In accordance with the Program of Activities for the Period of Extension of the Contract with the International Seabed Authority, the exploration works are being carried out from May to July 2019 in the IOM exploration area on board the R/V Gelendzhik (home port Novorossiysk, Russia). Port of mobilization and demobilization is Balboa, Panama.
Geological research includes geoacoustic profiling, photo profiling, sampling of polymetallic nodules and sediments, and analytical work in on-board laboratories. Environmental research plan covers water column sampling, bottom sediment sampling, biological sampling and photo profiling to study the abundance and species composition of fauna and its habitat. The marine work includes also hydrometeorological observation, navigation and hydrographic support.
