standardization of environmental data and information - International ...

Each of these sampling strategies would provide baseline information
on the spatial and temporal variation within polymetallic nodule communities,
and allow us to identify environmental correlates of spatial and temporal
variation in community structure. However, they would not allow us to test
statistically for impacts when mining begins. If these general baseline studies
are undertaken, additional sampling programmes will be necessary to test for
impacts before mining. The only advantage to these more general sampling
programmes is that they may be used to better design a sampling programme
to specifically test for an impact. In addition, several other crucial pieces of
information would be useful for deciding exactly how to sample abyssal
communities to quantify any impact. These were outlined by Smith 12 and
include experiments to identify (1) dose responses to sedimentation, (2)
chronic disturbance effects, (3) recovery rates from disturbances similar to
mining operations, (4) levels of bioturbation and (5) dispersal of a sediment
plume from a full-scale mining operation. It might be in the best interest of the
International Seabed Authority and the countries that have claim areas to
undertake jointly a very detailed study of a mining operation in one area, which
could then be used to develop sampling and monitoring strategies in other
areas. This could potentially save millions of dollars in unnecessary studies
and sampling programmes. In the absence of this information, the only
alternatives are outlined above.
PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY ON GENERAL SAMPLING DESIGN FOR
BASELINE STUDIES
Dr. Ron Etter began his presentation by stating that, when asked to talk
about this topic, he had been under the impression that the purpose was to
establish a baseline such that an impact could be identified if it occurred.
Through the Workshop’s discussions, however, he had come to realise that at
least some people believed that the intention was to obtain a better
understanding of the benthic communities. Both approaches were valid and
he hoped that the sampling design he would propose would accomplish both
aims, although the design could be optimised to meet the requirements of
each in a better way. He would describe a sampling design that would make it
possible to identify an impact of mining. The first step must be to recognise
some of the challenges of identifying an impact in the deep sea.
437 INTERNATIONAL SEABED AUTHORITY