French benthic invertebrates composition and abundance taxa data are collected during REBENT monitoring surveys on the English Channel / Bay of Biscay coasts and during RSLFAU monitoring surveys on Mediterranean coast. Protocols are implemented in the Water Framework Directive.

French Zostera Marina and Zostera Noltei abundance data are collected during REBENT monitoring surveys on the English Channel / Bay of Biscay coasts. Protocols are implemented in the Water Framework Directive.

<p>Opportunistic macroalgae blooms (green tides) data are collected during monitoring surveys on the English Channel / Bay of Biscay French coasts since 2008 (Quadrige program code : BLOOMS). Protocols are implemented in the European Water Framework Directive.</p>

Posidonia oceanica meadows data are collected in Mediterranean sea, in particular for the implementation of the Water Framework Directive.

A requirement of the Water Framework Directive is that benthic macro-invertebrates must be sampled from coastal and transitional waters at least twice within a river basin cycle (6 years) in order to classify these waterbodies. Numerous samples will be taken from sites in matched habitats throughout the water body. Sampling and analysis is carried out according to established protocols. The Directive requires the sampling of nominated coastal and transitional waters for benthic macro-invertebrates. This includes the field sampling, processing and analysis of samples. In addition, grab samples have been taken on vessels of opportunity and are considered suitable to fulfill obligations under the WFD. For each grab sample collected this dataset contains: - lists and abundance of benthic species >1mm, -sediment particle size analysis (PSA), -Folk (1954) sediment classification, and an estimate of organic matter (LOI).