The ‘Deep-Sea Taxonomic Standardization,’ workshop organized by the International Seabed Authority (ISA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea (MOF), and the National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea (MABIK), opened today with a key focus on developing strategic approaches for collaboration to improve the standardization of deep-sea taxonomic information, and strengthen collective scientific knowledge of deep-sea biodiversity.
The two-day workshop held remotely from 15 to 16 September, brings together 130 representatives from ISA Members, as well as observers, contractors, international organizations and initiatives, academic institutions, natural history museums, and scientific groups.
In his welcome remarks, ISA Secretary-General Mr. Michael W. Lodge, underlined the significant contribution of the workshop to advancing ISA’s mandate under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), particularly as it relates to its central role in protecting the marine environment from the potential harmful effects that may arise from activities in the international seabed area, “the Area.”
“The workshop will assist ISA to fulfil its duty to promote and encourage marine scientific research in the Area and disseminate the results to all,” said Mr. Lodge. “I expect the outputs will inform the work of the Secretariat in initiating concrete actions with a view to establishing a global platform for collaboration, through which we will be able, together with all of partners, to support and contribute to the effective generation, use, and sharing of deep-sea taxonomic information.”
In his opening remarks, the Deputy Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, Mr. Woon-yul Oh, highlighted the important contribution made by the Republic of Korea to the work of ISA as a Sponsoring State.
“As daunting as it may be to study further into the deep-sea, it is a task which makes it all the more important for researchers worldwide to work closely with one another,” said the Minister. “In this context, I find this workshop very meaningful in that it will serve as a forum for us to discuss and chart out paths forward, including joint research and knowledge sharing platforms, to build and enhance global capacity for deep-sea taxonomy research.”
Over the two days, participants will discuss ways to advance taxonomic knowledge of deep-sea biological communities, including tools for targeting different types of uses and users; identify existing institutions and resources that can provide taxonomic services and training on taxonomic skills, and explore mechanisms for collaboration among contractors, academic and scientific institutions, and other stakeholders.
For more information on the workshop visit: https://bit.ly/35wo2vO
For media enquiries, please contact:
Ms. Katie Elles, Communications Specialist, International Seabed Authority M: +1 (876) 838 8323/ E: kelles@isa.org.jm
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