I have taken part in two expeditions to the CCZ:

AB01 (MV1313)

Location: Clarion-Clipperton Zone, Pacific Ocean

Date: September – October 2013

Ship: R/V Melville

This 24-day expedition evaluated all aspects of the benthic fauna within a 30×30 km stratum of the UKSRL contract area, which has been targeted for polymetallic-nodule mining in the future. A team of scientists from institutions around the world used a range of sampling equipment including an ROV, boxcorer, multicorer, baited traps and cameras, CTD rosette, respirometers, and epibenthic sledges to sample depths of 3900-4500m.

Photos from AB01 can be seen on Twitter using #ABYSSLINE

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AB02 (TN319)

Location: Clarion-Clipperton Zone, Pacific Ocean

Date: February – March 2015

Ship: R/V Thompson

This 42-day expedition evaluated all aspects of the benthic biology within a second 30×30 km stratum of the UKSRL contract area, a 30x30km stratum in the OMS contract area, and an Area of Particular Environmental Interest (APEI 6). A team of scientists from institutions around the world used multiple sampling methods: AUV REMUS surveys, boxcorer, multicorer, baited traps and cameras, CTD rosette, plankton-pump landers, respirometers, and epibenthic sledges to sample depths of 3900-4500m.

Photos from AB02 can be seen on Twitter using #AB02