RAMOGE : Enhancing knowledge on deep-sea Mediterranean ecosystems, providing essential data for marine protection strategies
RAMOGE Agreement
(
Intergovernmental organization
)
#OceanAction57845
Description
Since 2015, RAMOGE has been leading deep-sea exploration campaigns in the Mediterranean, using research vessels and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), in partnership with scientists and experts from France, Italy, and Monaco. These missions provide a unique opportunity to document the extraordinary biodiversity of deep-sea ecosystems while assessing their state of health and the impact of human activities. The bathymetric data associated is also collected. The discoveries made during these campaigns have revealed the presence of a remarkable biodiversity, rare species, sometimes in critical danger of extinction, but also first fascinating discoveries of species presence or distribution. They also unveiled the alarming accumulation of human waste, including lost fishing gear and plastic pollution found at depths exceeding 2,000 meters.
These expeditions have generated a wealth of scientific data, made publicly available through the SEANOE database, in publications dedicated to each campaign as well in a story-map available on RAMOGE website. The results have proven crucial for conservation efforts, particularly in supporting the designation and expansion of marine protected areas. Notably, data from the 2018 RAMOGE campaign directly contributed to the ongoing creation of a Natura 2000 reserve in the Mediterranean, including three seamounts explored during that mission.
RAMOGE commits to continuing these deep-sea explorations to further document biodiversity, assess ecological states, and provide and share robust scientific foundations for environmental policies. These efforts align with global objectives to protect at least 30% of the ocean by 2030 (30x30) and contribute to the sustainable management of marine ecosystems.
Direction de l’Environnement du Gouvernement Princier de Monaco (government), Ministero dell’Ambiente e della Sicurezza Energetica (government), Ministère français de la Transition écologique (government), Office français de la biodiversité (government) ; GIS Posidonie (scientific community) ; CPIE Iles de Lérins & Pays d’Azur ; Centre Scientifique de Monaco (scientific community) ; IFREMER (scientific community) ; ISPRA (scientific community) ; Università di Genova (scientific community) ; DRASSM (government) and COPETECH SM Under Water Survey (private sector)
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 |
| 14.5 | 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.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 |
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Contact Information
Florent, Executive Secretary of RAMOGE Agreement