T4-5
The world appears to be on the verge of commercial deep-sea mining for polymetallic nodules in the Clayton-Clipperton Zone in the Pacific Ocean. Access to critical materials, needed for the energy transition to combat climate change, is the main argument presented to start this mining.
This paper philosophically reviews the prospect of deep-sea mining. Based on recent scientific publications, it addresses, on the one hand, whether we know enough to manage the environmental risk. On the other hand it assesses the actual need for critical materials and the potential benefits to mankind. Finally risks and benefits of deep-sea mining are weighed to argue why we should not.
Recent development and testing of mining techniques, are leading to increased knowledge of the pressures to the environment. However, reviewing the general status of deep ocean science, I conclude that knowledge of what is at risk, biodiversity and most notably the biotic situation, remains poor. Hence the capability to understand, forecast and assess the impact of mining pressures is also poor. Failing such knowledge, we do not know how effective the existing approach to environmental management is.
The potential benefit of deep-sea mining, provision of critical materials for the energy transition, related to current developments is unconvincing. Developments in clean energy technology and potential for circular use are reducing the need for the nickel and cadmium that polymetallic nodules typically provide. Remaining need can be met by conventional mining if users are prepared to enter into long-term agreements. Economic benefits accrued by exploitation of the CCZ are unlikely to provide a material benefit to mankind and are more likely to damage existing mining industries by creating an oversupply. Deep-sea mining thus fails the objectives of the UN Convention of the Law of the Sea to “benefit mankind as a whole” (UN, 1982, art. 140).
In summary I conclude that deep-sea mining is not needed for the energy transition and will not “benefit mankind as a whole”. Given the unquantified risk to the environment, the precautionary approach of the Rio Declaration (UN, 1992, principle 15) shall prevail, at least as long as significant uncertainty over environmental management remains.
This leads to the overall conclusion that deep-sea mining should, at least, be suspended until such time when we know enough to manage the risks to the environment.
How to cite: van Roosmalen, K.: Deep-Sea Mining, Why Not?, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-364, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-364, 2025.
The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is currently negotiating regulations that will determine the future of deep seabed mining in areas beyond national jurisdiction. While some states and industry actors are interested in turning seabed mining into a reality in the near future, a sizeable number of states now support a pause or moratorium on deep seabed mining.
The legal framework governing the remit of the ISA is found under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). While UNCLOS serves as the ‘constitution of the ocean’, it is worth bearing in mind that UNCLOS was negotiated in the 1970s and early 80s, a time of genuine ignorance as to the environmental risks of DSM when little was known about the deep ocean. Scientific understanding of the deep ocean has come a long way, and has raised concerns about the risks of seabed mining, though many uncertainties remain. It is generally accepted that decisions concerning any potential deep seabed mining must be informed by science, deliver for the benefit of humankind as a whole, and adhere to principles and norms, such as precaution, that have since the negotiations of UNCLOS crystalized into international law.
This contribution examines the feasibility, legal basis and potential pathways for a precautionary pause or moratorium for deep seabed mining on the international seabed “Area”, should members of the ISA choose to adopt such a measure. The presentation will also discuss possible unintended policy implications that could arise from a precautionary pause or moratorium. It will draw on relevant previous moratoria in international law, including whaling and mining in the Antarctic, where non-use measures or prohibitions on the conduct of exploitation activities currently exist.
How to cite: Singh, P., Jaeckel, A., and Ardron, J.: A pause or moratorium for deep seabed mining in the Area? The legal basis, potential pathways, and possible policy implications., One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-580, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-580, 2025.
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.
How to cite: Catena, D., Kutti, T., Mostarda, E., Voges, L., Bhagooli, R., Bianchi, G., and Nikolioudakis, N.: Advancing knowledge on deep-sea ecosystems for informed decision making in data-poor areas, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-1414, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-1414, 2025.
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.
How to cite: Cortés, J.: The need of collaboration for deep-sea exploration, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-704, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-704, 2025.
