standardization of environmental data and information - International ...

When a participant questioned the need for so many samples, Etter
explained that the statistical device known as power analysis could be used to
determine how much sampling was needed to attain a given level of
probability. For example, if the size of the impact were known in advance,
fewer samples would be required. Such information could be obtained from
dose-response experiments and other measurements.
Dr. Michael A. Rex, the biology professor at the University of
Massachusetts who had spoken earlier of biodiversity, presented a framework
for the contents and functioning of a computerized and integrated ISA
database covering seabed exploration, mining and assessment. Data to be
included would cover such fields as:
o Benthic ecology: sieve size, species identification, number of
individuals per species, sediment depth in box-core samples,
density, biomass, seafloor and megabenthos images;
o Water-column components: conductivity-temperature-depth
profiles, light levels, chlorophyll-a concentration, dissolved oxygen,
nutrient levels, salinity, productivity, pelagic community structure,
observations of marine mammals and seabirds;
o Chemistry and physics: grain size, sediment distribution and mixing
depth, organic and inorganic carbon, trace metals, pore-water
fluids, alkalinity.
Linked to these variables would be basic station data such as when
and where they were gathered, sampling circumstances and the storage
location of samples. In addition to new material, the database should include
information from earlier baseline studies.
The database should be flexible in enabling researchers to retrieve just
the information they needed, and should be usable with existing analytical
tools for statistics, mapping and modeling.
Rex suggested that existing databases created by other organizations,
of which he gave examples, should be examined by those who would develop
the new one. The Authority should establish a team of database managers
who could interact with oceanographers and seabed contractors. It should
consider putting the database on its Web site to make it more widely available.
INTERNATIONAL SEABED AUTHORITY 423