Littoral Benthos of the Northern Baltic Sea. I. Introduction

Abstract

Abstract The background and the aims of the Finnish IBP‐PM programme are discussed. The research programme is outlined, with special reference to the study of the littoral communities. The research areas (Tvärminne, 59°50′N, 23°15′N and Krunnit, 65°25′N, 24°50′E) are briefly described. The sampling programme, the sampling methods, the treatment of the samples and the gross structure of the collected material are presented.