This International Standard provides guidelines on the quantitative collection and processing of subtidal soft-bottom macrofaunal samples in marine waters. This International Standard encompasses:  development of the sampling programme;  requirements for sampling equipment;  sampling and sample treatment in the field;  sorting and species identification;  storage of collected and processed material. This International Standard does not specifically address the following, although some elements may be applicable:  bioassay sub-sampling;  deep water (> 750 m) or offshore sampling;  in situ faunal studies, e.g. recolonisation assays;  nonbenthic organisms caught in the sampling device;  estuarine sampling;  intertidal sampling;  meiofaunal sampling and analysis [3]; sampling by dredge and sledge;  Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA) sampling;  statistical design. Accuracy of position fixing is determined by the geographical area, equipment used and survey objective.