There is an unprecedented push to map the earth’s entire ocean floor by the end of 2030. These mapping efforts produce baseline ‘data’ which becomes the basis through which the deep seabed and its resources are known and governed. However, by visualising the world solely through the lens of the environmental and natural sciences, they overlook alternative ways of understanding the seabed and continue the marginalisation of the seabed from social thought. By failing to engage critically with this unique geography, these maps can produce processes of inclusion and exclusion from deep sea politics and shape the international seabed’s legal definition as ‘the common heritage of mankind’. Against this background, this paper argues that the processes for mapping the deep seabed must better highlight and represent its multiple heritages, geographies and worldviews globally. Doing so helps to produce a more just and sophisticated understanding of the deep-seabed at a time when it is emerging as a site of political and economic interest. It can do this in three main ways. First, the environmental knowledge production of the deep seabed must be decolonised. Secondly, it can show how the inclusion of marginalised perspectives can challenge the notion of ‘territory’ and, in doing so, shape discussions around national/global seabed governance. Finally, a decolonial mapping of the seabed can change the way the notion of ‘heritage’ is viewed especially in the context of the international seabed’s legal definition as ‘common heritage of mankind’.
How to cite: Childs, J.: Knowing the Deep Seabed: Towards a Just and Inclusive Cartography, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-465, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-465, 2025.
The deep ocean hosts extensive biodiversity that plays a critical role in the carbon cycle and in climate regulation. Both pelagic and seafloor organisms function to transport, transform, deposit and sequester carbon. Biodiversity and its climate regulation services are threatened by climate change, resource extraction, and some climate mitigation actions. There is an urgent need to balance intersecting demands for deep ocean resources, associated ecosystem services, and conservation imperatives. This presentation will highlight the roles of the deep ocean and its biodiversity in the carbon cycle, for achieving 30x30, in renewable energy potential, in marine carbon dioxide removal, and other climate issues. Discussion will identify deep-ocean, biodiversity-positive actions for UNFCCC’s NDCs 3.0, climate-positive actions for the BBNJ Agreement and approaches for co-design across UN instruments and sectors to achieve sustainability and equitability in ocean climate action.
How to cite: Levin, L., Bax, N., Hilmi, N., Senkinairai, A., and Elegbede, I.: Balancing Deep-Ocean Biodiversity, Carbon, Resources and Resilience in the Search for Climate Solutions, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-215, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-215, 2025.
The deep ocean, often regarded as the blue planet's last and expansive frontier, presents a formidable challenge for effective conservation and management. In partnership with the Bezos Earth Fund, we explore the challenges and potential of deep-ocean research for conservation across the Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor (CMAR), an expansive transboundary seascape larger than France shared between Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador.
A five-year initiative (2024-2028) seeks to bridge the gap between deep-ocean science, management, governance, and the user community in the region. Collaborating between local Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP) country partners, a new regional Deep-Ocean Research Alliance draws upon the call to action framed by the UN Decade of Ocean Science and the international ocean science community. We highlight the relevance and urgency of coordinating unique sampling opportunities presented by academia, private, and philanthropic ocean exploration programs to fill critical knowledge gaps and progressively build regional and in-country technical capacity to fast-track deep-ocean recommendations and criteria for practical management strategies for Eastern Pacific resource managers.
Relevance for Marine Conservation: Fringed and subject to industry in international waters, with recent expansions, the protected areas in the ETP now cover over 630,000 km2, predominantly comprising poorly mapped and little-understood deep-ocean habitats. They harbour unique biodiversity and vulnerable long-lived deep coral, sponge, methane seeps, deep mounts, seamounts, abyssal plains, and hydrothermal habitats. They play critical roles in nutrient cycling, carbon storage, migratory species connectivity, and climate regulation, offering valuable insights into past ocean environments and predictions of future climate scenarios.
Despite their ecological significance, operational challenges hinder the integration of deep-water science into ETP marine planning and management. These challenges include research costs, logistical and permit complexities, limited baseline data, “parachute science,” and low community awareness. Additionally, climate shifts and pollution, alongside competing ocean use and unregulated fishing, threaten vulnerable deep-sea habitats, such as ancient deep reefs and seamount biodiversity hotspots susceptible to rapid destruction from bottom trawling. As we build a portfolio for future ETP deep-ocean research, we also consider mechanisms such as equitable benefit sharing to help develop emerging industries such as bio-innovation into future deep-ocean conservation finance.
