standardization of environmental data and information - International ...

information for consideration and acceptance by the Authority, after a
follow-up meeting to finalize these protocols.
The key tasks to be addressed are:
1. To categorize parameters into critical, important and regular;
2. To identify indicator parameters for impact assessment and
monitoring;
3. To define protocols for sampling, subsampling, storage and
analyses;
4. To define the acceptable limits of impact for each parameter;
5. To decide the contents of environmental statements required
from each contractor; and
6. To specify the format for data archival.
ANNEX: PROTOCOLS FOR DATA COLLECTION
The guidelines for the assessment of the environmental impacts
from the exploration for polymetallic nodules in the Area, recommended by
the 1998 ISA Workshop held in Sanya, China, state the following with
respect to data collection and analysis 11 :
“… Collection and analytical techniques must follow best
practices such as those developed by the Intergovernmental
Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and
available at World Data Centres and Responsible National
Oceanographic Data Centres, or those established or
recommended by the Authority…”
Selected IOC manuals and guides are listed in appendix A to the Sanya
Workshop’s report.
IOC manuals and guides for suggested protocols, as well as those
adopted or recommended by scientists working on environmental impact
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INTERNATIONAL SEABED AUTHORITY