Deep Sea and Environmental Policy

Marine ecosystems currently face an increasing array of threats, from overfishing, habitat degradation, and the impacts of carbon pollution including warming temperatures, and ocean acidification. While observations of these... [ view full abstract ]

Marine ecosystems currently face an increasing array of threats, from overfishing, habitat degradation, and the impacts of carbon pollution including warming temperatures, and ocean acidification. While observations of these impacts throughout surface waters are clear, the unseen waters of the deep sea are also affected. Until recently much of the marine life in deep waters, within the Mariana Trench for example, were unknown to science. However, recent discoveries find that even in these deep waters the marine debris and other impacts can be seen. To combat these threats, a growing number of large marine protected areas are being created to safeguard vulnerable habitats. The Mariana Trench Marine National Monument protects the waters and submerged lands around three isolated islands in the Marianas Archipelago, and the submerged lands of the Mariana Trench. The underwater geology of this region is unique, encompassing submerged volcanoes and hydrothermal vents.