Fladen experimental fishing impact recovery data - Particle size analysis

Particle size distribution, Folk, European Nature Information System (EUNIS) and Broadscale habitat classifications identified from 0.1m2 Day Grab samples of the seabed, with associated station information. Particle size distribution samples were collected using a 0.1m2 Day Grab at sampling stations located within six experimental boxes (three treatments and three control) during a fishing impact recovery survey within the Fladen Grounds. Data were collected at three time points (before impact (time 0), immediately after impact (time 1) and 8 months after impact (time 2) during two research surveys on the RV Cefas Endeavour in April 2015 and November 2015. Day grab samples were collected from within a 50m radius around each target location. On recovery of the grab, sample depth was measured to ensure the sample was of minimum size (5cm). A scoop of approximately 0.5 litre was collected from the Day grab sample, frozen on board and returned to the laboratory for analysis. A separate Day Grab sample was collected for benthic macrofauna. Sediment samples were processed for Particle Size Analysis by Cefas following the recommended methodology of the North East Atlantic Marine Biological Analytical Quality Control scheme. The less than 1 mm sediment fraction was analysed using laser diffraction and the greater than 1 mm fraction was dried, sieved and weighed at 0.5 phi (?) intervals. Sediment distribution data were merged and used to classify samples into sedimentary broadscale habitats.