There is a wide range of tools you can use for research. From simple set of sieves up to high-tech satellites or underwater robots, depending what kind of data is needed.

This means that there are two ways of gaining it: direct and indirect. The first one often requires strength, fitness and patience. The second is more about understanding the technology that is used. Direct way of collecting samples starts with the preparation of the tool. You should check the mechanisms and then just use it. When it is back, after taking out the material or getting data that is needed the tool, no matter if it is for example: bongo net, giant box corer or pH-meter, should be cleaned. Collected material should be put in a specially prepared container with all the necessary data written on it.

No matter how great is your memory it is a very good idea to write at least a station number before you actually start sampling. This is not only saving your time, but is also less stressful. All measurements should be written down as fast as it is possible for the same reasons.

No matter what type of tools we are using, parameters like the volume of filtered water or the operational area are needed to be known. With that background you can distinguish quantitative and qualitative data easily.

Gaining data by indirect means is like taking a picture. Depending on different cameras (tools), exposure (time) and filters (parameters), you can get different photos (measurements). It is a very useful type of tools for large scale and long term observations.

There is also another difference between this two types of research. Indirect data can be saved on the computer, while directly collected samples need to be preserved in the various way.