DENSE STALKED CRINOID DOMINATED ASSEMBLAGES ON ADMIRALTY SEAMOUNT IN THE NORTHERN ROSS SEA (SSRU 881G): TWO POTENTIAL VMEs

Dense assemblages of hyocrinid stalked crinoids (Echinodermata, Crinoidea, Hyocrinidae,) a vulnerable marine ecosystem (VME) indicator taxon, were encountered at four sites on two isolated knolls adjacent to the northwest and southeast of Admiralty Seamount (CCAMLR Subarea 88.1G) at 578-778 m depths. The details of these encounters, utilizing occurrence and density from underwater video transects, are provided. As a precautionary measure, two boxes around these respective knolls are proposed for designation as VMEs, and inclusion into the CCAMLR VME registry. These boxes are approximately 19.7 and 19.6 km2. This proposal is structured according to the guidelines set out in Conservation Measure 22-06 (2010), ANNEX 22-06/B, and provides published supporting documentation (Bowden et al, 2011; Appendix 1).