Deep-sea benthic sampling

Sampling in the deep sea (200–11,000 m) presents unique challenges to scientists because of the distance to the seafloor from the surface and the high hydrostatic pressures found at depth. While there are a myriad of methods and techniques currently available to sample the deep‐sea floor, described herein are the most common methods, techniques and tools current available. These range from methods of collecting organisms (e.g. trawls, sleds and traps), sampling sediments (e.g. grabs and corers), imaging the seafloor and fauna (e.g. landers, Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs)) and in situ experimentation. Also described are generic sampling operations from modern research vessels including subsea tracking and positioning of gear, and future developments.