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Community Analysis
| BEQUALM/NMBAQC
Scheme
The community structure analysis component of BEQUALM will be developed and taken forward by the UK National Marine Biological Analytical Quality Control Scheme (NMBAQC), essentially extending this existing QA/QC scheme into Europe. The European programme started in 2003. Full details of the UK NMBAQC scheme can be found at www.nmbaqcs.org. Overview of NMBAQC A national scheme for benthic community AQC was initiated in 1994, focussing upon biological determinands relating to the UK National Marine Monitoring Programme (NMMP), namely taxonomy, specimen enumeration, biomass determination and sediment particle size analysis. Whilst initially aimed at addressing problems within laboratories contributing to the NMMP, other marine laboratories/contractors, recognising the value of such a scheme, have also joined. Current membership stands at 22, comprising UK Government agency laboratories and some contractors. The annual programme is flexible and agreed by the NMBAQC Committee each year. The scheme organises and operates a suite of exercises including intercalibration exercises (ring-tests), 'own sample' analysis, sediment particle size methodology, biomass estimation and regularly holds workshops on sampling techniques, data comparison and taxonomy. |
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This allows objective scrutiny of achievement and 'flagging' of the data (e.g. excellent, good, acceptable, poor, fail), primarily for those labs participating in the NMMP. Clearly the value of participation is not in just in passing or failing but in improving taxonomic skills and laboratory techniques.
Participants receive interim reports after completion of each component and a summary annual report. Participation is by fee payment for all or selected components of the scheme.
BEQUALM/NMBAQC
Programme Of Events 2004/05
