title: Abyssal fauna of the UK-1 polymetallic nodule exploration claim, Clarion-Clipperton Zone, central Pacific Ocean: Echinodermata.
abstract: We present data from a DNA taxonomy register of the abyssal benthic Echinodermata collected as part of the Abyssal Baseline (ABYSSLINE) environmental survey cruise 'AB01' to the UK Seabed Resources Ltd (UKSRL) polymetallic-nodule exploration claim 'UK-1' in the eastern Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ), central Pacific Ocean abyssal plain. Morphological and genetic data are presented for 17 species (4 Asteroidea, 4 Crinoidea, 2 Holothuroidea and 7 Ophiuroidea) identified by a combination of morphological and genetic data. No taxa matched previously published genetic sequences, but 8 taxa could be assigned to previously-described species based on morphology, although here we have used a precautionary approach in taxon assignments to avoid over-estimating species ranges. The Clarion-Clipperton Zone is a region undergoing intense exploration for potential deep-sea mineral extraction. We present these data to facilitate future taxonomic and environmental impact study by making both data and voucher materials available through curated and accessible biological collections.
authors.affiliation: Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Adrian G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Glover
authors.affiliation: Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Helena
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wiklund
authors.affiliation: Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Muriel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rabone
authors.affiliation: University of Hawaii, Honolulu, United States of America.
authors.forename: Diva J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Amon
authors.affiliation: University of Hawaii, Honolulu, United States of America.
authors.forename: Craig R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.affiliation: Museum Victoria, Melbourne, Australia.
authors.forename: Tim
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: O'Hara
authors.affiliation: Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History, Washington, United States of America.
authors.forename: Christopher L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Mah
authors.affiliation: Uni Research, Bergen, Norway; University of Gothenburg, Dep. Marine Sciences, Gothenburg, Sweden.
authors.forename: Thomas G
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: Dahlgren