The deep sea accounts for about 90% of the Ocean’s volume. Its importance for ecosystems and biodiversity is therefore immense. However, pressure on these still relatively untouched areas of our planet is growing: human activities such as oil extraction, fishing, and potential seabed mining threaten deep-sea ecosystems, while climate change is already having a negative impact.
The working group of eleven researchers has now presented its findings and ten key recommendations on the deep sea and Ocean health. Under the leadership of Prof. Sylvia Sander, Professor of Marine Mineral Resources at GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, and Dr Christian Tamburini from the French Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), the team produced the report, which is being launched today by the EMB in a webinar. The document emphasises, among other points, the urgent need for major investment in deep-sea research to close knowledge gaps and provide a sound scientific basis for decisions such as those concerning deep-sea mining.
“The Ocean is an interconnected system stretching from the coast to the deepest depths,” says Sylvia Sander. “Of course, the deep sea cannot be considered in isolation from the photic zone or the seafloor.” Therefore, research, use and conservation of the deep sea are intrinsically linked to the Ocean’s overall health.
The role of the EU: How Europe can lead the way in protecting the deep sea
The working group emphasises that Europe should take a leading role in the international protection and sustainable governance of the deep sea, particularly through existing international agreements.
“The EU could play an important role in strengthening international efforts to regulate deep-sea activities,” says Sylvia Sander. “This would require the establishment of scientific committees for deep-sea protection and the development of standardised environmental impact assessments.”
The researchers also call for secured funding of transdisciplinary research and long-term monitoring. Sylvia Sander: “We need to better understand the state of the Ocean to protect and use the deep sea sustainably – where are changes becoming visible?” More research and technology are essential. “We also need to support underrepresented nations in deep-sea research and recognise science as a human right. Only then can we safeguard the health of the Ocean – and the planet – for future generations.”
Find out more about the Future Science Brief and download it here.
Find out more about the webinar ‘Deep-sea knowledge for effective Ocean management’ launching the document here.