Abstract
The sampling efficiency of the Smith-McIntyre grab was estimated by comparing data obtained by the grab with those obtained by the USNEL spade corer which is expected to be a more efficient sampling device than the Smith-McIntyre grab. The efficiency depends on the amount of sediment collected, increased to a maximum at around 5l, and decreased when greater quantities were collected. Low efficiencies less than 50% were obtained at a sediment amount of over 15l, which is often the case in muddy bottoms. The reason for this is considered to be due to an unexpected disturbance of sediment during the sampling process of the grab and to the partial loss of the sample while lifting the grab on board. The present results indicate that the quantitative data hitherto available using the Smith-McIntyre grab from various muddy bottoms seriously underestimated the abundance of macrobenthic communities.
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