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. 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.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	deep ocean, setwardship
Research Division:	Biological Sciences
Research Group:	Ecology
Research Field:	Marine and estuarine ecology (incl. marine ichthyology)
Objective Division:	Environmental Management
Objective Group:	Marine systems and management
Objective Field:	Marine biodiversity
UTAS Author:	Lara-Lopez, A (Dr Ana Lara-Lopez)
ID Code:	98582
Year Published:	2014
Web of Science® Times Cited:	159
Deposited By:	IMAS Research and Education Centre
Deposited On:	2015-02-19
Last Modified:	2017-11-29
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