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. . titative sampling devices. A special field method that warrants a brief notation is scuba (Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus). Scuba enables the biolo- gist to observe, first hand, conditions that other- wise could be described only from sediment chemical, physical, and biological samples take~ with various surface-operated equipment. Equip- ment modified from standard sampling equip- ment or prefabricated, installed, and/or operated by scuba divers has proven very valuable in as- sessing the environmental conditions where sur- face sampling gear was inadequate. Underwater photography presents visual evidence of existing conditions and permits the monitoring of long- term changes in an aquatic environment. * By utilizing such underwater habitats as Tektite and Sublimnos, biologists can observe, collect, and analyze samples without leaving the aquatic environment. Scuba is a very effective tool available to the aquatic biologist, and methods incorporating scuba should be con- sidered for use in situations where equipment operated at the surface does not provide suffi- cient information. *B~aidech, T.E., P.E. Gehring, and C.O. Kleveno. Biological studles related to oxygen depletion and nutrient regeneration processes in the Lake Erie Basin. Project Hypo-Canada Centre for Inland Waters, Paper No.6, U. S. Environmental Protection Agency Technical Report TS05-71-208-24, February 1972. SAFETY The hazards associated with work on or near water require special consideration. Personnel should not be assigned to duty alone in boats, and should be competent in the use of boating equipment (courses are offered by the U. S. Coast Guard). Field training should also include instructions on the proper rigging and handling of biological sampling gear. Life preservers Uacket type work vests) should be worn at all times when on or near deep water. Boats should have air-tight or foam-filled com- partments for flotation and be equipped with fire extinguishers, running lights, oars, and anchor. The use of inflatable plastic or rubber boats is discouraged. All boat trailers should have two rear running and stop lights and turn signals and a license plate illuminator. Trailers 80 inches (wheel to wheel) or more wide should be equipped with amber marker lights on the front and rear of the frame on both sides. Laboratories should be provided with fire extinguishers, fume hoods, and eye fountains. Safety glasses should be worn when mixing dangerous chemicals and preservatives. A copy of the EPA Safety Manual is available from the Office of Administration, Washington, D.C. ix