In 2014 EMBOS has carried out the EPP to test the feasibility of a standardized methodology for the sustained observation of macro-benthos of the hard- and soft substrate, and of plankton in the pelagial. The procedures for the sampling of the different habitats have been developed during a number of workshops (Riga, October 2013; Oristano, February, 2014) and resulted procedures for the sampling of: the following habitats:
- The hardsubstrate (rocky shores and groynes)
- The soft sediment substrate
- The soft sediment substrate of lagoons
- The pelagial
Several procedures for the post processing an analyses of the (sediment) samples have been produced as well.
Some figures about the first tryout:
27 participating institutes ; 16 different countries involved; 41 different locations sampled, of which 15 for the hard substrate; 12 for the soft substrate; 7 for the soft substrate in the lagoon; and 11 for the pelagial; resulting in more than 8000 species-abundance records. In 2015 the results of the first sampling have been analysed during two workshops held at HCMR Crete.
You can find an overview of the sampled locations in a table or a map.
In 2015, 21 persons/institutes proceeded with the second sampling.
At the final meeting held at Helgoland (Germany) September 2015, with the signing of a Letter of Intent, the EMBOS Pilot Project evolved in the EMBOS Sampling Programme that will facilitate the sustained observation of Marine Biodiversity of coastal areas at a pan-European scale on a yearly base. For now the data will be only available for participants of the EMBOS Sampling programme.
If you want to join EMBOS, please contact Herman Hummel (herman.hummelatnioz.nl).