ISO 16665:2005 provides guidelines on the quantitative collection and processing of subtidal soft-bottom macrofaunal samples in marine waters.

ISO 16665:2005 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.

ISO 16665:2005 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; 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.