A comparison of benthic biodiversity in the North Sea, English Channel and Celtic Seas. Epifauna trawl sampling 1992-1996 dataset https://portal.medin.org.uk/portal/start.php?tpc=009_CEFAS6be9866e-dc0a-4e57-9f6c-de7bff72793c Comparison dataset of Animalia in the North Sea, the English Channel and the Celtic Sea. Samples were obtained by MAFF research vessels from 69 stations between 1992-1996. A 2-m Lowestoft beam trawl with a 3 mm cod-end liner was deployed for 5–10 min across each station at a speed of about 0.5 m/s. Data includes information of the species found at each station. The start and end of the haul positions were recorded. Tow length averaged about 400 m, but varied substantially (s.d.=290) depending on tidal current velocity and wind strength at the time of sampling. On retrieval of the trawl, an estimate of sample volume was made, along with a summary of the contents, noting especially the presence of stones, rock, etc. The sample was then sorted on deck over a 5 mm mesh sieve. 20200703 20200604