Inverness44 IV3 SEX Group f · 2019. 4. 25. · IV3 SEX e. info@fishvetgroup. com Group Scotland UK w. w . fishvetgroup. com f Benthic Report 2 1. Introduction 2 2. Methodology 2

Fish Vet Group tel. + 44 ( 0) 1463 717774

2. 1 Physico- chemical

22 Carsegate Rd fax. + 44 ( 0) 1463 717775 FishVetInverness44

3

2. 1. 3 Carbon Loss on Ignition ( LOI)

IV3 SEX e. info@fishvetgroup. com GroupScotland UK w. w . fishvetgroup. com f

Benthic Report 2

1. Introduction 2

2. Methodology 22. 1 Physico- chemical 2

2. 1. 1 Sediment descriptive information 2

2. 1. 2 Particle Size Analysis ( PSA) 3

2. 1. 3 Carbon Loss on Ignition ( LOI) 3

2. 2. Benthic Macrofauna 3

3. Results & Discussion 3

3. 1 Physico- chemical 3

3. 1. 1 Sediment descriptive information 3

3. 1. 2 Particle Size Analysis ( PSA) 4

3. 1. 3 Carbon Loss on Ignition ( LOI) 5

3. 2 Benthic Macrofauna 5

3. 2. 1 Univariate Analyses 6

3. 2. 2 Multivariate Analyses 10

4. Conclusions 12

5. References 13

Ardyne: Extended Baseline Survey 1Survey date: 07 & 12 November 2018

FVG Ltd trading as Fish Vet Group Company Registration No 267850 Scotland VAT No. 100 1348 86

Benthic Report

1, Introduction

An Extended Baseline benthic survey of a proposed fish farm development atArdyne, Argyll & Bute was conducted on the Tb and 121" November 2018, inaccordance with the protocols specified in the SEPA Fish Farm Manual ( 1998). Staff

of Scottish Salmon Company., conducted the sampling survey.

Document 3. Site Map shows the locations of the sampled stations and Table 1 ofData Sheets 4 and 5 detail the station coordinates.

2. Methodology

Sediment samples were collected from 12 stations using a 0.045m2 van Veen grab. Transect direction ran South from the existing group cage edge ( 0m) spanning adistance of 800m. Reference stations are located to the South of the site (Ref 1) and

to the North ( Ref 2). Position fixing was achieved using GPS.


2. 1. 1 Sediment descriptive information

A visual assessment of the sediment sample in each grab was made prior to sample

processing. The colour and texture of the sediment was noted, along with thepresence or absence of food or Beggiatoa mats and any indication of outgassing orpresence of hydrogen sulphide.

Ardyne: Extended Baseline SurveySurvey date: 07 & 12 November 2018

FVG Ltd trading as Fish Vet Group Company Registration No: 267850 Scotland VAT No. 100 1348 86

b ry

CE Om, at the South cage edge of the existing group

50m 50m from CE on a bearing of 179°T

loom 100m from CE on a bearing of 1797

200m 200m from CE on a bearing of 1797


400m 400m from CE on a bearing of 179° T





Ref 1 Reference station, 1. 18km on a bearing of 166° T from CE

Ref 2 Reference station, 1. 19km on a bearing of 3527 from CE



A visual assessment of the sediment sample in each grab was made prior to sample

processing. The colour and texture of the sediment was noted, along with thepresence or absence of food or Beggiatoa mats and any indication of outgassing orpresence of hydrogen sulphide.



2. 1. 2 Particle Size Analysis ( PSA)

At each station, using a separate grab sample, a 150ml sub -sample of sediment wascollected from the sample surface ( 0- 2cm). These samples were stored in plastic

pots and later frozen to await analysis. Particle size analysis was carried out by drysieving at Peatfield Scientific Ltd., Banchory.


At each station, a 100ml sub -sample of sediment was collected from the surface ( 0-

2cm) of a separate single grab sample. On return to the laboratory, the sampleswere stored frozen to await analysis. Carbon analysis was carried out at Peatfield

Scientific Ltd., Banchory, using Loss on Ignition ( LOI) at 4500C.

