Checklist of ichthyoplankton of NORI-D polymetallic nodule exploration claim (eastern Clarion-Clipperton Zone) during winter 2021.

Background: There been increasing interest in polymetallic nodule mining within the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ). Polymetallic nodule mining within NORI-D will release a sediment plume within the water column and a previous mining collector test within the Nauru Ocean Resources Inc. (NORI-D) contract area released surface pollution from mining tailings. The mid-water plume, as well as accidental surface pollution, indicate that polymetallic nodule mining could impact surface plankton. Although the ichthyoplankton within the eastern tropical Pacific have been well-studied, recent data from within polymetallic nodule mining licence areas is lacking. Environmental Expedition C5e conducted an environmental baseline assessment of both pelagic and benthic fauna within the NORI-D region of the CCZ, which included the opportunistic collection of ichthyoplankton.

New information: Ichthyoplankton were collected within NORI-D from November-December 2021 using two plankton nets and a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). Here, we present a checklist of ichthyoplankton within the NORI-D licence area during this winter campaign. Eighteen samples were collected and identified through morphology, with a limited number identified through genetic sequencing. Specimens were from five orders, including Argentiniformes, Stomiiformes, Myctophiformes, Beloniformes and Scombriformes. This checklist will aid contractors and scientists conducting work within the CCZ to examine how wastewater discharge from polymetallic nodule mining could impact fish reproduction and ichthyoplankton survival.