standardization of environmental data and information - International ...

eference to seven biological categories: (1) megafauna, (2) macrofauna,
(3) meiofauna, (4) microbial biomass, (5) nodule fauna, (6) demersal
scavengers, and (7) trace metals in bentho-, meso- and bathypelagic
organisms.
2.4.1.1. Megafauna
Megafaunal abundance, biomass, species structure and diversity
are to be evaluated using at least five randomly oriented photographic
transects per study site, with each transect at least 1 km long. Individual
photographs should view an area about 2m wide, and be able to resolve
organisms >2 cm in smallest dimension. The photographic transects
should also be used to evaluate the abundance and size distribution of
nodules and surface-sediment structure. Protocols for quantifying the
megafaunal parameters should be specified, for example by citing a
published study whose methods are to be used.
In addition, to characterize large areas of the seafloor within the
claim area, megafaunal surveys should be undertaken within a randomisedblock
design. It is recommended that a “deep-towed photographic system
with side-scan sonar travelling about 3 m above the seafloor be used to give
a general idea of the ecology of the region”. Megafauna, organism traces
and surface-sediment structure should be recorded in these surveys. The
number of blocks and the number and length of surveys per block need to
be specified. For example, it might be suggested that each claim area be
divided into 20 blocks (yielding 7500 km 2 per block for a 150,000 km 2
claim area), and then at least three surveys, each at least 5 km long, be
conducted at random locations within each block. This type of survey is
likely to be compatible with exploration for nodule resources.
2.4.1.2. Macrofauna
Macrofaunal abundance, species structure, biomass, diversity and
depth distribution (suggested depths of 0-1, 1-5 and 5-10 cm) are to be
based on at least ten box-core samples (each 0.25 m 2 in area) per study
area. Cores should be randomly distributed within each study area, and
samples gently processed on nested 500- and 250-µm sieves.
Consideration should be given to standardizing box-core deployment
protocols, because box-core sample quality is very sensitive to bow-wave
effects and horizontal motions over the seafloor. Some criteria concerning
acceptability of a sample may be necessary (a box core with a disturbed
surface is far from quantitative). I also recommend that the
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