Sampling Techniques for the Marine Benthos

The ocean floor is covered by sediments, thus marine benthos is one of the largest single habitats on Earth. Yet, the total area of sediment habitat that has been sampled is infinitesimally small. This is likely because the main method to sample the bottom relies on single point samplers such as grabs and cores. Larger areas are sampled by dragging dredges, sledges, and trawls.