Megafauna and image analysis

Abstract

From Faunal Results: “The faunal results were consistent with previous findings in shallow water. Color analysis, combined with the results of geophysical surveys (Chapter 4) and chemical analyses (Chapters 8 and 9), suggest that the near-field images were taken in or very close to deposits of drilling discharges. Thus, there is no uncertainty as to the presence of a potentially impacting process. Overall, small megafauna showed little impact; there was no gross reduction or increase in imaged fauna. Localized significant shifts were found for two component groups. Fishes were more abundant in the near-field consistent with attraction to disturbance and structure. Ophiuroids were less abundant in the near-field. An exact cause is less easily suggested. The very flat organisms might have been buried by cuttings, or there may be a behavior shift, which resulted in fewer animals being seen in the near-field.”