EU Researchers and Underwater Tech Experts Discuss New Technologies and Treaties for Preserving Deep-Sea Ecosystems

Deep-sea researchers attended the Ocean Business 2019 event last week to share their latest findings with ocean technology developers and marine and maritime industry leaders, and to raise awareness of current international negotiations to protect the high seas.

Climate Change and Environment

© AquaTT

The research team, from the EU-funded ATLAS project, presented their key findings on the status of deep-sea ecosystems in the North Atlantic Ocean at an open workshop during the three-day event in Southampton (UK) which brings together leading stakeholders in ocean technology. The ATLAS team stressed the importance of cutting-edge ocean technologies for supporting Blue Growth, the EU’s strategy for sustainable development in the marine and maritime sectors.

ATLAS partner Matthew Gianni said: “Ocean research is essential to understanding the deep sea and to support sustainable Blue Growth. You are all producing and selling technology that allows us to do this.” He then called upon developers and industry experts to participate in face to face interviews with ATLAS researchers. Ocean Business provided a chance to gather views on current challenges and opportunities for the sustainable development of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and ocean ecosystem health.

New international treaties for the conservation and sustainable use of deep-sea resources could shape Blue Growth and are driving the need for products developed by ocean tech experts to adequately map and help us to further our understanding of the deep ocean. As the demand for these products and services increases, scientists are seeking to increase the visibility of these investment opportunities as well as to assist with providing the information needed to implement new conservation regulations, and to further collaborate with industry figures.

ATLAS’ Dr Rachel Boschen-Rose stated: “The discussions today demonstrate the complexity of the situation in the North Atlantic. Industry-academia collaborations can enrich Blue Growth and help us to achieve a unique balance between the protection and development of ocean resources.”

For more information and to input into the ATLAS Industry Reactions survey, please contact Dr Rachel Boschen-Rose: [e-mail]

Keywords

deep sea, Ocean Business, knowledge transfer, ocean science