A diver-operated electric suction sampler for sympagic (= under-ice) invertebrates

Abstract

The construction and operation of a diver-operated suction sampler for sympagic fauna are described. An interchangeable sampling cylinder with a 0.5 mm sieve connected to a battery driven turbine pump makes it possible to‘vacuum’predetermined areas of the ice under-surface, even if the surface is rugged and perforated by brine channels. Several samples can be obtained during one dive by using different sampling cylinders.