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We present here the results of a UNESCO/IOC baseline study of the megafaunal assemblages of the polymetallic nodule ecosystem of 5 areas within the Clarion Clipperton Zone (CCZ) of the eastern Pacific Ocean. The work was undertaken with a view to investigating the structure of the epifaunal populations associated with the benthic biotopes being targeted for nodule mining and developing an appropriate set of management tools and options. The general characteristics of nodule ecosystem and assemblages and their sensitivity to deep-sea mining are discussed in relation to water masses, surface to seabed water circulation, the nepheloid layer and processes taking place at the sediment interface. Management tools considered include species diversity and vulnerability indexes, GIS systems, zoning, and 3D rapid environmental assessment (REA). These strategies are proposed for trial during pilot mining operations within the CCZ.

ABSTRACT1. To monitor any impacts to coral reefs related to the exponential growth of tourism in the South Sinai region of the Egyptian Red Sea, nine stations were established at key reef sites over [2002][2003]. At each station coral cover was determined using a video survey method at depths of 3, 7 and 16 m, and fish abundance by underwater visual census at depths of 3 and 10 m.2. Mean total coral cover (hard plus soft) ranged from 58% to 23% at 3 m, 50% to 14% at 7 m, and 52% to 13% at 16 m, and hard coral cover from 37.5% to 15.7% at 3 m, 32.8% to 7.0% at 7 m, and 17.8% to 2.2% at 16 m. Analyses confirmed differences in coral assemblage related to depth and wave exposure.3. Fish abundances and assemblages also varied with depth and proximity of deep water. Also the one site subject to fishing had lower abundances of some commercial fish families and greater abundances of some herbivores.4. Transects subject to greater tourist use did not segregate from those subject to less tourist use, despite evidence from other work of an effect from visitor damage to corals at some sites. This may be because visitors were more attracted to sites that had higher coral cover.5. Comparison of the present data with that from past studies is difficult because of the differences in sites and method employed, but several observations suggest a moderate decline in coral cover during recent decades. Such a decline would be compatible with the recorded impact of an outbreak of crown-of-thorns starfish, Acanthaster planci, as well as with other evidence of accumulating damage by visitors.6. Further monitoring using the same stations and consistent protocols is urgently required.

In many of the Pacific Islands, local communities have long-held cultural and spiritual attachments to the sea, in particular to species and specific marine areas, processes, habitats, islands, and natural seabed formations. Traditional knowledge, customary marine management approaches and integrated relationships between biodiversity, ecosystems and local communities promote conservation and ensure that marine benefits are reaped in a holistic, sustainable and equitable manner. However, the interaction between local traditional knowledge, contemporary scientific approaches to marine resource management and specific regulatory frameworks has often been challenging. To some extent, the value of community practices and customary law, which have provided an incentive for regional cooperation and coordination around ocean governance, is acknowledged in several legal systems in the Pacific and a number of regional and international instruments, but this important connection can be further enhanced. In this article we present a science-based overview of the marine habitats that would be affected by deep seabed mining (DSM) along with an analysis of some traditional dimensions and cultural/societal aspects of marine resource management. We then assess whether the applicable legal frameworks at different levels attach sufficient importance to these traditional dimensions and to the human and societal aspects of seabed (mineral) resource management in the region. On the basis of this analysis, we identify best practices and formulate recommendations with regard to the current regulatory frameworks and seabed resource management approaches. Indeed, the policies and practices developed in the Pacific could well serve as a suitable model elsewhere to reconcile commercial, ecological, cultural and social values within the context of deep sea mineral exploitation in addition to sustaining the Human Well-being and Sustainable Livelihoods (HWSL) of the Pacific communities and the health of the Global Ocean.