Sunday 5 February 2012

Submarine structures

We've continued to survey North St Georges Channel rMCZ using grab samples and camera tows. It was interesting to investigate an area of MDAC (methane-derived authigenic carbonate). This habitat is formed when gases leak from the seabed and it supports a diversity of marine life by providing a hard substrate compared to surrounding loose sediment. The area of MDAC which we surveyed was within the boundary of Croker Carbonate Slabs which is a possible SAC that has been identified for the Annex I habitat 'submarine structures made by leaking gases'.

Section of MDAC supporting Dead man's fingers