Thirty-three lagoons in mainland Scotland and the Inner Hebrides were studied as part of this programme, with field surveys undertaken in 1994 and 1995. The studies included field surveys of the shores (if tidal) and the subtidal zone of each lagoon to describe their habitats and communities (together referred to as biotopes) and to assess their natural heritage importance. Comparable data from other organisations or previous studies have been added and the data analysed to classify the biotopes present. Information on the designated conservation sites and main human influences in the lagoons has also been compiled.