A Time Series Study of Lophelia pertusa and Reef Megafauna Responses to Drill Cuttings Exposure on the Norwegian Margin.

摘要: As hotspots of local biodiversity in the deep sea, preservation cold-water coral reef communities is great importance. In European waters most extensive reefs are found at depths 300 – 500 m on continental margin. Norwegian many these located areas interest for oil and gas exploration production. this study drilling was carried out Morvin drill field proximity to a number small Lophelia pertusa (closest 100 upstream 350 downstream point waste material release). novel monitoring study, ROV video surveys 9 were conducted prior, during, immediately after >1 year operations. Behavior polyps inhabiting exposed differing concentrations cuttings fluids (waste material) compared. Levels expected exposure materials determined each by modelling cutting transport following release, using accurate in-situ hydrodynamic data collected during period discharge as parameters dispersal model. The presence / absence associate species (Acesta excavata, Paragorgia arborea Primnoa resedaeformis) also from survey video. There no significant differences polyp behavior corals modelled have been pulses >25 ppm those be negligible material. From collected, there observed degradations structure over time, nor reductions fauna abundance, regardless concentration any surveyed reefs. This focused exclusively adult fauna, did not assess potential hazard posed or other larvae. Video various ROV’s, different camera lighting setups throughout campaign, making comparison observations post problematic. A standardization future campaigns recommended.