Diva Amon
Hawaiian Islands, Tobago
🇹🇹🇬🇧 | Marine Biologist | #DeepSea | @UCSBenioffOcean | @SpeSeas Director | @insidenatgeo Emerging Explorer | @DeepStewardship Exec
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Articles by Diva Amon
Deep differences: expanding the marine social sciences and humanities into the deep ocean
Abstract While vast and often remote, the deep ocean is connected to people, communities, and societies through its role in Earth systems, cultural and social attachments, and distribution of benefits and burdens from resource exploitation. The deep ocean is also a unique space and part of the planet, in many ways fundamentally different from shallow seas.
Deep-sea mining threatens sea life in a way no one is thinking about, and Trump’s order could clear the way for operations soon
Picture an ocean world so deep and dark it feels like another planet – where creatures glow and life survives under crushing pressure. This is the midwater zone, a hidden ecosystem that begins 650 feet (200 meters) below the ocean surface and sustains life across our planet. It includes the twilight zone and the midnight zone, where strange and delicate animals thrive in the near absence of sunlight. Whales and commercially valuable fish such as tuna rely on animals in this zone for food.
Africa: Life Below Water Goes Deep - Our Planet's Greatest Untold Story
As David Attenborough reflects in his new documentary Ocean, "After living for nearly 100 years on this planet, I now understand the most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea". We wholeheartedly agree - and urge governments convening at the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in France next month to remember that life below water goes deep. Everything below 200 metres - the deep sea - works silently to keep Earth habitable.
US federal cuts threaten international ocean science and diplomacy - Nature Ecology & Evolution
Recent disruptions in US federal science are severely affecting multiple science and environment agencies, and universities. These developments are undermining the ocean science and multilateral cooperation that are essential for marine conservation, sustainable resource management and climate resilience globally.
The Hidden Forests Below: A Review of the Ecology and Evolution of Wood Falls on the Deep Seafloor
Supporting Information Filename Description maec70008-sup-0001-Supinfo.docxWord 2007 document , 122.4 KB Appendix S1.–S3. References , , and . 2018. “New and Mesozoic-Relict Mollusks From Paleocene Wood-Fall Communities in Urahoro Town, Eastern Hokkaido, Northern Japan.” Journal of Paleontology 92: 634–647. , , , and . 2017. “Observations of Organic Falls From the Abyssal Clarion-Clipperton Zone in the Tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean.” Marine Biodiversity 47: 311–321. , , , et al. 2015.
Scientists say they found oxygen where it shouldn't be. Now hunt is on for answers
By Katie Hunt, CNN A startling discovery made public in July that metallic rocks were apparently producing oxygen on the Pacific Ocean's seabed, where no light can penetrate, was a scientific bombshell. Initial research suggested potato-size nodules rich in metals, predominantly found 4,000 metres below the surface in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, released an electrical charge, splitting seawater into oxygen and hydrogen through electrolysis.
Deep sea tech could transform life above water. Here’s how Original
Humans are intrinsically connected to the environment, and, on most of the planet, their impact on the Earth is easily seen. But what about the corners of the ocean that are shrouded in darkness and almost impossible to visit? This lack of accessibility creates a disconnect between us and marine ecosystems.
How deep-sea technology could transform life above water
The ocean receives little attention, despite its monumental role in our lives. Image: OceanX Director, Science Programme, OceanX Science Adviser, Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory, University of California, Santa Barbara The Big Picture Crowdsource Innovation Compared to terrestrial and even space exploration, the ocean receives little attention, despite its monumental role in our lives.
Priorities for progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 14 ‘Life below water’ - Nature Ecology & Evolution
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This year marks the mid-point for the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals, including Sustainable Development Goal 14 (‘Life below water’). We asked a range of researchers working across marine science, conservation, policy and implementation to reflect on priorities for action on ocean health and biodiversity over the next seven years.
