Does grab size influence sampled macrofauna composition? A test conducted on deep-sea communities in the northeast Atlantic

Børge Holte,Lene Buhl-Mortensen

doi:10.1016/j.marenvres.2019.104867

Børge Holte, Lene Buhl-Mortensen

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2019.104867

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Abstract

In deep-sea surveys, heavy gears are often preferred to effectively collect macro benthos while smaller samplers are sufficient in coastal and shallow areas. However, there are few comparative studies of the samples retained and results gained from different-sized grabs. To study the differences in sampling properties between a small (sampling area of 0.1 m2) and a large (0.25 m2) van Veen grab, 1 m2 of seafloor was sampled with each of the grab sizes at four test sites in the Barents- and Norwegian Sea; one inside a fjord and three offshore, across a depth range of 287–963 m. Overall, the small and large grab collected a comparable number of species and individuals: 248 and 233 species, and 6074 and 6143 individuals, respectively. The large grab retrieved the most species at the deepest location while the small grab collected more species at the other test sites. Based on internationally recommended 0.5 m2 sampling units, a variation in the total species richness per test site of 7–13% was found while the diversity indices (ES100 and H′) varied by less than 10%. Independent of grab size, a cluster and nMDS analysis showed four clearly separated sample-groups that correspond to the four test stations although the multivariate dispersion was consistently higher for the small grab. A SIMPROF test showed no grab size-dependent differences. ANOSIM and PERMANOVA tests showed differences between grab sizes for the deepest station, where a similar difference occurred also between samples of the same grab size. This station displayed the least faunal heterogeneity, indicating that faunal patchiness may influence any grab-size differences. The results indicate that the two van Veen grabs tested deliver comparable quantitative faunal compositions. For the small grab, however, numerous samples were rejected due to poor performance, resulting in increased sampling time, ship costs and a suggested biased sampling towards less heterogeneous sediments at the fjord site.

Highlights

Quantitative sediment community composition is often used to document and monitor anthropogenic-derived environmental change in polluted marine areas
The large grab retrieved the most species at the deepest location while the small grab collected more species at the other test sites
Independent of grab size, a cluster and nMDS analysis showed four clearly separated sample-groups that correspond to the four test stations the multivariate dispersion was consistently higher for the small grab

Summary

Introduction

Quantitative sediment community composition is often used to document and monitor anthropogenic-derived environmental change in polluted marine areas (reviewed in Gray and Elliot, 2009). Diversity indices, community structure, indicator species and various multivariate analyses are among the most recommended assessment techniques being used as a background for remedial action that may contribute towards reversing anthropogenic impacts (Gray and Elliot, 2009; ISO, 2013; OSPAR, 2012; Norwegian Environment Agency, 2015; HELCOM, 2017; Noble-James et al, 2018). The recommended methods used in offshore environmental monitoring are largely focused upon sampling gears that most often work successfully at shelf depths, such as 0.1 m2 grabs or boxcorers, and 3–5 replicates per locality (station) (e.g. ISO, 2013; Norwegian Environment Agency, 2015; Eggleton et al, 2017; HELCOM, 2017; Przeslawski et al, 2018).

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