2.2. Benthic Macrofauna

Sediment samples were taken according to the SEPA protocol ( SEPA 2008) usingstandard techniques ( Holme & McIntyre 1971). Each sample was processed

separately. Samples taken for macrofaunal analysis were sieved through a 1mmsieve on site and the retained fauna and sieve material was transferred to 1 litreplastic containers and fixed with a borax buffered formalin ( 40% formaldehyde)

solution. This solution was then diluted with seawater by 2- 3 times to give a 15- 20% formaldehyde solution. Samples were allowed to fix for a minimum of 24 hours. On

transfer to the laboratory the samples were rinsed, transferred to trays, themacrofauna removed and stored in vials containing 70% IMS. Macrofauna wasidentified to the lowest taxonomic level possible.

3. Results & Discussion



Descriptions of the sediment samples are summarised in Table 2 of Data Sheets 4and 5.

Average percentage grab fill was 50% at CE ( 0m), 100% at all other transect

stations, Ref 1 and Ref 2.

Depths have been corrected to chart datum: CE ( 0m) shows a depth of 39. 0m, with

depth along the transect ( from 50m to 800m) ranging from 39.8-43. 1m. Referencestations are shallower; 33. 9m at Ref 1, 37. 4m at Ref 2.

Sediment at CE ( 0m) is described as grey mud and stone with a mediumconsistency; 50m as soft, grey mud. Stations from 100m to 800m, Ref 1 and Ref 2are soft sandy mud; brown at 100m, light brown elsewhere.

No smell, outgassing, fungus, food, faeces or organic waste overlying the sedimentwas noted at any station. The condition of the sediment at all stations is within SEPA2006 quality standards.

Ardyne: Extended Baseline Survey 3

survey date: 07 & 12 November 2018


3. 1. 2 Particle Size Analysis ( PSA)

Sample particle size proportions are given in Table 5 of Data Sheets 4 and 5, Document 6 ( for PSA Report) and are summarised in the table and graph below:

100%

90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

IVKPe

Silt & Clay

Sand

Gravel

Sediment composition at all stations is a mix of sand and silt clay; sandiest at CE, thetransect stations nearest the cages and at both reference stations, finer at the 200- 800m stations. A small amount of gravel is present at CE and 50m.

Particle size analysis shows that composition at CE is 68% sand, 29% silt clay and4% gravel. 50m and 100m are slightly finer; 58% and 59% sand, 41% and 40% siltclay and with 1 % gravel at 50m. Sediment at the 200m - 800m stations is similar andfiner; 55- 65% silt, 35- 44% sand and < 1% gravel. Ref 1 and Ref 2 are similar in

Atdyne: Extended Baseline Survey 4

Survey date: 07 & 12 November 2018


GravelSand (%)

Silt & Clay Folk Sediment

Classification

CE 3. 9 67. 6 28. 5 Mud and sandy mud50m 1. 3 57. 9 40. 8 Mud and sandy mudloom 0. 6 59. 2 40. 1 Mud and sandy mud

200m 0.0 35. 3 64. 7 Mud and sandy mud

300m1 0.0 42. 5 57. 5 Mud and sandy mud

400m 0. 2 44.3 55. 4 Mud and sandy mud50om 0. 0 39. 5 60. 5 Mud and sandy mud600m 0. 0 41. 2 58. 8 Mud and sandy mud700m 0. 0 37. 9 62. 1 Mud and sandy mudBoom 0. 0 37. 3 62. 7 Mud and sandy mudRef 1 0. 6 68. 4 31. 0 Mud and sandy mud

Ref 2 0.2 75. 2 24. 6 Mud and sandy mud

100%

90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

IVKPe

Silt & Clay

Sand

Gravel

Sediment composition at all stations is a mix of sand and silt clay; sandiest at CE, thetransect stations nearest the cages and at both reference stations, finer at the 200-

800m stations. A small amount of gravel is present at CE and 50m.

Particle size analysis shows that composition at CE is 68% sand, 29% silt clay and4% gravel. 50m and 100m are slightly finer; 58% and 59% sand, 41% and 40% silt

clay and with 1 % gravel at 50m. Sediment at the 200m - 800m stations is similar andfiner; 55- 65% silt, 35- 44% sand and < 1% gravel. Ref 1 and Ref 2 are similar in

Atdyne: Extended Baseline Survey 4



composition to CE, comprising mainly sand ( 68% and 75%), some silt clay ( 31 % and25%), but < 1 % gravel.

