SW approaches MESH survey, R/V Celtic Explorer cruise CE0705, BGS project 2007/06 : operations report

The aims of the R/V Celtic Explorer cruise were to acquire high resolution multibeam, sub-bottom profiler and camera data in the SW Approaches area, located approximately 320km southwest of Land’s End. The cruise not only mapped the variable morphology of the SW Approaches area, but also investigated the biological communities within the canyon system for the assessment of potential Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) under the EC Habitats and Birds Directive (Annex I) (Johnston et al. 2002). The cruise also tested the application of the survey standards and protocols developed under the MESH project. The cruise was the first thorough test for the recently completed MESH Guidance Framework, providing a ‘proof of concept’ from planning to completion.