The NSBS was carried out in 1986 as an activity of the Benthos Ecology Working Group of ICES. Benthic samples were taken in a standardised way, on a regular grid covering the whole of the North Sea, and analysed by scientists from 10 laboratories. Extensive work was done to standardise taxonomy and identifications across the different laboratories. A total of just over 1 000 species were reported from 235 stations. Most research however was focused on macrobenthos, while only limited research was done for meiobenthos.