Hotspot Ecosystem Research and Man's Impact on European Seas (Hermione)

Description:

From the polar waters of the Arctic to the warm seas of the Mediterranean, Europe has almost 90,000 km of coastline. Underneath the waves our seas are home to some of the most spectacular ecosystems on Earth. Ecosystems such as cold-water coral reefs and hydrothermal vents support a huge diversity of life that is both beautiful and alien, but also vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and human activities. The HERMIONE project is focused on investigating these and other ecosystems, including submarine canyons, seamounts, cold seeps, open slopes and deep basins. Scientists from a range of disciplines are researching their natural dynamics, distribution, and how they interconnect. We also want to find out how they contribute to the goods and services we rely on, and how they are affected by natural and anthropogenic change. A major aim of HERMIONE is to use the knowledge gained during the project to contribute to EU environmental policies. The information can be used to create effective management plans that will help to protect our oceans for the future.

HERMIONE has 4 main objectives that set out to address these issues:
* To investigate the dimensions, distribution and interconnection of deep-sea ecosystems;
* To understand changes in deep-sea ecosystems related to key factors including climate change, human impacts and the impact of large-scale episodic events;
* To understand the biological capacities and specific adaptations of deep-sea organisms;
and investigate the importance of biodiversity in the functioning of deep-water ecosystems; * To provide stakeholders and policymakers with scientific knowledge to support deep-sea governance aimed at the sustainable management of resources and the conservation of ecosystems.

HERMIONE study sites include the Arctic, North Atlantic and Mediterranean and cover a range of ecosystems including cold-water corals, canyons, cold and hot seeps, seamounts and open slopes and deep basins. The project will make strong connections between deep-sea science and user needs. HERMIONE will enhance the education and public perception of the deep-ocean issues through some of the major European aquaria. A major aim of the project is to create a platform for discussion between a range of stakeholders, and contribute to EU environmental policies.

Project information

Lead

National Oceanography Centre Southampton Dr Abigail Pattenden

Partners

38 partners

Source of funding

FP 7