Article
Zoology
Lenka Neal, Helena Wiklund, Laetitia M. Gunton, Muriel Rabone, Guadalupe Bribiesca-Contreras, Thomas G. Dahlgren, Adrian G. Glover
Summary: This contribution presents the taxonomic study of annelid families Amphinomidae and Euphrosinidae in the polymetallic nodule fields of the eastern abyssal Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ). Six species are identified, including three new species. Molecular data suggest that four of the reported species are only known from CCZ, while two other species may have a wide abyssal distribution. Furthermore, this study strengthens the link between deep-sea and Antarctic benthic fauna.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tanja Stratmann, Karline Soetaert, Daniel Kersken, Dick van Oevelen
Summary: Polymetallic nodule fields play a critical role in supporting the integrity of the abyssal food web, and the removal of nodules may result in reduced local benthic biodiversity.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Oceanography
Bart De Smet, Erik Simon-Lledo, Lisa Mevenkamp, Ellen Pape, Francesca Pasotti, Daniel O. B. Jones, Ann Vanreusel
Summary: Polymetallic nodules provide habitat heterogeneity and valuable minerals in abyssal benthic ecosystems. This study analyzed megabenthic community data from two physically similar areas in the CCZ, highlighting a positive relationship between nodule coverage and megafauna abundance. Mining activities in the future may impact faunal communities, particularly long-lived megafaunal assemblages, but more data are needed to fully understand the potential effects.
DEEP-SEA RESEARCH PART I-OCEANOGRAPHIC RESEARCH PAPERS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Guadalupe Bribiesca-Contreras, Thomas G. Dahlgren, Tammy Horton, Jeffrey C. Drazen, Regan Drennan, Daniel O. B. Jones, Astrid B. Leitner, Kirsty A. McQuaid, Craig R. Smith, Sergio Taboada, Helena Wiklund, Adrian G. Glover
Summary: Recent research has shown high genetic diversity of deep-sea scavenging amphipods in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) and connectivity between different regions. Differences in amphipod assemblages between abyssal and seamount sites suggest distinct ecological conditions generate unique community compositions.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sabine Haalboom, Timm Schoening, Peter Urban, Iason-Zois Gazis, Henko de Stigter, Benjamin Gillard, Matthias Baeye, Martina Hollstein, Kaveh Purkiani, Gert-Jan Reichart, Laurenz Thomsen, Matthias Haeckel, Annemiek Vink, Jens Greinert
Summary: The dispersion and deposition of sediment plumes during deep-sea mining activities in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) were studied using optical and acoustic sensors. The experiment showed that seafloor imagery and sensors recording optical and acoustic backscatter are effective tools for monitoring sediment dispersion. The researchers recommended the use of AUVs for underwater imaging and particle size sensors to better understand the impact of suspended particle aggregation on backscatter signals.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Oceanography
Samantha Jia Wen Tong, Bin Qi Gan, Koh Siang Tan
Summary: The abyssal sea floor of the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone (CCFZ) in the Pacific Ocean is expected to become a commercially important nodule mining area. This study provides the first quantitative observations of metazoan benthic animals in a specific area of the CCFZ, highlighting the diversity of the meiofaunal community structure. The results suggest that substrate shear strength is negatively correlated to meiofaunal abundances, while nodule cover and volume do not significantly affect the community structure.
DEEP-SEA RESEARCH PART I-OCEANOGRAPHIC RESEARCH PAPERS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tanja Stratmann
Summary: The Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone (CCZ) in the central Pacific contains large densities of polymetallic nodules that are important for metal extraction and host deep-sea fauna. A recent study estimated that removing these nodules would result in a loss of up to 18% of all taxa in the CCZ. This study assesses the impact of removing nodule-dependent fauna on carbon cycling in the eastern CCZ and found that it only has a small effect on total carbon cycling.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Geology
Zhenggang Li, Huaiming Li, James R. Hein, Yanhui Dong, Mingwei Wang, Xiangwen Ren, Zhaocai Wu, Xiaohu Li, Fengyou Chu
Summary: Manganese nodules are a potential source of critical metals distributed widely on abyssal plains. A recent study in the NW Pacific reveals a high-density field of manganese nodules in the abyssal plain north of Suda Seamount, with concentrations linked to seamount sector-collapse topography. This suggests that seamount sector collapse may contribute to the high nodule concentrations in the region.
