Marine Recorder
This database aims to bring together information on marine species and habitats for the shores and waters off Dorset, from Christchurch to Lyme Regis out to 12 nautical miles.
In June 2000, the Joint Dorset Marine Committee developed a database to form a centralised and electronic record of the marine species and habitats found off the Dorset coast. This has since developed into the Dorset Marine Biodiversity Database, which is housed at Dorset Environmental Records Centre (DERC).
Marine ecological information in Dorset
A wide range of ecological surveys have been undertaken along the shores and in waters off the Dorset coast. The results of these surveys are usually in paper format and are often dispersed throughout the county and beyond. They include surveys by oil companies, ecological consultants, university researchers, local recording groups and records by keen individuals. These records represent the main sources of data about the marine wildlife of Dorset and form an essential resource for supporting decisions on marine management and conservation.
The Dorset Marine Biodiversity Database
This database aims to collate all the dispersed marine species and habitat information for Dorset into a centralised, electronic source. Information is being collated from many different sources covering marine species and habitats for the shores and waters off Dorset, from Christchurch to Lyme Regis out to 12 nautical miles.
How can I access the data?
Data held by DERC is accessible to everyone from students and local residents to local authorities, conservation organisations and consultants. Details of how to do so can be found on the DERC website.
What you can do to help us?
We are extremely keen to hear from organisations, divers, volunteers and marine biologists that hold data for marine species or habitats off Dorset. We would like to include these records on the database to form a more comprehensive dataset on which to base informed decisions and to extend our knowledge of the wildlife offshore.
If you would like to know more about the Dorset Marine Biodiversity Database or would like a data search to be carried out on your behalf, then please contact the Marine Database Officer on 01305 228518 or email derc@dorsetcc.gov.uk
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