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2.4. Biological communities
The LTC recommendations for baseline studies of biological
communities are as follows (paragraph 8(d)):
“(i) Gather data on biological communities, taking
samples representative of the variability of bottom
topography, sediment characteristics, and abundance and
types of nodules;
(ii) Collect data on the seafloor communities specifically
relating to megafauna, macrofauna, meiofauna, microbial
biomass, nodule fauna and demersal scavengers;
(iii) Assess benthic, benthopelagic, meso- and
bathypelagic communities;
(iv) Record levels of trace metals found in dominant
species;
(v) Record sightings of marine mammals, identifying the
relevant species and behaviour;
(vi) Establish at least one station to evaluate temporal
variations”.
The Sanya Workshop recommended detailed guidelines for baseline
studies of the seafloor community and the pelagic community. These are
summarized and discussed below.
2.4.1. Seafloor community
For the seafloor community, it is recommended that baseline
biological monitoring include a minimum of four stations (i.e., study sites) in
each claim area, with at least one station surveyed annually for at least
three years (to evaluate interannual variability). At each station, sampling
should be randomised, with key environmental factors such as nodule
coverage, topographic relief and depth incorporated into the sampling
design. A number of more specific recommendations are then made with
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