How to cite: Banks, S., Alonso, D., Vides, M., Yepes, V., Cortés, J., Breedy, O., Guzman, H., Estévez, R., Villalobos, A., Rodriguez, G., and Enright, S.: Hidden dimensions of the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP): Exploration for conservation of a deep-ocean multi-country seascape, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-793, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-793, 2025.
Posters on site | Poster area "La Baleine"
Digitalization is the use of digital technologies to change a research model and provide new avenues and value producing opportunities. It is the process of moving towards digital research approaches and adopting practically more useful business models. Copernicus already have different approaches which doesn’t cover well, different aspects of the Deep Ocean due to vast expanse of the oceans and limited financial resources. This is the reason our understandings about the deep oceans are lagging behind and we urgently in need of transformation to digital technologies in this context, such as Digital Twins of the Oceans, Geo-machines, Marine Spatial Planning are few venues to be named here. Hence, this paper from Copernicus community with the title “”Marine CDR Integrated with Digital Twins of the Deep Ocean and Spatial Data” is an approach, which can support all other approaches and support other science interventions and impacts to enhance the applicability of databases and authenticity of the digital simulations. Most of the data available now is also in different forms and it need to be organized/harmonized in digital formats to utilize for further research works related to Blue Economy. R & D organizations working in this context can get the benefits of this approach hence it can generate great commercial values for the Copernicus community, countries and global stakeholders. As far as environment concerns are taken into account, we may predict impacts of deep sea mining, ocean warming and other invasive activities such as mCDR, shipping, fishing, solarization, floating wind turbines and land wastes dumping in the oceans. To cut short, this approach is not only an addition to our endeavors towards better understanding of the Blue World but a necessity to accelerate our research process with the applications of digital transformation resources.
How to cite: Zarar, M.: Marine CDR Integrated with Digital Twins of the Deep Ocean and Spatial Data, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-491, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-491, 2025.
Deep-pelagic ecosystems, comprising over 90% of Earth's biosphere, are critical for climate regulation, food security, and several global economic activities. However, while interest in deep-sea research and conservation has increased, the focus remains on seafloor-associated ecosystems. Deep-pelagic ecosystems are not only home to thousands of species including fish, crustaceans, squids, salps, and cnidarians. Shrouded in mystery, deep-pelagic ecosystems also hold significant cultural value. Species from these depths, often depicted as monstrous, have inspired narratives from ancient myths to modern entertainment, exemplified many times by the Kraken of Scandinavian folklore and portrayals of anglerfish species. However, deep-pelagic ecosystems are also out of sight, poorly studied, and often understood as remote and disconnected from societal concerns. As global anthropogenic impacts extend into deeper waters, a significant shift in the way society, scientists and policymakers perceive and engage with these ecosystems is required. Social-ecological systems (SES) are integrative research approaches that consider the inseparable and interdependent nature of human societies and ecosystems. The recognition of deep-pelagic ecosystems as SES is crucial for sustainable management, as it highlights the need for sound scientific data and policies that consider both ecological integrity and social well-being. We argue that considering explicitly deep-pelagic ecosystems as SES and incorporating them into conservation and social welfare frameworks is critical to preserving the wide range of benefits they provide. While no formal designation of SES exists, such a process stems from the way SES are approached and prioritized across various disciplinary perspectives. From a scientific standpoint, advancing this concept could involve the establishment of dedicated working groups and targeted funding initiatives by international organisations. These endeavours, grounded in the achievement of UN Sustainable Development Goals, would aim to advance our understanding of deep-pelagic biodiversity, ecosystem functions, societal significance, and effective protection strategies. From an economic perspective, these ecosystems should be embedded in blue economy strategies, acknowledging their roles in fisheries, tourism, and carbon sink, while addressing economic risks from human impacts and exploring biotechnology and sustainable uses. In the absence of a meaningful deep-pelagic authority and policy, science is playing a de facto governance role by shaping the way these ecosystems are understood. We, members of the scientific community, must therefore take the leadership in actively integrating deep-pelagic ecosystems into strategic management and research agendas prioritising interdisciplinary studies that bridge the gap between ecological and social, and economic disciplines. Deep-sea ecosystems must not only be subjects of study and curiosity but also central elements in shaping global policies and practices.
