Global Subseafloor Ecosystem and Sustainability (GSES)

The subseafloor ecosystem includes all life living in marine sediment, crust and the accompany fluids. This ecosystem, also called the deep biosphere, mostly derives its energy source from geological processes, which are cut off from sunlight. Deep-sea hydrothermal vents and cold seeps are regarded as windows of the subsurface life. Still, little is known about the subseafloor life and there is a substantial knowledge gap related to understanding the breadth of their diversity, assemblage, function, and possible ecosystem services to society. These insights are key to understanding the origin of life and evolutionary processes, and also pivotal for evaluating the impact of the proposed ocean-based climate interventions. As part of the efforts to reduce this knowledge deficiency, we initiate a global-scale program “Global Subseafloor Ecosystem and Sustainability” (GSES). This program aims to generate new systematic insights into subseafloor ecosystems with the aim of transforming these datasets for predictive capabilities. As a newly endorsed program of the UN Ocean Decade, the overarching objective of GSES is to significantly advance scientific comprehension, conservation, and sustainable management of Earth's subseafloor ecosystems. Focused on addressing substantial knowledge gaps in microbial life, carbon dynamics, and historical records within this critical, vulnerable and understudied environment, GSES aims to develop internationally standardized protocols, cutting-edge investigation platforms, and ecological indices. A pilot project that targets the microbiome in the oceanic crust, which is the largest by volume but least understood biosystem on Earth, will be showcased and discussed.