ORE GEOLOGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Tomasz Abramowski, Marcin Urbanek, Peter Balaz
Summary: This paper presents the economic structure, assumptions, and relations of deep-sea mining project assessment and the results of its evaluation based on exploration activities and research in the field of geology, mining technology, processing technology, and environmental and legislative studies. Promising results have been shown in the case of the use of high-pressure acid leaching processing technology (HPAL) as well as in the case of raw ore sales. The pre-feasibility study of the project will focus on the two most promising variants of the model.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Mun Gi Kim, Kiseong Hyeong, Chan Min Yoo, Ji Yeong Lee, Inah Seo
Summary: The study reports the element compositions of fine particles produced by experimental degradation of polymetallic nodules, revealing enrichment in elements such as Al, K, and Fe, and depletion in elements like Mn, Co, and Ni. The findings suggest a significant contribution of sediment particles released from the pores and cracks of nodules to the composition of fines, with potential differences based on the minimum recovery size of particles.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Lenka Neal, Helena Wiklund, Muriel Rabone, Thomas G. Dahlgren, Adrian G. Glover
Summary: This paper continues the taxonomic research on the benthic fauna of polymetallic nodule fields in the eastern Clarion-lipperton Zone (CCZ). The study focuses on two annelid families, Poecilochaetidae and Spionidae, and presents taxonomic data for 25 species. Two new species are described, increasing the total number of formally described annelid species in the targeted areas to 15. The study also discusses the genetic diversity of the commonly reported deep-sea spionid Aurospio dibranchiata. Molecular data suggest a wide distribution of several species in the eastern CCZ and provide insights into the relationships within Spioniformia.
MARINE BIODIVERSITY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Regan Drennan, Helena Wiklund, Muriel Rabone, Magdalena N. Georgieva, Thomas G. Dahlgren, Adrian G. Glover
Summary: A new species of abyssal Neanthes, N. goodayi sp. nov., was discovered in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone in the central Pacific Ocean, highlighting the importance of the mineral resource itself as a distinct microhabitat. This species is considered a potential indicator taxon for monitoring the impacts of seabed mining due to its widespread distribution and distinctive characteristics.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TAXONOMY
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Lenka Neal, Emily Abrahams, Helena Wiklund, Muriel Rabone, Guadalupe Bribiesca-Contreras, Eva C. D. Stewart, Thomas G. Dahlgren, Adrian G. Glover
Summary: This study presents the DNA taxonomy of six species of the annelid family Lumbrineridae collected from the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) in the Central Pacific. Lumbrinerids are ecologically important and understudied annelids in the deep sea, with many undescribed species. The study aims to document the taxonomy and biodiversity of the CCZ using specimens collected from different exploration contract areas.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fabio Perlatti, Eve Pimentel Martins, Daniel Pontes de Oliveira, Francisco Ruiz, Veronica Asensio, Carla Ferreira Rezende, Xose Luis Otero, Tiago Osorio Ferreira
Summary: This study used controlled experiments and sample analysis to find that abandoned copper mine rocks still contain high levels of copper after weathering, with a significant amount of copper being released into the environment over the past 30 years.
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Stefanie Kaiser, Magdalini Christodoulou, Annika Janssen, Terue C. Kihara, Inga Mohrbeck, Francesca Pasotti, Sarah M. Schnurr, Annemiek Vink, Pedro Martinez Arbizu
Summary: Due to the increasing challenge of meeting human demands for metals from land-based resources, interest in extracting mineral ores from the deep sea has gained momentum in recent years. However, knowledge on the biological communities found in deep-sea mining areas like the Clarion Clipperton Fracture Zone (CCFZ) is still limited. This study provides an overview on isopod crustaceans in the CCFZ, highlighting the need for increased sampling effort, taxonomic work, and cooperation between scientists and contractors to improve our understanding of the biodiversity before mining operations begin.
