INEXPENSIVE, EASY-TO-CONSTRUCT SUCTION GORING DEVICES USABLE FROM SMALL BOATS

Collection of sediment cores in depths of 1-5 m is difficult with trad itional sampling gear, Here we describe three suction coring devices c onstructed with readily available plumbing supplies and parts easily m ade from acrylic plastic and silicone sealant, The samplers have been used successfully in sediments ranging from coarse sands and shell has h to muds, highly organic deposits, and dense clays, Successful applic ations have ranged from contaminants analysis, toxicity testing, seagr ass mapping, and assessment of sediment-microfloral interactions to sa mpling the infauna of surf-swept beaches.