Deep-sea nematode assemblage has not recovered 26 years after experimental mining of polymetallic nodules (Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone, Tropical Eastern Pacific)

Type Article
Date 2011-08
Language English
Author(s) Miljutin Dmitry M., Miljutina Maria A., Arbizu Pedro Martinez, Galeron Joelle
Affiliation(s) Senckenberg Meer, Deutsch Zentrum Marine Biodiversitatsforsch, D-26382 Wilhelmshaven, Germany.
Inst Francais Rech Exploitat Mer, Dept Etud Ecosyst Profonds, Ctr Brest, F-29280 Plouzane, France.
Source Deep-sea Research Part I-oceanographic Research Papers (0967-0637) (Pergamon-elsevier Science Ltd), 2011-08 , Vol. 58 , N. 8 , P. 885-897
DOI 10.1016/j.dsr.2011.06.003
WOS© Times Cited 83
Keyword(s) Body volume, Deep-sea, Density, Disturbance, Diversity, Dredging, Mining, Nematode, Nodule, Recolonization, Recovery
Abstract We investigated nematode assemblages inhabiting the 26-year-old track created by experimental deep-sea mining of polymetallic nodules, and two adjacent, undisturbed sites, one with nodules and one without nodules. The aim was to compare density, assemblage structure, and diversity indices in order to assess the process of recovery of the nematode assemblage inhabiting the disturbed site. This experimental dredging was conducted in 1978 by the Ocean Minerals Company (USA) in the area of a French mining claim in the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone (Tropical Eastern Pacific) at a depth of about 5000 m. The nematode assemblage had not returned its initial state 26 years after the experimental dredging: the total nematode density and biomass within the dredging track were significantly lower than outside the track; the biodiversity indices showed significantly lower nematode diversity within the track; and the structure of the nematode assemblage within the track differed significantly from those in the two undisturbed sites outside the track. However, there were no significant differences in the mean body volumes of adult nematodes and adult-juvenile ratios between the track and reference sites. Parameters such as the rate of sediment restoration (which depends on local hydrological conditions) and the degree and character of the disturbance appeared to be of considerable importance for the recovery rate of the deep-sea nematode assemblages and their ability to recolonize disturbed areas. The rates of recolonization and recovery may vary widely in different deep-sea regions.
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Miljutin Dmitry M., Miljutina Maria A., Arbizu Pedro Martinez, Galeron Joelle (2011). Deep-sea nematode assemblage has not recovered 26 years after experimental mining of polymetallic nodules (Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone, Tropical Eastern Pacific). Deep-sea Research Part I-oceanographic Research Papers, 58(8), 885-897. Publisher's official version : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr.2011.06.003 , Open Access version : https://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00047/15867/