Modules from and membership to the NE Atlantic Marine Biological Analytical Quality Control Scheme (NMBAQC)

All UK Competent Monitoring Authority laboratories and their contractors undertaking sample analysis for statutory marine monitoring programmes are required to participate within an externally run analytical quality control scheme. The NMBAQC fulfils this role.

The NMBAQC scheme is a quality assurance scheme developed on behalf of the UK competent monitoring authorities (CMAs). Its principal aim is to provide assessment of marine biological data contributing to UK national or European monitoring programmes. The NMBAQC scheme provides a source of external Quality Assurance (QA) for laboratories engaged in the production of marine biological data and supporting data (e.g. sediment particle size analysis).

NRW participates in the following modules; Fish Ring Tests (inc. reverse ring test), Rockyshore Macroalgae Ring Test, Opportunistic Macroalgae Ring Tests, Particle Size Analysis Ring Tests, Particle Size Own Sample Test, Benthic Invertebrate Own Sample and Benthic Invertebrate Laboratory Ring Test in order to participate in these modules and access additional resources on the NMBAQC website, NRW must also become a member of NMBAQC.

NRW participates in these modules to provide quality assurance of our marine and coastal data, collected by carrying out surveys and analysis. These survey and analysis methodologies are assessed to a high national standard by participating in the NMBAQC scheme and provide NRW, and our customers with a high degree of confidence of our data.