Glossary

Term	Definition
Assay	An investigative procedure in a laboratory to analyse a sample medium for the content of a target species or species group; different assays target different organismal groups (e.g. fish, marine mammals, metazoans/invertebrates or bacteria).
Cryptic	Species that are rarely recorded, or present in low numbers or very specific conditions.
Physico-chemistry	Term to describe physical and chemical analytical parameters collectively, typically including Particle Size Analysis, Total Organic Carbon, Heavy and Trace Metals and Hydrocarbons, and others, where applicable.
Taxonomy	Classification scheme for organisms, based on physical identification.

Acronyms

Acronym	Description
DNA	Deoxyribonucleic Acid
eDNA	Environmental DNA
EIA	Environmental Impact Assessment
INNS	Invasive and Non-Native Species
MD-LOT	Marine Directorate – Licensing Operations Team
MPA	Marine Protected Areas
MSS	Marine Scotland Science
Ossian OWFL	Ossian Offshore Wind Farm Limited
PMF	Priority Marine Feature
PCR	Polymerase Chain Reaction
PSA	Particle Size Analysis
SoW	Scope of Work