Deep Sea Forum

Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland

Research

Welcome to the MASTS Deep Sea Forum

This Forum provides a platform for knowledge exchange (information, education, networking), enabling the MASTS community to collaborate on Deep Sea Research. As a more holistic approach to studying the deep-sea is needed to solve present issues this Forum engages researchers representing a variety of disciplines.

Stay in touch with News about the current research landscape around Deep Sea and get to know the community behind it. Just click the button above and let us know about your interests, we’ll do the rest! Curious about the benefits of MASTS Research Forums? Have a look here!

Convenors

Johanne Vad
– The University of Edinburgh

PostDoc | School of GeoSciences

Interests: Marine Biology | Ecology and Evolution | Ecosystem and Conservation Ecology | Oil and Gas Industry – Impact on cold-water sponges and their habitats

Dominique Anderson
– Heriot-Watt University

PhD | School of Energy, Geo-science, Infrastructure and Society

Interests: Deep-Sea Ecology and Ecotoxicology | Ecotoxicological Impacts of Deep-Sea Mining on Predators and Scavengers

Steering Group

Andrew Dale (SAMS), Andrew K. Sweetman (SAMS), Babette Hoogakker (Heriot-Watt University), Bhavani Narayanaswamy (SAMS), David Stirling (Marine Directorate), Heather Stewart (British Geological Survey), Sofie Voerman (JNCC) and Teresa Fernandes (Heriot-Watt University).

Background & Objectives

Scotland has a vast deep-sea area stretching out to the 200 nautical mile boundary, encompassing a range of diverse habitats as well as economic resources such as fishing, oil and gas. In addition to scientific interest in the deep sea, policy makers are required to protect many of these poorly understood habitats and the often fragile ecology and biodiversity that they support. Increasing access to deep sea habitats and exposure through various media has also stimulated significant public curiosity in the life found in these deep, cool and dark environments.

A more holistic approach to studying the deep-sea is needed which requires engagement with researchers representing a variety of disciplines, including ecologists, chemists, physicists, modellers and climate scientists. These researchers have to be supported by technology that can operate remotely under extreme conditions. Only then can we truly begin to understand how the ecosystem functions.

Deep sea researchers operating within the MASTS community have access to a variety of state of the art equipment, some of which has been specifically designed to operate and sample in the deepest parts of the world’s oceans.

The challenge of conducting research in these extreme environments means that much of the science is by definition, cutting edge. However, use of modern technology, together with practical ingenuity is leading to novel discoveries including species and ecosystems new to science.

Interacting with the different communities which have an interest in the deep-sea.
Engaging with new partners and promoting collaboration across disciplines to further deep water research both at a national and international level.
Ensuring greater integration between researchers investigating deep/shallow water and the climate/atmosphere.
Discussing and helping to deliver the best scientific knowledge available to policy makers.