The simplified classification of the Folk triangle for UK SeaMap ( Long 2006) classesall stations as' mud and sandy mud'.


Percentage carbon LOI results are given in Table 4 of Data Sheets 4 and 5, and areshown below.

Station CE ( 0m) 50m loom 200m 300m 400m

Carbon LOI(%) 12. 08 8. 84 5. 73 5. 29 6. 3 6. 46

Station 50om 600m 700m 800m Ref 1 Ref 2

Carbon LOI (%) 6. 52 7. 28 7. 38 8. 02 3. 13 1. 73

The carbon LOI values at CE and 50m are highest ( 12. 08% and 8. 84%), with values

of 5.29-8.02% across the 100m -800m stations, and lower values at Ref 1 ( 3. 13%) and Ref 2 ( 1. 73%).

3.2 Benthic Macrofauna

The variation in benthic macrofauna between sampling stations is largely determinedby the changes in the physical and chemical characteristics of the sediment (Pearson

Rosenberg 1978). Opportunistic species such as Capitella sp., Nematoda sp. andMalacoceros fuliginosus dominate enriched sediments often found under fish cages

and at cage edge. The presence of Beggiatoa mats ( sulphide oxidising bacteria); restricted species lists and elevated abundances of a few species are often indicators

of poor sediment quality and highly anoxic conditions. Variations in particle size willalso affect the composition of the benthic community.

The species -abundance matrices are given in Sheet 6. Species Abundance Matrix.

Where abundance of commonly occurring, species is greater than 200 individualsand has been estimated this is shown in bold. To establish relationships between the

macrofaunal species composition, temporally at each sampling station, themacrofauna data was examined using a combination of univariate and multivariateanalyses. These analyses were obtained by using the PRIMER ( Plymouth RoutinesIn Multivariate Ecological Research) statistical package. Replicate samples werepooled for each station therefore Univariate results reflect the results for an area of 3x 0. 045 ( 0. 135m2).

Anlyne: Extended Baseline Surveysurvey date: 07 & 12 November 2018


3.2. 1 Univariate Analyses

Univariate measures, i. e. species abundance, richness, diversity and evenness of thebenthic faunal communities, can be used as indicators of sediment health ( Pielou1984). The results of the univariate analysis ( Biological Indices and ITI scores) are

presented in Table 6 of Data Sheets 4 and 5. The following faunal indices werederived for each station.

Number of species or taxa ( S) - Most useful where samples are of very similar

volume and less so if sample volumes are very different. Low numbers may bean indication of a polluted environment.

Number of Individuals/Abundance ( N) - Equally, only useful if sample volumes

are very similar. Enrichment may lead to elevated abundances.

Magalef s Species Richness Index ( d) - An index of the species present for a

given number of individuals. The index value tends to be higher where there is

less environmental stress.

Shannon Wiener Diversity Index ( J) - A combined index of species richness

and evenness; it measures the degree of difficulty in predicting the identity of thenext animal in the sample. Where the number of species is high and the

abundance of each species is relatively even the index will be higher.

Pielou' s Evenness Index ( H' Log2) - Expresses evenness of distribution of

individuals for each species found. The index value is higher where the

abundance of each species is similar, low where one species dominates.

Infaunal Trophic Index ( ITI) ( Codling & Ashley 1992, Word 1990). Calculationof the ITI qualifies the ecology or habits of the taxa found. This index helps todescribe pollution gradients from sewerage and industrial discharges on the

basis of the taxa present. Unlike the previous indices, ITI uses information on

the feeding methods of the various species found. Each species or taxa isallocated to one of four Trophic Groups (Groups) listed below, based on the type

and source of the food it consumes:

Trophic group Feeding Method

Group 1 Suspension feeders

Group 2 Surface detritus feeders

Group 3 Surface deposit feeders

Group 4 Sub surface deposit feeders

The formula for the derivation of the ITI is as follows, where Ni, N2, N3 and N4 are thenumber of animals in Groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. ITI values range from 0 to100.

