European Ocean Biodiversity Information System

Muddy sand macrobenthic communities were monitored five times a year at the "Rivière de Morlaix" site. Macrofauna were sampled using a Smith McIntyre grab covering a surface of 0.1 m2. Ten replicates are collected at each sampling date. After collection, the sediment was sieved (1 mm circular mesh) and the retained material was fixed with 10% neutralised formalin prior to analysis in the lab. In the laboratory, organisms were sorted, identified to species level and stored in a 70% ethanol solution. The parameters which are measured are: (1) total and specific abundances, (2) specific richness.