MARINE BIODIVERSITY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Ecology
Erik Simon-Lledo, Brian J. J. Bett, Noelie M. A. Benoist, Henk-Jan Hoving, Dmitry Aleynik, Tammy Horton, Daniel O. B. Jones
Article
Ecology
D. J. B. Swanborn, V. A. Huvenne, S. J. Pittman, A. D. Rogers, M. L. Taylor, L. C. Woodall
Summary: This study maps, quantifies, and compares the spatial heterogeneity of seamounts, revealing quantitative differences in seascape composition and configuration. The findings have important implications for understanding and managing the ecological functioning of seamounts.
Correction
Marine & Freshwater Biology
D. J. B. Swanborn, N. Fassbender, V. A. I. Huvenne, S. J. Pittman, P. V. Stefanoudis, L. C. Woodall
Article
Oceanography
D. J. B. Swanborn, V. A. I. Huvenne, T. Malpas, S. J. Pittman, A. D. Rogers, M. L. Taylor, L. C. Woodall
Summary: This study examines the influence of seamount physical characteristics as fish habitat on commercially important fish families, and highlights the importance of informing conservation and ecosystem-based management. The geographic location and water depth have the strongest influence on fish-habitat associations. Continuous summit habitat and complex shaped ridge features support high abundance and diversity of commercial fish families.
DEEP-SEA RESEARCH PART I-OCEANOGRAPHIC RESEARCH PAPERS
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
M. Emilia Bravo, Miriam I. Brandt, Jesse M. A. van der Grient, Thomas G. Dahlgren, Patricia Esquete, Sabine Gollner, Daniel O. B. Jones, Lisa A. Levin, Craig R. McClain, Bhavani E. Narayanaswamy, Tracey Sutton, Lissette Victorero, Erik E. Cordes
Summary: The deep ocean is a complex ecosystem consisting of various community and habitat types that provide multiple services for humans. With the ongoing industrialization of the deep sea, it is important to develop standardized and robust methods and metrics to monitor the baseline conditions and potential impacts on biodiversity, ecosystem function, and ecosystem services due to human activities and climate change. This review highlights the use of state-of-the-art technologies and strategies, particularly in offshore-energy industries, for obtaining reliable metrics of deep-sea biodiversity and ecosystem function, and emphasizes the importance of including ecosystem services in monitoring approaches and sharing baseline data across sectors to improve deep ocean management capacity globally.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Muriel Rabone, Joris H. Wiethase, Erik Simon-Lledo, Aidan M. Emery, Daniel O. B. Jones, Thomas G. Dahlgren, Guadalupe Bribiesca-Contreras, Helena Wiklund, Tammy Horton, Adrian G. Glover
Summary: The global demand for metals such as cobalt and nickel has led to a growing interest in deepsea habitats with mineral resources. The Clarion Clipperton Zone (CCZ) in the central and eastern Pacific is the main region of activity, regulated by the International Seabed Authority. In order to effectively manage the environmental impact of potential deep-sea mining activities, it is crucial to have baseline biodiversity knowledge of the region.
Article
Oceanography
Alejandra Mejia-Saenz, Erik Simon-Lledo, Louis S. Partridge, Joana R. Xavier, Daniel O. B. Jones
Summary: Abyssal polymetallic nodule fields are unique deep-sea habitats. The presence of hard substratum, such as nodules and rocks, promotes the occurrence of diverse abyssal assemblages. The contribution of rocks to habitat heterogeneity has been largely overlooked, but our study shows that they play an important role in enhancing biodiversity and habitat complexity within nodule fields.
