Macrobenthic standing stock in the nodule areas of Central Indian Ocean Basin

Abstract

Diversity, distribution and standing stock of macrofauna in the nodule areas of Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB) were studied during April 2003. The density ranged between 22 to 132 no.m super(-2) (mean: 55 + or - 37 SD, n=25) and biomass ranged (AFDW) between 0.2 to 33 mg. M super(-2) (mean: 7 + or - 10 SD). Vertically the fauna was observed down to a sediment depth of 40 cm. The highest values were in the top 0-10 cm depth and decreased with increasing sediment depth. Polychaetes were the dominant taxa followed by the crustaceans. Generally, the density and biomass was lower in the CIOB but comparable with the abyssal areas of NE Atlantic and Western Atlantic.