Preface The expedition ARK XIX/3 with the German icebreaking RV ...

in the database with the exact position of the ROV throughout the dive. With the help
of the ArcView software, maps of the benthic community distribution were created
(Fig. A4.4.3-2/3). The percentage distribution of the different communities was also
evaluated (Fig. A4.4.3-1).
During the dive several samples of benthic fauna were taken, which included a
Lophelia and a gorgonian. These samples were classified. The fauna observed on the
still images and video stream were classified based on catalogue of benthic fauna
provided by the ROV team and on a zoology book (Storch & Welsch.1997).
Results
Percentage distribution of benthic communities in the studied area
25
20
19,37
Lophelia patches
Lophelia on dropstones
dense dead corals
patches of dead corals
debris of dead corals
%
15
12,53
14,7
patches of Gorgonians
Fields of Gorgonians
Gorgonians on dropstones
Crinoids
10
7,56
10,28
8,58
7,69
Stylasterid field
Dropstone community
Crustaceans
Echinodermata community
Antipatharian
Fishlines and trawl marks
5
1,95
0,98
1,4
2,97
0,98
3,61
1,95
1,95
0,98
2,51
Lophelia total coverage
Lophelia dense coverage
0
communities
Fig. A4.4.3-1: Percentage distribution of observed benthic communities
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