International network for scientific investigation of deep-sea ecosystems
INDEEP Mission Statement
INDEEP is a global collaborative scientific network dedicated to the acquisition of data, synthesis of knowledge, and communication of findings on the biology and ecology of our global deep ocean, in order to inform its management and ensure its long-term health.
In order to study the largest biome on Earth, INDEEP, a legacy programme of the Census of Marine Life, brings together and coordinates research efforts from across the globe. The current structure comprises the INDEEP coordination office, based at the University of Southampton, UK, and four working groups focusing on taxonomy, biodiversity, connectivity and ecosystem function. The membership of each working group is open and envisioned to evolve and change in response to ongoing research activities (coordinated by nominated leads).
INDEEP promotional video
INDEEP has played central role in the creation of the Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative (DOSI) and is currently funding some important DOSI activities. The mission of DOSI is to integrate science, technology, policy, law, economics and industry to advise on ecosystem-based management of resource use in the deep ocean and strategies to maintain the integrity of deep-ocean ecosystems within and beyond national jurisdiction. See DOSI website for further information.
INDEEP also has close connections with VentBase – a forum to aid effective management of deep-water hydrothermal vent SMS deposits. See the VentBase webpage for further information.
For the latest version of Deep-Sea Life, DIVE-IN leaflets and other useful resources – see INDEEP resources pages.
Description of project
The aim of the International Network for Scientific Investigations of Deep-Sea Ecosystems (INDEEP) is to develop and synthesise our understanding of deep-sea global biodiversity and functioning and provide a framework to bridge the gap between scientific results and society to aid in the formation of sustainable management strategies.
The INDEEP programme, funded by the Total Foundation for the first six years from 2011 to 2016, was launched in December 2010 with a kick-off meeting in New Orleans, attended by 41 participants representing 16 different countries. We gratefully acknowledge the Total Foundation and Census of Marine Life projects ChEss, COMARGE, CeDAMar, CenSeam and EuroCoML for funding this first meeting.
During this meeting, research priorities for the INDEEP community and the need to ensure fluent communication amongst all stakeholders and parties with interests in the deep ocean were discussed. As a result, INDEEP aims to bring together and help coordinate research and communication efforts from across the globe through working groups targeting the following topics:
1. Taxonomy and Evolution
2. Biodiversity and Biogeography
3. Population Connectivity
4. Ecosystem Function
5. Anthropogenic Impact and Science Policy (please note, this WG was disbanded in INDEEP Phase 2)
Principal Investigators
Dr Maria Baker, Uni of Southampton (UK) (Project Manager)
Dr Eva Ramirez-Llodra, Institut de Ciències del Mar, CSIC (Spain)
Dr Lenaick Menot, Ifremer-Brest (France)
Dr Bhavani Narayanaswamy, SAMS (UK)
Oversight Committee
Prof Paul Tyler, University of Southampton, (UK) (Chair)
Prof Craig Smith, University of Hawaii (USA)
Dr Malcolm Clark, NIWA (NZ)
Prof Robert Carney, Louisiana State University (USA)
Prof Myriam Sibuet, Institut Océanographique de Paris (France)
Working Groups – INDEEP Phase 2
Each working group is led by international scientists that coordinate activities addressing INDEEP objectives. Activities within the working groups are developed by a large number of scientistis from around the globe.
- Taxonomy and evolution (WG Leaders: Adrian Glover, UK and Tammy Horton, UK)
- Global biodiversity and biogeography (WG Leaders: Tim O’Hara, Australia and Derek Tittensor, Canada)
- Population connectivity (WG Leaders: Anna Metaxas, Canada, Eva Ramirez-Llodra, Norway and Ana Hilario)
- Ecosystem function (WG Leaders: Andrew Thurber, USA and Andrew Sweetman, Norway)
INDEEP now has over 800 members representing 43 different countries.
Hosting Institutions: University of Southampton, National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, UK & IFREMER, France
Duration of project: 6 years initially (funded by the Total Foundation), with a view to continuing via other funding sources.