The Secretariat of the International Seabed Authority (the Authority) is inviting taxonomic research project proposals from individuals from developing Member States of the Authority under its “One Thousand Reasons” campaign.
The “One Thousand Reasons” campaign launched under the Sustainable Seabed Knowledge Initiative (SSKI) in collaboration with the World Register of Marine Species and with the support of the Government of Ireland aims to advance global understanding of the diverse and unique marine life found in the depths of our oceans.
The first “One Thousand Reasons” campaign was launched on 22 May 2023, the International Day for Biological Diversity. The “One Thousand Reasons” campaign opens the door for collaboration on the commitment of the Authority to generate a lasting legacy in deep ocean sciences: the description of at least 1,000 species new to science in areas beyond national jurisdictions by 2030.
The Member States of the Authority, exploration contractors, international and regional organizations and academic or scientific institutions are invited to express their interest in collaborating with and/or hosting project proponents and/or sharing biological samples for taxonomic research to the Secretariat of the Authority. Expressions of interest can be submitted by 15 April 2025.
Individuals/groups from developing Member States of the Authority are invited to submit proposals for taxonomic research projects that aim at describing new species from deep-sea habitats in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
Proposals should be sent by 16 May 2025 to oemmr-secretariat@isa.org.jm. Selected projects will be announced on the website of the Authority in June.
More information and application forms can be accessed here: https://www.isa.org.jm/sski/call-for-taxonomy-projects-2025/
About the Sustainable Seabed Knowledge Initiative
SSKI is a collaborative platform launched by the Authority and partners in June 2022 to generate and disseminate new knowledge needed to inform better decision-making processes and support the effective protection of the marine environment in the Area. SSKI will describe over 1,000 new species from the regions of the Area currently explored for mineral resources and may be targeted for future exploitation. SSKI and the new knowledge it will generate will enable scientists to create maps of life on the sea floor and help us understand and manage the possible effects of anthropogenic activities on deep-sea ecosystems.
About the International Seabed Authority
The International Seabed Authority (the Authority) is an autonomous intergovernmental organization mandated by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to manage the mineral resources of the seabed beyond national jurisdiction for the shared benefit of humankind. The Authority is committed to ensuring that all economic activities in the deep seabed, including mining, are regulated and responsibly managed using the best available scientific evidence for the benefit of all humankind.
For inquiries, please contact:
The Office of Environmental Management and Mineral Resources of the Authority, oemmr-secretariat@isa.org.jm.