A vertical transect and a horizontal transect were sampled with an epibenthic sledge in order to scrutinize whether a hypothesized enhanced primary production along the ice edges would reflect upon benthic biomass. Within the peracarid community a total of 14 784 individuals were collected at these locations, while an additional 2425 specimens were sampled at a 500-m station at 79°N. The order Isopoda was the most numerous taxon, followed by the Amphipoda, the Cumacea, the Tanaidacea and the suprabenthic Mysidacea. Interestingly the highest number of individuals was sampled at 1525-depth; however, at about 2680-m depth the number of peracarids collected was still much higher than at comparatively shallower stations. Possible reasons for these findings are discussed.