Despite being largely unknown, the deep sea is nevertheless extremely important.
Intrinsic value: Every expedition to the depths of the ocean results in new species being found. Sometimes entire new ecosystems are discovered or new life forms such as the ancient microbes, archaea.
Scientific value: The specialized adaptations of deep-sea organisms are not just interesting for interest’s sake. An understanding of their biochemistry could also lead to biochemical, medical and other scientific advances.
Commercial value: The deep sea is increasingly being targeted by commercial fisheries in national waters and on the high seas. Populations of deep-sea species like Patagonian toothfish and orange roughy, for example, have already been fished to commercial extinction in just a few years. Currently, most deep-water species are likely to be over-exploited if not protected and better managed.
Find out what WWF is doing to protect the deep sea.
Scientific value: The specialized adaptations of deep-sea organisms are not just interesting for interest’s sake. An understanding of their biochemistry could also lead to biochemical, medical and other scientific advances.
Commercial value: The deep sea is increasingly being targeted by commercial fisheries in national waters and on the high seas. Populations of deep-sea species like Patagonian toothfish and orange roughy, for example, have already been fished to commercial extinction in just a few years. Currently, most deep-water species are likely to be over-exploited if not protected and better managed.
Find out what WWF is doing to protect the deep sea.