DEEP-SEA RESEARCH PART I-OCEANOGRAPHIC RESEARCH PAPERS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Eva C. D. Stewart, Guadalupe Bribiesca-Contreras, Sergi Taboada, Helena Wiklund, Ascensao Ravara, Ellen Pape, Bart De Smet, Lenka Neal, Marina R. R. Cunha, Daniel O. B. Jones, Craig R. R. Smith, Adrian G. G. Glover, Thomas G. G. Dahlgren
Summary: This study used a DNA taxonomy approach to investigate regional-scale patterns of taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity and genetic connectivity of the dominant macrofaunal group (annelids) in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone. The results showed that species diversity of polychaetes in the CCZ is high relative to other deep-sea regions, and environmental filtering may play a significant role in regulating spatial patterns of biodiversity in this area.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Beatriz Vinha, Sergio Rossi, Andrea Gori, Ulrike Hanz, Antonio Pennetta, Giuseppe E. De Benedetto, Furu Mienis, Veerle A. I. Huvenne, Dierk Hebbeln, Claudia Wienberg, Juergen Titschack, Andre Freiwald, Stefano Piraino, Covadonga Orejas
Summary: Despite hypoxic conditions, cold-water coral reefs in the Angolan margin rely on an intermediate food source, possibly zooplankton.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Review
Limnology
Henry A. Ruhl, Brian J. Bett, Jeroen Ingels, Adrian Martin, Andrew R. Gates, Andrew Yool, Noelie M. A. Benoist, Ward Appeltans, Kerry L. Howell, Roberto Danovaro
Summary: Invertebrate animals living at the seafloor have a significant impact on global ecosystems, but our understanding of their influence is limited due to difficulties in integrating information across sizes and sampling methodologies. This paper outlines practices that can support the establishment of Benthic Invertebrate Abundance and Distribution as an Essential Ocean Variable, including quantifying individual body size, utilizing automated information processing, and making data available through recognized access points. These practices enable broader-scale analysis and support research and sustainable development in marine ecosystems.
LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Erik Simon-Lledo, Diva J. Amon, Guadalupe Bribiesca-Contreras, Daphne Cuvelier, Jennifer M. Durden, Sofia P. Ramalho, Katja Uhlenkott, Pedro Martinez Arbizu, Noelie Benoist, Jonathan Copley, Thomas G. Dahlgren, Adrian G. Glover, Bethany Fleming, Tammy Horton, Se-Jong Ju, Alejandra Mejia-Saenz, Kirsty McQuaid, Ellen Pape, Chailinn Park, Craig R. Smith, Daniel O. B. Jones
Summary: Analyzing seabed imagery data and megafaunal specimens, the authors of this study have identified two distinct biogeographical provinces in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone abyssal plain. They found that taxa dependent on calcium carbonate structures are restricted to depths above 4,300-4,880 m. These findings suggest the importance of geochemical and climatic factors in shaping deep-sea biodiversity over large spatial scales.
NATURE ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Henk-Jan Hoving, Antje Boetius, Katherine Dunlop, Jens Greinert, Matthias Haeckel, Daniel O. B. Jones, Erik Simon-Lledo, Yann Marcon, Tanja Stratmann, Inken Suck, Andrew K. Sweetman, Autun Purser
Summary: This study observed, quantified, and mapped a mass deposition event of gelatinous zooplankton carcasses (pyrosomes) in a physically disturbed region of the Peru Basin. The study found that physical seafloor disturbance affects the distribution of organic matter in the abyssal plain and may alter benthic community structure.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Mathematical & Computational Biology
M. Rabone, T. Horton, D. O. B. Jones, E. Simon-Lledo, A. G. Glover
Summary: There is an urgent need for high-quality biodiversity data, especially in the deep ocean where knowledge gaps persist. The International Seabed Authority (ISA) manages seabed areas undergoing intensive mining exploration, such as the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ). The launch of the ISA's DeepData database has the potential to support biological research and environmental policy development, but data quality issues compromise its FAIRness. Despite improvements, further development is needed to fully achieve FAIRness and integrate with global systems.
DATABASE-THE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL DATABASES AND CURATION
(2023)