Improving the assessment of essential ecological functions of the deep sea oceans through long-term underwater oceanographic observatories in the Area.
(
Intergovernmental organization
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#OceanAction41231
Description
Efforts to discriminate natural variation from anthropogenic impacts in nature are not possible without a long-term assessment of essential environmental variables. This is crucially important for a sustainable management plan for deep sea mineral resources in the Area. Therefore, the ISA is proposing to implement a monitoring long-term observatory (LTOS) which will, in its initial stage, be using available technology (solid state sensors) tethered or untethered in the Area, where plans of works for exploration have been approved.
Enhancement of the understanding of ecosystems functions and their role in climate change, as well as in identifying the magnitude of human impacts and vulnerabilities, require efforts to: 1) coordinate worldwide initiatives and, 2) provide the means for continuous and long-term monitoring/observing systems (LTOS) of the deep sea ocean realm.
The need to narrow the gap of knowledge on ecosystems understanding of the deep sea in the Area was clear in the last meeting of DOSI-GOOS-DOOS. They are many initiatives already in place for observing the oceans top 200 m and the deep sea in different EEZs across the world. These initiatives are already coordinated by GOOS-IOC. In this context the ISA is proposing to implement a monitoring long-term observatory (LTOS) which will, in its initial stage, be using available technology (solid state sensors) tethered or untethered in the Area under approved plan of works for exploration. If technology permits, this system will be upgraded.
It is anticipated that the information collected will provide valuable insight on the understanding of ecosystems of the deep sea in the Area. This initiative will be fostered by stakeholders working in the Area (contractors, scientific community, ICPC, others).
Stakeholders will benefit directly with the information gathered allowing them to respond to environmental issues of global concern. Deep sea mining contractors holding approved plan of works will be able to provide sound environmental assessments of their particular sites, concerning the ecosystems understanding and its functions. In turns, the ISA as well as Member States will be allowed to provide assertive environmental management plans for all the deep sea habitats where plan of work for mineral exploration have already been approved.
The LTOS will be tested for a year on one site and thereafter will be reproduced in all the oceans basins, where plans of work for mineral exploration have already been approved, in consecutive years, if funding permits.
ISA/Member States/University of Hawaii, School of Ocean and earth science and technology
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
Construction and dry testing of LTOS
Concept design of pioneer LTOS
Design online portal for dissemination of LTOS information
Deployment and testing of LTOS
Resources mobilized
Partnership Progress
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SDGs
Geographical coverage
Ocean Basins
Communities of Ocean Action
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