University of Liverpool; Department of Earth Sciences; Oceanography Labs
Wolff, George
Scottish Marine Institute; Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS)
Gage, John
Informatic Software Ltd.
Wallace, John
Institut für Umweltphysik
Mangini, Augusto
University of Gothenburg; Tjärnö Marine Biological Laboratory (TMBL)
Lundälv, Tomas
University of Southampton; National Oceanography Centre, Southampton; Ocean Biogeochemistry and Ecosystems; DEEPSEAS Benthic Biology Group
Rogers, Alex
Billett, David
National University of Ireland Galway; Ryan Institute (NUIG-RI)
Grehan, Anthony
University College Cork; Coastal and Marine Research Centre (CMRC)
Wheeler, Andrew
Abstract
Objectives and approach:
To cover the variation in environmental factors and interactions at ocean boundaries which enable the development of DWC ecosystems in the Northeast Atlantic, the ACES community will focus on five selected key flagship areas along this latitudinal gradient - Galicia Bank, Porcupine Slope, Rockall Trough, Skagerrak, Norwegian Shelf. Our aim is a margin-wide environmental baseline assessment of the status of Europe's deep-water coral margin to provide recommendations for essential monitoring and methodology requirements for future sustainable development. To meet that challenge, ACES will focus on three main scientific objectives which will provide the scientific data necessary to carry out our final objective which is to provide impartial practical recommendations for enlightened management of this spectacular deep-water ecosystem:
1. To map the structural and genetic variability, the framework-constructing potential, and the longevity of DWC ecosystems
2: To assess hydrographic and other local physical forcing factors affecting BBL sediment particle dynamics and POC supply in the vicinity of DWC ecosystems
3: To describe the DWC ecosystem, its dynamics and functioning; investigate coral biology and behaviour and assess coral sensitivity to natural and anthropogenic stressors
4: To assign a sensitivity code, identify the major conservation issues (and increase public awareness), and make recommendations for the sustainable use of the DWC ecosystem
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