ITI = 100 — [33. 3 {( N2 + 2N3 + 3N4) / ( Ni + N2 + N3 + N4))]

Ardyne: Extended Baseline survey 6



Composition of the macrobenthic community will change with nutrient availability. Anincrease in nutrient input will result in a reduction in the proportion of filter feeders

and an increase in deposit feeders and will alter the ITI value. Filter feeders such as

Fabulina spp., are allocated to Group 1 and therefore score highly. Group 4 mainlycomprises deposit feeders, characteristic of organic pollution, such as Capitella sp., and their presence in high numbers will result in a reduction in the index value. The

theory is that an increase in sediment nutrients changes environmental conditions toa situation where lower T Group species will thrive and dominate.

If only organic deposit feeders are present, the index score is close to zero, wheremore environmentally sensitive species dominate the score is significantly higher. ITIonly gives a rough indication of pollution status but the following guidelines areproposed.

ITI Pollution status

60- 100 Community normal30- 60 Community changed

30 Community degraded

Faunal analysis results for each sample station are given in the following table:

Sample

Station

Number

of

species

S)

Abundance

N)

Margalef' s

Species

Richness

d)

Pielou' s

Evenness

J')

Shannon-

Wiener

H')

Log 2

No of

Enrichment

Polychaete

EP)

species

Densityof EPs

mz)

ITI

CE 18 236 3. 11 0. 64 2. 68 2 593 10. 84

50m 22 229 3. 86 0.62 2.75 2 726 14. 77

loom 35 478 5. 51 0.66 3.39 2 15 56. 00

200m 30 176 5.61 0.66 3.23 2 15 57. 96

300m 21 107 4.28 0. 78 3. 43 0 0 55. 14

400m 25 123 4. 99 0. 75 3. 50 2 15 56. 83

500m 19 107 3. 85 0. 71 3.03 0 0 56. 51

600m 17 113 3.38 0.79 3.24 0 0 66. 97

700m 16 129 3. 09 0. 80 3. 21 0 0 65. 38

800m 23 325 3. 80 0. 67 3.01 1 15 66. 26

Ref 1 33 154 6.35 0. 82 4. 14 1 7 63. 60

Ref 2 43 204 1 7. 90 0. 71 3. 88 3 30 73. 07


Yl


The top 3 species within each sampling station, ranked according to abundance, areprovided in the table below:

Station Ranked Top 3 Predominant Trophic Abundance of totalSpecies Group abundance

1. Nematoda (> 1cm) 4 92 39

CE 2. Capitella sp. 4 41 18

3. Malacoceros fuliginosus 4 39 17

1. Capitella sp. 4 95 41

Som 2. Nematoda (> 1cm) 4 60 26

3. Lagis koreni 3 17 7

1. Scalibregma inflatum 2 136 28

loom 2. Kurtiella bidentata 2 77 16

3. Mediomastus fragilis 3 60 13


2. Lagis koreni 3 18 10200m

3. = Pholoe baltica 3 10 6

Kurtiella bidentata 2 10 6


300m 2. Nucula nitidosa 3 15 14

3. Abra alba 2 10 9


400m 2. Abra alba 2 25 20

3. Nucula nitidosa 3 13 11


500m 2. Abra alba 2 22 21


1. Kurtiella bidentata 2 32 29

600m 2. Amphiura filiformis 1 24 21


1. Amphiura filiformis 1 28 22

700m 2. Kurtiella bidentata 2 27 21



800m 2. Kurtiella bidentata 2 82 25



Ref 1 2. Amphiura chiajei 2 20 13

3. Kurtiella bidentata 2 17 11


2• Abra nitida 2 19 9Ref 2

3. = Thyasira flexuosa 3 12 6

Kurtiella bidentata 2 12 6

Ardyne: Extended Baseline Survey ZS



The faunal analysis results from the ten transect stations show generally low speciesnumbers and moderate to low abundance, with correspondingly low Richnessscores. Reference stations record moderate species numbers and abundance andachieve the highest Richness and Shannon Wiener index values.