How to cite: Bertrand, A., Guilotreau, P., Lucena-Frédou, F., and Nole-Eduardo, L.: Deep-pelagic ecosystems should be recognised as distinct social-ecological systems, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-518, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-518, 2025.
Reef-building cold-water corals act as ecosystem engineers in the deep-sea, supporting a rich biodiversity and various ecosystem services, including fisheries resources, carbon sink, paleoclimate archives and biomedical compounds. The study and the protection of these ecosystems is an important pillar of strategies for assessing the ecological status and conservation of the biodiversity associated to deep reef habitats, as promoted by various national and international conventions (IUCN, Habitat Directive, Marine Framework Directive…).
In submarine canyons, coral reefs face major threats: climate change, pollution (particularly plastics and other waste discharges) and fishing activities (trawling and longlining). The corals of the Mediterranean Sea are particularly at risk as they are already living close to their known upper thermal maximum (i.e., 13°C), the Mediterranean canyons are among the most polluted in the world (with an average of 51,000 items.km-2), and are subject to direct or indirect damage by trawling in the canyons and on the outer shelf.
To characterize the response of the main reef building species and their resilience to global change, in situ and controlled aquaria experiments have been conducted over the last 15 years on corals from the Gulf of Lion and the Bay of Biscay. In particular, the impact of temperature, exposure to plastics and sediment flux were investigated, showing the urgent need for collective awareness and the implementation of drastic management measures. Cross-border areas such as the French-Spanish zone are particularly sensitive because of the difficulties in regulating human activities and applying conservation measures. Supra-national regulatory processes must be engaged to act coercively on limiting the impacts of global change.
How to cite: Lartaud, F., Chapron, L., Chemel, M., Galand, P., Meistertzheim, A.-L., Menot, L., Mouchi, V., Olla, L., Peru, E., Pruski, A., Vétion, G., and Magnin, H.: Submarine canyons, a challenge for the conservation of cold-water coral reefs exposed to global change, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-778, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-778, 2025.
Deep-sea ecosystems are vulnerable to large-scale resource extraction and the oceanic consequences of fossil fuel burning. Serious threats to coastal communities and infrastructures from earthquakes and tsunamis are often associated with the volcanism occurring on the seafloor. High-tech devices and expertise from multiple scientific areas are necessary to further our understanding of how to solve these coast-abyss interactive threats. The hostile environment of the deep ocean makes the observation more challenging and demanding in terms of eco-friendly technologies and human resources.
The UN Ocean Decade programme "One Ocean Network for Deep Observation (OneDeepOcean)" is a network of seabed & water column observatories from Ifremer, EMSO-ERIC, Ocean Networks Canada and JAMSTEC. It aims at providing integrated knowledge on the functioning of deep-sea ecosystems under global changes, obtaining environmental properties, to enhance efforts in mitigating natural disasters, and to engage citizens with a deep ocean increasingly under pressure due to human activities. Time-series imagery and sensor data from our platforms support world-leading research into how deep-sea organisms respond to habitat disturbance and long-term environmental change. Together we work to expand a joint capacity building initiative that will include for instance students’ mobility and shipboard training. In this poster, we will highlight opportunities for knowledge exchange and capacity building that will allow students and early career ocean professionals to access deep-sea and water column observational facilities. We intend to associate our efforts to establish practices and shared notebooks for time series analysis and AI based image analysis.
How to cite: Chu, N.-C., Leau, H., Loock, D., Minicola, E., Pero, S., Puillat, I., Sugiura, T., and Toyofuku, T.: Capacity building in observations for a sustained stewardship of the deep ocean, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-960, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-960, 2025.
