KOSEN 한인과학기술자네트워크

Approximately 50% of the Earth's surface is occupied by high-seas - open ocean and deep-sea environments lying beyond the 200 nautical mile limit of the Exclusive Economic Zones of coastal states. These high-seas areas are open-access common resources, and as such may be particularly susceptible to over-exploitation. Until relatively recently there was little perceived threat to these areas. However, in recent years there has been a rapid expansion in two industries 2000m. There are also a number of existing threats to open ocean areas, e.g. direct and indirect impacts on fish, seabirds and cetaceans. Further, there are a number of suggested or developing technologies that could pose a threat to high-seas areas, e.g. Co₂ dumping, biotechnology, the explitation of gas hydrates and hydrothermal vent heat energy. It is therefore timely to review the status of natural resources in high-seas environments in light of these existing or potential threats. Deep-sea and open ocean environments are continuous and highly interconnected, however, there are a number of relatively discrete or localised geographic features / habitats / biological communities that have particular scientific, societal or economic interest. - Hydrothermal vents - Deep-sea trenches - Polymetallic nodules - Gas hydrates - Seabirds - Transboundary fish stocks - Seamounts - Deep-sea 'coral reefs' - Cold seeps and pockmarks - Submarine canyons - Cetaceans This report identifies these areas of interest, reviews their significant characteristics, assesses existing or potential threats to them, and their potential value as High-Seas Marine Protected areas (HSMPAs). For each area of interest, the report reviews habitat characteristics, global distribution, associated fauna, exploitation value, biodiversity issues and potential / actual threats. Based on these reviews, a number of recommendations are presented regarding the need for protection and potential HSMPA status.