The present investigation was conducted in a series of eight cruises, which took place over the period 1980-1985. The surveys were carried out in the spring and early summer to provide some consistency in sampling. The position of the station was determined by satellite navigation and their depth and bottom topography were recorded using the ship's echo sounder. At each station sediment were collected using a 0.1 m**2 top-opening Smith-McIntyre grab.