scope:

This International Standard provides guidelines on the quantitative collection and processing of subtidal soft-bottom macrofaunal samples in marine waters.

This International Standard encompasses:

a) development of the sampling programme;

b) requirements for sampling equipment;

c) sampling and sample treatment in the field;

d) sorting and species identification;

e) storage of collected and processed material.

This International Standard does not specifically address the following, although some elements may be applicable:

- bioassay sub-sampling;

- deep water (>750 m) or offshore sampling;

- in situ faunal studies, e.g. recolonization assays;

- non-benthic organisms caught in the sampling device;

- estuarine sampling;

- intertidal sampling;

- meiofaunal sampling and analysis (see Reference [9]);

- sampling by dredge and sledge;

- self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) sampling;

- statistical design.

Accuracy of position fixing is determined by the geographical area, equipment used and survey objective.