Lands End and Cape Bank Special Area of Conservation: Condition Monitoring Survey 2018.
Abstract
This report is an assessment of the environmental and ecological conditions within the Lands End and Cape Bank Special Area of Conservation (SAC), particularly focusing on the Annex I reef features designated for protection. The SAC is located to the west of Lands End and extends nearly 22 km from the coast, covering a significant area characterized by diverse rocky reef habitats. The report specifically discusses the findings from a drop-down camera survey conducted in 2018, comparing them with data from previous surveys to assess any changes over time. The main focus is on the identification of Annex I reef habitats within the SAC and any indications of changes in their extent, as well as the presence of notable species and overall ecological function and structure within the area. The key findings indicate that in 2018, Annex I reef habitats were widespread throughout the SAC, with no significant changes noted in comparison to previous years' data. Additionally, there were no apparent alterations in the biotopes, notable species, or ecological function and structure within the SAC. The report concludes with recommendations for future surveying, interpretation, and assessment of the SAC. These recommendations include efforts to enhance the resolution of habitat and species recordings, conducting bespoke surveys to quantify the extents of designated features, and identifying key taxa for future monitoring efforts.