Fair Isle DR MPA Benthic Survey
Located between the Orkney and Shetland archipelagos in the North Atlantic, the Fair Isle Demonstration and Research Marine Protected Area (DR MPA) is dedicated to advancing marine conservation and sustainable management. Designated under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 on 9th November 2016, this protected area serves as a centre for innovative marine research, with a strong focus on sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and ecotourism.
One of the key research priorities identified in the Fair Isle DR MPA Winter 2020/21 stakeholder consultation was the study of benthic habitats, which remain largely unexplored. By utilising Distribution Models, a proven tool in marine management, this project aims to predict and map marine biotopes, offering valuable insights into habitat distributions.
Project Aims:
To investigate benthic species and habitats and their distributions within the Fair Isle DR MPA to deliver the first detailed picture on predicted biotope and species presence around Fair Isle; and provide a baseline to plan and appraise future research and management.
Role of UHI Shetland
Role of UHI Shetland
UHI Shetland led the initial predictive modelling of benthic habitat within the Fair Isle DR MPA to identify potential PMF habitat distribution in 2023/24. In the summer of 2024, the UHI vessel Moder Dy was used to carry out hydroacoustic and drop-down video surveys, refining the model and collecting benthic biotope data for the region. The initial predictive models were subsequently updated, and species distribution modelling for PMF species was conducted.
Project Staff
Field team:
- Dr. Rebecca Giesler
- Joe Macdonald
- Geoff Young
Project Publications and Outputs
Project Publications and Outputs
Riley, T.G. & Shucksmith, R (2025). Benthic habitat distribution within the Fair Isle Demonstration and Research Marine Protected Area. Shetland UHI report. (In Prep)
Riley, T.G. & Shucksmith, R (2025). Habitat suitability modelling for Priority Marine Feature (PMF) species within the Fair Isle Demonstration and Research Marine Protected Area. Shetland UHI report. (In Prep)
Riley, T. G (2024). Fair Isle Benthic Survey 2024 – Cruise Report. UHI Shetland report. p10.
Riley, T.G., Shucksmith, R & Mouat, B (2024). Distribution modelling of the benthic habitats within the Fair Isle Demonstration and Research Marine Protected Area. UHI Shetland report. p36