Outer Humber Regional Environmental Characterisation (REC) Project - Survey, Analysis & Reporting
- Reference:
- REC 08/03
- Organisation:
- British Geological Survey, Guardline Environmental Ltd, Marine Ecological Surveys Ltd, and Birmingham University
- Amount Funded:
- IRO £2m
- Status:
- Current
The aim of the Humber Regional Environmental Characterisation
(REC) Project is to provide integrated broadscale seabed maps for
an extensive area of 11,000 square kilometres offshore of the
Humber in order to support the sustainable management of offshore
resources. The habitat maps will be based on an inter-disciplinary
approach, integrating legacy geological, geophysical and biological
data and interpretations with new surveys using modern
high-resolution geophysical systems, ground-truthed by seabed
sampling and video.
The research will build on the existing data for the Region to
better define: a) the distribution of marine habitats and certain
species, b) determine sedimentary characteristics, and c)
characterise archaeological features and deposits, in areas
vulnerable to the impacts of marine aggregate extraction and other
offshore activities (e.g. fishing and windfarm developments)
through the production of broadscale seabed maps. In addition, the
programme will also include a significant archaeological component
because of the recognised significance of the area in Mesolithic
landscape evolution, further information is required to better
understand palaeolandscapes exploited by our hominid ancestors
(living in now submerged 'Doggerland). The programme will also
record and map more recent human impacts preserved as dredge
tracks, trawl marks and discarded material. The correlations
identified between the physical environment and biology will be
tested by modelling.