Update of JNCC Deep-Sea Sponge Aggregation (DSSA) Guidance

The primary aim is to conduct a comprehensive review and update of the existing Deep-Sea Sponge Aggregation (DSSA) guidance (Henry & Roberts, 2014) to create a framework that is clear, consistent, and usable for analysts and industry.

The new guidance must achieve standardisation and alignment with international definitions set by OSPAR and ICES, while concurrently establishing a robust UK interpretation that effectively supports national reporting, data sharing, and data analysis.