Perspectives on Deep Continental Margin Biodiversity: Past, Present, and Pending

This talk will consider how our understanding of deep-sea biodiversity has shifted over recent decades, from a benthic ecologist’s perspective. It will focus on continental margin research, highlighting oxygen minimum zone and methane seep ecosystems. As anthropogenic and environmental pressures have emerged, new enabling technologies and societal needs have shaped the evolution of deep-sea research questions. Today there is a growing imperative for science to inform governance. This presentation examines pending policy decisions about the deep sea and entry points where science can help shape future outcomes.