Dataset Details - Water Framework Directive (WFD) Benthos Monitoring (Ireland) 2012 - ongoing
A requirement of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) is that benthic macro-invertebrates must be sampled from coastal and transitional waters at least twice within a river basin cycle (6 years) in order to classify these waterbodies. Numerous samples will be taken from sites in matched habitats throughout the water body. Sampling and analysis is carried out according to established protocols. The Directive requires the monitoring of nominated coastal and transitional waters for benthic macro-invertebrates. This includes the field sampling, processing and analysis of samples. In addition, grab samples have been taken on vessels of opportunity and are considered suitable to fulfill obligations under the WFD. For each grab sample collected this dataset contains: lists and abundance of benthic species >1mm, sediment particle size analysis (PSA), and an estimate of organic matter (LOI). Benthic macro-invertebrates monitoring in transitional and coastal waters under the Water Framework Directive in association with the Environmental Protection Agency
14/01/2026
14/01/2026
A requirement of the Water Framework Directive (WFD)
Field Sampling
Irish waters
2012 - present
N/A
Ongoing
Direct data link: https://erddap.marine.ie/erddap/info/wfd_benthic/index.html
Restricted (Data can be viewed on the mapping system but is not available for download)
Marine Institute, Water Framework Directive (WFD) Benthos Monitoring (Ireland) 2012 - ongoing, National Biodiversity Data Centre, Ireland, accessed 15 January 2026, https://maps.biodiversityireland.ie/Dataset/440
N/A
Dataset species distribution
Terrestrial Map - 10km
Terrestrial Map - 10km
Distribution of the number of species recorded within each 10km grid square (ITM).Marine Map - 50Km
Marine Map - 50Km
Distribution of the number of species recorded within each 50km grid square (WGS84).Dataset record distribution
Terrestrial Map - 10km
Terrestrial Map - 10km
Distribution of the number of records within each 10km grid square (ITM).Marine Map - 50Km
Marine Map - 50Km
Distribution of the number of records within each 50km grid square (WGS84).Dataset Contacts
Dave Wall
National Biodiversity Data Centre, SETU West Campus, Waterford
+353 51 306240
Records per year
Species per year
Date Statistics
| Resolution | No. records |
|---|---|
| Day | 92168 |
2012
2024
Record Statistics
92168
73
1819
0
| Resolution | No. records |
|---|---|
| 100m | 92168 |
| 1km | 0 |
| 2km | 0 |
| 10km | 0 |
| 50km | 0 |
Dataset Attributes
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| dynamicProperties | A list of additional measurements, facts, characteristics, or assertions about the record. Meant to provide a mechanism for structured content. |
| dynamicPropertiesContinued | A list of additional measurements, facts, characteristics, or assertions about the record. Meant to provide a mechanism for structured content. |
Recorded Species
| TaxonId | PrefnameTaxonId | Name | Authority | Group | Rank | Records |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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