Sampler bias in the quantitative study of deep-sea meiobenthos

• Published in: Marine ecology. Progress series (Halstenbek) Vol. 104; no. 1/2; pp. 197 - 203
• Main Authors: Bett, B. J., Vanreusel, A., Vincx, M., Soltwedel, T., Pfannkuche, O., Lambshead, P. J. D., Gooday, A. J., Ferrero, T., Dinet, A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Inter-Research 01-01-1994
• Subjects: Data sampling; Density estimation; Fauna; Linear regression; Marine; Nematodes; Sampling bias; Seas; Sediments; Taxa; Water depth
• ISSN: 0171-8630; 1616-1599
• DOI: 10.3354/meps104197

The influence of sampler type on quantitative estimates of deep-sea meiobenthos is examined by an indirect statistical comparison of box corer and multiple corer samples collected throughout the northeast Atlantic, and by a direct comparison of contemporaneously collected multiple corer and box corer samples from a single abyssal location. The data strongly support the suggestion that the greater down-wash/bow wave associated with box corers results in displacement of surface sediments and any superficial detritus layer together with their associated fauna. Total metazoan meiobenthos density estimates from box corer samples are about half those from corresponding multiple corer samples. Sampler type may also influence the faunal composition of both the metazoan and protozoan components of the meiobenthos.