This project saw enhancement of data on Shetland’s marine habitats through three sub-projects:
1) Biotope coding; where 12 reports, of which 8 contain PMFs were entered in GEMS/Marine Recorder.
2) Conducting baseline surveys in potential novel restoration areas for seagrass or native oysters. The completed surveys included 20 mapped crofter’s wig beds, 19 oyster records, two mussel beds, one Ruppia maritima record and three potential restoration area surveys, which confirmed absence of historic seagrass and oyster records.
3) To increase future survey capacity six staff members and volunteers were trained up with paddleboard qualification ‘SUP Sheltered Water Award’ and ‘SUP Safety Award’.
In 2025 SMEEF was able to provide a grant of £32,203 to support this work using resources from the Nature Restoration Fund.