Benthic Macrofauna Biodiversity in the North Sea and Adjacent Seas, 1992-1994

A dataset from the UK Government Digital Service details samples of benthic macrofauna collected from MAFF research vessels. Samples were taken at 25 intermediate and offshore stations around the English and Welsh coastlines between 1992 and 1994. The dataset details the infauna present at each sampling station.

Use Cases

• Analyzing spatial biodiversity patterns based on sampling station locations around the English and Welsh coastlines.
• Comparing benthic community composition across the North Sea, English Channel, and Celtic Seas based on the regional scope.
• Studying temporal changes in infauna populations based on the 1992-1994 sampling period.
• Modeling species distribution in relation to sediment characteristics based on the described grab sampling methodology.

Strengths

• Spatial coverage includes 25 distinct sampling stations around the English and Welsh coastlines.
• Temporal coverage spans three years from 1992 to 1994.
• Standardized sampling methodology using a 0.1m2 Day grab and DGPS positioning.

Limitations

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

Provenance

Source

Government Digital Service

Collection Method

Samples collected from MAFF research vessels using a 0.1m2 Day grab, with five replicates per station within a 100m range ring.

Time Range

1992-1994

Freshness

Data collection ended in 1994; the dataset is historical.

Geography

25 stations around the English and Welsh coastlines in the North Sea, English Channel, and Celtic Seas.