The conventions on climate change (Rio, 1992; Kyoto, 1997) and the agreement of 1994 relating to the Implementation of Part XI of UNCLOS on deep-sea mineral resources share many historical similarities. These agreements were signed in the 1990s – a decade of triumphant liberalism - in an intellectual context where the principles of the market economy were seen as universal guidelines. The principles set out in Rio in 1992 were well-intentioned: the aim was to reduce greenhouse gas emissions using mechanisms compatible with market rules, but also to allow all countries access to the Western-style development model based on growth, in accordance with the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities”. These principles conditioned the post-Kyoto follow-up, but proved insufficient to orient research towards alternative technologies and to significantly slow down the race to invest in fossil fuels.
The same applies to the implementation of part XI of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea concerning deep-sea mining in the “Area” outside national jurisdiction. The 1982 Convention was also well-intentioned: it was intended to extend to the submarine domain the principle enunciated by Truman in 1945, according to which undersea mineral wealth is designed to be exploited for the development of mankind. Noting “the political and economic changes, including market-oriented approaches”, the 1994 agreement on the implementation of Part XI of the 1982 convention was tailored at the request of the industrialized countries, to bring it into line with the principles of the market economy. Although simplified, the provisions set out in this implementation agreement are extremely complex, due to the difficulty of reconciling: i) the great principle set out making the “Area” the common heritage of mankind; ii) the interests of member states; iii) the interests of private operators; iv) the World Trade Organization rules of free competition in a market economy; etc.
In 2025, more than thirty years after the signing of the agreement on Part XI of the Convention on the Law of the Sea, the question arises: should we continue to attempt to reconcile principles that are per se incompatible? Thanks to the Antarctic Treaty of 1959 and its Madrid Protocol on environmental protection (Madrid, 1991), a ban on activities relating to mineral resources is established. Its strength derives from its simplicity. Its symbolic significance has enabled it to stand the test of time. It is a response to the impossibility of bringing into force the Convention on the Regulation of Antarctic Mineral Resource Activities (Wellington, 1988), which proposed a legal regime for the exploitation of resources. Why not make the Antarctic Treaty System a model for the ‘Area’? The International Seabed Authority would then see its mandate evolve from the management of exploitation to the protection of the ‘Area’, for the benefit of humanity as a whole.
How to cite: Geli, L. and Choquet-Sauvin, A.: The Antarctic Treaty: a guideline for the implementation of UNCLOS Part XI on the exploration and exploitation of deep-sea mineral resources?, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-1043, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-1043, 2025.
Recent estimates have found that the Mesopelagic Zone is home to 70-90% of the ocean’s biomass. This incredible biome is now in danger of exploitation by industrial fishing. We are developing a model for exploration in this critical region that brings sustainable tourism and scientific research together. Under construction are two 3-person research submersibles and a support vessel capable of diving to 1,200 meters. The submersibles will be classed for both tourism and research and the business plan for the operation is based on the former supporting the latter. Each submersible is outfitted with instruments and sensors to record a wide variety of oceanographic data, map the seafloor, and collect geologic and biological samples. The first Honu research platform will be deployed in French Polynesia in late 2025. We feel that this platform is replicable in other regions and will provide access for science and the public to one of the most importantand least studied biomes on the planet.
How to cite: Bailey, R.: Honu Research Platform, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-1434, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-1434, 2025.
The vulnerability of deep-sea biodiversity has been recognized by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations were then asked to develop guidelines for the management of deep-sea fisheries in the high seas (FAO, 2009). Those guidelines included criteria for defining what constitutes a VME: (1) uniqueness or rarity; (2) functional significance of the habitat; (3) fragility; (4) life history traits of component species that make recovery difficult; and (5) structural complexity. The VMEs concept was developed in the framework of fisheries. However, with the crescent use of deep-sea environments, we advocate that the concept should also be framed to other industries such as deep-sea mining, oil and gas, and use in future regulations. The concept shall also be used for the identification of areas to be protected under the Kuming -Montreal agreement and BBNJ treaty.
How to cite: Colaço, A.: Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems: a concept to be applied for different anthropogenic activities, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-1491, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-1491, 2025.
