This introductory assessment of some of the issues is selective and seriously
incomplete – there are many other issues. Its purpose is to identify the sorts of
issues that should be considered when planning any programme of sampling in
marine benthic systems, whatever the issue of concern in the study. Understanding
the themes discussed should, at least, provide warnings about pitfalls and some of
the vocabulary needed to translate a particular study into meaningful questions to
ask statistical advisors.
The problems of pollution, fragmentation and destruction of habitat, over-
harvesting of resources, restoration of degraded habitats, conservation of biodi-
versity, control of introduced species, global warming and rises in sea level, etc.,
are vast and urgent.Never has there been such a need for good scientific understand-
ing and advice about what to do and how, when and where. This science deserves
the best scientific practice, so improving logic, design, analysis and interpretation
of studies is an urgent and ongoing task for marine scientists. Complacency and
unprofessionalism will continue to undermine the role of science and will continue
to slow down the implementation of solutions to currently urgent problems. Getting
designs of sampling right entails getting problems identified and understood and
provides links to valid analysis and interpretation. Improved sampling designs are
the key to improved scientific contributions to social needs.