Overview

This International Standard provides guidelines on the quantitative collection and processing of subtidal soft-bottom macro faunal samples in marine waters. This standard has been prepared and revised to implement Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament establishing a framework for Community action in the field of marine environmental policy (Marine Strategy Framework Directive) and the Water Framework Directive (WFD), Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy. Analysis of macro faunal communities in soft-bottom sediments is an integral part of marine environmental assessment. The faunal composition, in terms of both the species present and their relative abundance, reflects integrated environmental conditions in the survey area over a period of time. The composition and structure of soft-bottom macro faunal communities therefore can be used to characterize environmental conditions and estimate the extent of environmental impact. Characterization of environmental conditions is usually based on quantitative methods; in this case by relating the numbers of species and individuals captured to a known area of sea floor. For accurate data interpretation, it is essential to add information on the geo-physicochemical characteristics or properties of the water masses and bottom sediments, including nutrients, oxygenation, and redox state where appropriate. For effective data utilization and quality assurance (QA) of the work carried out, it is beneficial and may be essential (depending on the individual survey aims) that surveys be intercomparable temporally, spatially, and between operators. This International Standard contributes to ongoing work on quality of data from soft-bottom macro faunal surveys. These guidelines primarily aim to assist in standardizing monitoring surveys carried out for commercial purposes or in connection with the EU Water Framework Directive. For this reason, detailed specifications are given in areas of consequence for data intercompatibility. Where appropriate, cost-benefit issues have been taken into consideration, and accepted minimal requirements for general environmental impact assessment have been given. The cited minimum requirements for accuracy are not intended to satisfy research needs or to provide a full ecological understanding of a sampling area. Experts concerned with setting up research programmes for soft-bottom macro fauna should consult the guidelines given in reference for decisions on survey design and sampling frequency. This International Standard applies to all areas of the sea floor where it is possible to collect faunal samples by a grab or coring device. For practical reasons, this applies to animals retained on a mesh screen of 0,5 mm or 1 mm aperture size. The sensitivity of the method, here defined as detection of faunal disturbance, change in taxon composition or faunal mapping, is dependent on the type of environmental influences present in the area and on the level of competence or standardization of the personnel. This document (EN ISO 16665:2014) has been prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 147 "Water quality" in collaboration with Technical Committee CEN/TC 230 "Water analysis" the secretariat of which is held by DIN (Germany). The responsible German body involved in its preparation was Working Committee NA 119-01-03-05-06 AK "Biologisch-ökologische Gewässeruntersuchung" ("Biological-ecological water examination") at DIN Water Practice Standards Committee (NAW). With respect to DIN EN ISO 16665:2006-02 this standard has been added and revised.

Document: references other documents

Responsible national committee

NA 119-01-03-05-06 AK - Biological-ecological water examination  

Responsible european committee

CEN/TC 230/WG 2 - Biological methods co-ordination group  

Responsible international committee

ISO/TC 147/SC 5 - Biological methods