We provide specialist meiofaunal analysis of samples collected
from coastal, estuarine and offshore locations worldwide.
Why Meiofauna?
Meiofauna (also known as meiobenthos) are notoriously difficult to study due to their small size (generally accepted as 30-500 µm) requiring specialist techniques for their extraction and identification. This means they are less readily used as indicators of potential impacts in comparison to the macrobenthos. They do however provide a viable alternative for monitoring impoverished sediments lacking macrobenthic assemblages such as those found in harbours or high energy estuarine areas.
Our benthic taxonomists are trained in both macrobenthic and meiofaunal sample analysis meaning we can offer an analytical solution regardless of the nature of the habitat sampled.
Fit-For Purpose Facilities
All meiofaunal analysis is conducted at our purpose-built laboratory facilities designed to facilitate highly-efficient sample processing and reduced lead times for our clients.
Our meiofaunal data is generated and stored within our cloud-based data management system ‘ABACUS’ that integrates a live link to the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS). This ensures our taxonomists work with the most up to date and authoritative list of species names available in real time. This, alongside access to our extensive collection of taxonomic keys and the efficient sample tracking functionality provided by ABACUS, enables our taxonomists to process high volumes of samples while maintaining the highest quality standards.
