Despite covering most of Earth’s surface and providing crucial resources, the deep ocean remains largely unseen and misunderstood.
A recently released study featured in
Science Advances
shows that humans have visually investigated less than 0.001% of the deep ocean floor, which is approximately the size of Rhode Island or just one-tenth of Belgium. Such restricted exploration makes it difficult to properly comprehend and protect the biggest biome on Earth.
An Extensive and Significant Boundary
Deep oceans, defined as depths beyond 200 meters, encompass about two-thirds of
Earth’s surface
Even though they are immense, these areas remain among the most unexplored sections of Earth. The abyssal depths house a wide array of organisms and perform crucial functions in maintaining climatic balance, generating oxygen, and providing vital assets like sustenance and pharmaceuticals.
Approximately 80% of Earth’s oxygen is generated by phytoplankton residing near the ocean’s surface, which thrive thanks to nutrients supplied by deep-sea current systems. Additionally, marine life plays a crucial role in sequestering large quantities of atmospheric CO2, thereby aiding in climate regulation. The economic valuation of this service is roughly $159 billion per year.
The ocean sustains human life directly by supplying approximately 200 million tons of seafood annually and supporting around 60 million jobs worldwide. Moreover, marine creatures such as sponges and bacteria have contributed to significant advancements in medical treatments for conditions like HIV.
breast cancer
, along with COVID-19. In the last fifty years, researchers have discovered numerous new marine compounds that could have potential medicinal uses.
Restricted Exploration Results in Major Omissions
Even though it holds great significance, humanity has barely recorded the depths of the ocean through visuals. Experts from Ocean Discovery League examined information gathered from approximately 44,000 descents into the deep sea dating back to 1958. These insights underscore significant constraints in our visual investigation efforts.
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Most documented dives took place close to merely three nations: the United States, Japan, and New Zealand. Additionally, 97% of all underwater observations were carried out by exactly five countries: the U.S., Japan, New Zealand, France, and Germany.
This intensely focused investigation results in skewed and inadequate information, complicating scientists’ ability to comprehensively grasp the whole deep-sea ecosystem. Dr. Katy Croff Bell, President of
Ocean Discovery League
And as the primary researcher behind the study notes, “To make well-informed choices regarding how we manage resources and protect these areas, we require a significantly deeper comprehension of the ecological systems and operational mechanisms within the depths of our oceans.”
Threats from Human Activity
Human activity
Has been adversely affecting deep-sea ecosystems for hundreds of years mainly via contamination, extraction of resources, and global warming. Experts forecast that these detrimental effects will almost double in the upcoming decades because of increased extraction activities and rising temperatures.
About 90% of the extra heat and roughly 30% of the carbon dioxide produced through human actions have been taken up by the seas. These factors contribute to higher water temperatures, lower oxygen content, and greater acidification within our oceans. Consequently, these alterations render deep-sea environments unsuitable for many species, interfering with aquatic ecosystems at different layers and impacting worldwide diversity and output.
New ventures like deep-sea mining and oceanic CO2 sequestration introduce further hazards. Research suggests that these endeavors might lead to permanent damage unless they undergo rigorous scientific scrutiny. Dr. Bell emphasizes, “Given the hastened dangers posed by factors such as global warming alongside possible extraction efforts, restricted investigation turns into a key issue for both scientific inquiry and regulatory measures.”
Uneven Exploration Focus
The research additionally highlights inconsistent investigation across various submarine environments. Factors such as geological formations including
ocean canyons
Ridges have garnered considerable attention, whereas vast regions like abyssal plains and seamounts stay mostly unexplored. This lopsided emphasis can skew comprehension, possibly overlooking essential biological revelations or crucial geological activities key to maintaining the planet’s wellbeing.
Previous visual investigations frequently offered scant information, with nearly 30% taking place prior to 1980 and yielding poor-quality, monochrome pictures. This inadequate historical documentation adds complexity to present evaluations of the deep-sea floor.
Advancing Global Exploration
Researchers contend that enhancing extensive deep-sea investigation should be considered an international necessity. This involves crafting user-friendly and cost-effective investigative equipment to encourage participation from additional countries, particularly those with lower and moderate income levels.
Dr. Ian Miller, who serves as the Chief Science and Innovation Officer, works with Dr.
National Geographic Society
emphasizes the significance of inclusive research stating, “Involving both scientists and local communities in deep-sea exploration is vital for gaining a deeper comprehension of Earth’s most extensive ecosystem.”
Technological advancements, like cost-effective deep-sea imaging equipment, provide potential ways to make marine studies more inclusive. By making these explorations available worldwide, we can obtain a broader understanding of underwater environments and encourage global collaboration for protecting them.
A Call to Action
The researchers highlight an immediate necessity for cooperative, all-encompassing strategies to more effectively investigate and safeguard the deep sea. They argue that our present knowledge, derived from so little and skewed information, is akin to examining
Earth’s terrestrial ecosystems
based exclusively on observations from an area the size of Houston, Texas.
This substantial void in our understanding highlights the pressing need for improved investigation. Dr. Bell’s project, backed by groups such as National Geographic and the Rolex Perpetual Planet Expeditions, seeks to equip coastal communities globally with the resources and information needed to spearhead research and preservation initiatives.
“Many aspects of our ocean still remain enigmatic,” says Dr. Miller. “A deeper comprehension of the ocean will enable us to preserve and safeguard it more effectively.”
Tackling these issues today will determine how well we manage and protect marine resources going forward, safeguarding the long-term sustainability and health of Earth’s crucial aquatic environment.
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