Classification and distribution modelling of deep-water biotopes and habitats – a foundation for offshore marine spatial management

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The Norwegian seabed mapping project MAREANO has collected and analysed sea floor video records and sediment samples from the Barents Sea and the Norwegian Sea since 2005. MAREANO maps both conspicuous habitats and general biotopes. This is based on quantitative analyses and classification of megafauna composition recorded on video. Biological classes or biotopes are then modeled for their spatial distribution. Several approaches, both at analysis and classification stages used in the MAREANO programme are presented. Vulnerable biotopes are characterised by combinations of certain habitat-forming large sessile species and represents a “top-down” definition strategy, while the definition of general biotopes by classification of a great number of species represents a “bottom-up approach. There are benefits and limitations associated with the different methods. These will be discussed with focus on the standardizing and naming of the classes of seabed biotopes in deep waters.