Part B - Technical instructions 
17 
Table 1.2: Video survey of epifauna, macrophytes and habitat structure. 
Baseline study 
Objectives 
Description of epifauna and habitat structure as well as investigation of potential exis 
tence of macrophyte benthos in the event of heterogeneous habitat structure of the 
project area. 
Scope 
Once a year in autumn. In the first year of the baseline study, description of seasonal 
conditions in the project area requires investigations in spring and in autumn. 
Use of underwater video only in the event of heterogeneous habitat structure. 
Timing 
At least two consecutive complete seasonal cycles prior to the start of construction. 
Method 
5 video transects of about 15 min. duration with a drift velocity of max. 1 knot shall 
be carried out in the project area. Geographic positioning of the transect must be 
documented. The video surveys should be made using a camera (compliant with 
DIN EN 16260, investigation type “Preliminary Study”), with each picture showing the 
station number, GPS data, date, and water depth. 
The seasons are defined as follows: Spring: 01.03.-15.05./Autumn: 15.08.-15.11. 
Presenta 
tion of 
results 
Description of epifauna, macrophyte benthos and habitat structure by exemplary illus 
tration of: 
• Abundance/frequency of rocks, shell banks etc. 
• Frequency of epifauna (cover percentage). 
• Traces/dwellings of infauna (e.g. Lanice tubes). 
• Abundance/frequency of macrophytes (according to HELCOM guidelines “Monito 
ring of phytobenthic plant and animal communities”). 
• Visible disturbances of the sediment surface (e. g. caused by fishing). 
• The submitted video has to be a representative cut of the individual transects and 
potentially occurring peculiarities.