This International Standard provides guidelines on the quantitative collection and processing of subtidal soft-bottom macrofaunal samples in marine waters.
This International Standard encompasses:
-- development of the sampling programme;
-- requirements for sampling equipment;
-- sampling and sample treatment in the field;
-- sorting and species identification;
-- 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. recolonisation assays;
-- nonbenthic organisms caught in the sampling device;
-- estuarine sampling;
-- intertidal sampling;
-- meiofaunal sampling and analysis [3];
-- 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.