Defining the sphere of influence: the distribution of non-vent megafauna around active hydrothermal vents

Interest in mining deposits formed at deep-sea hydrothermal vents for minerals that are required for the transition to clean energy technologies has increased. However, animal communities at hydrothermal vents and the surrounding deep-sea have not been well characterized. Many of the animals at hydrothermal vent sites, such as deep-water corals and sponges, are indicators of Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems and require management interventions for their protection. The proposed research aims to better characterize biological communities on inactive deposits surrounding active hydrothermal vents and to determine factors that may be regulating their occurrence. The results of this research will be disseminated by Oceans North as materials relevant to marine management and policy makers, contributing to a comprehensive management strategy that does not currently exist for hydrothermal vent ecosystems.

Faculty Supervisor:

Anna Metaxas

Student:

Partner:

Oceans North

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Other services (except public administration); Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Dalhousie University

Program: