01-05 December 2025
INCOIS, Hyderabad, India.
| Abstract Submission No. | ABS-09-0160 |
| Title of Abstract | Ecological and Geological Complexity of the Southern Andaman Deep-Sea: Insights from ROV Surveys |
| Authors | Smruthu Mohan*, Divya Vishwambharan, Jishnu B K, Nagasundaram M |
| Organisation | INCOIS |
| Address | 402, Manya Pride, Incois Road Hyderabad, Telangana, India Pincode: 500090 E-mail: m.smruthu-p@incois.gov.in |
| Country | India |
| Presentation | Poster |
| Abstract | Deep-sea ecosystems are among the least explored and most vulnerable marine habitats, particularly under increasing anthropogenic pressures and emerging deep-sea mining interests. The seabed of the Andaman Sea near Great Nicobar Island is morphologically and geologically diverse, shaped by the Andaman Accretionary Prism (AAP) and the West Sewell Rise. These features host significant mineral resources, including polymetallic crust and nodules and hydrothermal mineral occurrences, making the region strategically important for both biodiversity conservation and resource management. This study presents a comprehensive inventory of faunal assemblages from the southern part of the AAP, providing valuable baseline data for future environmental impact assessments. Surveys were conducted aboard RV Samudra Ratnakar (GSI) from 23 September to 22 October 2018 under project SR-046, with samples collected using ROVs and dredgers. Key dives included ROV-11/1 (1586 m), ROV-10B/1 (1259 m), and ROV-10B/4 (1304 m). The documented assemblages included diverse sessile and motile organisms such as corals, echinoderms, sponges, crustaceans, and brachiopods, with notable taxa including Acanthogorgia, Chrysogorgia, Calyptrophora, Enallopsammia rostrata, Stylaster, Corallium, Leiopathes, and Stylopathes, alongside glass sponges (Euplectella, Farrea, Aphrocallistes), echinoderms (Ceramaster, Pillsburiaster), squat lobsters, and Heterocarpus shrimps. These findings underscore the ecological richness and geological uniqueness of the Andaman deep-sea habitats, providing a critical reference for biodiversity monitoring, conservation planning, and sustainable management of deep-sea resources in the Indian Ocean region. |
| Are you part of IIOE-2 endorsed project | no |
| Keywords | Andaman Accretionary Prism, Deep-sea biodiversity, Benthic fauna, Seafloor morphology, ROV surveys |
| For Awards | no |