By Jane Lubchenco, Emma F. Camp Verified, Cristian Vargas, Dyhia Belhabib, Zuzy Anna, Diva Amon, Anna Metaxas
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Nature
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Carbonate compensation depth drives abyssal biogeography in the northeast Pacific - Nature Ecology & Evolution
Abstract Abyssal seafloor communities cover more than 60% of Earth’s surface. Despite their great size, abyssal plains extend across modest environmental gradients compared to other marine ecosystems. However, little is known about the patterns and processes regulating biodiversity or potentially delimiting biogeographical boundaries at regional scales in the abyss.
Climate change to drive increasing overlap between Pacific tuna fisheries and emerging deep-sea mining industry - npj Ocean Sustainability
Abstract In ocean areas beyond national jurisdiction, various legal regimes and governance structures result in diffused responsibility and create challenges for management. Here we show those challenges are set to expand with climate change driving increasing overlap between eastern Pacific tuna fisheries and the emerging industry of deep-sea mining. Climate models suggest that tuna distributions will shift in the coming decades.
Hem de frenar la febre de les profunditats marines
5 min Una màquina que extreu arena de les profunditats marines a la costa de Florida. Submergir-me a les profunditats oceàniques forma part de la meva professió: soc biòloga marina. Anar d’una banda a l’altra cinc quilòmetres sota la superfície del mar no deixarà mai de fascinar-me.
Abyssal Pacific Seafloor Megafauna Atlas
March 24, 2023 Report Open Access Erik Simon-Lledó; Diva J. Amon; Guadalupe Bribiesca‐Contreras; Daphne Cuvelier; Jennifer M. Durden; Sofia P. Ramalho; Katja Uhlenkott; Pedro Martinez Arbizu; Noëlie Benoist; Jonathan Copley; Thomas G. Dahlgren; Adrian G. Glover; Bethany Fleming; Tammy Horton; Se-Jong Ju; Alejandra Mejia-Saenz; Kirsty McQuaid; Ellen Pape; Chailinn Park; Craig R. Smith; Daniel O. B. Jones Standardised taxonomic field guide used to develop (please cite as): Simon-Lledó, et al. (2023).
Opinion | A Rush to Mine the Deep Sea Is Underway. It Must Be Stopped.
Opinion|A Rush to Mine the Deep Sea Is Underway. It Must Be Stopped. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/15/opinion/ocean-mining-climate.html Guest Essay Send any friend a story As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Anyone can read what you share.
Making marine biotechnology work for people and nature - Nature Ecology & Evolution
Transforming the rapidly growing ocean economy into a ‘blue economy’ based on principles of sustainability, equity and inclusivity is crucial. We contend that marine biotechnology is not on this trajectory and that a more holistic approach for people and nature is needed to bring marine biotechnology into the blue economy. The ocean economy encompasses economic sectors as diverse as shipping, tourism and aquaculture, with a collective export value estimated at US $2.5 trillion.
Deep-sea mining could wipe out 1 million species. We can't let it cause irreversible damage
A significant proportion of Earth’s biodiversity, around one million species, resides in the ocean, with the majority still undiscovered in the deep sea. The deep sea and its biodiversity play a key role in ecosystem services, such as climate regulation, fisheries production, and elemental cycling. Deep-sea mining, which could seriously and irreversibly harm marine ecosystems and have long-lasting consequences for the health of the Earth, may be given the green light to begin in 2023.
Benthic megafauna of the western Clarion-Clipperton Zone, Pacific Ocean
Figure 1. Download Map of the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (top left) indicating the nine Areas of Particular Environmental Interest (APEIs) in red, exploration areas in green, and reserved areas in orange. Shapefiles were sourced from https://www.naturalearthdata.com/downloads/10m-physical-vectors/10m-bathymetry/, and https://www.isa.org.jm/minerals/maps.