There is evidence of some environmental impact at CE and 50m where enrichment

tolerant species dominate and the ITI scores indicate degraded communities.

The more distant transect stations ( 100m -800m) show little evidence of enrichment:

enrichment tolerant polychaetes are absent or present in extremely low numbers, and Shannon Wiener values are good (> 3). ITI scores place the 100m -500m

communities in the upper part of the ' changed' category, and the communities at600- 800m on the transect in the ' normal' category alongside Ref 1 and Ref 2.

Reference Stations

Ref 1 and Ref 2 record 33 and 43 species respectively, with lower abundance at Ref1 ( 154) than Ref 2 ( 204). Richness value is correspondingly lower for Ref 1 ( 6. 35) than Ref 2 ( 7. 90), however Shannon Wiener and Evenness values are higher for Ref1 ( 4. 14 and 0. 82) than Ref 2 ( 3. 88 and 0. 71). Echinoderm Amphiura flliformis is topranking at both stations, contributing 16% of total abundance at Ref 1, 37% at Ref 2, With Amphiura chiajei ranked second at Ref 1 ( 13%), bivalve Abra nitida at Ref 29%), and bivalve Kurtiella bidentata ranked third at both stations ( 11 % and 6%).

Transect Stations

CE and the 50m station record low species numbers ( 18 and 22 respectively) andsimilar abundance ( 236 and 229), with Richness correspondingly low ( average

3.49). Enrichment tolerant species dominate composition; nematodes contributing39% and 26% of total abundance respectively at CE and 50m, enrichmentpolychaete ( EP) Capitella sp., 18% and 41%, with EP Malacoceros fuliginosus

ranked third at CE ( 17%), Group 3 polychaete Lagis koreni third at 50m ( 7%). Thisis reflected in the lowest Shannon Wiener (- 2.72) and Evenness (- 0. 63) values.

The 100m and 200m stations record wider species lists ( 35 and 30) which compare

more favourably to reference numbers. Richness ( average - 5.56) and ShannonWiener (average - 3.31) values improve, however Evenness remains low (0.66). Themore distant transect stations, 300- 800m, record low species numbers ( 16-25) and

generally low abundance ( 107- 129); higher at 800m ( 325). Richness ranges from

3.09-4.99, Shannon Wiener values from 3.01- 3.50, and Evenness 0.67-0. 80.

Faunal composition shows some similarities in top ranking species across thetransect stations; polychaete Scalibregma inflatum is top ranking at 100m -500m ( 28- 47%), and is ranked third at 700m and 800m ( 15% and 17%), mollusc Nuculanitidosa is ranked second or third at 300- 600m ( 9- 15%), mollusc Abra alba at 300- 500m( 9-21%). In common with the reference stations, A. rtiiformis is high ranking at600-800m ( 21- 26%), K. bidentata contributing 21- 29%.

Species of Interest

Various stations record low numbers of Mytilus edulis ( PMF as beds).

Single specimens of Artica icelandica Quv) were recorded at 100m and Ref 1.

Ardyne: Extended Baseline Survey 9Survey date: 07 R 12 November 2018


Enrichment Polychaetes & ITI Scores

Organic enrichment polychaete density is elevated at CE ( 593/ m2) and 50m ( 726/ m2) and, with Group 4 species making up 83% and 71% of total abundance, ITI scores

are low ( 10. 84 and 14. 77) classing both communities as ' degraded'.

EPs are either absent or present at an extremely low density ( 15/m2) at the remainingtransect stations, comparing well to densities of 7/ m2 and 30/ m2 at Ref 1 and Ref 2.

ITI scores for the 100m -500m stations of 55. 14- 57. 96 place the communities in the

upper part of the ' changed' category, with scores of 65. 38- 66. 97 placing the 600- 800m stations in the ' normal' category, mid- range between Ref 1 ( 63.60) and Ref 273. 07).

3. 2. 2 Multivariate Analyses

Bray CurtisThe results of the Bray Curtis Similarity analysis carried out on the macrofaunal dataare given in Document 5. This shows grouping according to the similarities inspecies composition between the sampling stations.

