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Archived – Multinational Research of the Deep Sea off Canada’s East Coast
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August 24, 2009
From May 23 to August 23, 2009, the first three-month leg of an important scientific study of the deep sea and vulnerable marine ecosystems (VMEs) took place along the continental shelf outside of Canada’s 200-mile exclusive economic zone. The study, an ongoing two-year research project, with six months of at-sea research supported by approximately 18 months of data analysis, is being conducted in collaboration with members of the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO). Canada and Spain are key partners in this research, with participation from the U.S., UK and Russia. The section of the ocean floor being surveyed surrounds the Flemish Cap of Newfoundland and Labrador, and extends southwesterly toward the tip of the Grand Banks.
The study is primarily taking place onboard the Spanish research vessel, Miguel Oliver, which is equipped with state-of-the-art marine research technology and can accommodate 22 researchers. Complementary studies are also taking place onboard Spain’s Vizconde de Eza vessel and Canada’s CCS Hudson.
Research Progress
This summer, over 24,800 km2 was surveyed around the Flemish Cap, Flemish Pass, and an area south off the Grand Banks. As well, researchers collected over 140 sea-bed and deepwater samples examining the organisms living on the sea-bottom and 150 oceanographic samples examining the water temperature and salinity conditions. Scientists will analyze the raw data and samples in the coming months to verify results and gain further understanding of the characteristics of the survey area.
Study Purpose
The main objective of this project is to survey the sea floor in the NAFO Regulatory Area, with an extra focus on cold-water corals and sponges and their habitat preferences. If this scientific research identifies new aspects of vulnerable marine ecosystems not already understood, NAFO Contracting Parties are expected to review existing measures taken to protect these areas and explore any further measures that may be required.
Marine biodiversity found around cold water corals and sponges, seamounts and hydrothermal vents can be threatened by some bottom-contact activities. A complete exploration of these vulnerable habitats has yet to be carried out, however, and is will be helpful in determining that we are doing all we can to protect these, as yet unidentified vulnerable areas.
Increased Scientific Understanding
In the survey area, high resolution multibeam sounding technology is being used to map 100 percent of the seabed, and supplementary ground samples are being taken to identify the physical and biological characteristics of the ocean floor. Sampling in 2009 focused on obtaining extensive samples from the seabed between the depths of 700-2000 m below the surface. In 2010, samples will target the shallower water of between 200-700 m below the surface.
The study area is the High Seas of the Northwest Atlantic just beyond Canada’s Exclusive Economic Zone -- specifically, around the areas of the Flemish Cap and Grand Banks. The area being surveyed includes the East Flemish Cap, the Flemish Pass, and an area south of the Grand Banks.
Sustainable Fishing in the Deep Seas -- UN Resolution on Sustainable Fisheries
Canada was instrumental in building consensus for the 2006 United Nations General Assembly Resolution on Sustainable Fisheries in respect to protecting vulnerable marine ecosystems (UNGA 61/105), a resolution that provided strong guidance on the protection of vulnerable marine ecosystems from significant adverse impacts of bottom fishing activities in the high seas.
The Resolution calls on countries to work individually and cooperatively through regional fisheries management organizations to develop deep-sea fisheries strategies that take into account the precautionary approach and ecosystem-based management.
By helping to pinpoint the effects of human activity on sensitive marine areas and by further identifying the habitat preferences of vulnerable deep-sea life, this research project helps NAFO fulfill that objective.
Ultimately, information learned from these surveys will help guide and enhance ecosystem-based solutions to ensure sustainable fishing practices in the international waters of the North Atlantic Ocean.
For further details about this project and vulnerable marine ecosystems, visit: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/international/index-eng.htm
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