A global horizon scan of issues impacting marine and coastal biodiversity conservation - Nature Ecology & Evolution
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Abstract The biodiversity of marine and coastal habitats is experiencing unprecedented change. While there are well-known drivers of these changes, such as overexploitation, climate change and pollution, there are also relatively unknown emerging issues that are poorly understood or recognized that have potentially positive or negative impacts on marine and coastal ecosystems.
By James E. Herbert-Read, Ann Thornton, Diva Amon, Isabelle Côté, Maria P. Dias, Sally Keith, Emma McKinley, Lloyd S. Peck, Omar Defeo, Emma Johnston, Peter Macreadie, Anna Metaxas, David Obura, Alberto R. Piola, Anthony Richardson, Paul Thompson, Gordon Watson, Thomas Worthington, Steven Degraer, Irene R. Schloss
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Nature
Verified
Opinion: Transformational opportunities for an equitable ocean commons
A frontier mentality has been a defining aspect of human history. Often this sentiment is optimistically framed in the language of aspirations and opportunities. But it can also be accompanied by unsavory narratives of over-exploitation, inequity, and conflict (1).
World - Opinion: Transformational opportunities for an equitable ocean commons
A frontier mentality has been a defining aspect of human history. Often this sentiment is optimistically framed in the language of aspirations and opportunities. But it can also be accompanied by unsavory narratives of over-exploitation, inequity, and conflict (1).
Seamounts, Vital to Marine Life Around the World, Deserve Greater Protection
Underwater mountains where species feed, breed, and nurse their young face increasing threats Article July 29, 2021 Share Read Mode Seamounts, Vital to Marine Life Around the World, Deserve Greater Protection Seamounts are large underwater mountains that rise hundreds, or even thousands, of feet from the seafloor.
Challenges to the sustainability of deep-seabed mining
Abstract This Review focuses on whether the emerging industry of deep-seabed mining aligns with the sustainable development agenda. We cover motivations for deep-seabed mining, including to source metals for technology that assists with decarbonization, as well as governance issues surrounding the extraction of minerals. Questions of sustainability and ethics, including environmental, legal, social and rights-based challenges, are considered.
The Caribbean needs big marine protected areas
Download and print this article for your personal scholarly, research, and educational use. Buy a single issue of Science for just $15 USD.
“Little Red Jellies” in Monterey Bay, California (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa: Trachymedusae: Rhopalonematidae)
Introduction The Trachymedusae are a diverse group of jellyfish, most of which live below the euphotic zone (Mayer, 1910). In Monterey Bay, California, they can be found in the water column all the way to the ocean floor at 4,000 m. This marks both the deepest extent of the Monterey Submarine Canyon as well as the depth limitation for the remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) used in this study.
Patterns of Fine Ash Dispersal Related to Volcanic Activity at West Mata Volcano, NE Lau Basin
Introduction The majority of volcanic activity on Earth occurs on the ocean floor (Crisp, 1984; White et al., 2003), yet the processes that connect deep-sea (>500 m) eruption dynamics to resulting volcaniclastic deposits, especially to the fine fractions of the sedimentary record, are rarely studied in real time due to the considerable challenges of detecting and accessing unpredictable events at remote seafloor locations (Baker et al., 2012; Rubin et al., 2012).
Eight urgent, fundamental and simultaneous steps needed to restore ocean health, and the consequences for humanity and the planet of inaction or delay - Laffoley - - Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems - Wiley Online Library
Abstract The ocean crisis is urgent and central to human wellbeing and life on Earth; past and current activities are damaging the planet's main life support system for future generations. We are witnessing an increase in ocean heat, disturbance, acidification, bio‐invasions and nutrients, and reducing oxygen levels.
Deep-Sea Carnivorous Sponges From the Mariana Islands
Introduction Carnivorous sponges represent a novel innovation within phylum Porifera. These sponges lack or have a reduced aquiferous system, and instead feed by passively capturing prey items such as larvae or small crustaceans (Vacelet, 2007). Carnivorous sponges are typically erect, with stalked or branching bodies and a large number of thin filaments.
