title: Threatened by mining, polymetallic nodules are required to preserve abyssal epifauna.
abstract: Polymetallic nodule mining at abyssal depths in the Clarion Clipperton Fracture Zone (Eastern Central Pacific) will impact one of the most remote and least known environments on Earth. Since vast areas are being targeted by concession holders for future mining, large-scale effects of these activities are expected. Hence, insight into the fauna associated with nodules is crucial to support effective environmental management. In this study video surveys were used to compare the epifauna from sites with contrasting nodule coverage in four license areas. Results showed that epifaunal densities are more than two times higher at dense nodule coverage (>25 versus ≤10 individuals per 100 m(2)), and that taxa such as alcyonacean and antipatharian corals are virtually absent from nodule-free areas. Furthermore, surveys conducted along tracks from trawling or experimental mining simulations up to 37 years old, suggest that the removal of epifauna is almost complete and that its full recovery is slow. By highlighting the importance of nodules for the epifaunal biodiversity of this abyssal area, we urge for cautious consideration of the criteria for determining future preservation zones.
authors.affiliation: Marine Biology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vanreusel
authors.affiliation: Biology Department &Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, 3810 Aveiro, Portugal.
authors.forename: Ana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hilario
authors.affiliation: MARE- Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre. Department of Oceanography and Fisheries of the University of the Azores, 9901-862 Horta, Portugal.|Okeanos- R&D Center, University of the Azores, 9901-862 Horta, Portugal.
authors.forename: Pedro A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Ribeiro
authors.affiliation: Deep-Sea Environment Laboratory, Ifremer, Centre de Bretagne, 29280 Plouzané, France.
authors.forename: Lenaick
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Menot
authors.affiliation: Senckenberg am Meer, Abt. DZMB, 26382 Wilhelmshaven, Germany.
authors.forename: Pedro Martínez
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Arbizu
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D059001:Aquatic Organisms / Q000502:physiology*; D044822:Biodiversity; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D017753:Ecosystem; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000032:analysis*; D007448:Invertebrates / Q000502:physiology*; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000032:analysis; D008906:Mining; D010140:Pacific Ocean; D011156:Population Density; D011157:Population Dynamics; D014741:Video Recording
chemical_list: D019216:Metals, Heavy