Laboratory Processing of Benthic Core Samples

The core sample was poured through a 0.5 mm mesh sieve under a fume hood with a sieve of smaller mesh size placed below the 0.5 mm sieve to retain any organisms rinsed from the sample. Vegetation was untangled using forceps and each piece rinsed. After vegetation was removed, the sieves were examined for organisms, which were transferred to the sample vial. The core sample were then examined under a dissecting microscope and animals removed and placed in the sample vial. Organisms were maintained in ETOH for long-term storage.