At 50% similarity the stations form four groups: The more distant transect stations ( 300-800m) grouped at > 57% similarity,

and sharing 52% similarity with Ref 1A pairing of the 100m and 200m stations, where species number is highest onthe transect, paired at 55%

Ref 2, the sandier reference station, standing alone, having split from theabove groups at 38%

A pairing of the enriched stations, CE and 50m, at 54%, which shares little

21%) similarity with any other station.

Ardyne: Extended Baseline surveysurvey date: 07 & 12 November 2018

10


Ordination ( MDS)

The results of the ordination analysis are given as a two- dimensional plot in

Document 5. The axes represent the most significant trends shown in the speciesdata.

L

Superimposed groups at 50% similarity confirm the results of the Bray Curtissimilarity analysis. The stress level ( 0. 05) corresponds to a good ordination with noreal prospect of misinterpretation.

The enriched stations, CE and 50m, are remote from all other stations ascomposition is dissimilar

The 100m and 200m stations, where species lists are wider, are a short

distance from the more distant transect stations which share some similaritiesin composition

Ref 1 shares some trends with the more distant transect stations ( 300- 800m)

Ref 2, the sandier reference station, is more distant from the majority oftransect stations than Ref 1


11

FVG Ltd trading as Fish Vet Group Company Registration No 267850 Scotland VAT No. 100 1348 86

Conclusions

Summary of Benthic Survey ResultsSediment is classed as ' mud and sandy mud' at all stations, with the coarsest, greysediment found at transect start cage edge CE(Om) and 50m, stations further from

the existing cage group and at the reference stations light brown in colour. CarbonLOI results are moderate at CE and 50m, lower at the more distant transect stations

and lowest at the reference stations.

The faunal analysis results from the ten transect stations show generally low speciesnumbers and moderate to low abundance, with correspondingly low Richnessscores. Reference stations record moderate species numbers and abundance and

achieve the highest Richness and Shannon Wiener index values.

There is evidence of some environmental impact at CE and 50m where enrichment

tolerant species dominate and the ITI scores indicate degraded communities. Themore distant transect stations ( 100m -800m) show little evidence of enrichment:

enrichment tolerant polychaetes are absent or present in extremely low numbers, and Shannon Wiener values are good (> 3). Faunal composition, particularly at themore distant transect stations, shares similarities with Ref 1 where sediment

composition is most similar. ITI scores place the 100m -500m communities in the

upper part of the ' changed' category, and the communities at 600- 800m in thenormal' category alongside Ref 1 and Ref 2.


12


5. References

Codling, I. D., Ashley, S. J., 1992. Development of a biotic index for the assessmentof pollution status of marine benthic communities. Final report to SNIFFER and

NRA. NR3102/ 1 or Water Research Council Report No. SR 2995, Marlow, Bucks

SI -7 2HD, UK.

Holm and McIntyre, N. A. & McIntyre, A.D. 1971 Methods for the study of marinebenthos. IBP handbook No 16, Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford. 334pp

Pearson, T. H. and Rosenberg, R ( 1978) Macrobenthic succession in relation toorganic enrichment and pollution of the marine environment. Oceanography andMarine Biology Annual review, 16, 229- 311

Pielou, E. C. 1984. The interpretation of ecological data. John Wiley & Sons, NewYork. 263pp

SEPA (2006). Regulation and monitoring of marine cage fish farming in Scotland — aprocedures manual. Annex A, A1. 3. 3 Sediment quality.

SEPA (2008). Regulation and monitoring of marine cage fish farming in Scotland — aprocedures manual.

Word. 1990. The Infaunal Trophic Index, a functional approach to benthic communityanalysis. PhD thesis. University of Washington, 97pp


FVG Ltd trading as Fish Vet Group Company Registration No 267850 Scotland

13

VAT No. 100 1348 86

Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO,USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, OrdnanceSurvey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, ©OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community

208000

208000

209000

209000

210000

210000669000669000670000670000¯ 00.

5KilometersLegend Current meterlocation Existing

Documents

Inverness44 IV3 SEX Group f · 2019. 4. 25. · IV3 SEX e. info@fishvetgroup. com Group Scotland UK w. w . fishvetgroup. com f Benthic Report 2 1. Introduction 2 2. Methodology 2