Dataset Details - SCANS II Survey Data (2005)
The SCANS II datasets housed at the National Biodiversity Data Centre collectively represent an abbreviated version of a larger Europe-wide SCANS II survey dataset held by the University of St Andrews and partner organisations/agencies contributing to the project which was conducted between 2004-2008. In this, only the following aerial and ship-based cetacean sighting data respectively are held by the National Biodiversity Data Centre: sighting Date, Species, Latitude, Longitude and Comments (where applicable).
23/06/2016
12/09/2016
The data were captured to investigate and estimate with relative accuracy the summer abundance, density and distribution of small cetaceans in western European waters with an emphasis on Harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) and other small toothed cetaceans. The SCANS II project represented a comparable and repeat survey of an earlier transnational survey (SCANS) carried out in the summer of 1994.
These sighting data were captured by experienced trained personnel in fixed wing aircraft as well as aboard large research ships using a Double Platform line transect methodology. Records of cetaceans seen directly by visual observers were logged using on-board computerised recording systems. Data from on-effort sightings (i.e., while undertaking a prescribed survey line or transect) and also off-effort sightings (i.e., while not undertaking a prescribed line/transect) were both captured. All cetacean detections were validated, quality-controlled and their positions determined using established scientific practice.
The dataset held by the National Biodiversity Data Centre consists of records from coastal and marine waters within Ireland's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
28 June - 26 July 2005
A rigorous and structured process of data quality control was performed by the SCANS II survey team, including during the data collection phase, the post-survey phase and the analytical phase prior to final reporting and release of copies of the master datasets to project partners by the lead organisation. Consequently the data quality can be considered as High.
The dataset held by the National Biodiversity Data Centre is a much abbreviated version of the full sighting and effort/environmental data gathered during the SCANS II survey of western European waters. Master copies are held by the University of St Andrews and also University College Cork and the National Parks & Wildlife Service as the Irish partners to the project.
Restricted (Data can be viewed on the mapping system but is not available for download)
Sea Mammal Research Unit, University of St Andrews., SCANS II Survey Data (2005), National Biodiversity Data Centre, Ireland, accessed 21 April 2025, <https://maps.biodiversityireland.ie/Dataset/243>
Dataset species distribution
Terrestrial Map - 10km
Terrestrial Map - 10km
Distribution of the number of species recorded within each 10km grid square (ITM).Marine Map - 50Km
Marine Map - 50Km
Distribution of the number of species recorded within each 50km grid square (WGS84).Dataset record distribution
Terrestrial Map - 10km
Terrestrial Map - 10km
Distribution of the number of records within each 10km grid square (ITM).Marine Map - 50Km
Marine Map - 50Km
Distribution of the number of records within each 50km grid square (WGS84).Dataset Contacts
Professor Philip Hammond
Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife KY16 8LB, UK.
+44 (0)1334 463222
Records per year
Species per year
Date Statistics
| Resolution | No. records |
|---|---|
| Day | 372 |
2005
2005
Record Statistics
372
0
11
0
| Resolution | No. records |
|---|---|
| 100m | 372 |
| 1km | 0 |
| 2km | 0 |
| 10km | 0 |
| 50km | 0 |
Dataset Attributes
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Record comment | A comment associated with any individual record |
Recorded Species
| TaxonId | PrefnameTaxonId | Name | Authority | Group | Rank | Records |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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