For this reason, redox at >40 mm sediment-depth can be used as a single-point metric of the “overall [redox] level down the sediment column” thus allowing between-sample comparisons (Pearson and Stanley, 1979) within a linear modelling framework. Redox is normally measured remotely in situ (e.g. using a benthic lander) or in sediment cores that have been collected remotely,

or by hand, and returned to the surface for analysis. In situ measurements have the advantage that they do not disturb the sediment compared with coring ( Viollier et al., 2003) but are disadvantaged in heterogeneous (stony) sediments where the delicate probes are vulnerable to breakage, and where very high spatial accuracy is required. Taking cores, using a remotely deployed coring device, is both time consuming and of limited spatial accuracy (∼1 m) but this latter disadvantage can

be overcome selleck using divers. However, using divers to collect and return cores to the surface for redox analysis, is relatively time-consuming and, consequently, costly. Over the last ten years there has been increasing concern about the likely impacts of the development of the marine renewables industry with urgent calls for additional research (reviewed in Boehlert and Gill, 2010, Gill, 2005, Inger et al., 2009, Lin and Yu, 2012, Shields et al., 2011 and Wilhelmsson et al., 2010) particularly in relation to likely the biodiversity consequences of such a major alteration of the marine EPZ015666 mw environment. In addition, within the European Community and under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) Descriptor 7.1 and 7.2, there is a requirement for member states to achieve and maintain ‘good environmental status’ and to ensure that their marine activities (e.g. offshore construction) does not adversely affect marine ecosystems by altering hydrographic conditions (European Commission, 2008). There is also interest in the potential positive benefits of offshore structures, in relation to crustacean fisheries, through habitat creation (Langhamer et al., 2010 and Linley

et al., 2007). Crevice obligate species, such as lobsters, often show a preference for the interface between hard substrata and soft sediments as this allows the Carbohydrate construction of bespoke burrows that are protected from above (Howard and Bennett, 1979). Understanding the mechanisms behind change occurring within this boundary area is, therefore, crucial in predicting the likely fishery consequences of the expanding marine renewable energy sector. This research was conducted on the Loch Linnhe Artificial Reef (LLR) complex which is one of the largest of its kind in Europe (6230 t in total). The LLR is a purpose-built research facility, designed to address how man-made structures perform across a gradient of marine environments. The Loch Linnhe Reef most closely resembles the scour protection material (‘rip-rap’) that may be placed around the bases of turbines or along cable runs (Miller et al., 2013).