Benthic regions within the North Sea

During five annual ground fish surveys of the North Sea, all the benthic invertebrates trawled at 48 primary stations were recorded. The data were subjected to classification analysis, which showed a basic division between northern and southern North Sea benthos. The southern North Sea was further divided into three benthic regions, and the northern North Sea into four benthic regions (including one to the west of Shetland). The factors influencing the faunal assemblages in the various regions were discussed.