large-scalefeaturecasestudies（large-scalefeaturecasestudies）（19页）.docVIP

Large-scale feature case studies 14th and 15th March, 2012 Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Contents Page no. Introduction 1 Large-scale feature Case studies 2 FRONTS AND OTHER HYDROGRAPHIC PROCESSES 2 SHELF DEEPS 6 SHELF BANKS AND MOUNDS 9 CONTINENTAL SLOPE 12 SEAMOUNTS 15 Introduction In response to comments received at the third stakeholder workshop, this document has been produced to help explain how large-scale features are being used in the context of identifying Nature Conservation MPAs in Scotland’s seas. Five large-scale features are included on the list of MPA search features: seamounts; continental slope; shelf deeps, shelf banks and mounds; and fronts and other hydrographic processes. These features have been included on the list of MPA search features in order to help build ecosystem function into the development of the MPA network. Large-scale features are intended to complement other MPA search features by helping to identify areas of wider functional significance within Scotland’s seas. This may be through taking into account ecological and geomorphological processes of importance to MPA search features or the wider marine environment. Large-scale features may also help enable consideration of connectivity within the network where they play a role in providing key linkages between different features. Specific large-scale features may contribute to the network through supporting species at a range of trophic levels, for example from areas of high primary productivity through to aggregations of mobile top predators. This type of approach is inherent in the Scottish MPA Selection Guidelines, most notably in guideline 1c which looks at the inclusion of areas of functional significance to the overall health and biodiversity of Scotland’s seas; guideline 2a which looks at the inclusion of combinations of features which are functionally linked; and guideline 5 which looks at connectivity across the network. Five case studies