European Ocean Biodiversity Information System

Three expeditions were performed in the framework of ANDEEP (ANtarctic benthic DEEP-sea biodiversity, colonisation history and recent community patterns) in order to understand the deep-sea biodiversity patterns of the Southern Ocean (SO) benthos and to investigate faunal connections with other deep-sea areas in the world oceans. Epibenthic sledge samples were taken mainly in the Atlantic sector of the SO (Drake Passage along the Shackleton Fracture Zone, off Elephant Island, in the South Shetland Islands area, in the north-western Weddell Sea, and at the South Sandwich Islands), but also two stations in each Bellingshausen Sea and Cape Basin (outside the Polar Front).