. This includes those with:

 impaired vision

 motor difficulties

 cognitive impairments or learning disabilities

 deafness or impaired hearing

Output Provisional Date

Start-up meeting (UK) 27 July 2026

Draft report (v0.1) submitted and accepted for internal review 30 September 2026

Revised draft report and responses submitted and accepted for final review 17 December 2026

Wash up and feedback meeting 28 January 2027