Locating vulnerable deep-sea ecosystems on the Brazilian shelf: maximising research potential

Abstract

Very little is known about organisms that are found in the deep sea, especially in the Southern Atlantic Ocean. In recent years, there have been international calls for improved management of deep-sea resources especially in light of observations of anthropogenic impact in what were untouched habitats. However, at present, it is not possible to adopt such measures with any degree of confidence, because fundamental information on the distribution of many deep-sea organisms is lacking. We will use state-of-the-art predictive modelling approaches developed at Bangor fed by existing data available in Brazil from the Brazilian Pls, to develop comprehensive maps of deep-sea species distribution for the Brazilian deep-waters. In addition, further oceanographic cruises are scheduled to occur over the next year, which will generate more data to be fed into the models and validate results. These models offer an insight into larger unstudied areas, and will be used to guide sampling activities on the continental slope, maximizing the potential of funded ship-time to provide data that can influence management and conservation of this largely unknown area. (AU)