As with any activity, there is a philosophy that guides the approach, and sampling is no different.  Collecting samples is more than a “fieldtrip” and respite from the office.  The quality of the sample is the foundation of all the analyses and interpretation that follow, and Benthica performs sampling as carefully and thoughtfully as it does a deposition.  Benthica focuses on collecting samples that are representative of the conditions of interest, meet project objectives, and whose quality cannot be impeached in court or the literature.  

There are a number of things that go into collecting a “representative” sample, and it starts with understanding the goals of the project and how the data will be used.  Understanding these enable the sampler to make relevant observations in the field that might refine site selection, sampling methodology, and how the data are interpreted.  The next step of implementing the sampling program, is selecting the equipment, specifying the methodology and developing technique.  Benthica can help prepare your sampling and analytical plans, optimize your equipment and platform, and collect the samples.  If you need a long-term monitoring program, Benthica has set up multi-depth, permanent, solar-powered lake chemistry platforms, as well as semi-permanent suspended solids collectors in rivers and lakes.

Sometimes sending the least expensive "junior" person into the field is not what is most beneficial to the project in the long run.  Benthica is experienced in, and equipped for, sampling water, sediment, soils and biota in nearly every environment of interest.  I have sampled from high-altitude lakes in the Rocky Mountains, to black-smokers 2,700 meters below sea-level in the Pacific Ocean from the Alvin submarine, to industrial sites in Italy, and a lot of what is in between.  Researching metals at ultra-trace levels in Yellowstone NP for 5 years in the 80's was good preparation for mercury clean techniques commonly used in the industry today.   Extensive experience in a broad variety of environments, differing objectives, and a critical eye for details has developed my understanding of what is representative and what is noteworthy in a sample. 
Benthica has two boats dedicated to water and sediment sampling.  One is a 24-foot four-tube pontoon boat with plenty of deck space and a lifting capacity of 3,000 pounds.  The more mobile 18-foot Zodiac with outrigger, pictured to the left,  can be lauched from less developed ramps, but still has a 2,000 pound lifting capacity, and payload of 5,000 pounds.