A Call for Deep-Ocean Stewardship

Authors

Kathryn J. Mengerink, Environmental Law Institute; Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Cindy L. Van Dover, Duke University
Jeff Ardron, Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies - Potsdam, Germany
Maria Baker, University of Southampton - United Kingdom
Elva Escobar-Briones, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico
Kristina Gjerde, Wycliffe Management - Warsaw, Poland
J. Anthony Koslow, Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Eva Ramirez-Llodra, Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA) - Oslo
Ana Lara-Lopez, University of Tasmania - Hobart, Australia
Dale Squires, University of California - San Diego
Tracey Sutton, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Andrew K. Sweetman, International Research Institute of Stavanger - Norway
Lisa A. Levin, Scripps Institution of Oceanography

ORCID

0000-0002-5280-7071

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Science

ISSN

0036-8075

Publication Date

2014

Abstract

Covering more than half the planet, the deep ocean sequesters atmospheric CO₂ and recycles major nutrients; is predicted to hold millions of yet-to-be-described species; and stores mind-boggling quantities of untapped energy resources, precious metals, and minerals (1). It is an immense, remote biome, critical to the health of the planet and human well-being. The deep ocean (defined here as below a typical continental shelf break, >200 m) faces mounting challenges as technological advances—including robotics, imaging, and structural engineering—greatly improve access. We recommend a move from a frontier mentality of exploitation and single-sector management to a precautionary system that balances use of living marine resources, energy, and minerals from the deep ocean with maintenance of a productive and healthy marine environment, while improving knowledge and collaboration.

DOI

10.1126/science.1251458

Volume

344

Issue

6185

First Page

696

Last Page

698

Comments

©2014 American Association for the Advancement of Science

Additional Comments

EU FP7 MIDAS Project contract #: 603418

NSUWorks Citation

Kathryn J. Mengerink, Cindy L. Van Dover, Jeff Ardron, Maria Baker, Elva Escobar-Briones, Kristina Gjerde, J. Anthony Koslow, Eva Ramirez-Llodra, Ana Lara-Lopez, Dale Squires, Tracey Sutton, Andrew K. Sweetman, and Lisa A. Levin. 2014. A Call for Deep-Ocean Stewardship .Science , (6185) : 696 -698. https://nsuworks.nova.edu/occ_facarticles/176.