WFD Benthos Sampling and Analysis

Tender description

A requirement of the Water Framework Directive is that benthic macro-invertebrates must be sampled from nominated coastal and transitional waters at least twice within a river basin cycle (6 years) in order to classify these waterbodies. Numerous samples will be taken from sites in matched habitats throughout the waterbody. Sampling and analysis will be carried out according to established protocols (see below). The methodology and procedures used to sample benthic infauna are primarily dictated by the goal of the programme in question. Given the costs associated with sampling in the field it is imperative that all samples are acquired in a fashion that makes the output from separate sampling events comparable. As a consequence, to ensure comparability and consistency in sampling, the same procedure must be employed for all sampling programmes and locations. In order to ensure adequate classification of habitats and communities within any one waterbody it is necessary to acquire a replicate number of grab samples from a water body. A detailed methodology is provided in Appendix 1 “Methodology for Benthic Samples” and the successful tenderer must conduct all sample collection, sediment analysis and reporting in full compliance (or equivalent) with all elements of this methodology, including those elements relating to Reporting and Quality Assurance.