Benthic Epifauna Biodiversity in the North Sea Region, 1992-1996 Trawl Survey

69 sampling stations were surveyed by MAFF research vessels between 1992 and 1996. The dataset compares Animalia biodiversity in the North Sea, English Channel, and Celtic Seas, with samples collected using a 2-m Lowestoft beam trawl. Data includes species found at each station, along with haul positions and sample volume estimates.

Use Cases

• Compare species composition across the North Sea, English Channel, and Celtic Seas based on the regional sampling.
• Analyze the relationship between sampling conditions and tow length variability based on recorded tidal current and wind strength.
• Model species distribution and abundance based on station-level species information.
• Assess the impact of substrate type (e.g., stones, rock) on epifauna communities based on sample content summaries.

Strengths

• Sampling covered 69 stations over a 5-year period (1992-1996), providing temporal depth.
• Standardized collection method using a 2-m Lowestoft beam trawl with a 3 mm cod-end liner.
• Includes geospatial context with recorded start and end haul positions for each tow.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment for large-scale modeling.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.

Provenance

Source

Government Digital Service (likely via MAFF - Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food).

Collection Method

Samples obtained by MAFF research vessels using a standardized beam trawl deployed for 5–10 minutes per station.

Time Range

1992 to 1996

Freshness

Data collection ended in 1996; the dataset is a historical snapshot.

Geography

North Sea, English Channel, Celtic Seas