Biodiversity survey techniques: ROBIO and DOBO landers

The global demand for hydrocarbons and mineral resources is steadily depleting conventional reserves on land and in coastal waters. In recent years, considerable advances in technological ability have extended extractive industries into deeper water beyond the continental shelf. The composition, distribution and diversity of species assemblages in these environments are important aspects of the long-term stability and maintenance of the marine ecosystem. The introduction of oil extraction into poorly studied deep-sea environments has the potential to affect marine biodiversity through hydrodynamic activity associated with large underwater structures and extraction. In addition to existing exploration technology, environmental and diversity survey technologies are needed to meet the demand of modern environmental legislation.