WGDEC experts are comprised of taxonomic specialists,
deep-sea survey scientists, GIS analysts, fisheries scientists, database
experts, benthic ecologists, and fish biologists, and they meet annually to
collate new information and map the distributions of vulnerable marine systems
(VMEs) in ICES and NAFO areas. The resulting maps are combined with information
on bathymetry and fishing activity to assess the risk to VMEs. In some situations
closures to bottom fisheries are the best means of affording protection, and WGDEC
uses the best available data on VME distribution, models, bathymetric maps and the
judgement of experts to suggest appropriate closure boundaries. The working
group also advises on the appropriateness of the bottom fishing regulations
adopted by RFMOs as well as wider ecological questions regarding deep-sea
ecosystem function and diversity.
Deep-water ecosystems such as coral reefs, deep-sea sponge
aggregations and hydrothermal vents are some of the most diverse but least
known habitats on earth. They are also extremely vulnerable to anthropogenic
disturbance, e.g. bottom fishing or mineral and fossil fuel extraction. Damage
to these so-called vulnerable marine ecosystems or VMEs has already been
reported. They may take decades or even centuries to recover and there is therefore
an urgent need for protection from human impacts.
