A novel use of Stereo Baited Remote Underwater Video and Drop-Down Video for biodiversity and marine landscape mapping and prediction

PLOS ONE | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0319355 April 3, 2025 4 / 23 PLOS ONE Marine landscape and biodiversity mapping using SBRUVs and DDV additional dive surveys conducted by the Community Of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST) and Seasearch data in order to identify MPA “search features” before the designation of the MPA. This map was then used to support decisions on management zones within the MPA (Figs 1 and 2) [51]. Fishing activities of various types are permitted within the South Arran MPA, but since the MPAs designation, fishing management restrictions have been implemented that limit certain activities. These fisheries management measures comprise a core area of the MPA where trawling, dredging, and otter trawls are prohibited (TND); an outer region further from shore where dredging and trawling are prohibited (BT); several areas where only passive gear Fig 1. The South Arran Nature Conservation MPA features when designated. Colours indicate the known substrata prior to designation, most of which are designated “features” intended to be conserved or restored. Zoomed out map shows the position of South Arran relative to the UK [52]. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0319355.g001