Operational Unit
Deep-Ocean Biodiversity Survey & Submersible Task Force
Marine, Coastal & Aquatic Conservation
Unit Mandate
Mission & Operational Scope
Conducts systematic biodiversity surveys of deep-sea ecosystems — seamounts, hydrothermal vents, cold seeps, and abyssal plains — using ROV and submersible platforms to document species assemblages and assess threats from deep-sea mining and trawling.
Doctrine
ISA Environmental Management Plan Framework · OSPAR Deep-Sea Habitat Protection Guidelines
Core Capabilities
Operational Capabilities
ROV and AUV deployment for deep-sea visual census and sampling
Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding for biodiversity assessment
Benthic habitat mapping using multibeam sonar and photogrammetry
Deep-sea mining impact assessment and exclusion zone advocacy
Specimen collection and taxonomic description protocols
Deep-sea trawling footprint analysis and closure advocacy
Return to
← Conservation Efforts DirectorateDivision II
Marine, Coastal & Aquatic Conservation