Benthos monitoring in the marine environment

Benthos is the flora and fauna found on the bottom, or in the bottom sediments, in the marine environment. Data geographic coverage includes Ireland coastline; Irish Sea, Celtic Sea, Saint Georges Channel and North Atlantic Ocean. Benthos monitoring surveys have taken place from 2002 onwards. Data collected using a range of benthos samplers used from Marine Institute research vessel RV Celtic Voyager and a number of different vessels. The seafloor is a very suitable indicator of stresses on the marine environment and can act as an early warning system. These stresses can originate from natural and/or anthropogenic sources. The condition of the seafloor (physical, chemical and biological) has been shown to modify in response to external influences. For example, organic matter falling to the seafloor may increase oxygen demand in the vicinity and stress and/or kill organisms located therein. Benthos monitoring therefore is a good indicator of the condition of the bottom of the marine environment. The Marine Environment and Food Safety Services (MEFSS) Benthos Ecology Group of the Marine Institute (Ireland) has been responsible for the review and assessment of existing and proposed activities that may have an influence on the marine environment and benthos monitoring has been used in reporting under the Water Framework Directive and Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Data collection 100% coverage for the surveys completed since 2002.