Researchers conduct laser-mapping of seabeds using towed sled and Savante's underwater laser profiler

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15 March 2017

In the United Kingdom Sabellaria marine worms and their reef habitats receive a "UKBAP” conservation priority status. These naturally-occurring reefs are found on lower rocky, exposed sea-shores and are abundant on the south and west coastlines with isolated records from the south-east and eastern coasts. Sabellaria fabricate elaborate and delicate tube structures from fresh sand and their reefs can be found up to several meters in size. They also support the habitats of other shore-dwelling species such as anemones, snails, shore crabs and seaweeds such as sea lettuce.

Sabellaria reefs are sensitive to environmental factors such as storms, severe cold or man-made influences such as the construction of sea defences, changes to seabed surface currents, water-borne pollution and trampling by people or fishing trawler equipment. Understanding the condition and dynamics of Sabellaria reefs is therefore of particular interest to the environmental science community but presents a significant technical and practical measurement challenge.

more [source: Savante Subsea Lasers]