An inexpensive bottom water sampler

An inexpensive PVC bottom water sampler for collecting near-bottom water samples at a precise height (0.5 to 2.0 m) above the water/sediment interface is described. The RCD (Reed, Carmichael, de Angelis) bottom water sampler can be used with a standard oceanographic hydrowinch, can be made of readily available material (PVC pipe), costs under $300.00 to build, can be built in under 24 hours, is completely mechanical, and can be modified to fit specific needs. The RCD bottom water sampler was successfully tested in northern California coastal waters at depths up to 1071 m.