New Frontiers in Deep-Sea Biological Research

Deep-sea ecosystems are increasingly threatened by several direct and indirect impacts. Their conservation is crucial to protect biodiversity, yet several systems have been degraded or damaged and require specific actions for their recovery. Marine ecosystem restoration is a new frontier in the deep-sea biological research and is a key challenge of the present UN decade dedicated to “Ecosystem restoration”. However, appropriate tools, technologies and methodologies along with success stories are needed to incentivize society and private enterprises to build capacity and stimulate investments. Yet, we still must demonstrate that restoration efforts can effectively contribute to achieving the restoration targets. Here I will present an overview of active restoration interventions in deep-sea habitats worldwide. Available information indicates that deep-sea ecosystem restorations possible and highly successful. Restoration interventions can profit of the coupling between active and passive interventions. These results demonstrate the immediate feasibility of a global “blue restoration” plan even for deep-sea ecosystems, enabled by increasing availability of new and cost-effective technologies.

[Acknowledgements: European Union projects iAtlantic (818123), ATLAS (678760), HERMIONE (226354), TRACES (MOIF-CT-2006–040018), EPOCA (211384), HERMES (GOCE-CT-2005-511234), ACES (EVK3-CT1999-00008), the Scottish Government MINCH project, UK Natural Environment Research Council, Daphne Jackson Trust, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Leverhulme Trust, the Marine Alliance for Science and Technology Scotland and the Scottish Alliance for Geoscience, Environment and Society.]