Marine microscopic, meiofaunal and interstitial species - ERGA SSP Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)-v0.1

Version 1

This SOP standardises how to collect, extract, document, and preserve marine microscopic/meiofaunal/interstitial animals for genomic research. It covers the full pipeline from pre-collection planning (permits, logistics, safety, vouchering and repository coordination) through field sampling, lab extraction and sorting, identification and imaging, and DNA/RNA preparation via snap-freezing or other preservatives. Because whole specimens are usually consumed for sequencing, the SOP emphasises metadata capture and high-quality diagnostic photo (e-vouchers) cross-linked to biobank/museum accessions and sequence records to support long-term traceability.