Towards a global strategy for the conservation of deep-sea active hydrothermal vents

Abstract

Deep-sea active hydrothermal vents are globally diverse, vulnerable, rare, remote, and isolated habitats, yet they face increasing threats from human activities, including deep-sea mining. To address the conservation challenges surrounding these habitats, we present a global assessment of the conservation status of deep-sea active vents. Our findings reveal that while 25% of the known deep active hydrothermal vents are currently under conservation interventions, only 8% benefit of full protection. These conservation interventions, consisting of area-based and regulation-based management measures, are implemented by 17 Sovereign States, three Regional Fisheries Management Organizations and one international treaty through 30 discrete interventions. However, our assessment and comparison of the specific measures for the 155 managed active hydrothermal vents reveal that the current conservation remain fragmented and discordant across jurisdictions and biogeographical provinces, resulting in overall insufficient protection, especially in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction. Seizing the current momentum for ocean conservation, it is crucial to harmonize the management and protection of active deep-sea vents worldwide, taking into account their global biogeographic context and spatial distribution. This requires aligning current international initiatives that could improve baseline policies for the global protection of deep-sea hydrothermal vents.