The need of collaboration for deep-sea exploration

The need of collaboration for deep-sea exploration

Jorge Cortés

Centro de Investigación en Ciencia del Mar y Limnología (CIMAR)

Universidad de Costa Rica

San Pedro, 11501-2060 San José, Costa Rica

jorge.cortes@ucr.ac.cr

 

Deep-sea exploration is technologically challenging and expensive, so only a few countries and private organization can afford the vessels and equipment necessary. Small developing nations like Costa Rica consist of mostly sea (92 % of its total area) and most of it is deep water. Because of interesting geophysical phenomena on the Pacific side of Central America, where the Coco Plate subducts under the Caribbean Plate, there has been a number of deep-sea studied mainly by German and US scientist. Based on those studies in recent years exploration of methane seeps where started, and later of seamounts and deep promontories. In early expeditions Costa Rican scientists were invited as observes if invited at all. Since 2018 scientists and students have been more involved in the research carried out and developing own projects. This because of our requested and acceptance by the foreign scientific parties. The difference for Costa Rica has been abysmal, now there is a significant group of scientists and students involved in deep-sea research plus we have started a campaign to raise awareness in the country.