Fladen Ground

Fladen Ground is an area in the Scottish sector of the North Sea, between Scotland and Norway, about 100 miles (160 km) northeast of Aberdeen.[1] The Fair Isle current and East Shetland Islands Atlantic inflow form an eddy, creating a weak, anti-clockwise rotating vortex that is evidenced in the surface form of the seabed.[1][2] Due to stratification of the water column in the summer months, seasonal variation of the temperature in deep water is low (5.7–8 °C, 42–46 °F).[1] Average water depth is in the range of 100–150 m (330–490 ft; 55–82 fathoms), and the mostly muddy sea floor has been created by incoming sediments from the surrounding sea areas.[1][3] The dominant benthic animals are polychaetes and shellfish and other seafoods are common.[1]

Map of the North Sea, showing the location of the Fladen Ground.

Fladen Ground is rich in oil and natural gas and offers good fishing.[4][5] Scottish vessels catch low-fat fish species, and Norway lobster. Danish and English vessels catch Northern prawn.[6]

Nature Conservation Marine Protected Area
Central Fladen MPA(NC)
The Central Fladden MPA (circled in red), shown within Scottish waters.
LocationNorth Sea, Scotland
Area925 km2 (357 sq mi)[7]
DesignationScottish Government
Established2014
OperatorMarine Scotland

In 2014 92,500 hectares (925 km2) of the Fladen Ground was declared a Nature Conservation Marine Protected Area under the title Central Fladen MPA(NC).[7]

See also

Dogger Bank for links to similar places

Notes
  1. Witbaard, Rob (1996). "Growth Variations in Arctica Islanda L. (Mollusca): a reflection of hydrography-related food supply" (PDF). ICES Journal of Marine Science. doi:10.1006/jmsc.1996.0122.
  2. Athena Field Development, p 61
  3. Athena Field Development, p 60
  4. Athena Field Development, p 7
  5. Athena Field Development, p 68
  6. Athena Field Development, p 84
  7. "Central Fladen MPA(NC)". Scottish Natural Heritage. Retrieved 30 August 2019.

References

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