Habitat signature catalogue: Belgian part of the North Sea
Van Lancker, V.R.M.; Du Four, I.; Papili, S.; Verfaillie, E.; Schelfaut, K.; Rabaut, M.; Degraer, S. (2007). Habitat signature catalogue: Belgian part of the North Sea. Belgian Science Policy: Brussel. 27 pp.
The Habitat Signature catalogue has been set-up in accordance with a European need for a better visibility of existing seafloor imagery. With 'signature', any record is meant that demonstrates a particular characteristic of a habitat feature, ideally with a biological connotation. Through the MESH project ('Mapping European Seabed Habitats'), a compilation was made on the scale of the NW European seas and its results can be consulted on-line. The present publication comprises the Belgian contribution; however with additional examples and more sitespecific information. Focus is on subtidal acoustic imagery, acquired using very-high resolution side-scan sonar and multibeam technology. With the catalogue, it is aimed at providing existing knowledge of the seabed to a wider community: from the professional surveyor up to the public at large. Each signature comprises its geographic location, the type of technique and, where possible, its interpretation in terms of the physical and biological nature of the seabed. The catalogue does not comprise imagery of wrecks.
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