THE INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHIC SCIENCES BIOLOGY PROGRAM IN THE PORCUPINE SEABIGHT - BACKGROUND AND GENERAL INTRODUCTION

An intensive investigation of the benthic biology of the Porcupine Seabight, to the south-west of Ireland, was carried out by biologists from the Institute of Oceanographic Sciences Deacon Laboratory (IOSDL) between 1977 and 1986. More than 400 benthic samples were obtained during the study using towed gears and corers over the depth range 200 to 4500 m. Transect and time-lapse photography was used extensively. This paper summarises the techniques employed and provides an analysis of the depth and seasonal coverage. In addition a review is provided of available data on the physical, chemical and geological characteristics of the Porcupine Seabight area, including information collected during the IOSDL study. Finally, existing publications based on the study are listed.