Advancing deep-sea taxonomy in support of the stewardship of the Area and its resources for the benefit of humankind
(
Intergovernmental organization
)
#OceanAction41239
Description
Non-destructive, cost-effective, and easily replicable methodologies for studying marine biodiversity, including environmental DNA and video surveys, are increasingly being applied in deep-sea environmental studies, enabling the discovery of numerous deep-sea organisms. Nonetheless, the utility and scientific value of the information generated by these methodologies remain to be unfolded. This is primarily due to the lack of methodological consistency across surveys, as well as absence of comprehensive reference catalogues, which are critical in identifying the organisms and matching the genetic sequences.
A consistent and standardized compilation of data emerging from mineral exploration activities and scientific research projects in the international seabed area (the Area) is required to enhance species identification and description, expanding the use of innovative methodologies, and improving broad scale biodiversity assessments in the deep sea. Furthermore, establishing reference libraries with standardized vocabularies will support the development of automated algorithms for artificial intelligence and machine learning methods, enhancing standardization and efficiency of video and genomic routine analyses at a larger scale.
In this regard, the Secretariat of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), in collaboration with various scientific institutions, developed the Sustainable Seabed Knowledge Initiative (SSKI) as a global knowledge-sharing platform aiming to strengthen cooperation among stakeholders to generate, assess, and disseminate biodiversity data and information in the Area. Identification of deep-sea species through standardized approaches will facilitate integration of deep-sea science into decision-making processes and strengthen the scientific foundation for effective management of the deep-sea ecosystems in the Area.
This voluntary commitment reflects ISA’s responsibilities to protect the marine environment and promote and encourage marine scientific research in the Area. Through SSKI, ISA will further create an interdisciplinary nexus between governments, scientific communities, international organizations, and relevant industries to advance the scientific understanding of deep-sea ecosystems and its uptake in various global ocean processes.
Member States, ISA contractors, scientific institutions
- European Commission
SDGS & Targets
Goal 14
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
14.1
By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution
14.1.1
(a) Index of coastal eutrophication; and (b) plastic debris density
14.2
By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans
14.2.1
Number of countries using ecosystem-based approaches to managing marine areas
14.3
Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels
14.3.1
14.4
By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their biological characteristics
14.4.1
14.5
By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information
14.5.1
14.6
By 2020, prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies which contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, eliminate subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and refrain from introducing new such subsidies, recognizing that appropriate and effective special and differential treatment for developing and least developed countries should be an integral part of the World Trade Organization fisheries subsidies negotiation
14.6.1
Degree of implementation of international instruments aiming to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing
14.7
By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism
14.7.1
Sustainable fisheries as a proportion of GDP in small island developing States, least developed countries and all countries
14.a
Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries
14.a.1
14.b
Provide access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets
14.b.1
Degree of application of a legal/regulatory/policy/institutional framework which recognizes and protects access rights for small‐scale fisheries
14.c
Enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources by implementing international law as reflected in United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which provides the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources, as recalled in paragraph 158 of "The future we want"
14.c.1
Number of countries making progress in ratifying, accepting and implementing through legal, policy and institutional frameworks, ocean-related instruments that implement international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and their resources
SDG 14 targets covered
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| 14.2 | By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans |
| 14.a | Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries |
Deliverables & Timeline
Identification and description of new species from deep-sea habitats targeted for mineral resource exploration and future exploitation, using integrative taxonomic methods (genetic and morphological).
Development of species identification toolkits, including genomic and image reference libraries, combined with artificial intelligence and app-based field guides.
Capacity developed in deep-sea taxonomy through creation of training opportunities (e.g., internships/fellowships, expert exchange visits and hands-on workshops), especially in developing States.
Uptake of deep-sea science in global ocean policy facilitated through collaboration with relevant international organizations on providing scientific input to their processes.
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Other beneficiaries
SSKI is targeted to benefit ISA contractors, deep-sea scientists and data managers from various biodiversity and oceanographic databases across the globe. By promoting the standardization of deep-sea taxonomic data, biodiversity assessments will be greatly improved, providing better scientific evidence for policy and decision-making and consequently allowing effective environmental management of deep-sea ecosystems. SSKI not only contributes to fulfilling ISA’s mandate on ensuring effective protection of the marine environment but will also inform other relevant UN global processes including the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, the CBD post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, and the ongoing negotiations of an international legally binding instrument under UNCLOS on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction. Ultimately, the outcomes of SSKI will be used to create a wide range of dissemination products that will increase overall deep-sea literacy and increase capacity in deep-sea taxonomic research.
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