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standardization of environmental data and information - International ...

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strata), with sampling on a diel basis <strong>and</strong> examining “temporal variability”.<br />

The design <strong>of</strong> this deep-water sampling programme needs much more<br />

specification.<br />

2.4.2.2. Surface water<br />

For surface-water studies, the Workshop recommended that the<br />

plankton community in the upper 200 m be characterized in terms <strong>of</strong><br />

phytoplankton composition, biomass <strong>and</strong> production; zooplankton<br />

composition <strong>and</strong> biomass, <strong>and</strong> bacterioplankton biomass <strong>and</strong> productivity.<br />

In addition, temporal variation in the plankton community in surface waters<br />

should be studied, including use (<strong>and</strong> validation) <strong>of</strong> remote sensing. The<br />

surface-water studies need to be better defined in terms <strong>of</strong> parameters to<br />

be measured <strong>and</strong> sampling design in space <strong>and</strong> time.<br />

2.4.2.3. Marine mammals<br />

As the final component <strong>of</strong> biological community assessment, the<br />

Workshop recommended that observations <strong>of</strong> marine mammals be made<br />

(i.e., sightings <strong>and</strong> behaviours recorded) during baseline studies, in<br />

particular during transits between stations. It also recommended that<br />

temporal variability be assessed. These recommendations need to be more<br />

specific regarding the types <strong>of</strong> <strong>data</strong> to be recorded <strong>and</strong> how temporal<br />

variability should be assessed. I recommend that input be obtained from a<br />

marine mammalogist (e.g., Dr. Douglas DeMaster) on these points.<br />

2.5. Bioturbation<br />

The requirement for baseline evaluation <strong>of</strong> bioturbation, as<br />

recommended by LTC, is as follows (paragraph 8(e)):<br />

“gather <strong>data</strong> <strong>of</strong> the mixing <strong>of</strong> sediment by<br />

organism[s]”.<br />

The Sanya Workshop recommended evaluation <strong>of</strong> bioturbation rates<br />

using excess Pb-210 pr<strong>of</strong>iles from multiple cores. Five replicate pr<strong>of</strong>iles per<br />

station are recommended, each from separate, r<strong>and</strong>omly located multiplecore<br />

lowering. Excess Pb-210 activity should be evaluated on at least five<br />

levels per core (suggested depths 0-1, 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 9-10 <strong>and</strong> 14-15 cm)<br />

<strong>and</strong> mixing intensities evaluated from st<strong>and</strong>ard advection-diffusion models.<br />

The number <strong>of</strong> stations within the claim area at which bioturbation should<br />

63 INTERNATIONAL SEABED AUTHORITY

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