1992 - 1996 Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (Cefas) A comparison of benthic biodiversity in the North Sea, English Channel and Celtic Seas. Epifauna trawl sampling 1992-1996

<span style="display: inline !important; float: none; background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">...</span> Samples were obtained by MAFF research vessels from 69 stations between 1992-1996. A 2-m Lowestoft beam trawl with a 3 mm cod-end liner was deployed for 5–10 min across each station at a speed of about 0.5 m/s. Data includes information of the species found at each station. The start and end of the haul positions were recorded. Tow length averaged about 400 m, but varied substantially (s.d.=290) depending on tidal current velocity and wind strength at the time of sampling. On retrieval of the trawl, an estimate of sample volume was made, along with a summary of the contents, noting especially the presence of stones, rock, etc. The sample was then sorted on deck over a 5 mm mesh sieve.