Global Observing Needs in the Deep Ocean

Abstract

The deep ocean below 200 m water depth is the least observed, but largest habitat on our planet by volume and area. Over 150 years of exploration has revealed that this dynamic system provides critical climate regulation, houses a wealth of energy, mineral, and biological resources, and represents a vast repository of biological diversity. A long history of deep-ocean exploration and observation led to the initial concept for the Deep-Ocean Observing Strategy (DOOS), under the auspices of the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS). Here we discuss the scientific need for globally

Climate‐induced changes in the suitable habitat of cold‐water corals and commercially important deep‐sea fishes in the North Atlantic

“…For example, cold-water coral and fish distributions respond to small-scale variation in terrain, such as substrate type and seabed rugosity, as well as local oceanographic conditions such as food availability (Bennecke & Metaxas, 2017;De Clippele et al, 2017;Drazen et al, 2012;Rengstorf et al, 2013;Ross et al, 2015;White et al, 2005). We also recognize some limitations from the quantity, quality and spatial coverage of occurrence data, availability of absence records as well as some uncertainty in deepsea species identification (mostly for cold-water corals Incorporating these needs into the Deep Ocean Observing Strategy can help fill data gaps, and prioritize spatial locations for the collection of key physical and biogeochemical data (Canonico et al, 2019;Levin et al, 2019). As forward-looking international entities, This application is especially relevant for dramatic changes such as those projected here.…”

UK deep‐sea conservation: Progress, lessons learned, and actions for the future

“…Davies, Wisshak, Orr, & Roberts, ; Rengstorf, Yesson, Brown, & Grehan, ; Ross & Howell, ) have proven to be beneficial tools for improving knowledge of deep‐sea biodiversity, habitat presence, and distribution, and bringing with them progress in conservation action (as reflected in the evolution of the implementation of MPAs and fisheries management measures). However, there are still extensive gaps in fundamental knowledge of deep‐sea biodiversity and ecosystems, not only in the UK but on a global scale (Levin et al, ).…”

“…Advancement in deep-sea science can, and will continue to, be achieved through better communication and continued join-up between industry, government agencies, and the research community a view also held by Levin et al (2019) in their review of global observing needs for the deep sea. Data collected by industries to inform, for example, environmental impact assessments and compliance monitoring, can also be valuable for scientific research (Macreadie et al, 2018).…”

“…have proven to be beneficial tools for improving knowledge of deep-sea biodiversity, habitat presence, and distribution, and bringing with them progress in conservation action (as reflected in the evolution of the implementation of MPAs and fisheries management measures). However, there are still extensive gaps in fundamental knowledge of deep-sea biodiversity and ecosystems, not only in the UK but on a global scale(Levin et al, 2019).A European Marine Board position paper on "critical challenges for 21st century deep-sea research" (Rogers et al, 2015) reported stakeholder responses from a 2015 consultation regarding perceived gaps and limitations in deep-sea knowledge. Basic research was the most commonly identified priority action; in particular research targeted towards ensuring that sustainable development of the deep sea accounts for growing economic interest.…”

“…This runs to the west of the UK, from the Rockall Trough inside the UK Exclusive Economic Zone, out to Iceland, measuring a range of oceanographic parameters and providing opportunity for additional data collection on annual surveys (e.g. Read, 2011).However, even with these initiatives, and other global observation programmes, measurements are sparse due to the vastness of the ocean(Levin et al, 2019). One project aiming to address this lack of baseline data is the Deep Ocean Observing Strategy, initiated by the scientific community, which has ambitions for improved coordination and expansion of observation in the deep sea for environmental variables such as salinity and dissolved oxygen(Levin et al, 2019).…”