In order to maximise uptake, methods in each field manual are usually presented as simple steps. All steps listed are considered essential unless they are clearly marked with brackets and italics as recommended (e.g. Use netsonde or bottom contact sensor to ensure sled or trawl is suitably deployed along the seafloor [Recommended])
The field manual package is designed to be separated into its component chapters representing discrete sampling platforms, as needed. The component chapters themselves fit together into a cohesive whole (Figure 2). For this reason, the package can be downloaded in its entirety as a single pdf, or as standalone chapters representing discrete field manuals (Figure 2). References are listed accordingly at the end of each chapter.
Figure 2: The structure and general contents of the NESP field manual package (version 3) with numbers indicating respective chapters.