A new method of settling research was worked out in view of the oecological study of the sluice-dock (Bassin de Chasse) at Ostend, in order to determine : 1° The periods of settling of the organisms. 2° The vertical distribution at shallow depths. 3° The different reactions of an organism whilst settling on a more or less overgrown surface. Sticks (small beams) of greenheart wood (120X4X4 cm) are hung in sea water, fastened to beams with plastic rope. Small wooden rectangles (light board of teak) (14,5X4 cm, thickness 1 cm) are used as test surface for settling purposes. This size enables the examination of the settled organisms under a stereoscopic microscope without removing them from their substratum, so that the manner of settling can also be observed. A code of drilled holes shows when the test surfaces were immersed and at what depth. Pieces of plastic hose fastened beforehand to the sticks make it possible to fix the test surfaces quickly and also allow their easy removal and replacement. Twenty-four test-surfaces are fixed to each stick, a total of 1.944 cm² thus being available for settling purposes. To prevent the sticks from rising, a weight of about 2.5 kg is attached to the lower side. The test surfaces are immersed or taken out according to the requirements of the research program.