Part B - Technical instructions 
21 
Table 1.5: Installation-based grab sampling survey of infauna. 
Operation phase 
Objectives 
Ascertainment of installation-based impacts of operation phase on infauna species 
communities. 
Scope 
Once a year in autumn. 
An installation-based sampling design has to be carried out at two wind turbines, 
subject to the wind farm safety regulations (see study design, fig. 2, p. 43). 
Timing 
In the third and fifth year of the operation phase. 
Method 
Sampling strategy: 
• The sampling dates are to observe the same, limited time frame each year. The 
installation-based surveys shall be carried out together with the area-based infauna 
surveys (see Table 1.3). 
• The seasons are defined as follows: Autumn: 15.08.-15.11. 
• Equipment standard: Modified van Veen grab, 0.1 m z sampling surface, 60-80 kg, 
sieve covered lid, warp-rigged. Grab sampling depth may vary depending on sedi 
ment conditions. Should the grab sampler weight require adaptation to the sedi 
ment structure (e. g. 25-40 kg for muddy/silted sand and 70-100 kg for coarser 
sediments, depending on the grab sampler's starting weight), this must be effected 
in such a manner so as to maintain the comparability of sampling stations with simi 
lar sediment structure. 
• Three parallel samples shall be taken per station. 
• Sieve with 1,000 pm mesh size. In case of large proportion of coarse and medium 
grained sand or gravel, the sample should first be decanted through the sieve and 
rinsed at least five times. This is followed by batch-wise sieving. Fixation of the 
sample in 4 % buffered formalin. 
• Documentation of the sample processing method has to be provided (according 
to ISO/DIS 16665). The condition of the catching device must be documented. 
• Biomass shall be determined as wet weight per species 
(according to ISO/DIS 16665, Annex C). 
Moreover, the following information must be determined and documented: 
• Hydrographic (T, Sal, 0 2 ) and meteorological data. 
Presenta 
tion of 
results 
Documentation of condition and modification by illustration of: 
• Total number of individuals per area/number of individuals per species and area 
(species table). 
• Total biomass per area/biomass per species and area. 
• Dominance structure (related to number of individuals and biomass). 
• Occurrence and distribution of Red List species.