standardization of environmental data and information - International ...

types of nodules, using the following equipment and techniques
(as recommended by the Sanya Workshop):
?? Megafauna: photographic transects;
?? Macrofauna (less than 250 microns): box cores;
?? Meiofauna (250-32 µm): cores;
?? Microbial biomass: adenosine triphosphate assay;
?? Nodule fauna: selected nodules on top of box cores;
?? Demersal scavengers: time-lapse camera during at least
one year.
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Assess benthic, benthopelagic, mesopelagic and bathypelagic
communities;
Analyse trace metals in dominant species;
Record sightings of marine mammals, identifying the relevant
species and behaviour;
Evaluate temporal variations.
2.6. Bioturbation
- Objective: determine the natural activity and its variability to assess
the effects of the activities (mostly from the bottom plume).
- Requirement: gather data on the mixing of sediments by organisms.
- Measurement: profiles of excess Pb-210 activity from cores.
2.7. Sedimentation
- Objective: determine the natural activity and its variability to assess
the effects of the activities (mostly from the mid-water plume rather
than any surface plume, since the discharge is likely to occur further
down the water column);
- Requirement: measure the particulate flux by sediment traps on a
mooring line.
43 INTERNATIONAL SEABED AUTHORITY