The NE Lau Basin: Widespread and Abundant Hydrothermal Venting in the Back-Arc Region Behind a Superfast Subduction Zone
Introduction The distribution of hydrothermal venting sites depends on the interplay between heat supply by magmatism and crustal permeability caused by tectonism (e.g., Baker et al., 1995). Few oceanic areas combine the abundance of hydrothermal sites and the diversity of geological settings necessary for evaluating the relative importance of each process.
We should explore the deep ocean, not mine it
Human activity is transforming the planet and the deep ocean is no exception. As the demand for metals increases humans are seeking them in ever more remote places. The next frontier may be the deep seabed. Valuable metallic ores laden with cobalt, copper, nickel, gold and other rare metals are found in polymetallic sulphides at hydrothermal vents, polymetallic nodules on abyssal plains and ferromanganese crusts on seamounts.
We need to better understand the deep ocean if mining is to go ahead
Human activity is transforming the planet and the deep ocean is no exception. As the demand for metals increases humans are seeking them in ever more remote places. The next frontier may be the deep seabed. Valuable metallic ores laden with cobalt, copper, nickel, gold and other rare metals are found in polymetallic sulphides at hydrothermal vents, polymetallic nodules on abyssal plains and ferromanganese crusts on seamounts.
Two new species of Sympagella (Porifera: Hexactinellida: Rossellidae) collected from the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, East Pacific
Home > Vol 4466, No 1 > HERZOG Open Access Subscription or Fee Access DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4466.1.12 Two new species of Sympagella (Porifera: Hexactinellida: Rossellidae) collected from the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, East Pacific SASCHA HERZOG, DIVA J. AMON, CRAIG R. SMITH, DORTE JANUSSEN Abstract Two new Hexactinellida species from the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) in the East Pacific Ocean are described.
Deep-sea mining from 2018 to 2024: what can we expect?
At the close of the 24th Annual Session of the International Seabed Authority on 26th July 2018, the future of deep-sea mining appeared precarious. It was clear from discussions between attending national delegates, contractors, members of civil society and academics that the next six years will be crucial in determining the way forward for deep-sea mining.
Megafauna of the UKSRL exploration contract area and eastern Clarion-Clipperton Zone in the Pacific Ocean: Annelida, Arthropoda, Bryozoa, Chordata, Ctenophora, Mollusca
Annelids of the UKSRL exploration contract area (UK-1) and the eastern Clarion-Clipperton Zone Arthropods of the UKSRL exploration contract area (UK-1) and the eastern Clarion-Clipperton Zone Bryozoans of the UKSRL exploration contract area (UK-1) and the eastern Clarion-Clipperton Zone Chordates of the UKSRL exploration contract area (UK-1) and the eastern Clarion-Clipperton Zone Ctenophores of the UKSRL exploration contract area (UK-1) and the eastern Clarion-Clipperton Zone Molluscs of...
Managing mining of the deep seabed
Monterey, CA - Thousands of feet below the ocean's surface lies a hidden world of undiscovered species and unique seabed habitats--as well as a vast untapped store of natural resources including valuable metals and rare-earth minerals. Technology and infrastructure development worldwide is dramatically increasing demand for these resources, which are key components in everything from cars and modern buildings to computers and smartphones.
'Zombie worms' fed on dinosaur and turtle bones
Our Sources For This Story Nine New Deep-Sea Species Discovered on Whale Skeleton in Antarctica http://www.scienceworldreport.com/articles/5635/20130318/nine-new-deep-sea-species-discovered-whale-skeleton-antarctica.htm First Antarctic whale skeleton turns up nine new deep-sea species http://www.latimes.com/news/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-antarctica-whale-fall-first-new-nine-species-20130318,0,7276831.story?track=rss New Species of Naked Bone-Eating Worms in Antarctica...
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