Advancing knowledge on deep-sea ecosystems for informed decision making in data-poor areas

Despite their ecological significance, deep-sea ecosystems remain poorly understood, which hampers a proper evaluation of the impacts of human activities such as fisheries and the subsequent scientific advice for fisheries management. 
The Nansen Programme, through dedicated oceanographic research, has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of deep-sea ecosystems, significantly enhancing scientific knowledge essential for sustainable fisheries management in some of the world’s least studied regions. The Programme’s technological innovation legacy includes using a combination of visual and physical sampling and ecosystem monitoring systems that collectively allows for a precise assessment of deep-sea biodiversity and its environmental drivers. 
The Programme’s surveys such as in the South East Atlantic, the Southern Indian Ocean, the Sierra Leone Rise and the Mascarene Plateau, have been pivotal in documenting complex seabed structures and vulnerable marine ecosystems. For example, in the Sierra Leone Rise, advanced sonar mapping and ROV video surveys revealed intricate geological formations and ecologically rich benthic communities, including sponge fields and deep-sea coral habitats. Meanwhile, in the Mascarene Plateau, surveys uncovered a range of unique seafloor features and diverse habitats supporting both endemic and commercially important species, underscoring this region’s ecological and economic significance. In the The South East Atlantic Fisheries Organisation (SEAFO) convention area the Programme conducted several surveys to improve knowledge of vulnerable marine ecosystems (VMEs) and fisheries resources. The findings has informed SEAFO's management decisions in relation to protection of VMEs and resource status. 
Scientific compilation such as the WIOMSA (Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association) special edition publication consolidated findings from multiple Programme studies in the Western Indian Ocean, shedding light on the biodiversity and vulnerability of deep-sea ecosystems. Together with findings from "The Hidden Beauty of the Northern Mozambique Seafloor," which revealed the existence of intricate coral formations and diverse benthic species, these and other studies underscore the need for tailored conservation and sustainable management strategies to protect these fragile ecosystems.
This presentation will highlight the Programme’s extensive achievements, particularly in exploring and documenting deep-sea biodiversity, habitats, and fishery resources, while showcasing evolving technological advances critical to deep-ocean research. Through comprehensive data collection and close collaboration with partners, the Nansen Programme has provided invaluable insights that support responsible resource management and contribute directly to sustainable development goals.
Despite significant progress, challenges remain, particularly in aligning scientific insights with policies that ensure equitable and sustainable use of deep-ocean resources.  The Nansen Programme embodies a visionary approach that connects science, policy, and international collaboration, serving as knowledge generation platform for our vital and largely unexplored ecosystems. By highlighting the urgent need for coordinated action and ongoing investment, the presentation will demonstrate the transformative power of deep-sea knowledge in fostering sustainable and resilient marine resource management.